Bloodborne

 PlayStation 4
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Mar 24, 2015
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 13072 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11,623 out of 13072
  2. Mixed: 507 out of 13072
  3. Negative: 942 out of 13072
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  1. albinvgm
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    This game takes everything that was good from the Dark Souls series but with a fast combat and incredible weapons. The new map design looks awesome, the enemies are creepy. The boss fights are quite challenging but not impossible, I actually get excited every time that I need to fight a book since they have an unique design. This game is a must buy if you like Dark Souls game series or ifThis game takes everything that was good from the Dark Souls series but with a fast combat and incredible weapons. The new map design looks awesome, the enemies are creepy. The boss fights are quite challenging but not impossible, I actually get excited every time that I need to fight a book since they have an unique design. This game is a must buy if you like Dark Souls game series or if you want a nice challenge. I just love this game!… Expand
  2. jkoclanis67
    Mar 30, 2015
    9
    Easily the best game I've played on my PS4, and best PlayStation exclusive since The Last of Us. I'm generally not into games that beat you down, but the level design and world building in Bloodborne is beyond compare and keeps bringing you back for more, and has you constantly thinking about it even when you're away from the game. The initial learning curve of understanding the combat canEasily the best game I've played on my PS4, and best PlayStation exclusive since The Last of Us. I'm generally not into games that beat you down, but the level design and world building in Bloodborne is beyond compare and keeps bringing you back for more, and has you constantly thinking about it even when you're away from the game. The initial learning curve of understanding the combat can be a bit daunting, but then all of a sudden everything kind of clicks and you find yourself able to progress further and further into the game. It still may not be a game for everyone, but if you're even slightly curious you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Knocked it down from a 10 to a 9 due to the long load times. Otherwise Bloodborne is a true masterpiece!… Expand
  3. Benadict
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    Amazing game. This is my first From Software game so there was a lot of frustrating moments when I began the journey, but once you understand how this game works it is a true gem. Having said that, I am disappointed at the frame rate, not because its 30fps but because in my experience its drops below that much too often thus creating stuttering of game play. I have watched a lot of YouTubeAmazing game. This is my first From Software game so there was a lot of frustrating moments when I began the journey, but once you understand how this game works it is a true gem. Having said that, I am disappointed at the frame rate, not because its 30fps but because in my experience its drops below that much too often thus creating stuttering of game play. I have watched a lot of YouTube videos where it seems like it runs smoother, so maybe there is something going on on my end, but it's not a custom pc where hardware varies, it's a console, so I doubt it. Another issue a lot of people complain about is the loading times, and though they are long I really don't mind it too much, just more incentive to take it slow and not get killed. I want to give this game a 10 but the frame rate drop in environments where there are many enemies and smoke effects makes this game a 9 for me.… Expand
  4. egocentryk
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    Outsanding visuals, truely immersing gameplay, beautifully and complex designed world. I didn't played before in any Souls games, i knew Bloodborne will be something special, but i didn't thought it would be a masterpiece. Hats off, From Software.
  5. xBolognaP0nyx
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    We live in a day and age where we shoot, die, re spawn and repeat. A fast paced world that in all honesty doesn't take a lot of patience and skill to progress. Even the worst of players can eventually level up to get better gear to be more efficient. I played Demon's and Dark Souls back in the midst of the top FPS game wars for a change and realized I didn't have the patience to play thoseWe live in a day and age where we shoot, die, re spawn and repeat. A fast paced world that in all honesty doesn't take a lot of patience and skill to progress. Even the worst of players can eventually level up to get better gear to be more efficient. I played Demon's and Dark Souls back in the midst of the top FPS game wars for a change and realized I didn't have the patience to play those games. For lack of better words, they kicked my A** pretty bad. Fast forward to 2015 and here comes Bloodborne. I didn't realize it was from the same makers as Demon's and Dark Souls until the day the game came out. I was hesitant to play unsure if I'd even like it from my past experience with these types of games. Now I heard that this was more forgiving than its predecessors but does still hold a challenge. I put my first full weekend into the game and I will say I died a lot. I expected that but, I died a lot more than I thought I would. Like a lot a lot. I started hating it again but I took a break from it, took a breath and came back and died some more. Eventually I did what I read in every review, study. Study your enemy or they will kill you. After a full weekend and making a pretty good distance into the game I can't put it down. There is a sense of accomplishment when you finally get past that one part. I even had to look online for some hinters and I still died. Bottom line is, if you want a game where you'll die and feel good about coming out on top this is your game. This game has purpose and substance. Its not just some game you pop in and run through while on a cackle fest. Bring your A game. Oh yeah, it also helps that the scenery, characters, etc look gorgeous. Occasional frame rate issues and yes the horrible load times. Look at them as time to breath I almost feel it was intentional so you don't cry by dying as fast as much. I think I'll even pick up Dark Souls 2 when it comes out on PS4 with my new found appreciation for this genre.… Expand
  6. HarlanSaysSo
    Mar 30, 2015
    9
    Simply put, a fantastic game. With an AMAZING world to explore. TONS of secrets. From Software has done it again. They are quickly becoming the leaders in RPG games. Though this game may feel and look like a Dark Souls game, it offers just enough to ensure that it maintains a separate identity. The environments are just MASSIVE with secrets galore and it really feels like a real world .Simply put, a fantastic game. With an AMAZING world to explore. TONS of secrets. From Software has done it again. They are quickly becoming the leaders in RPG games. Though this game may feel and look like a Dark Souls game, it offers just enough to ensure that it maintains a separate identity. The environments are just MASSIVE with secrets galore and it really feels like a real world . If you like Dark Souls , you will absolutely love Bloodborne. Must buy… Expand
  7. Witchywoman212
    Mar 30, 2015
    5
    I forgot to mention in my earlier review about the insight system. If you use an insight, and can't connect to the server, disconnected by the server, or can't find help, the game uses this insight. Very punishing for a new player, and a game breaker.

