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

Universal acclaim- based on 13072 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Mar 28, 2015
    8
    PvE: Amazing. Reminiscent of Demon Souls (Keeping that difficulty as well).
    PvP: Takes ages to actually invade... When you do; Amazing.
    Overall verdict: Very good. Just fix load screens and PvP
  2. Apr 6, 2015
    10
    Right! I'm a racer, a COD-er, and these type of games are not my cup of tea. Never ever touched Dark Souls games before. So many friends of mine were playing though, and were very enthusiastic. I bought the game with the aim of selling quickly if too difficult or just not fun. I won't be selling, this game is so challenging and full of atmosphere. I've already had an heart attack so manyRight! I'm a racer, a COD-er, and these type of games are not my cup of tea. Never ever touched Dark Souls games before. So many friends of mine were playing though, and were very enthusiastic. I bought the game with the aim of selling quickly if too difficult or just not fun. I won't be selling, this game is so challenging and full of atmosphere. I've already had an heart attack so many times. Yes, it's difficult, very difficult, but the the thrill of playing the game invites you to restart again and again, and yes, I am getting better. The hype is deserved, and I'll get countless hours on enjoyment. Don't be put off if you don't understand a thing in the first 10 minutes, even I managed to figure things out. Expand
  3. 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!!
  4. 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
  5. 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.
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  6. 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
  7. Apr 1, 2015
    10
    Awesome game, great graphics, ambient ... its damn hard, but when you there you forgot everything and foccus.. there's no escape..
    hehehe

    Best of the Best !!
  8. Apr 6, 2015
    10
    I never really liked goth-ish looking games other than Dark souls but this game is incredible. Difficult but rewarding, with many different types of weapons, skills, and abilities. The story is very original. Gameplay is very nice. Loading screens many agitate you because you may die a lot of times and then you have to wait a long time. Lots of different types of enemies with their ownI never really liked goth-ish looking games other than Dark souls but this game is incredible. Difficult but rewarding, with many different types of weapons, skills, and abilities. The story is very original. Gameplay is very nice. Loading screens many agitate you because you may die a lot of times and then you have to wait a long time. Lots of different types of enemies with their own styles. This game does not lose depth. I enjoy the great level design. Some people say that the frame rate was an issue but for me it was exceptional Expand
  9. Apr 6, 2015
    10
    This is, without a doubt, one of the best games I've played in a long time. The game play is amazing, only rivaled by games such as inFamous. The unforgiving nature of the enemies makes for a challenging, offensive, and strategic combat system.
    It takes quite a while to get past the first boss (or even the first alley :P), but once you do, you are in absolute bliss. The risk VS. reward
    This is, without a doubt, one of the best games I've played in a long time. The game play is amazing, only rivaled by games such as inFamous. The unforgiving nature of the enemies makes for a challenging, offensive, and strategic combat system.
    It takes quite a while to get past the first boss (or even the first alley :P), but once you do, you are in absolute bliss. The risk VS. reward system is stellar, offering mechanics such as a temporary opportunity to regain health by striking an enemy.
    Every new weapon that is unlocked changes the way the game is played, and the "Blood Echoes" currency system pushes this game one step further.
    I love this game, and I strongly believe that anyone with a PS4 and $60 should have the opportunity to play this masterpiece.
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  10. Mar 27, 2015
    10
    Awesome game. Just what's the problem with the stupids that rate with 0s? It isn't a 0 by far from any point of view. Hateful rat-kids!! Sheeesh... Great job from From Software. Keep it up!
  11. Mar 24, 2015
    10
    Absolutely the best in the Soul series. Intuitive UI, fast & precise combat and gorgeous atmosphere make this game a fine contender for GOTY 2015. I highly recommend you to pick this up ASAP if you don't own it yet.
  12. Mar 25, 2015
    10
    I feel like most of these negative reviews are coming from folks who don't like the souls series or do not own a PS4. This game is in no way shape or form a 0.

    This game is for people who enjoy challenges. This is not a title you can pick up and roll through with your eyes closed. You will sweat, you will cuss, and you will hate this game until you finally beat the part you've been
    I feel like most of these negative reviews are coming from folks who don't like the souls series or do not own a PS4. This game is in no way shape or form a 0.

    This game is for people who enjoy challenges. This is not a title you can pick up and roll through with your eyes closed. You will sweat, you will cuss, and you will hate this game until you finally beat the part you've been stuck on for hours. When you finally do there is not another game that can match the sense of accomplishment and joy of getting over that hurtle.

    The graphics are great. They are not shiny and polished, which for some reason are the only style a lot of people consider "good". It's murky, gothic, and extremely detailed. The sounds and visuals keep you guessing to what may be around the corner. The graphics do a great job of creating a unique atmosphere which this world resides.

    As far as story goes, Fromsoft does things differently than other developers. You are given a small taste of what is going on in the short intro, then it is up to you to search around and discover everything else. If you mash through it only to try and get to the end expecting it all to be explained then, you will be disappointed. This game may only be 40 hours long if you rush it, however if you search around every nook and cranny to discover what is really going on, along with some great hidden treasure and bosses, only then will you have truly completed this game.

