For players that seek brutally difficult, yet immensely satisfying gameplay experience, FromSoftware’s catalogue of titles is a perfect match. FromDark SoulstoSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the company has released a bevy of hardcore adventures over the past two console generations. One of the most critically acclaimed from the studio’s repertoire is 2015’sBloodborne, a gothic fantasy nightmare world, with an even strong emphasis on offensive combat rather than the usual defensive style in otherSoulslikegames.
The fan-favorite FromSoftware title has been at the forefront of conversation for years when it comes to games worthy of a remaster or sequel. Recently, these hopes may have been answered after aPS5 exclusive FromSoftware game titledVelvet Veilleaked online, quickly making the rounds among interested fans. The game is allegedly very similar in toBloodborne, both in terms of style and overall gameplay. As these things go, its always best to take rumors and leaks with a grain of salt. However, even ifVelvet Veilisn’t what fans expect (or isn’t real at all), there is still hope for a true spiritual successor toBloodbornein the future.
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Bloodborne’s Popularity and Success
As stated,Bloodborneis a popular title and its success cannot be overstated. Whether being examined as one of the best PS4 exclusives or compared to other offeringsFromSoftwarehas released, it’s praise is almost universally positive. The Souls/Soulslikegenre of games is a hot trend nowadays, with many imitators trying to claim a piece of the pie that FromSoftware helped pioneer. However, when all these similar titles are compared,Bloodbornetends to rise near the top as one of the best of the bunch.
This rampant popularity is surely a factor that Sony and FromSoftware have noticed over the years, prompting conversation for what could possibly done with the franchise going forward. Sequels and remasters are a common occurrence in the video game industry, with a desire to tap into fan interests and nostalgia. FromSoftware’s 2009 title that started it all recently received a remake, withDemon’s Soulson PS5. So although FromSoftware doesn’t seem particularly interested in direct sequels going forward, the studio’s love for spiritual successors still keeps hope alive.
FromSoftware: Bloodborne and Spiritual Successors
Aside fromtheDark Soulstrilogy, none of the other Soulslike games FromSoftware has made have ever received a proper sequel. However, although other FromSoftware games likeSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceandElden Ringare not direct sequels to pre-established titles, they do share a common theme. In terms of these Soulslike games, the similarities are not just in the brutal gameplay, but also in the themes and overall art style.
Demon’s Soulsin 2009 was the first to tackle this style of game, which was then further refined inDark Soulstwo years later. The foundation was built upon, and the improvements/additions inDark Soulswere clear as day to make it a spiritual successor (not to mention sharing the same second name in the title). Fast forward to the present, and the recent reveal trailer forElden Ringhas prompted gamers online to dub the game as anopen worldDark Souls. This makes sense, especially with the similar tone, freakish creatures, and haunting music.
FromSoftware likes to take its prior concepts and progress, then bring these into future projects as opposed to making direct sequels.Bloodborne’svisceral combat perhaps influencedSekiro’sfighting system, just as its gothic architecture may be seen in elements ofDark Souls 3andElden Ring. Based on this recurring pattern with how FromSoftware approaches developing its products, the essence of whatBloodbornewill surely pop up again, even if it isn’t in the form ofVelvet Veil.