    Blood vials have to be farmed. Very boring, but necessary. From needs to rethink this, and replenish resources at the lanterns.
  8. Pepe5125
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    I love the Souls series and I think that Bloodborne successfully combines everything that made the previous games awesome. The atmosphere is beautiful, the combat is faster and more responsive than dark souls' combat, the level design is superb, bossfights are challenging, art style is beyond amazing, weapon and armor design is better than anything I've seen before.. I can go on like thisI love the Souls series and I think that Bloodborne successfully combines everything that made the previous games awesome. The atmosphere is beautiful, the combat is faster and more responsive than dark souls' combat, the level design is superb, bossfights are challenging, art style is beyond amazing, weapon and armor design is better than anything I've seen before.. I can go on like this forever.
    Bloodborne is a masterpiece. The best game I've ever played.    … Expand
  9. bennibop
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    Fantastic game, I was not a big fan of demon or dark souls but I am loving this game. Best game I have played on any of the new consoles by a mile. Be prepared to die a lot but be patient and you will be rewarded.
  10. BosstiCom
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An exceptional game. A masterpiece. A genre king. A must-play argument to own a PlayStation 4. Bloodborne is all that, and more.

    I was 2 hours into Bloodborne when the sense of adventure lead me into the Yharnam canals through a one-way. I was lost, not knowing the way back to the next lantern; of course there's always a fast way to enter the hunter's dream: By dying. But since dying means losing your precious Bloodechoes (which are basically gold and exp in one package) I was determined to cling to life as long as possible. Another 2 hours later, covered in blood and almost out of the canals I had increased my Bloodecho count to almost 4000 when I suddenly discovered bodies hanging from the canal ceilings, glowing with loot. The moment I chopped the second body I fell as well; surviving the ledge only just, my hands full of sweat I suddenly saw a pack of giant rats turning around and running towards me. Instinctively I backed off while healing myself, throwing Molotovs and transforming my axe into a halberd, wide swinging at the hungry beasts. I had developed some skills over the past 4 hours and they proved to be enough to also survive this encounter. Once the dust had settled, I began to collect the loot when I suddenly found my first new weapon. This moment alone contained a sensation of satisfaction most other entire games don't come close to. And I hadn't even seen the first boss yet.

    Of course those moments of success are nothing new to people who are used to From Software's Souls games. What sets Bloodborne apart is the shift in gameplay mechanics that rewards offensive play and eliminates magic; it's a little bit like comparing the momentum of Gears of War to the momentum of Vanquish, with Bloodborne being a much more tense and emotional experience. There are no viable shield options in Bloodborne and your firearm is mainly for setting up ripostes or luring enemies away from their groups. In the middle of the fight however, it's all down to the question how good your evasion skills are and how much you know about your weapon's reach and speed. It's about how competent you are with following the rhythm of the battle and distinguishing the avoid notes, always looking for the target harmony of victory.

    Reading your enemies' movements and predicting their attacks is the key to survival in Bloodborne, or at least to survive a little bit longer. Make no mistake: this is still very much a Souls-like game which means you'll die. A lot. It will be infuriating at times but Bloodborne is crafted so virtuoso that it's almost never the game that's to blame.

