this is one of the better souls games, and i think it has to do with the theme most of all. it's fresh and pretty captivating, combat is a step forward from dark souls (weapon modalities add expression, build variety and dopeness) and a step backwards from dark souls (parrying is stupid in this game, dodge steps feel janky). its a kick ass spin off with no real issues compared to other souls games, aside from maybe some clearly overtuned bosses here and there, but what's new aside from the eldritch coat of paint?

Bloodborne is a mesmerizing action RPG developed by FromSoftware, renowned for their masterful creations in the genre. Set in the gothic city of Yharnam, players are thrust into a nightmarish world plagued by eldritch horrors, where they must unravel the mysteries of the city's curse and uncover its dark secrets.

At the core of Bloodborne lies its hauntingly atmospheric world design. Yharnam is a labyrinthine metropolis filled with twisted streets, towering spires, and labyrinthine alleyways, all cloaked in an eerie fog and bathed in the glow of a blood-red moon. From the decrepit halls of the Healing Church to the forbidden depths of the Chalice Dungeons, each location is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of dread and foreboding, drawing players deeper into the game's nightmarish embrace.

The game's narrative unfolds gradually, through cryptic item descriptions, enigmatic NPC dialogue, and environmental storytelling. Players assume the role of a Hunter, drawn to Yharnam in search of a cure for an unspecified ailment. As they delve deeper into the city's dark heart, they uncover a web of conspiracy, madness, and cosmic horror that threatens to consume them whole.

Gameplay in Bloodborne is fast-paced and unforgiving, emphasizing quick reflexes, precise timing, and strategic thinking. Combat is visceral and frenetic, with players wielding an arsenal of melee weapons, firearms, and supernatural abilities to dispatch the city's twisted inhabitants. Each encounter is a test of skill and endurance, with enemies ranging from deranged townsfolk and grotesque beasts to towering monstrosities and eldritch abominations.

Exploration is also a key aspect of the gameplay, with hidden shortcuts, secret passages, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered around every corner. The world of Yharnam is filled with lore and backstory, with players piecing together the city's history and unraveling its mysteries through exploration and observation.

Visually, Bloodborne is a marvel of artistic design, with stunning graphics that bring its dark and brooding world to life in vivid detail. The character and creature designs are grotesque and otherworldly, with every grotesque figure and twisted monstrosity oozing with malevolent intent. The environments are equally impressive, with intricate architecture, atmospheric lighting, and dynamic weather effects that enhance the game's sense of immersion and dread.

In conclusion, Bloodborne is a masterpiece of interactive storytelling and game design, offering players a dark and atmospheric journey through a nightmarish world of cosmic horror and eldritch abominations. With its hauntingly beautiful world design, intense combat mechanics, and deep lore, it stands as a shining example of the artistic potential of video games and a must-play experience for fans of the genre.

I can certainly see why so many people love this game. It's quick, it feels brutal and visceral and snappy and it looks great and sounds amazing. My single gripe is the frame rate, which I definitely got over when this became the only game I was playing for a month. I was reluctant the first time I tried to play it, and the second and third time too, I just couldn't get used to how it felt. And then I had to restart the game on my roommate's PS4 because I never uploaded my save data, and that was finally the playthrough to take me to the end. The truest ending too, I went all the way with Bloodborne and I recommend other people do too. My personal favorite weapon was the saw spear, I loved the gargoyle halberd in DS1 and when I saw a spear in this game it was love at first sight, even if I barely ever used the full spear form. If you own a PS4 or above, go buy and play this game. If Sony ever puts it on PC, I'll buy it in a heartbeat and do the DLC too, I couldn't buy the complete edition when it was on sale because I already had the base game through PS Plus unfortunately.