Just under a year ago a game by the name of Project Beast leaked onto the internet. It immediately became clear that whatever it was, it was a big deal.
We soon came to find out that Project Beast was actually a temporary title for From Software’s first current-gen title. Named Bloodborne, it quickly became one of the most anticipated games of the generation. Thankfully, it’s only a week away from release.
Also See: With Uncharted 4 Delayed, Here’s What’s Left of the PS4’s 2015 Exclusive Line-Up
Bloodborne is without a doubt the biggest exclusive for the first half of 2015. Below, you’ll find out what it’s all about and learn why it’s so popular.
Bloodborne - Everything You Need to Know
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A From Software Action RPG
Welcome to Bloodborne, the latest game by From Software. It's an action RPG designed much in the same way as the Souls games, but with a new theme and combat design. It strikes a good balance between the familiar and unfamiliar, making it a safe but exciting title.
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9 classes to choose from
When you begin your adventure you'll need to design a character and choose from one of the game's nine classes. They are as follows:
- Cruel Fate
- Lone Survivor
- Military Veteran
- Milquetoast
- Noble Scion
- Professional
- Violent Past
- Waste of Skin
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The Ruined City of Yharnam
As you might notice from screenshots, Bloodborne has a very unique theme. It's set in a fictional gothic city called Yharnam where disease has transformed many citizens into vile beasts. It goes without saying that you'll be fighting some menacing creatures along the way.
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Self Healing
One of the ways Bloodborne separates itself from the Souls games is with its self-heal system. What it does is allow you to regain some of your lost health by executing timely attacks. Although taking advantage of the system isn't easy, it's a key component to survival.
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Agility is your best offense and defense
There are no shields in Bloodborne. That fact will make some Souls veterans uncomfortable, but it's all part of the game design. Instead of allowing you to play safely behind a wall of armor, Bloodborne is all about being quick on your feet no matter which class you play. You can move quickly and dodge substantial blows. The quicker you learn to dance around enemy attacks the sooner you'll overcome the game's many challenges.
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Chalice Dungeon
The Chalice Dungeon is something unlike From Software's library has ever seen. It is a completely procedurally generated level, meaning it's unpredictable and challenging. It's divided into three sections: swamp, crypt, and one unknown. Although rewarding, you'll have to earn your keep in this dangerous place. You might just want to bring a buddy along for the ride.
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An unrelenting difficulty
If you've played a Souls game before, you'll feel right at home in Bloodborne. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki decided from the beginning that he he was going to make yet another cruelly punishing game, stating that he wants you to feel like "you can die at any time". So, expect to perish and re-try levels a lot. As frustrating as it is, the feeling of success will make up for it.
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Violent weaponry
Bloodborne has some very cool weaponry. Not only will you use uncommon melee weapons such as the scythe, twinblade, and saw cleaver, but ranged firearms are an important element of combat. You can equip two weapons at any given time without penalty, meaning that you may just find yourself walking around with a massive axe and a blunderbuss.
There is a new system in Bloodborne that makes your weapons transform mid combat. Needless to say, you're going to love your arsenal.
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A 40 hour adventure
According to several of those who have already completed Bloodborne, it averages around 40 hours in length. Though, there are elements that can make your stay much longer than that, such as its multiplayer modes and replay value.
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Dynamic enemies
One thing that always gave players an advantage in Souls was the placement of enemies. It was largely static, meaning that you could memorize locations and patterns quite easily. In Bloodborne you won't have that luxury. Enemies move around Yharnam dynamically and interact with one another in ways that ensure you always have to stay on your toes.
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There is multiplayer
You won't be forced to enjoy Bloodborne alone. Using summoning portals similar to the Souls games, up to three players can co-exist within the same realm for a short period of time. What's different than the Souls games is that you can set a password to your portal, ensuring that only people you know are able to drop into your game. If you find yourself stuck on a certain portion of the game, this co-op feature can prove handy.
Competitive multiplayer is also in the game in the form of invasions. Up to two players can charge in to an opposing player's game and attempt to take their life. If you like showing off how powerful you are, this may just keep you occupied for a while.
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Another beautiful PS4 exclusive
The PS4 has earned a reputation as having jaw-dropping exclusives. Bloodborne will be another feather for its cap running at 1080p and 30 frames per second.
