Performance woes, chalice dungeon grinds and rude mob encounter design aside, it is hard to critique such a masterfully crafted game. Bloodborne's deeply disturbing Victorian atmosphere represents a crowning achievement in world building. FromSoftware's RPG elements shine here and lend themselves to a highly player tailored experience that allows for meaningful builds and proper self-expression. Bloodborne's unique combat, forgoing any traditional "blocking" option, shines thanks to the thoughtful tools provided to players and FromSoftware's impeccable attention to mechanics. As is standard with FS games, the boss encounters are spectacular highlights throughout this experience. It too was engrossing to slowly piece together how each demented looking beast, creature, or disfigured person ties into the game's overall lore. Few games reach such heights in both combat and world design, making Bloodborne a quintessential experience for those up for its challenge.