The embargo for Bloodborne lifted in the wee hours of the morning, but when it did finally lift, it came up with a bang. We’ve been playing it ourselves here at TSA and even though we haven’t given it an official score just yet, you can read all about out first 15 hours with the game right here. Below is quick excerpt of our thoughts thus far.
Bloodborne is a game that treats you like an adversary and one that must be put down at every turn. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve died in game so far, yet I feel compelled to go back for more because each resurrection sees me evolve to face this nemesis. This is a hard game yet I don’t feel cheated whenever I lose. I feel like my skill is being tested, and this game feels like the challenge I have been waiting for.
So what does everyone else think of Bloodborne? Head down below the launch trailer we’ve conveniently left here for you to see what other publications are saying.
GamesRadar – 9/10
Bloodborne lies somewhere between Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2, better than the latter but not quite as good as the former. The fourth time following the same template means the master strokes, however masterful they are, are anticipated. But take nothing away from this brilliant, brooding, brutal reinvention, because almost as great as the best game ever is pretty bloody great.
Gaming Age – A
Instead of holding your hand and telling you where to go and what to do every 5 minutes like many other action games, Bloodborne simply puts you in a hostile world and lets you decide how to survive only providing you with the bare necessities along the way. For some this might seem like an impossible task, although others may see it as a great challenge to overcome. It is true that some players may feel that making any progress is far too difficult, I felt the same way when I began playing, but trust me this is not a game you want to skip. Don’t be scared to try it, Bloodborne is a wonderful addition to the PS4 library and I cannot recommend it enough.
Game Informer – 9.75
Bloodborne is a blood-drenched horror gem that has only the faintest of cracks in its façade. Bloodborne succeeds through sparse storytelling, lush atmospheres (conjuring up notions of the best of Lovecraft’s work), and tight combat that forces you to be aggressive. While this new IP doesn’t stray far from the established Souls franchise, it is a magical, wondrous work that admirably instills both terror and triumph in those brave enough to delve into it.
PlayStation Universe – 9.5
From Software’s Bloodborne defiantly marks a triumphant, loud footnote in what’s arguably been a lackluster generation thus far. It’s taken just over a year for PlayStation 4 to get its first fully fledged must-have title – an offering that unabashedly arrives on the scene and flaunts its mastery for all to fawn over. Thankfully for us, it’s finally arrived. Bloodborne is an undisputed revelation.
Destructoid – 9/10
Bloodborne is an interesting mix of everything From Software has learned throughout its storied developmental career. Not everything will gel with fans old and new, but for the most part, the shift towards a combat-oriented game is a net positive. From Software is still one of the only developers left that makes you work for your satisfaction, and Bloodborne is damn satisfying.
Gamespot – 9/10
The finest treasures are found within the city of Yharnam and the forests, lakes, and purgatories beyond it. Only Bloodborne would be so bold as to bury an entire factional player-versus-player mechanic within an optional region, which is in turn buried within a series of oblique steps you might miss if you aren’t exploring every nook and cranny, or ignore the game’s enigmatic hints. I finished Bloodborne in less time than I did Dark Souls II, yet I treasure it more in spite of its few missteps. In death there is life, and in blood, there is redemption. More hyperbole, yes, but for a game this theatrical, only hyperbole will do.
Trusted Reviews – 9/10
In asking more of you, though, Bloodborne’s journey seems more vital, more memorable, and its tense moments more heart-poundingly intense. To see all it has to offer requires upwards of 40 hours, but more than most this game is all about the journey, not the final destination.
The Telegraph – 10/10
Bloodborne is one of those experiences that totally consumes you when you’re involved in it and working to see all that it has to offer. In that sense it’s the digital edition of a round-the-world trip to foreign continents, each turning of a corner providing equal helpings of excitement and trepidation. That recipe brings it own rewards by simply being a part of it, the seemingly effortless delivery indicative of a design team and philosophy that is only getting sharper.
chall5
so does it take 40 secs to reload after you die ?
Matt Wingler
Aran mentions that in his piece here: http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2015/03/24/the-road-to-review-learning-to-survive-in-bloodborne/
Stefan L
Yeah, it’s around 30-40 seconds. It’s quite a lull in the action as the game resets the area.
Andrewww
I really liked Demon’s Souls, still find that one of the best PS3 games there are. But, as I got stuck in the first Dark Souls, I didn’t bother with the second anymore. It’s good to see this getting good reviews, and I might consider going back to the series some day, IF I suddenly got loads of time to play…
Tony Cawley
Well that’s reviewed well then. I don’t know what it is about this game but something seriously puts me off it, it just looks clunky and a bit rubbish. It probably doesn’t help that I didn’t like demon souls, it just controlled horribly and this looks the same.
Light Liguria
Thats why they’re soo good and I don’t get the complaint of controls, they were pretty solid. The games are worth a second shot.
Andrewww
‘Controlled horribly’..???
I thought Demon’s Souls was one of the most precisely controlled games I’ve played. I really dislike button mashing stuff like God of war and similar.
