Bloodborne – 92
While not directly related to the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne shared more than a few things in common with its Dark Age era brothers. So much so, that Bloodborne could easily be considered a simple spin-off to From Software’s most iconic franchise. Yet, there were enough changes to make it stand out, namely both in its presentation and combat which both saw noticeable upgrades from the previous Souls entries. Set during the nightly hunt in a Victorian city called Yharnam, the player took control of a hunter roped into slaying the various beasts that roamed the streets of this warped city. Its main narrative was just as cryptic as previous entries, yet for those who were willing to go out and explore the world they were rewarded with not only loot but more information about the fall of this city.
Combat was way faster and more intense, as enemies were very aggressive and usually offered very small openings for players to counter attack. This gave Bloodborne a unique feeling compared to the other titles, as the sheer ferocity of the moment to moment gameplay was unmatched by virtually any modern game on the market. Enemy designs were both intriguing and horrific, with the various bosses standing out as some of the series best to date. Instead of having dozens upon dozens of blades to choose from, players were given trick weapons which could transform both in and out of combat. It was a unique concept that allowed for more variety in combinations and playstyles during the actual combat.
Bloodborne stands as one of the best PlayStation 4 exclusives released as it offered a finely tuned, yet terrifying experience to both veterans and new players alike. It’s an uncompromising experience that is full of tense, thrilling moments that serve as some of the best in the entire From Software library. To this day the Soulsborne series is still one of the best action/RPG franchises ever introduced as each one was a master class in level design, combat, and how difficulty can be used to enhance the gameplay itself. While the Dark Souls series may be ending, it will forever considered one of the most exciting experiences in gaming.
