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MONSTER

Bloodborne

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Bloodborne
Item: Bloodborne
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMar 24, 2015

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperFrom Software

Overview

An action RPG in which the player embodies a Hunter who, after being transfused with the mysterious blood local to the city of Yharnam, sets off into a "night of the Hunt", an extended night in which Hunters may phase in and out of dream and reality in order to thin the outbreak of abominable beasts that plague the land and, for the more resilient and insightful Hunters, uncover the answers to the Hunt's many mysteries.

Elsewhere

9.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Bloodborne for its depth, richness, and immersive experience. Critics like JeuxActu appreciated the dark and enchanting universe inspired by gothic and Victorian themes, along with a rich bestiary and a mysterious epidemic in Yharnam. Impulsegamer highlighted the grim, Victorian London-esque setting with a transformative plague, hunters, and distrustful townsfolk, where players learn the lore through exploration and interactions with characters. Multiplayer.it also commended the deep storytelling and challenging gameplay influenced by the creator's background in Sociology and Psychology. These positive aspects of the story, filled with mystery, intrigue, and a unique atmosphere, resonated well with the majority of critics, making Bloodborne's narrative a standout feature of the game. On the other hand, some critics found the story of Bloodborne to be challenging to follow or overly cryptic. Shacknews and Softpedia mentioned that the story was hard to follow, lacking a clear narrative structure or traditional storytelling elements. Push Square described the narrative as complicated and messy, with hideously complicated lore and backstory, which might have hindered some players' understanding and enjoyment of the story. Digital Trends criticized the narrative for being cryptic and unintelligible, leaving players to speculate and discuss theories without clear guidance. While the cryptic nature of the story added to the game's mysterious atmosphere for some players, it also posed a barrier to entry for others who prefer more straightforward storytelling. Overall, despite some critics finding the story of Bloodborne obtuse or challenging to decipher, the general consensus among reviewers is overwhelmingly positive. The game's narrative, shrouded in mystery and intricately woven through environmental design, snippets of dialogue, and item descriptions, was lauded for its depth and complexity. Critics appreciated the immersive and dark atmosphere, the rich lore inspired by Lovecraftian themes, and the engaging storytelling that invited exploration and observation to uncover the secrets of Yharnam. Bloodborne's story, while not without its complexities and challenges, succeeded in captivating players and immersing them in a haunting and gripping narrative experience, making it a standout aspect of the game that resonated positively with the majority of critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praised Bloodborne for its deep, rich, and immersive story set in a dark and enchanting universe inspired by gothic and Victorian themes. The narrative, filled with mystery and intrigue, resonated well with reviewers, highlighting the game's unique atmosphere and challenging gameplay. While some critics found the story challenging to follow and overly cryptic, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game's intricate storytelling and immersive world making it a standout feature that captivated players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Bloodborne has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many praising its fast-paced and aggressive combat mechanics. Guardian highlights the emphasis on speed and evasion in combat, while GameSpot commends the combat system for promoting mobility and quick reflexes. Critics like Gamer.no and Game World Navigator Magazine appreciate the strategic element in combat, with a focus on evasion, counterattacks, and weapon variety. The inclusion of unique mechanics such as the Regain system, trick weapons, and ranged attacks adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, as noted by MMORPG.com and CGMagazine. However, some critics have pointed out potential drawbacks in the gameplay of Bloodborne. Digitally Downloaded mentions that the combat's focus on aggression may not appeal to all players, while GameOver.gr notes the absence of ranged attacks as a limitation. Additionally, The Digital Fix highlights the punishing nature of the combat system, which rewards boldness but punishes recklessness, potentially leading to frustration for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Bloodborne. IGN describes the combat as an "amazing dance of dodges and swipes," praising the aggressive new pace of combat and the versatility of weapon modes. PlayStation Universe appreciates the challenging and dynamic gameplay that encourages a proactive approach, while New York Daily News considers the combat systems to be among the game's greatest triumphs. The majority of critics agree that Bloodborne offers a thrilling and engaging gameplay experience that successfully builds upon the foundations laid by the Souls series, making it a standout title in the action RPG genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Bloodborne's fast-paced combat, praising its emphasis on speed, evasion, and strategic depth. Unique mechanics like the Regain system and trick weapons add complexity. Some mention drawbacks like the combat's aggressive focus and absence of ranged attacks. Overall, critics agree that Bloodborne offers a thrilling and engaging gameplay experience that builds upon the Souls series, making it a standout in the action RPG genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Bloodborne, highlighting various positive aspects. DarkStation mentioned the game's frequent use of earthy color tones and busy environments, which, despite requiring some eye adjustment, contributed to a unique atmosphere. Slant Magazine appreciated the beauty in the monstrosities, delicate details on enemies, and the darkening of the game as it progresses. Polygon and IGN both commended the beautifully crafted monsters in a gothic Victorian setting, with IGN specifically mentioning the imaginative range of horrifying beasts and stunning environments that retained their full effect despite occasional frame rate issues. PlayStation Universe and Gamestyle also lauded the impressive graphical lustre, detailed environments, and haunting beauty that brought the world of Yharnam to life. