To end the nightmare, hunt the beast in blood. Bloodborne," an action RPG set in Yarnam, a city of disease and medicine [Memories Game Review #3

This is a project in which the author will introduce some of the games he has played and recommended in the past. In this third installment, I will introduce "Bloodborne," an action RPG and PlayStation 4 title released in 2015. (Images in the article were taken with "Bloodborne The Old Hunters Edition")

The dark and stagnant city of Yarnum and the spreading "beast disease

The setting of "Bloodborne" is a town called Yanam, an ancient city. The streets through the city are lined with historical brick buildings, and gas lamps, elaborate statues, and metalwork can be seen along the streets. The location of Yarnam is not clear, but it seems certain that it was inspired by 19th-century London, as the official website describes it as "19th-century Victorian" and "different from the London of the same period.

A plague called the "beast disease" has long been rampant in Yarnam, and a single bout of it can drive a person insane. The "hunters" go out into the city at night to hunt those affected by the beast disease. On the other hand, Yanam encourages medical treatment, and many sick people come to the city to seek it.

As entertainment, games usually have a redeeming quality, but not in "Bloodborne. Depressing and gruesome are appropriate words to describe a city that is about to perish as disease ravages it. Even the few characters who remain sane seem more resigned than optimistic, and there is not a shred of hope in sight. The player who visits Yanam in search of medical care becomes a hunter, roaming the city and hunting down the afflicted who roam the streets like vagabonds. As in From Software's previous titles such as "Demon's Souls" and "Dark Souls," there is no overall map, and players must wander around the town on their own, as the structure of the game can only be learned by heart. Although it is possible to move to each area via a base called "Hunter's Dream," there is no fast-travel function, which is a trend in recent games. However, in the case of this game, "exploration" is an important element, so the inconvenience is more than enough to make the experience pleasant. Since this is a "game of death," you shouldn't move around too much, but it does make you wonder what is at the end of the corridor. You might get strong equipment, or you might die because of enemies or traps. Bloodborne" balances the gloomy, horrifying atmosphere with the curiosity to find out what is there because of the lack of information.

Because of the harshness of the world, the moment a safe route is constructed or a shortcut is opened and the map is connected, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled!

A system that produces high-speed combat and deadly battles of hunters who wash blood with blood.

The unique combat style of this work, in which "trap weapons" are used in the right hand and "firearms" in the left, can be described as extremely aggressive. The "trick weapon" is characterized by the fact that a single weapon has two forms, changing from a short sword to a large sword, from a curved sword to a scythe, from a staff to a whip, and so on. The attack motion and reach also change with each form. The weapon can be used in two different ways, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Every movement of the weapon, up to its transformation, is finely rendered. The mechanism that drives the weapon as it attacks is a romantic touch!

There are six player statuses: physical strength, endurance, muscular strength, skill, blood quality, and mystery. The status can be strengthened in exchange for "blood wills" obtained by defeating enemies or using certain items.

Unlike trick weapons that consume stamina to wield, "firearms" consume a special item called "mercury bullets," so they are not the mainstay of the game. However, if a firearm is fired at an enemy at the same moment he is attacked, it is possible to greatly disorient him. The "visceral attack," which can be launched by approaching the enemy during this gap, is extremely powerful and can deal a single blow to almost any enemy, even small fry. Even bosses can be dealt a heavy damage. Shields are also included among the firearms, but they are very difficult to handle in this game, where many enemies are very quick. The basic rule is that the player must fight at high speed, making full use of steps and dashes.

In addition to trick weapons, firearms, and visceral attacks, "regain" is an essential part of this work's combat. This allows the player to regain lost strength by attacking the enemy immediately after taking damage. Normally, players would retreat and use recovery items after taking damage, but in "Bloodborne," this regain can be used to attack in the opposite direction. In "Bloodborne," however, the player can take advantage of this regain and attack in the opposite direction. This kind of tactical game also highlights the theme of this title, "Fight to the Death".

One of the elements that strengthens the player is the "Karelian Script. When equipped, it has various effects, such as increasing the maximum amount of "blood transfusion fluid," a recovery medicine, and increasing the effectiveness of regain.

The action is high in this high-speed, evasive battle, and since this is a "game to the death," the difficulty level naturally increases. Perhaps for this reason, the breakthrough rate for Father Gascoigne, the first boss in the story, was 45.8% as of February 26, 2021 (see trophy "Father Gascoigne"). . In other words, one out of every two people is eliminated in the early stages of the game.

