Bloodborne

Developed by FromSoftware, Bloodborne is a terrifying, magnificent, and back-breakingly difficult masterpiece of video games.

You awaken in a derelict Victorian-era Yharnam as a Hunter, after having received a horrifying blood transfusion. Venturing out into the accursed city, you find that something is very wrong with Yharnam and its occupants – every one of which has lost its mind or very nearly so as a result of the devastating titular bloodborne disease, transforming many into disturbing beasts. Virtually alone in a nightmare whose only goal is to hurt, the Hunter’s only refuge is the untroubled Hunter’s Dream. However, you are anything but defenseless – gifted with nigh supernatural agility, strength, and a lethal armory, you gracefully out-maneuver and devastate your opponents. As you progress through the increasingly unsettling world, your sanity depletes before your eyes as secrets unfold, and the reality of being trapped in a moonlit nightmare sets in.

Bloodborne, together with the Dark Souls trilogy, are the progenitors of an entire genre of games known as “Soulsborne”, defined by deliberate, risk-and-reward melee where every decision made could be lethal – for both you and the opponent. In my opinion, Bloodborne’s combat system reigns supreme – each skirmish is akin to a deadly dance between Hunter and game, where a single misstep could mean annihilation. In this way, Bloodborne suspends the Hunter in an exhilarating balance between predator and prey, a laudable quality largely unreplicated by another game since. While its revolutionary combat system is what attracts most, Bloodborne is also thematically flawless. Its near complete lack of dialogue is well made up for by its environment and atmosphere. Everything you see and hear under the ever-present moon, from the deranged moaning and screaming ringing throughout Yharnam from places unseen, to the serrated edges and dubious stains on the grotesque weapons you use to dispatch your even more grotesque opponents, tells the story. I could go on and on about what makes Bloodborne the greatest game of all time: Its imposing orchestral soundtrack, or periodic lack thereof. The immense feeling of achievement from deciding to take a chance and explore, and be rewarded with a stunning gift at the end of the dark backstreet. The characters – few and far between, but each one uniquely compelling. The outright embrace of Lovecraft’s cosmic, otherworldly tales. But what I find truly remarkable about Bloodborne is how it all comes together to force you to face your worst phobias, and come out on top. Whether it be droves of gigantic spiders, a forest filled to the brim with horrendous serpents, faceless phantoms, indescribable beings the size of fields, or simply being in the dark alone, you conquer your fears one by one – that to me is true satisfaction.

Thanks again, Griffin!