    The barrier of entry is high as it always has been with this series. You are given a brief over view of controls and that's it. Nothing else is handed to you. You must discover everything on your own. While it's easy to look online to have other people tell you what to do, that method ruins what the game is about. While choosing this method will make the game much easier it also drains a lot of what makes his game fun.... Mystery.

    Co-op is not made easy either. You have a limited item that allows you to call for help. There is a reason for this. This game is balanced around you vs the world. When you get stuck it allows for you to get help and it makes beating a boss SO much easier. This is why when that boss is beaten your co-op partner is returned to their own world. When I say limited, you can easily call on a friend to help you with every single boss if you wanted to, but the items you get to do this are very rare early on.

    This game has a few flaws, but for being the day after release this game is light years beyond how games are normally released ( barely functional, riddled with bugs, takes 3-4 patches to get the games running smoothly ). I've experienced a handful of frame rate drops that were never in high tense moments. I had a aggressive NPC bug out on a ladder. Other than that this game functions exceptionally well.

    So if you own a ps4, you enjoy a good challenge, and you don't like your hand being held in games then this is worth your time.
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  13. Mar 24, 2015
    10
    what is the matter xbox and pc fan boys awww are you guys sad that you will never be able to play this game? just stop writing fake reviews without even playing this game. this game is amazing the best game from formsoftware, game play is great and makes so much fun, the graphics are amazing i just love the dark/Gothic look that this game has. if you own a PS4 and like difficult games gowhat is the matter xbox and pc fan boys awww are you guys sad that you will never be able to play this game? just stop writing fake reviews without even playing this game. this game is amazing the best game from formsoftware, game play is great and makes so much fun, the graphics are amazing i just love the dark/Gothic look that this game has. if you own a PS4 and like difficult games go get it now. and again to all the fanboys stop writing fake reviews and insult ps4 owners you can all go to HELL. Expand
  14. Mar 24, 2015
    10
    Best current gen exclusive game across all consoles so far. From Software has expanded upon their Souls game formula and made a fantastic new IP game.
  15. Jul 20, 2015
    10
    beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeest game ever
  16. Mar 25, 2015
    9
    I laughed so hard at the review written by Toneboat923! X button??? You obviously have not touched this game.

    I am brand new to this genre or maybe I should say developer. I have not played any of the souls games so I am behind the curve and being punished but I am learning and even though I am spending a lot of time dying and running back I think the game is great! Top notch visuals,
    I laughed so hard at the review written by Toneboat923! X button??? You obviously have not touched this game.

    I am brand new to this genre or maybe I should say developer. I have not played any of the souls games so I am behind the curve and being punished but I am learning and even though I am spending a lot of time dying and running back I think the game is great! Top notch visuals, pacing and atmosphere. The only issue I have is that load times are a bit on the long side but I have read that this will be patched.
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  17. Mar 31, 2015
    6
    When I play Bloodborne, it feels like exploring I'm Dol Guldor or facing the Nazgul in Middle-Earth. It feels like the Bloodborne community is alive as well, new things being discovered, people working together to solve mysteries, etc. This truly is as much if not, even more of an experience and experiment than the original Dark Souls was. It feels as if they mashed a whole bunch ofWhen I play Bloodborne, it feels like exploring I'm Dol Guldor or facing the Nazgul in Middle-Earth. It feels like the Bloodborne community is alive as well, new things being discovered, people working together to solve mysteries, etc. This truly is as much if not, even more of an experience and experiment than the original Dark Souls was. It feels as if they mashed a whole bunch of influences and put them in a blender. I thought that some parts reminded me of Resident Evil to Princess Mononoke to H. P. Lovecraft to Lord of the Rings. My friend however who's less of a geek, says that he can't nail down only one influence, it minds him of everything from Neverending Story to a bunch of other things. This game will start off pretty slow, but soon you get to set the pace and go on your own adventure. With paths that will sometimes lead you to nowhere. (Or so you think) Expand
  18. Mar 29, 2015
    10
    This game is insipired by Vampire Hunter D : Bloodlust . ( Amazing anime )

    The art ; gameplay ; Online co-op make this game a must buy for Ps4 owners .

    One of the true Next generation games 100% japanese
  19. Mar 24, 2015
    9
    Excellent title. Really minor complaints, that honestly don't distract from the quality and love the developers clearly put into this work.

    The graphics, the controls, the sound, even the difficulty - all excellent. People complaining about the difficulty are too trained on QTEs (IMHO) to appreciate learning how to deal with an enemy. Those who put a bit of effort in, are justly
    Excellent title. Really minor complaints, that honestly don't distract from the quality and love the developers clearly put into this work.

    The graphics, the controls, the sound, even the difficulty - all excellent. People complaining about the difficulty are too trained on QTEs (IMHO) to appreciate learning how to deal with an enemy. Those who put a bit of effort in, are justly rewarded.

    The only drawbacks are the excessive load-times (this might be patchable later, but I doubt it), and the occasional defect with some online functionality not seeming to be very functional at this time. Again, I think some of these complaints may be addressed in a later update.