Thankfully, as in "Demon's Souls" and "Dark Souls," you can keep patiently defeating enemies to raise your level and force your way through with a difference in status. If the "chalice dungeon" changes its structure each time you enter it, you can efficiently obtain "blood wills" needed for leveling up and items used in battle. While the chalice dungeon is also used to help beginners, it is interesting to note that it is also often used for the purpose of carefully selecting "bloodstones" obtained from defeating bosses, and functions as end content for advanced players. The internet is a popular source of information about the Holy Grail dungeon, so if you are just starting out, it is recommended that you recruit some helpers.

Equipping a weapon with a blood crystal stone will give it a special effect.

Unfathomable Worldview

Looking at "Bloodborne" from the perspective of its story and worldview, it would not be surprising if it were considered an indie game. FromSoftware's method of gathering bits and pieces of information and connecting the dots to create a story is a promise of FromSoftware, but it's also very far-fetched. Why did the main character come to Yanam, what does "blue blood" mean, the origins of the various forces such as "Birgenworth" and the "Medical Association," and what happened at the ending? There is food for thought, but it is more hinted at and hidden than in "Demon's Souls" or "Dark Souls," so it is like grabbing a cloud.

As the story progresses, many who played the film may have noticed that what was supposed to be a gothic horror story with mystical elements involved somehow transformed into a cosmic horror story about the horrors of the universe. You were supposed to be hunting beasts, but you find yourself fighting supernatural beings called "superiors. As the "Starry-eyed Hunter's Proof" says, "In other words, isn't the very universe right here on earth?" and "We are too low in the dimension of thought. We need more eyes." The meaning of the flavor text on the weapons and items becomes clear later in the story. This is the moment when you realize how crazy the city of Yanam is.

As I mentioned in my previous article on "SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE," flavor text is an essential part of From Software's titles. When you are exposed to such excellent dialogue and word choice as the above, your view of the world is instantly broadened. Anyone can use a phrase like that, but adding depth and skill to it is a different story. Personally, I love being exposed to high-quality texts in this way, not only as a fan but also as a writer in my own right.

In an article published in "Corocoro Online" last year, "Bloodborne" producer Makiaki Yamazaki stated, "There are no official materials for the story of this work, and each person in charge of the story, after hearing from the director, Eitaka Miyazaki, takes notes and creates his own personal materials. Mr. Akira Makoto stated, "There are no official documents for the story of this work. Whether the fact that the answers exist only in Mr. Miyazaki's head was intentional or accidental is not known, but it is typical of "Bloodborne," which is littered with such unobtainable elements as "higher-dimensional thinking" and "getting pupils in the brain.

The story is for everyone, but the battles are for everyone. Not only the aggressive high-speed combat of "Bloodborne," but also "Demon's Souls" and "Dark Souls," with its parry and backstab, and " Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice," with its fierce sword fights and deadly strikes. No change. FromSoftware's creations are first and foremost about the player's gaming experience. This is a promise of games that has not changed since the days of arcades, before they could be played on TV. The fact that this title, which could be called a "cult game" if you look at the story alone, is selling well around the world is evidence of its ability to strike the right balance between battle, exploration, and other aspects of the game.

Between the "DARK SOULS" series

The "Dark Souls" series has been on a roll, with "Dark Souls" in 2011 and "Dark Souls II" in 2014, and the world has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a sequel. In the midst of all this, "Bloodborne" was released in 2015. Considering that "DARK SOULSII" and "Bloodborne" were released about a year apart, and considering the development period, the decision to release "Bloodborne" before "DARK SOULSIII" must have been made very early. I wonder how much pressure they were under at the time to create a completely new title that would betray the expectations of the "DARK SOULS" series, which was still awaiting release.

At any rate, the completely new "Bloodborne" has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, and fans are still clamoring for a sequel nearly six years after its release. And just as the series was winding down with the release of "Dark Souls III," we now have "Déraciné," a new PS VR adventure. Perhaps From Software's strength lies in its seemingly old-fashioned, craftsman-like approach to creating what they can and want to create now, rather than following the times or current trends.

(Text by Yoshi Natsumashiuchi)

Work Information: Bloodborne; Genre: Action RPG; Compatibility: PS4; Players: 1 (Online: 1-5 players); CERO: D (for ages 17 and up); Release date: Now on sale; Price:; Playstation Hits Edition: 1,990 yen (excluding tax); The Old Hunters Edition: 3,990 yen (excluding tax); Downloadable content alone: 2,000 yen (excluding tax)

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