    To mitigate some of the possible frustration, you should play Bloodborne online whenever possible. Sure, inviting friends to help with bosses will make the game easier; but what's more important are the hints and messages that every player can leave in the world. Those will often tell you about an enemy ambush that lies ahead, give you advice what the weakness of the following enemy is or tell you about a hidden item that you might miss otherwise.

    Soon you will start to leave messages as well, probably to participate in the community and help other players. But you will also get help in return; messages can be rated good or bad and a good rating from another player will actually heal you. It might not sound like much but if you're in close quarter combat with Pater Gascoigne and a quick note pops up how another player found one of your messages helpful and thus healing you in the middle of a boss fight, you'll experience the most badass form of Karma in your gamer's life.

    Ultimately, Bloodborne is more than just a mere test of skill, it's a test of character. It's not a game for people who like to blame the world for their mistakes or expecting their environment to compromise for their comfort. It rewards patience, curiosity, deductive reasoning and adaptability. It doesn't make you a worse person if you allow the game to break you, but bathing in its waves of bitter drubbing and sweet triumph may actually make a better person out of you.

    This game is an epiphany, stylistically confident not only in its game mechanics but also with its Victorian environments and Lovecraftian creatures. It wants you to get lost in its game world, showing you the story instead of telling it. It doesn't restrain you and all it asks in return is that you don't expect it to be restrained. It deserves the critical acclaim and praise it's getting but more importantly it deserves your attention. Every bit of it.    … Expand
  11. Schpoo
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    While an obvious side-step from the so-called "previous games in the series," Bloodborne is a masterpiece in and of itself. This game is a trial which requires a balance of skill and patience, and rewards improvement. Detractors of this game will be the self-proclaimed Souls "die-hards" and "loyalists," who actually spent their hours cheesing the game, shooting spells at bosses, andWhile an obvious side-step from the so-called "previous games in the series," Bloodborne is a masterpiece in and of itself. This game is a trial which requires a balance of skill and patience, and rewards improvement. Detractors of this game will be the self-proclaimed Souls "die-hards" and "loyalists," who actually spent their hours cheesing the game, shooting spells at bosses, and cowering behind their shields. Those of us who decided to get good, learn how to parry and dodge, and conquer the game with skill find Bloodborne to be the culmination of what the Souls games aspired to be (and appreciate the developers' efforts to weed out the weak).… Expand
  12. evdoe5
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    I have never played a Souls game, so this is my first experience with From Software. I am really surprised how much I love this game. At first, the game seems like a huge weight of have troubling beating the easiest of enemies, but once you beat your first monster, you have a thirst for more. This game rewards patience and learning and makes you pay for jumping into a fight without anyI have never played a Souls game, so this is my first experience with From Software. I am really surprised how much I love this game. At first, the game seems like a huge weight of have troubling beating the easiest of enemies, but once you beat your first monster, you have a thirst for more. This game rewards patience and learning and makes you pay for jumping into a fight without any thought (mostly). Blood viles and bullets are abundant in the game, the challenge is knowing when to use them.

    Bloodborne proves to be a visually beautiful game. It draws from tall cathedrals, open fields, small town streets, and gothic backgrounds. These are beautiful, but sinister to look at. It takes from HP Lovecraft and Edger Allen Poe to bring out a terrifyingly beautiful world to explore and fear. The weapons at one's disposal have pros and cons, and like the enemies, require learning to understand what each does. The quick use of the hunter's ax, turns into a slow, but devastating blow at the touch of a button.

    I love looking around for hidden outfits, upgrades, blood gems, everything. This is a great exclusive and demands time and patience. It is a difficult game, but feels extremely rewarding when your prey falls at your feet. This is a must have in every way.    … Expand
  13. daddyp1g
    Mar 30, 2015
    8
    As a Dark Souls player of course I love Bloodborne but that's not to say its not a niche title, if your'e a fan of Call of Duty, FIFA and uncharted i think its safe to say Bloodborne is not for you.

    However if you're up for a challenge and prepared to accept you will die and you will make mistakes and you will have to replay areas over and over being careful and taking time to take in    As a Dark Souls player of course I love Bloodborne but that's not to say its not a niche title, if your'e a fan of Call of Duty, FIFA and uncharted i think its safe to say Bloodborne is not for you.

    However if you're up for a challenge and prepared to accept you will die and you will make mistakes and you will have to replay areas over and over being careful and taking time to take in the surroundings take time to watch enemies and their animations to learn their patterns then its a game for you. the story is hidden in lore there is no main story stringing you along, there is no hand holding - go here, kill this guy etc just dropped off in a hostile world left to survive. you get as much story as you search for, for many this is not what they are used to especially in the excellent AAA style of Naughty Dog.