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the graphics and visual design of Bloodborne. Critics like Metro GameCentral noted that while the graphics were not particularly impressive in terms of character models and ragdoll physics, the detailed art design compensated for it. Gamers' Temple and Impulsegamer mentioned inconsistent frame rates as a downside, impacting the overall experience. CGMagazine highlighted a lack of variety in different locations, while Eurogamer Poland and InsideGamer.nl brought up occasional frame rate drops and long loading times as technical issues that detracted from the otherwise high-quality graphics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Bloodborne. Critics such as Game Informer, TheSixthAxis, and Gaming Age praised the stunning visuals, foreboding Gothic architecture, and terrifying character models that immersed players in the game world. The detailed environments, interconnected map of Yharnam, and exceptional world design were also highlighted by reviewers like Softpedia, Multiplayer.it, and Game World Navigator Magazine. Despite some technical issues mentioned by a few critics, the majority agreed that Bloodborne's graphics and visual design were top-notch, contributing significantly to the game's immersive and haunting atmosphere.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Bloodborne's graphics and design, praising the earthy tones, detailed monsters, and stunning environments that immerse players in a foreboding Gothic world. Some mention occasional frame rate issues and lack of location variety, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive for the game's top-notch visuals that create a haunting atmosphere.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Bloodborne, highlighting various aspects that contributed to the game's immersive and chilling atmosphere. Arcade Sushi commended the "downright phenomenal" soundtrack, while CGMagazine appreciated the "moans and groans of enemy monsters." COGconnected and Digital Spy both lauded the audio for its ability to enhance the tension and atmosphere, with COGconnected specifically mentioning the epic soundtrack during fights and immersive environmental sounds. Gamestyle found the sound design to be immersive, with a fantastic and memorable musical score that added to the overall atmosphere of the game. While the positive feedback on the sound design and music of Bloodborne was prevalent, there were some minor criticisms raised by a few critics. Games.cz mentioned that the sound intensity could be unbalanced at times, possibly indicating occasional inconsistencies in the audio levels that may have disrupted the immersion for some players. However, this critique was not echoed by the majority of reviewers, suggesting that it might be a subjective observation rather than a widespread issue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Bloodborne. Critics like God is a Geek and Impulsegamer praised the immersive and chilling sound design that heightened the sense of unease and fear throughout the game. TheSixthAxis and Worth Playing highlighted how the audio elements, including environmental sounds and music during boss fights, contributed to the overall atmosphere of anxiety and dread in Yharnam. The general sentiment is that the sound design and music in Bloodborne significantly enhanced the player experience, effectively immersing them in the dark and terrifying world crafted by From Software.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Bloodborne's immersive sound design and music, with praise for its chilling atmosphere and epic soundtrack. Some minor critiques about sound intensity balance were noted but not widely echoed. Overall, reviewers laud the game's audio for enhancing tension and fear, immersing players in a dark and terrifying world.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Bloodborne has received overall positive feedback from the critics. COGconnected praises the quality of the voice acting, while PlayStation LifeStyle appreciates the fully voiced characters that enhance the immersive atmosphere of the game. LaPS4 and Vandal specifically highlight the Spanish voice acting, noting how it adds to the gloomy and mysterious ambiance of the game. Multiplayer.it also commends the game for being fully dubbed in Italian, providing players with the option for subtitles and dubbing in different languages. This variety in language options allows players to further immerse themselves in the world of Bloodborne. On the downside, Worth Playing mentions that some human voice acting may be weak. However, they also acknowledge that the stilted tone characteristic of the Souls games is maintained in Bloodborne, which actually works in favor of the game's dark and mysterious atmosphere. This suggests that while there may be some weaker performances, the overall tone and style of the voice acting align well with the game's thematic elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Bloodborne effectively contributes to the game's immersive and haunting atmosphere. The variety of language options, strong performances, and the overall tone of the voice acting are seen as positive aspects by most critics. While there may be some weaker moments in the human voice acting, the overall sentiment is that the voice acting in Bloodborne successfully enhances the overall experience of the game, making it a crucial element in creating the dark and mysterious world that players can delve into.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Bloodborne's voice acting for enhancing the immersive atmosphere with quality performances. While some find human voice acting weak, the overall tone aligns well with the game's dark theme. Multiple languages and strong performances make the voice acting a crucial element that effectively contributes to the haunting world of Bloodborne, as agreed upon by most critics.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

