‘Bloodborne’: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

In 2014, gamers got a good look at some leaked screenshots for something real special. In its 1st incarnation, this title was referred to as “Project Beast.” Most insiders believed it to be something related to a past classic, Demon’s Souls. Once the official unveiling for this title came to pass, gamers everywhere discovered that “Project Beast” did in fact have something to do with the Demon’s/Dark Souls series.

That game has been officially given its proper name – Bloodborne. This dark, gritty and hardcore action RPG has turned into one of 2015’s most anticipated games. Hardcore gamers who’ve dealt with the punishing difficulty of Demon’s/Dark Souls will most certainly appreciate this brand new IP.

Get to know everything there is to know about the dark Sony PS4 exclusive, Bloodborne.

1. Bloodborne Comes From the Developers Behind Dark/Demon’s Souls

From Software, the main development team behind the creation of Bloodborne, has worked on past games that have elements present within their newest release. Along with those past titles, From Software’s other game credits include King’s Field, Armored Core, Tenchu, Otogi etc. The main game director for Bloodborne is Hidetaka Miyazaki, who’s worked on both the Armored Core and Demon’s/Dark Souls series.

2. The Plot Takes Place Within a Gothic City Called Yharnam

Bloodborne places you in the boots of a would-be traveler, who makes the trek to the gothic city of Yharnam. Like your chosen character, several other folks within the game’s world make the pilgrimage to Yharnam in order to seek out the cure for their afflictions.

Yharnam supposedly houses a very potent medical remedy, but it has also been stricken by an endemic illness that has turned its citizens into monsters. You’ll have to venture into this ruined city, fend off the beasts and many other baddies that block your path and discover the proper cure for your illness.

3. This Demon’s/Dark Souls Inspired Game Has a Bigger Focus on Offensive Play

Unlike Demon’s/Dark Souls focus on defensive combative play, Bloodborne’s gameplay is much more equipped for more offensive-minded players. You’ll venture through dark, cavernous areas that are filled with hordes of dangerous enemies.

Your custom character is much more agile than the warriors created in Demon’s/Dark Souls, which means you’ll be able to contend with your enemies thanks to the use of quick dashing maneuvers. Since your character won’t have much access to defensive gear, you’ll have to make great use of your melee and ranged weaponry.

4. Bloodborne Adopts a Health Regain System That Sets it Apart From its Inspirations

A special mechanic in the game will make Bloodborne a bit more approachable for those who haven’t experienced the difficulty of Demon’s/Dark Souls. There will be a health regain system, which comes into play during battle. As you take damage from your enemies, you’ll get the chance to get back some of your lost health by counter-attacking your enemy within a certain time range.

The damage dealt to your character will turn orange on your life bar at first, which signifies that this bit of health can be regained if you do what’s required. If you don’t attack your enemy in time though, you’ll lose that health for good.

5. One of the Bigger Features of the Game is Its Chalice Dungeons

Chalice Dungeons are the game’s version of procedurally-generated stages. These massive dungeons present a new challenge and layout every time you enter it. Heading into these Chalice Dungeons are a huge risk, but there’s tons of awards to be gained once inside. These dungeons can be tackled by yourself or alongside a 2nd online player.

6. There’s a Wide Range of Weaponry You Character Can Wield and There’s Tons of Beasts to Contend With

Players will get access to a wide range of melee and ranged weaponry. The melee weapons have the ability to transform between two weapon formations. The Saw Cleaver has a close-range form (capable of quick attacks) and a long-range form (capable of heavier, more powerful sweeping attacks. As for the Hunter Axe, its short form does well enough for close-range fights. But its extended form yields to wider attacks that can wipe out multiple enemies in one shot.

Special firearms can also be taken into battle, which can be used to stun enemies. Stunned enemies can then be taken down with critical hit Visceral Attacks. The game’s bestiary consists of the following transformed baddies – the Hunter Mob, Wheelchair Mob and bosses such as the Darkbeast and Cleric Beast.

7. There are Elements of Competitive and Co-Op Play

There are two cases of multiplayer gameplay available in Bloodborne. The competitive gameplay comes into shape in the form of player invasions. Two guest players can even invade your world and contend with you in battle. Once the in-game Bell Ringer woman shows up due to the Sinister Resonant Bell being used, guest players show up to face you in battle. If the guest players is victorious against thier rival, they’ll head back to their hub world with a huge reward.

The co-op sessions allow up to three characters taking on the main boss at hand. The main player will be able to invite two guests with the use of the Beckoning Bell item. Matching up with other co-op characters happens automatically and random, which means you’ll never know who may show up. However, you’ll have the option to set a password for your session. Your friends will be able to enter your world once they use that password to locate your game session. Guest characters can leave your session at any time by using the Silencing Blank item. Defeating the main boss of a cop-op session means guest characters will return to their world with big rewards, too.

8. Asynchronous Network Features Will Also Be Included

For fans of Demon’s/Dark Souls, the asynchronous network features present in Bloodborne should be familiar to them. You’ll be able to leave notes around the game world for other players, have your cause of death be seen through the use of Specter tombstones and spot player ghosts running around the same area as you.

9. Pre-Orders of the Game Comes with a Special Character Skin

Pre-ordering a copy of Bloodborne will gift players with the special “Top Hat” Messenger skin DLC. Here’s the official description of what this costume set entails straight from the game’s official website:

Pre-order Bloodborne and receive Top Hat Messenger skin DLC for use in the game. Messengers are nightmare creatures that hold your messages for other players, and guard your tombstone upon your death so other players can catch a glimpse of your final moments of life. This unique skin lets your personal messengers don stylish top hats wherever they go.

Buy Bloodborne here.

10. There’s a Special Collector’s and Nightmare Edition for the Game

A special Collector’s Edition of Bloodborne is available for those who want a grander version of the game. It comes with the following physical/digital add-on’s to the standard game disc:

– a premium SteelBook Game Case
– a premium art book
– a digital soundtrack

In a cool exclusive gift to UK gamers, there’s also a Nightmare Edition available for those who pre-order Bloodborne. It comes with a great mix of content along with the game itself, which are all listed below:

– a premium SteelBook case
– a premium art book
– a digital soundtrack
– a gothic notebook
– a quill & red ink set
– the “Top Hat” Messenger skin
– an in-game Bell Trinket

Buy the Collector’s Edition of Bloodborne here.