    Definitely a must-buy for any PS4 player.
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  20. Mar 30, 2015
    10
    Don't let the game's supposed difficulty put you off from playing it.

    Yes, the game is not for 8-year olds or for people proudly playing candy crush, but every success in this game gives you a real reason to be proud and call yourself a gamer. The gameplay mechanics and beautiful haunting graphics makes every step a pleasure. Do give yourself a few hours, because the game was made to
    Don't let the game's supposed difficulty put you off from playing it.

    Yes, the game is not for 8-year olds or for people proudly playing candy crush, but every success in this game gives you a real reason to be proud and call yourself a gamer. The gameplay mechanics and beautiful haunting graphics makes every step a pleasure.

    Do give yourself a few hours, because the game was made to feel very difficult at the beginning - I am not sure why they had to do that since it might put some people off - don't worry, the frustration level goes from 8 to 3 after the first boss.

    I often wonder why we don't get more games like this, but now that I am 20 hours into the game, I understand - it's bloody difficult to create a properly balanced masterpiece.
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  21. Mar 31, 2015
    10
    for every dks fan this game is a MUST. especially if youve been playing a tank before (as it means a whole new gameplay to learn in bloodborne).

    pros: -stunning visual atmosphere -extremaly well designed levels, with hidden paths and shortcuts -bosses hit hard, most of the time youre dead in one combo or two-three consecutive shots -that thrill when venturing a new place, its not
    for every dks fan this game is a MUST. especially if youve been playing a tank before (as it means a whole new gameplay to learn in bloodborne).

    pros:
    -stunning visual atmosphere
    -extremaly well designed levels, with hidden paths and shortcuts
    -bosses hit hard, most of the time youre dead in one combo or two-three consecutive shots
    -that thrill when venturing a new place, its not dks2 when it all felt kinda easy and replayable, now you really care not to die
    -how about constantly changing world (which is not just a visual day/night cycle)
    -and side quests ?
    -and totally messed up plot
    -or an undiscovered insight (kinda humanity-like) stat ??

    cons
    -ridiculously loading times (30-40s)
    -some weapons seems poor in terms of 2nd version - a small sword turning into a greatsword seems kinda cheesy compared to a sword which put into a gravestone makes a greathammer
    -health vials system - its easy to get rid of all of them during couple of attempts to a boss fight which makes you go back and grind them

    overall its a truly masterpiece, a game that can easily get a GOTY title and be remembered for decades. dont ruin your game, dont read any plot spoilers about it, dont look on forums for walkthrough - just play, you'll hate it and love it. exactly like dks 1 :)
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  22. Mar 25, 2015
    9
    Great game, really enjoying it so far! It has some elements that souls players have come to love but I find it a little more foregiving for new players (lots of blood vials left on enemies for instance) and with the addition of health regeneration per hit.

    Graphics on main character may not be AAAA but the characters surroundings look very nice. All in all this will be a game I will
    Great game, really enjoying it so far! It has some elements that souls players have come to love but I find it a little more foregiving for new players (lots of blood vials left on enemies for instance) and with the addition of health regeneration per hit.

    Graphics on main character may not be AAAA but the characters surroundings look very nice.

    All in all this will be a game I will be putting many, many hours into.
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  23. Mar 26, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A great ps4 exclusive , great boss fights and an addictive game! A must to play game , will give it a 9 out of 10 because if you die it starts from the beginning until you've gotten a checkpoint , which by the way is hard to find! Expand
  24. Mar 27, 2015
    10
    Not for call of duty little girls, amazing challenging game and great art with superb music a MUST HAVE game. once you learn how to play you just can´t stop exploring and going forward.
  25. Mar 27, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is really really beautiful, I can't find enough words to describe it. The soundtrack is glorious, I just defeated the second boss and you can really tell how awesome it is. From Soft are genius, the partnership with Sony was for the best. Expand
  26. Mar 27, 2015
    10
    Bloodborne is a great twist on the soulslike genre, from software really knows how to spice it up from time to time.

    The game really brings you into the world, witch by the way is superb and really damn abnormal. The bossfights are all intense and different, bringing something new and delicious to the plate.
    10/10 the best steak :3
  27. Mar 29, 2015
    10
    I´m not the guy who normally plays hard games. I actually dislike them very much. But because of the hype of this game, I bought it. And I will never regret. It´s a really hard game but it's never boring. I have probably died 200 times and I still enjoy it. It's awesome graphic, awesome mechanic, awesome everything. This is absolutely the best game I have ever played. I recommend peopleI´m not the guy who normally plays hard games. I actually dislike them very much. But because of the hype of this game, I bought it. And I will never regret. It´s a really hard game but it's never boring. I have probably died 200 times and I still enjoy it. It's awesome graphic, awesome mechanic, awesome everything. This is absolutely the best game I have ever played. I recommend people who do not have the PS4 to buy it and this game. You will never regret. Expand
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. Mar 31, 2015
    10
    Awesome game. Great atmosphere and superb level design throughout. Combat is fast paced and even frantic at times, but requires just as much skill and poise as any Souls game. From surpassed my expectations with Bloodborne.
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 100
  2. 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]