    For former souls players like myself there is still learning to be had, the absence of a shield is a steep learning curve for those of us who were to reliant on it but when you push past that you get a fast flowing melee mechanic and I've had far more success parrying with the gun than I ever had with the shield.

    I'd encourage everybody to give Bloodborne a chance to show you its worth but I openly accept that its not accessible to everyone and many just will not 'get' it.    … Expand
  14. BioWalkure
    Mar 30, 2015
    9
    When I got this game, I was completely unaware of what I was getting myself into. I knew it would be difficult, I have a friend who had been a big Souls players and he said that Bloodborne would be created by those same people. So I knew it would be difficult, but at the time I had no idea HOW difficult. This game is so different than anything I have ever played before, and that's sayingWhen I got this game, I was completely unaware of what I was getting myself into. I knew it would be difficult, I have a friend who had been a big Souls players and he said that Bloodborne would be created by those same people. So I knew it would be difficult, but at the time I had no idea HOW difficult. This game is so different than anything I have ever played before, and that's saying something because video games have been a big part of my life for about twelve years now (I'm 18). Every enemy you come across, no matter the size or ease of killing, has the ability to kill you and send you back to your respawn lamp, something that took my by surprise when I rushed a large mob of them by a bonfire when I first started playing. At first, it was frustrating, I felt like the parrying system wasn't working, and no matter how much I dodged around I always got hit. I probably died fifteen times within the first two hours of playing, and that's a stretch.
    However, once I got accustomed to the game and learned my way around the controller, the game became a challenge that I had dearly wanted for a long time. No game had ever kept me on my toes during the entire duration of gameplay. I don't mind the long distance between checkpoints, because there are shortcuts you can open up between you and the boss and other areas of a map, and that is what is intended for you to do before you take on the boss, so you can get back to it with relative ease. Each area holds something new and deadly, and I am both surprised and delighted at the expanse many of the maps have. Truly, the only reason I don't give this game a fll 10/10 is indeed because of the level of butthurt I do sometimes acquire while playing this game. But it's the good kind of butthurt (usually). This game is a gem, and should be purchased by anyone who is looking for a real challenge in their gaming time.    … Expand
  15. welchmen22
    Mar 30, 2015
    9
    First off this game is not for everyone, it has a fairly slow pace and for good reason, if you rush you die. Not as difficult as the souls games but the same idea. At first it may seem too difficult but you need to get the hang of it, find a weapon that suits you, and adjust your pace. Overall the visuals are great, I love the atmosphere. I haven't had an issue with frame rate but someFirst off this game is not for everyone, it has a fairly slow pace and for good reason, if you rush you die. Not as difficult as the souls games but the same idea. At first it may seem too difficult but you need to get the hang of it, find a weapon that suits you, and adjust your pace. Overall the visuals are great, I love the atmosphere. I haven't had an issue with frame rate but some reviews I've read have mentioned it. This game is best played if you have some time, if you can put in an hour here or there that helps. You will die...a lot...it may be your own fault more often than not, at least that's the case with me. If I get frustrated and try to hurry it usually ends with me dead. The bosses are difficult but not impossible, the loading screens are a bit lengthy but I use that time to think about why I died...and slow my heart rate. If you can be patient and enjoy a challenge this game is worth a try. If you liked the souls games but just couldn't get through them this may be your chance.… Expand
  16. fedor2009
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    This game deserves the score of 93 in every department. It is a typically FromSoftware Game with a high dificult and a great gameplay. 10 of 10 Stars from me.
  17. sealjo
    Mar 30, 2015
    6
    This game s not for everyone. The rave reviews can make it seem like a classic but if so it is only a classic for a certain type of players. This game is extremely punishing and not meant to be played by casual gamers. If you are a casual gamer and you just want to have fun, choose another game! If you like a hard challenge without a progressive level design that rewards you for passingThis game s not for everyone. The rave reviews can make it seem like a classic but if so it is only a classic for a certain type of players. This game is extremely punishing and not meant to be played by casual gamers. If you are a casual gamer and you just want to have fun, choose another game! If you like a hard challenge without a progressive level design that rewards you for passing hard checkpoints, this game is for you.

