Bloodborne, a PS4 exclusive, arrives with considerable anticipation. We assess its merits and explore the factors contributing to its critical acclaim.
Hidetaka Miyazaki (not related to animator Hayao Miyazaki), has established himself as a prominent figure known for challenging game design. His previous titles, Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls I and II, cultivated a dedicated fanbase through their demanding difficulty, resulting in countless player deaths. Bloodborne continues this trend. Consequently, enthusiasts of Miyazaki’s previous work are likely to find this installment equally appealing, while those less inclined towards challenging gameplay may find it less enjoyable.
Bloodborne is a third-person action role-playing game that casts players as a hunter in the bleak, gothic city of Yharnam. Character customization is available at the outset, after which the core gameplay loop involves traversing levels and defeating enemies. The narrative in Bloodborne can feel fragmented and complex. At its core, it’s a supernatural adventure where players collect blood echoes (a form of currency) to enhance their character’s abilities while overcoming a series of boss encounters. These upgrades are essential, as Bloodborne presents an immediate challenge. Players are thrust into demanding situations from the start, exemplified by an early encounter with a formidable wolf. Success requires experimentation and resilience in the face of frequent deaths. The game features interconnected levels and a central hub called “The Hunter’s Dream,” a safe haven for purchasing equipment and upgrades. This hub gradually expands, revealing pieces of the game’s overarching story.
Mirroring Miyazaki’s prior works, Bloodborne presents an intentionally difficult and unforgiving experience. The intrinsic reward lies in overcoming repeated failures and making gradual progress. Death results in the loss of collected blood echoes, requiring players to reclaim them from the enemy responsible. The sense of accomplishment derived from mastering each section of the game is akin to ascending a challenging mountain, marked by setbacks and eventual triumph. While this design philosophy is clear, the fascination with Bloodborne’s level of difficulty may not resonate with all players. Some critics laud its meticulously crafted challenges, where the scarcity of checkpoints amplifies the satisfaction of victory. This mirrors the gratification of mastering classic games like Super Mario Bros. or Castlevania through repetition and memorization. However, the appeal of this repetitive approach as a core game mechanic is debatable, potentially reminiscent of older, less refined game design. While many modern games are perceived as overly accommodating (e.g., The Order), a balance exists between accessibility and challenge. A game can be both rewarding and demanding (as seen in the excellent Ori and the Blind Forest), but artificially inflating difficulty through repetition can feel like an uninspired method of extending playtime.
The game exhibits a somewhat retro sensibility in other aspects as well. Bloodborne features commendable art direction and scenography, with particularly impressive boss designs and a distinctive gothic aesthetic. However, the game’s visuals don’t necessarily represent a significant advancement in next-gen graphics, and static images often appear more impressive than the overall in-game experience. In some respects, Bloodborne is reminiscent of stylized and enhanced versions of earlier Japanese action RPGs. The sound design is understated, with competent voice acting but a lack of memorable sound effects or music. The game maintains a stable frame rate and smooth performance on the PS4, and the focus on fluidity over sheer resolution is appreciated.
The bosses in Bloodborne are really cool
In conclusion, Bloodborne is a compelling, albeit demanding, action role-playing game that offers rewards for perseverance. However, it may not fully warrant the widespread acclaim as a revolutionary classic. Its appeal is somewhat analogous to that of Andrei Tarkovsky’s films – admired by critics for their artistry, but potentially less accessible to a broader audience. The core appeal stems from its high difficulty and somewhat familiar structure. Ultimately, Bloodborne is a worthwhile experience for those who enjoy challenging action games. However, players seeking a more contemporary and accessible action RPG may wish to proceed with caution or explore alternative options.
Så här sätter vi betyg på Senses