E3 2014: Geekscape Previews ‘Bloodborne’

We got to take a look at Bloodborne, the newest and coolest action RPG game from director Hidetaka Miyazaki (Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls), and it looks fantastic! Bloodborne was developed by FromSoftware and is a new story, not a sequel to Demon’s Souls. Though it is a similar 3rd person RPG, everything else is “very original to this brand new title” (Miyazaki).

At E3, Miyazaki lead a presentation highlighting the game followed by a game play demo. One of the major themes of Bloodborne is the exploration of the unknown in a broad sense. They want players to explore and learn more about the world of the game. You will “venture into a deeply-layered universe laden with mystery cradled by a fresh game concept” (according to the presentation).

This game will feature truly perilous combat where each battle will feel like it is for your life!

They made the enemies something to be truly feared. When you “face an enemy [you are] facing death” (Miyazaki). The euphoria of victory will be worth it after experiencing the “terror of spine tingling battles”(Miyazaki). Now, of course you will need to be equipped with weapons to face these horrific creatures head on. There will be trick weapons and firearms. During the demo, they stated that the game will have a unique online concept but they could not go into further detail.

The game play is a work in progress, but they are past the alpha stage. Miyazaki mentioned there might be flaws in the demo and to “please be gentle”; which got a few chuckles in the room. So, if you caught the clip going around online of someone who snuck footage of the game play, that is not the final version of the game.

The story takes place in the fictional city of Yharnam around the 19th century. The Victorian architecture is gorgeous! The look was inspired by Victorian gothic, with gas lamps, fog, well worn cobblestone streets and an overall sense of  a cold dark wet place. There is a curse, illness or plague that has transformed people into terrible beasts.

The night starts off with a beast hunt but things are not as they appear. Your weapon is a transforming saw that can extend its reach for a powerful attack or you can use it as is. Also, you can transform it mid way through an attack. Weapons can be used in a variety of ways and it is up to the player as to how they want to use them.

Players will be challenged to think on their toes because enemies will not be placed statically; they will move around. This was demonstrated when the bell tolled and the mob that was gathered in the courtyard dispersed into the city.

– Guns will not be useful for sniping but rather they are more effective at close range, like a shotgun.

– You can team up with another hunter (NPC). If you help them, they can come to your aid.

– The map is extensive and complex but you will be able to unlock shortcuts.

Following the game play demo there was a Q&A.

Though there is a horse in one of the trailers there is no mount in the game at this time.

Is there an easy setting? No. Even Miyazaki himself said he is not a master of action games but he does not want people to give up. He enjoys overcoming the challenge and he wants the same for you.

Miyazaki did not want to name the influences for the game because he felt it would give away hints of what is to come in Bloodborne. However, once the game ships he said he would say more.

How will death work in the game? They are still fine tuning the weight of the “death penalty”. They do not want it to be more stress on the player or be what stops a player from playing the game. Miyazaki explained that even though you die, you want to get back and challenge it, which is a delicate balance.

Will there be safe zones? Yes! “We will have a safe zone so you can have your zen moment” (Miyazaki).

Will stamina be a factor? Yes.

Hope you enjoyed our in-depth look at Bloodborne. This game looks stunning and definitely looks like a thrilling game to play!