    When it comes to other games the scoring is often in the low 80ies when a game does one thing superb but is only for those who love the genre. For some reason Bloodborne only seems to be reviewed by those who loved Demon Souls, so they are very biased from the start. Like only letting 13 year old girls review a new twilight movie and then marvel at what an awesome movie it must be when the average rating easily beats out The Godfather..    … Expand
  18. Decrata
    Mar 30, 2015
    9
    As a brief disclaimer, I started playing the souls games with the first installment, Demon's souls, and after putting about 8 hours into it and not understanding a single thing, I quit. My friend, a fan of the series, urged me to continue, and told me a thing or two, and I started a new character with fresh eyes backed by experience. What resulted was one of the most amazing andAs a brief disclaimer, I started playing the souls games with the first installment, Demon's souls, and after putting about 8 hours into it and not understanding a single thing, I quit. My friend, a fan of the series, urged me to continue, and told me a thing or two, and I started a new character with fresh eyes backed by experience. What resulted was one of the most amazing and rewarding gaming experiences I've ever had. From then on, I was hooked. After playing Demon Souls and Dark Souls for over 400 combined hours, I was ready for Dark Souls 2. Dark Souls 2 for me was a bit of a let down, and I didn't enjoy it nearly as much, so I picked up Bloodborne:

    Bloodborne is a breath of fresh air. A massive spike in difficulty compared to DS2, and new mechanics to learn. Fans of the series will feel right at home with the combat, with some interesting changes. Combat is obviously the focus of all the games, and the faster pace and unbelievable power your character has on attack make your ability to be killed immediately an interesting balance. The beauty of a souls game, is that no matter how strong you are, any enemy can kill you if you aren't paying attention, and this game is no different. When I am on in combat, the ass-kickery on screen is amazing, when I am off...I'm dead...

    For me, this game is a 10+ and I can't wait to put more and more hours into it. The reason why I rated it a 9 is because of something another reviewer posted. Souls games come with a 'members only' feel to them, and if you aren't in the club, you won't enjoy the game. Having felt that way with Demon's Souls, I have the recipe for bringing people into the game. I currently have gotten 3 of my friends 'into the club' so to speak, and now we are all loving and playing Bloodborne.

    The first thing for new players, is find an experienced player, a friend, someone line, or guides and learn about the game. There is no hand holding in the game what so ever, so consulting with people that understand the game will help tremendously.

    Another, is don't be afraid to join a friends game to learn how to beat an area with 2 people, then go back with your own character. On that note, don't be afraid to summon people into your game too. It isn't cheating, it's part of the game.

    Three, don't attack something unless it starts attacking you first. Many souls players have killed NPCs and people who help you upgrade without knowing they are helpful...sometimes even hitting them a few times will cause them to not help you anymore.

    Four, if you are having trouble staying alive, do a little grinding, and upgrade your weapons and stats. Upgrading your weapon a few times at the bench will do wonders early game, so it is advisable to do this as early as possible.

    Once you commit to the game, and you learn how to beat bosses and keep going, you will find that the death isn't as bad. The game requires patience, and this one is the hardest of all the souls games by my estimation, so those that are just starting will have a difficult time, and veterans are dying left and right as it is.

    If you are only going to do one of these things, it's team up with a friend or resource online to learn about the ins and outs of one of the most deep and complex games on the market today. Sure it might be members only, but I got kicked out of the club once, and now I am one of the leading recruiters.    … Expand
  19. bloosugar
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    Let the good blood guide your way. Miyazaki created another unique, immersive, beautiful world for us to live in. I love this game. I wanted to rate it a 8.5, removing one point for the frame pacing/rendering issues(the game runs at a {nearly} constant 30fps, it is frame time problems which make it stutter giving the illusion of dropped frames)and half a point for the load times(i keep aLet the good blood guide your way. Miyazaki created another unique, immersive, beautiful world for us to live in. I love this game. I wanted to rate it a 8.5, removing one point for the frame pacing/rendering issues(the game runs at a {nearly} constant 30fps, it is frame time problems which make it stutter giving the illusion of dropped frames)and half a point for the load times(i keep a novel by William Gibson nearby). Other than that I have a few bits of advice for new players having difficulty 1) at the start when in Iosefka's clinic, (1st room you spawn in, it is normal to have no weapon)READ EVERYTHING! (grey messenges on the floor are a controls tutorial) This is NOT a game where ignorance of your surroundings will be rewarded in fact, it will be punished 2) Patience is essential. I cannot stress this point enough. You WILL die. I die. We ALL die. 3) Keen observation and analyzation of the enemies, their patterns, weaknesses and your surroundings is a must. 4) Don't be GREEDY! If you have enough blood echoes (currency) to level up, buy items etc. go back to the Hunter's Dream (central hub area, accessed by pressing X at any blue lantern with little guys coming out of the ground under it)and DO IT! 5) Run past enemies, dodge (press R3 to create a lock on enemies, when said lock is visible quick dodges may be performed by pressing O and the direction you need to go in{this takes stamina, green bar under red health bar}) if you have to. Once you start leveling up your character it gets much easier and more enjoyable! 6) READ! When in the menus, for example, by reading the bottom of the screen you will find that you may often be able to press the R3 button{right thumbstick pushed inward}this will create a highlighted cursor that when moved over menu symbols will give a description of their meaning/function. 7) This game has faith in you, it believes you have the intelligence, the will, to survive, to persevere, to overcome trying obstacles without someone telling you where to go and how to get there from start to finish, as do I. Good luck, I hope this helps you out, and, may the good blood guide your way. -Devin… Expand
  20. keiNasa
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    10/10 one of the bests games I ever played. Love this game!
    Awesome story. Awesome fight mechanic. Awesome graphic! Thank you so much!
    Game hard enough.
  21. ragnarock687
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    I found Bloodborne to be very addicting, especially when you make full use of the multiplayer features. There's no way to sugar coat the difficulty though, and even I had to put the game down for a couple days just to take a deep breath before going back to it. But, the things that draw you back in are the superior level design, morose artwork, and engaging gameplay.
  22. miniMilkSLB
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    I never played Soul's games. Is so annoying in the beginning. Now i just can't stop.
    One of the best games i've ever played.
    Don't give up the game!!
  23. tokyoe_one
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    So far the best game i have played in 20 years of gaming. Wish other game designers would just take half of this games design in consideration. You will find core ideas of gaming here other games don't even seem to know about. Exploration is a keyword. Player freedom. Sense of achievement. Immersion. Tension. Curiosity.