98%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the PS4 version of Bloodborne, several critics highlighted the game's immersive atmosphere, engaging combat system, and excellent level design. PlayStation LifeStyle noted that the game runs smoothly most of the time, with occasional stuttering during crowded scenes, while MMORPG.com praised the attention to detail in the UI, controls, cinematics, and lighting. Despite technical issues, critics like The Jimquisition and LaPS4 appreciated the high level of quality and freshness in the gameplay experience. On the negative side, the PS4 version of Bloodborne faced criticism for its technical performance issues. Common complaints included long loading times, occasional frame rate drops, stuttering during gameplay, and glitches. Critics like DarkStation and Gamer.no pointed out frequent dips in framerate, glitches with blood splotches, and shockingly long load times, which significantly impacted the overall experience for some players. IGN specifically mentioned painfully long loading screens upon death or travel to different zones, as well as frame rate issues during loading or heavy action, detracting from an otherwise rewarding gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Bloodborne on the PS4 is mixed. While some reviewers appreciated the game's artistry, gameplay, and level design despite the technical issues, others found the performance issues like long loading times, frame rate drops, and occasional glitches to be significant drawbacks. The general sentiment suggests that while Bloodborne offers a compelling and immersive experience, the technical shortcomings, such as lengthy load times and inconsistent frame rates, hinder the game's overall enjoyment for a portion of players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Bloodborne on PS4 for its immersive atmosphere, combat, and level design, despite occasional technical issues like long loading times and frame rate drops. Some found these drawbacks significant, impacting the overall gameplay experience, while others appreciated the game's quality and freshness.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of several critics regarding the replay value of Bloodborne highlight numerous positive aspects that contribute to its lasting appeal. Critics such as Arcade Sushi, Game World Navigator Magazine, and Gameplanet praise the game for its challenging nature, encouraging players to learn enemy tactics, explore new areas, and unlock shortcuts, which enhances replayability. The inclusion of features like Chalice Dungeons, as noted by Atomix and GamingTrend, offers additional challenges and rewards for players seeking to delve deeper into the game's content. The multiplayer elements, such as co-op play and PvP combat, mentioned by Gaming Age and ZTGD, provide opportunities for endless engagement beyond the main story, further adding to the replay value of Bloodborne. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of Bloodborne that may impact its replayability. AusGamers and JeuxActu mention that while Chalice Dungeons offer new challenges, they can feel repetitive over time, potentially diminishing the overall experience for some players. Additionally, Softpedia highlights the need for players to repeat sections to progress and gather resources, similar to the Souls series, which may lead to a sense of monotony for those looking for a more varied gameplay experience. Push Square also points out the lack of explanation for entry into Chalice Dungeons, which could potentially frustrate players seeking clarity on how to access this content. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Bloodborne. The game's rich and immersive experience, coupled with its challenging gameplay mechanics and diverse content offerings, as highlighted by Game World Navigator Magazine and Gamestyle, make it a compelling choice for players looking for a game with lasting appeal. The inclusion of features like procedurally generated Chalice Dungeons, multiplayer options, and the potential for multiple playthroughs, as emphasized by PlayStation Universe and Eurogamer Poland, further solidify Bloodborne's reputation as a title with significant replay value. While some critics point out minor flaws such as repetitiveness in certain aspects, the overall sentiment is that Bloodborne excels in providing a deep and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more, making it a standout title in the realm of action RPGs.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Bloodborne's replay value, praising its challenging gameplay, diverse content, and engaging features like Chalice Dungeons and multiplayer modes. While some note concerns about potential repetitiveness in certain aspects, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding the game for its lasting appeal and immersive experience. Bloodborne stands out as a top choice for players seeking a deep and engaging action RPG with significant replay value.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

