A Bloodborne Haiku
Why oh why, I died?
This isn't fair, I DID dodge
I'll get it next time!
From Software (the company behind the Souls games, Demon Souls, Dark Souls, Dark Souls 2) has released a new epic adventure. Steeped in H.P. Lovecraft themes and ideals that will succeed in creeping you out and causing you to rage from head to toe. Like the other games in the Demon and Dark souls series this game is incredibly difficult and will push your patience and skills to the limit. Since there are games out there that reward us in similar ways as these games and with far less difficulty, the question is why are these games so popular and is Bloodborne different from the other games from From Software?
The simple answer is Dopamine and yes its different. You are probably here about video games and not chemical reactions within the brain, so I will wrap the neuro-speak up with a simple explanation. When the trophy/achievement notification pops up on your screen, or you get to the victory screen of a video game your brain rewards you with a dose of Dopamine. The victory high you get or the euphoric feeling of relief and satisfaction.
What separates most games from From Softwares souls games is that most games over load you with rewards and achievements. "Congrats you pushed the jump button" and "Good job you made it through the tutorial" are cheap thrills for our brains, the more we are used to it the more our brain ignores it. I have never played a series of games that makes you work for victory like the Souls games and now Bloodborne.
That's why we punish ourselves with the struggle of these games because the victory highs are that much better and worth while.
So is Bloodborne different from the other souls games? The answer is a resounding yes that can not be over simplified. Like my last post these 2 games or series are similar enough, but to call them duplicates or clones would be a huge mistake.
First off you have to notice the themes. Dark Souls 1&2 and Demon Souls are games heavily into a fantasy theme. Dragons and Orcs, Goblins and Gargoyles. Wizards and witches and classical weaponry. Large axes and long swords, fireballs and lightning bolts. In constrast, Bloodborne is grounded heavily in Cthulhu Mythos. Mysterious cults and ancient beings. Insanity and werewolves and dark creatures. Weapons in Bloodborne are modern tools like pistols and blunderbusses (Shotguns), Axes and pole arms, swords and hammers. These are where the differences begin and the gameplay branches from that to differentiate the games further.
The Souls games are rewarding to patient players who know their enemies. Monster have precise movements that might not be elaborately telegraphed but you can always know what the enemy is doing. Defending is a great way to counter enemies and even open up opportunities to strike. Bloodborne on the other hand rewards the players who are quicker on their feet and can spot an opening. There is no defending in Bloodborne, its kill or be killed, though there is room for proper dodging.
My closing point would be that Bloodborne is not an easy game and will make you work for your just desserts. Is it worth it? In my mind there is no doubt. If you are new to the style of game Bloodborne is a good starting place. Also if you are a veteran of the Souls series you will be in familiar territory, but do not sit on your habits from the Souls games.
Good Hunting!
-Mepfistamor
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