Summary
To this day,Bloodborneis still considered one of FromSoftware’s finest works. Why that is depends on the player asked, with reasons ranging from its fast-paced and satisfying combat to its unbroken gothic horror presentation, and everything in between. Even asElden Ringapproaches its DLC and new FromSoftware titles are rumored to be in development, fans are still adamant thatBloodborneneeds an updated re-release to iron out technical issues and get it on modern platforms.
Fortunately, games wearing theirBloodborneinspiration on their sleeves are beginning to hit the market.Thymesiawas a sterling indie effort, andLies of Precently proved it could merge bothBloodborneandSekiro’s gameplay, as well asPinocchioandBloodborne’s aesthetics. Gothic action and faster Soulslike gameplay are both being served up, but there is one more major gameplay facet toBloodbornethat FromSoftware should capitalize on in a future title.
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Chalice Dungeons Give Bloodborne A Roguelike Twist
The path throughBloodbornemay seem linear after a little while, with Hunters progressing through Yharnam, the Byrgenwerth College, Yahar’gul, and then the Nightmare of Mensis. There are a lot of side paths along the way, but they frequently end just after boss fights. Eventually, it becomes clear that the items earned from them correspond to a group of tombstones in the hub, leading to the Chalice Dungeons. After experiencing their initial offerings, many players reported disinterest, reacting similarly toElden Ring’s comparable bite-sized dungeons. However, that’s not the end of the Chalice Dungeons’ story.
The Secrets Hidden In Bloodborne’s Chalice Dungeons
Bloodborne’s Chalice Dungeons are essentially a side game accompanying the already sizable action RPG, and they emphasize a different side to it. While completing the various pre-designed Chalice Dungeons, players unlock randomized Root Chalices, and later Sinister and other variant Chalices, for extended play. Players can use many different offering materials to perform additional rites, which generate various enemies, treasures, and challenges. Once progress through the normal Chalice Dungeons is complete, the rest are only good for grinding out better Blood Gems and Caryll’s Runes, as well as seeingBloodborne’s obscure and cut content, but their ideas could be used for so much more.
FromSoftware Could Expand Bloodborne’s Roguelike Elements Into A Great Game
The Chalice Dungeons present a perfect template for a FromSoftware-made roguelike. It seems this was their goal, being remixed content with a focus on incrementally stronger upgrades, though they included fixed and PvP variants to bolster their lacking content. Actually crafting a full roguelike from these would take some work, but the end result could have all thestrengths of a typical FromSoftware Soulslike, alongside the infinite replayability of roguelikes. The narrative could be doled out at a similar pace toHades, with players expected to die many times as part of the story and gameplay loop. Later on, materials could be used to alter content, add challenges, and pursue specific sidequests as players continue gaining permanent upgrades.
FromSoftware and Roguelikes Cover Each Other’s Weaknesses
Perhaps the greatest benefit of a full roguelike would be how it could offset the Chalice Dungeons’ repetitive environments and senseless room layouts. The result could set a new example for the genre by skillfully combining strong level design, FromSoftware’s strength, with replay value. It’s even possible that something like a smaller, but permanent, version ofElden Ring’s open world could give way to randomized indoor or otherworldly dungeons, which could hold plenty of stat-boosting items, rare bosses, and mechanically-distinct weaponry to keep players coming back. Even ifBloodborne’s impressive Chalice Dungeonsonly expose their deepest secrets to the most dedicated Hunters, FromSoftware could rope so many more players in with a refined version of their approach.
Bloodborne
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets in order to survive.A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you’ll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city’s dark secrets.A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation(R)4 system.Ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to Explore: Use holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.