    Smart, beautiful, incredibly rich in detail and creativity - These    So far the best game i have played in 20 years of gaming. Wish other game designers would just take half of this games design in consideration. You will find core ideas of gaming here other games don't even seem to know about. Exploration is a keyword. Player freedom. Sense of achievement. Immersion. Tension. Curiosity.

    Smart, beautiful, incredibly rich in detail and creativity - These guys take videogames to a new level. The combat is precise, fast, deep, complex, and very satisfying. World-, level- and enemy design is unseen so far.

    Once you start playing all your controller features are always available - these devs respect you as a gamer. No QTEs, no fetch missions, no game over for killing an NPC. Stories are plenty and deep in this game - and very mature.

    The new weapon transformation system is awesome, the regain mechanic makes the gameplay aggressive and very fast. Got hit by an enemy? Hit it back to get your HP back! This game feels good - and i have to admit that it makes other games feel lifeless and boring.

    Exploration is key - levels are all mazes you conquer, opening shortcuts to get fast to a boss if you didn't beat on the first try.

    A lot of non PS4 owners try to tell you this game doesn't help you, but you will find a full tutorial right at start which is always to your disposal. Don't let them fool you. You don't have to be a fan of previous titles to love it. It's simply awesome.    … Expand
  24. JamesJ134
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    If you are not a hardcore gamer or a gamer who can play your average action RPG on a difficulty above easy you probably will hate yourself for putting a single dollar out for this game. But if you are a gamer looking for a true challenge with plenty of extreme action, fun replay value, great multiplayer and a unique twist on everything then this is a game you must own.
  25. BeardBoss
    Mar 30, 2015
    8
    I have conflicting feelings towards Bloodborne. As a fan of Dark Souls 1 over DS2, I recognise and appreciate Miyazaki's influence on the game's development. The world is atmospheric and organic, with locations seamlessly blending into one another; and the combat is faster and tighter, with greater variety afforded by dynamically transforming weapons. Powered by PS4, every aspect of theI have conflicting feelings towards Bloodborne. As a fan of Dark Souls 1 over DS2, I recognise and appreciate Miyazaki's influence on the game's development. The world is atmospheric and organic, with locations seamlessly blending into one another; and the combat is faster and tighter, with greater variety afforded by dynamically transforming weapons. Powered by PS4, every aspect of the game seems nuanced when compared to previous Souls games, in many ways more streamlined and accessible. However my personal misgivings stem from the relative lack of equipment to discover in the open world, and drought of random enemy drops. There appears to be fewer weapons available than before - perhaps due to the versatility of each's transformations - so instead the tactic here is to become familiar with one or two favourites. Some say less is more, and may consider this a good thing, IMO without potential drops the game is missing one of my personal incentives to push ever onward or keep grinding an area.
    If you're familiar with Dark Souls you know exactly what to expect here, I don't think refinements to combat and co-op qualify as revolutionary design. Shields may be out and firearms may be in, but you still riposte following a timed tap of the left trigger, and you can still be kept waiting for a response to your desperate pleas for assistance. From Software and riding high on an increased budget and the hopes and prayers of Sony, but I'm not convinced this is the game to save PS4, and I'm certain PS4 doesn't NEED saving anyway.    … Expand
  26. Bakteeri
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    FYI. As a fan of the series i cannot give this game an unbiased review. From Software seems to have reviewed and looked back on the older releases of the series and in my opinion has made a polished more exciting way of playing the games old mechanics with new twists that really change the way the game is played. The player and the enemies are made to move a lot faster mainly for theFYI. As a fan of the series i cannot give this game an unbiased review. From Software seems to have reviewed and looked back on the older releases of the series and in my opinion has made a polished more exciting way of playing the games old mechanics with new twists that really change the way the game is played. The player and the enemies are made to move a lot faster mainly for the reason that this game contrary to the earlier releases of the series doesn't have almost any type of defensive combat tactics that are viable. The game encourages you to be constantly on your toes as there is no option to "armor up" your character, this alone also affects the atmosphere of the game not to mention the visuals and the soundtrack that enhances the experience. As one would expect from From Software studios they have an amazing people who design the world, map/areas, the lore and it all mixes into a one big living world that really makes you feel like you have left your living room to a beautiful world of blood and gore mixed with frustration and the satisfying feeling of clearing a boss fight that keeps you from sleeping at night.

