Bloodborne Review Round-Up

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.