Bloodborne (PS4): 8.5 / 10
No game has sucked me in like Bloodborne in a very long time, it is certainly an intense experience. But there still are some jarring aspects about it that I can't quite ignore.
What I loved:
- The Level Design
Each map is like a piece of art and an intricate puzzle. The way the paths branch out and in the end lead back to some amazing short cut is incredibly well done. So much fun to explore, and so many "oh wow, THAT'S where I am!" moments.
- The Atmosphere
Graphics style, sound design, character design - they form a very moody and frightening whole. The whole game feels like a feverish nightmare, and I love it.
- The Kirkhammer
Best weapon ever!
- The Core Gameplay
Fighting my way through the maps, learning the ins and outs, trying not to die before you open the next shortcut, finding secrets, I loved every second of it. The combat mechanics are tight and just complex enough to set it apart from normal hack'n'slashes. Each map added something new that made me rethink my strategy. It's a very well designed game.
What I didn't like:
- No Pause Function
To me, there is just no excuse for this. Especially in offline mode, there is absolutely no reason not to allow me to pause the game. It adds nothing. What, do we just assume that the player's phone or doorbell never rings, that the baby never starts crying, that I never have to pee or get a glass of water? If you don't want me to open the inventory and adjust weapons and stats while pausing, that's fine and well and adds to the difficulty. But not allowing pausing altogether is insulting.
- The Boss Fights
There, I said it. I know they are a Souls series hallmark, and I didn't HATE them, but I simply enjoyed them way less than the rest of the game. To me, they were an annoyance that kept me from exploring the next map. Perhaps Shadow of the Colossus set the bar too high for boss fights?
- Long Path from Checkpoint to Boss Fight
Very annoying to have to fight your way through half the map again to take another shot at the boss. It just becomes tedious, and you practically race through it with your eyes closed at some point, so it feels like a deliberate time waster. Most maps were generous with the short cut placement, but some were terrible. (Looking at you, Forbidden Forest!)
- The Story-Telling
I can appreciate obscurity, and I understand what they wanted to do here. But I think telling a slightly more coherent and gripping story would have made the experience even more intense for me.
All in all, I think it is an amazing game that rewards you for your patience and perseverance. It can be hard as nails, but I never found it unfair. Looking forward to trying Dark Souls, but for now I am taking a break to regain some sanity.