    As for the cons of the game that really do not affect my opinion on my game as i stated before, the online play (if played with high latency) affects the framerate of both sides of the online players. A few bugs i have heard of but not many in my playtrough. I personally would've wanted the game to be at the difficulty of a new game+ right from the beginning but i understand that it would make the game too overwhelming for people who are first time getting into the series .

    Also this game altough at first might look like a simple at first, has a deep class and stat progression and level up system which is almost essential for a player to understand and study in order to progress in the game without going crazy. The game has hordes of enemies punishing your every mistake of leveling up wrong stats of your character to using wrong equipment or sword swings depending on the situation, the game wants you sit back for a while and think in hindsight what could i do differently to progress. If this makes you excited then i would definitely recommend this game for you. Also this game can be very provocative (mostly thought provoking) even if it is mostly a single player experience, and would recommend getting an insurance for your TV and controller if you're known to have anger management issues.    … Expand
  27. masterkiser
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    Like Souls Games? Buy it. Like Challenging games? Buy it. want to get killed in some of the most **** ways possible? Buy it. Want to feel something 10 Times better than Sex? Buy it!
  28. TheLegGodt
    Mar 29, 2015
    5
    Very disappointing game and very much over-hyped, by gamers and reviewers alike. What now follows is my ramble, so impatient people of PS4 fanboys stay clear. No need to continue reading.

    To start off: I own an Xbox One (Forza, Halo, GTA V), PS4 (Last of Us, Shadow Of Mordor) and Wii U (Bayonetta, Mario Kart, Smash, Super Mario World). Just that you get some sense of my platform    Very disappointing game and very much over-hyped, by gamers and reviewers alike. What now follows is my ramble, so impatient people of PS4 fanboys stay clear. No need to continue reading.

    To start off: I own an Xbox One (Forza, Halo, GTA V), PS4 (Last of Us, Shadow Of Mordor) and Wii U (Bayonetta, Mario Kart, Smash, Super Mario World). Just that you get some sense of my platform independence and favourite games. Sort of mix of Action and Adventure, don't enjoy too much hassling about with detailed RPGs (just simply don't have the time to mess around with all that character building) although I love Elder Scrolls.

    Back to Bloodborne. My PS4 is starved for games so I decided if it got a 9 I would buy it whatever and figure the world can't be wrong about this one. So I bought it, played it for 8 hours and ABSOLUTELY HATED it. I have sold my copy now, felt almost guilty about it. The last time I sold a game was Destiny. Another one of those overhyped and very disappointing titles.

    I agree with the people who write here that it is simply too hard and painstakingly annoying to have to keep retracing your steps until you fully memorise how a scene plays out (i.e. simply memorise computer algorithms). Apparently there are people out there who like to do that but I don't know them in my direct community. I think Bloodborne must be a niche game so I am amazed that it is getting so much airtime and hype. And such a high score and some people saying GOTY. Unbelievable.

    Also I think a very inconsistent treatment from the reviewers. Lack of story and not knowing what you are doing? Destiny did that too and got completely slagged off for it. And justly so! Endless grinding to kill a boss? Again Destiny lost top marks for this. And so it should. (In fact, Bloodborne offers endless grinding just to get to the boss, let alone the grinding it takes to kill it). If I was Bungie I would be scratching my (by now bald head) and thinking 'what the hell?'