99%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised Bloodborne for its captivating and challenging gameplay experience. Vandal commended the game for its rich gameplay depth and captivating boss battles, while PSX Extreme highlighted its immersive and captivating nature, considering it one of the most impressive games of its generation. Softpedia also noted the game's rewarding and challenging experience, ranking it as one of the best in its genre. The Digital Fix appreciated the refined and challenging gaming experience, emphasizing exceptional action fighting mechanics and intense gameplay. On the downside, some critics mentioned technical issues and flaws in Bloodborne. NZGamer pointed out technical issues, design flaws, and pacing problems that marred the overall experience. Gameplanet mentioned that the game can be incredibly frustrating, indicating that it is an acquired taste. Despite these drawbacks, critics like Digital Trends and Dealspwn still found the game to offer a rewarding and immersive experience, showcasing its ability to captivate players despite its flaws. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Bloodborne. Critics such as GameSpot and PlayStation Universe described it as a triumphant and must-have title, flaunting its mastery and marking a significant milestone in gaming. The Jimquisition praised the game for its challenging and empowering RPG experience, while Polygon acknowledged it as some of the best work From Software has ever done. The game's ability to provide a captivating, immersive, and rewarding experience, despite its challenges and technical issues, solidifies its position as a standout title in the gaming world. Bloodborne's unique blend of challenge, immersive world, and captivating gameplay mechanics has earned it high praise and recognition from critics, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Bloodborne's captivating gameplay, challenging boss battles, and immersive world, despite technical issues and flaws. Praised as a must-have title with exceptional action mechanics, the game's captivating experience solidifies its position as a standout in the gaming world.

MONSTER

Reviews

141 reviews found

100

Digital Spy

PlayStation 4

Mar 23, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodborne captures everything that makes the series satisfying, terrifying, and magical. The reviewer wants to keep playing, discover secrets, fight every monster, and explore community dungeons.

100

God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Mar 23, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodborne is described as an epic, compelling, heart-pounding triumph with incredible atmosphere, immediate combat, impeccable level design, and minor performance issues, making it a gorgeous, grim, and gruelling adventure that is considered an essential exclusive for this generation.

Read full review

100

VideoGamer

PlayStation 4

Apr 1, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodborne is praised as the best game on PS4, combining the best elements of Demon's and Dark Souls. Despite some technical issues, the game's fast-paced combat, evolving environments, and overall experience make it a must-play for fans of the series.

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Mar 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodborne is a visionary work by a visionary artist, maintaining the spirit and uncompromising narrative of the Souls games while appealing to a wider audience. It is From Software's finest work to date.

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100

Telegraph

PlayStation 4

Mar 23, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodborne is a highly engaging and rewarding experience that is worth playing

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100

The Jimquisition

PlayStation 4

Mar 23, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Praised for its glorious yet grotesque world, offering a challenging and empowering RPG experience

100

Washington Post

PlayStation 4

Apr 6, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Bloodborne is the PS4's first killer app and that it feels like the culmination of the Souls series.

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100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Mar 24, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Bloodborne as an extraordinary game that subverts perceived wisdom about contemporary games. It praises the game's elegance, precision, humor, and challenge.

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100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Mar 23, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodborne is a challenging and rewarding experience that demands full attention and strategic thinking, offering a wonderful addition to the PS4 library that is highly recommended.

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100

New York Daily News

PlayStation 4

Mar 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodborne is a creative and technical masterpiece, blending easy-to-learn mechanics with challenging gameplay. It elevates the genre to an art form and is tremendously satisfying.