Jim Hargreaves
Shame that I have yet to play through Dark Souls or Dark Souls II. Will no doubt get around to picking up Bloodborne soon, however.
Starman
Damn you Sony & your medium sized bag of money! Would’ve loved to play this but I’ll have to be content with Dark Souls 2 instead. At least the PS4 finally has a high scoring exclusive.
JustTaylorNow
How is money involved (we dunno) but dark souls existed through a playstation exclusive demon’s soul. Probably from software & sony Japan have a really good relationship
Starman
Because they are doing themselves out of lots of sales on PC & Xbox too. DS 1&2 released on 360 so whatever deal they had with Sony ended with Demons Souls.
JustTaylorNow
Oke doke :)
double-o-dave
Maybe they have done themselves out of some sales but the game probably wouldn’t have played or looked anywhere near as good on the PS4 if it was cross platform.
I haven’t got a problem with some companies wanting to make a game exclusive to the PS4 so they can take advantage of its power & concentrate solely on that platform for the best results, and judging by these review scores, its exactly what they’ve done and achieved. ;)
Starman
@dave I’m watching the game on twitch now and its not really pushing things in terms of graphics. Very gloomy and it could easily run on last gen with a bit of toned down resolution & what not. I can’t help but feel if Street fighter 5 & Bloodborne were exclusive to xbox there wouldn’t be the same opinions going round.
JustTaylorNow
sunset overdrive could easily been a multi plat that missed out on a lot of sales & titanfall but it happened we got over it by how much money MS must have shelled out ;)
Starman
Sony were actually offered Sunset OD first but in their wisdom turned it down. I’m just wondering where’s the outrage over sony’s paid for exclusives. The fact is theirs a lot of hypocrites on this site.
JustTaylorNow
It is called the sixthaxis after all, a bit obvious it’s a playstation site that does a bit of PC, Nintendo & MS.
But we could be here all day weather they paid or didn’t doesn’t matter both platforms have their questionable exclusives that could benefit from being multi plat especially if they owned by 3rd party but bloodborne is co created by Japan studio.
double-o-dave
I’m none the wiser as to why it’s a PS4 exclusive. I’m taking in account a possible factor which may effect me if I were to produce / develop a game. I would probably feel I could achieve the best results concentrating on 1 console (the most powerful of the two in question) opposed to possibly making more money but spending more time and resources developing for two or more platforms possibly holding certain aspects of the game back.
I’m pretty sure the game is going to look a lot different viewed directly from a monitor connected to a PS4 than over Twitch.
Avenger
You could debate the whole ‘losing out on sales’ stuff with every exclusive, but I think it’s more prominent with Bloodborne as it seems clearly a title that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, at least over here in the west. It doesn’t quite make sense why it’s a PS4 exclusive over here, maybe it’s do with Japan getting some exclusivity love.
Stefan L
Considering that From Software are a studio independent of any publisher, I don’t think that’s really a fair complaint to say that money was thrown around. Sony are the out and out publisher on the game, and it was developed by a separate team alongside Dark Souls 2.
But this is like complaining that Bayonetta 2 is a Wii U exclusive or about Sunset Overdrive, when without the direct partnerships with the platform holders, the game would either have ended up at a different publisher or not have existed at all. They’d be missing out on a heck of a lot more sales if they didn’t end up getting the game made at all…
Light Liguria
Jim Sterling’s review was a cool read. Gone over most of the game but the only criticism seems to be the long loading between deaths but I’m sure that’ll get patched.
PoolieMike
I got as far as GameaRadar calling the first Dark Souls the best game ever and couldn’t continue for laughing.
double-o-dave
Ironic really. The first high scoring PS4 exclusive (as in 9 & 10/10s) and it doesn’t appeal to me whatsoever.
I’m not denying its good, it’s just doesn’t look like my kinda game.
Forrest_01
Yeah, I’m the same – The line “Bloodborne lies somewhere between Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2” was enough for me, as I am not really into those trial & error hack & slash/RPG thingies.
I do like a good hack & slash from time to time, but (whilst it’s a strange thing to say) it kind of has to be pretty brainless combat for me to enjoy it. Deadpool would probably be a good example.
Nothing wrong with this game of course or what it does, I just know it’s not for me.
double-o-dave
Agreed. I might pick it up at one point if I see it cheap and be pleasantly surprised.
I didn’t think I’d like Infamous SS, picked it up cheap and quite enjoyed it.
JR.
I was thinking the same but I’ll probably get it eventually. I’m more looking forward to finally playing The Order which didn’t review so well.
JustTaylorNow
When is this game actually out cause I thought today? But my pre order is saying Thursday. I booked the wrong day off work :( :(
Lieutenant Fatman
Officially most games come out on Friday in the UK, but if you pre-order through some places you can get it a day early on the Thursday. Tuesday is the release day in the US, they almost always get games released a few days before we do.
Forrest_01
Yep, totally depends on where you are in the world Taylor! ;)
JustTaylorNow
Unfortunately I’m in the UK :( guess it’s gta heist
Lieutenant Fatman
Looking forward to it, will most likely be picking it up next week.