    If only From Software had been a bit more forgiving and allowed for an easy mode (which means normal in most games) with more save locations and less grinding, it would be a great game. Not a 9, but an 8.

    This game is also overhyped on the graphics department. From an art point of view, it is very pleasing. I love the Victorian setting and grim atmosphere. I would say it almost reached the Nintendo level of art design in games. But from a technical point of view it is very disappointing: there is very little 'life' in the game. Why not have bats flying around or other things that make you feel this is a 'living dead' environment? Also, the game moves very jerkingly and the frame rate suffers badly. This should be the selling point of the PS4 so I think it is even more of an embarrassment that it does not deliver on this point. It also makes the characters animations choppy - both your own and that of the players. Any who has played Bayonetta 2 on the Wii U will understand how important it is to have 60 frames per second. It may be 720p but it shoots Bloodborne right out of the water.

    The character is also sometimes unresponsive and punches or slashes in the wrong direction of what you intend to do. And in a game so relentless as Bloodborne that 'mistake' usually means death. And starting all over again.

    I would say: avoid this game unless you really love an abnormal challenge or are simply a real fan of the Dark Souls games. This is not a 9, it is a 5. This is not GOTY, this is Sony's marketing doing it's job very well. This is not a reason to buy the PS4, this is yet another failure of an exclusive game (after Little Big Planet 3 and The Order: 1886). Luckily, some good mutiplats are coming soon. But if you own an XBOX One only, no need to feel that you are missing out this year ont the PS4. And if you only own a PS4, I think you might be regretting choosing a slightly better technical quality over quality content. And for everyone: pick a Wii U - that really is without a doubt one of the most overlooked machines with best games ever.    … Expand
  29. ledit0ut
    Mar 29, 2015
    9
    I'm only a couple hours in but the level design is really well done. Mobs are hard but fair once you learn the tricks. Its a frustrating game that leaves me wanting to take breaks often. Only downside so far are the loading screens.

    Another downside is the fact that there are so many secrets you will most likely miss a bunch of them which is really a good thing i guess. If you are a    I'm only a couple hours in but the level design is really well done. Mobs are hard but fair once you learn the tricks. Its a frustrating game that leaves me wanting to take breaks often. Only downside so far are the loading screens.

    Another downside is the fact that there are so many secrets you will most likely miss a bunch of them which is really a good thing i guess. If you are a completionist prepare to waste a bunch of time looking at every nook and cranny or get the guide when it comes out!.    … Expand
  30. tneu64
    Mar 29, 2015
    8
    Bloodborne is an outstanding game. I've beaten it twice and look forward to NG+ and PVP. The world is absolutely incredible and combat never gets old. That being said, it simply does not have the depth of any of the Souls games. The concept of building your character is basically meaningless because of low soft caps and minimal stat requirements on basically all weapons.

    Speaking of    Bloodborne is an outstanding game. I've beaten it twice and look forward to NG+ and PVP. The world is absolutely incredible and combat never gets old. That being said, it simply does not have the depth of any of the Souls games. The concept of building your character is basically meaningless because of low soft caps and minimal stat requirements on basically all weapons.

    Speaking of weapons, most are completely outclassed by three or four of their counterparts. You don't *really* have a choice if you are a min/max player. You can pretty much have all the DPS stats soft-capped without missing out on anything so there isn't really any incentive not to. The "spell" items are borderline useless. Damage is thoroughly medicore compared to melee weapons. Ranged weapons aren't good for much other than parrying (which is stupid easy compared to Souls) and pulling loose mobs off packs to make the fight easier. Armor makes a little bit of a difference but there are still fairly clear frontrunners that will defend against the types of damage most commonly encountered in PVP. Finally, your choice of runes is similarly hardly a choice because there are only maybe five viable endgame options anyway.

    Unless the PVP level meta is 80 or lower it just won't be interesting in the long run because everyone will pretty much be identical other than    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PS4 Game of 2015
1
#1 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
9
#9 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 100
  3. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    May 26, 2015
    90
    Visually striking, nerve-shredding and a fascinating streamlining of the Souls formula. Bloodborne is an exclusive jewel in the PS4 crown and you need to own it. [June 2015, p71]
  2. Games Master UK
    May 24, 2015
    90
    What a world. What a combat system. What a game. You don't want to miss this. [June 2015, p.56]
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    May 20, 2015
    90
    It offers unparalleled player agency when dealing with From's wonderful third-person combat. [May 2015, p.79]
See all critic reviews »