Bloodborne is without a doubt my favorite FromSoft game. The combat is bloody and visceral. The atmosphere and setting is positively gripping. Sound design and animation is top notch. It is a joy and wonder to play.
With game after game of dark, gothic medieval fantasy, FromSoft settings seem a bit same-y to me. Granted, art direction is consistently strong in these games, but I can only take so many poison swamps and zombies in armor. By setting its world in a monster-infested, cramped Victorian hellscape, From Soft is playing to its strengths while taking the world building and visuals in a whole different direction. The sights, sounds, and creatures in the world of Bloodborne feel wholly unique, yet resonant in a way that makes me hungry for more. The story is fascinating, and with the game slowly peeling back the layers of who controls what, I feel that it is a great commentary on cycles of exploitation.
The combat is simply incredible. Monsters are fast and their attacks feel overwhelming. Without a block option, the game forces you to engage in figuring out it's enemies. Often their attacks make them fly forward, so back rolling is not really an option. The trick weapon system lets the player change their combat styles depending on the situation at hand. Each boss is terrifying and imaginative. Parrying with your gun feels amazing. I think this is one of the best combat systems I have ever played in.
Bloodborne definitely gains a lot from shaking off some of the systemic cruft of Dark Souls. Dark Souls has a minimalistic atmosphere, but often has a ton of obtuse and confusing systems get in the way of enjoying it. Figuring out a build in DS or ER requires a lot of research. In Bloodborne, weapon upgrades are simple and reversible. Co-op is easier to understand. Stats are simplified and make a lot more direct sense to your build. Levels are more linear, which honestly makes the game feel a lot more focused. There are a lot fewer weapons, with trick weapons pulling double duty. All in all, the game seems to pull a lot of its simpler, more elegant ethos from other Studio Japan titles like Ico. It is definitely to its favor.
In terms of ludonarritive, the game does an amazing job. NPCs are consistently interesting. The Insight mechanic is inspired. The way the environment changes as you play makes it extremely rewarding to backtrack. The way the game transitions from traditional horror to cosmic horror is incredible.
Level design is top notch. It has the same verticality as other Soulslikes, but without a lot of run backs. The fast travel is tasteful with the tombstones at the hunters dream. Environments are varied with not a ton of re-used creatures. The optional area is incredibly refreshing at the point of the game you get to it.
For being such a great example of its genre, the game actually has a surprising amount of issues. The biggest being chalice dungeons. After you go through 3-5 floors of chalice dungeons, you have seen all there is to see. More than any other levels, the enemies feel cheap and overpowered. Other than some cool bosses, the rewards are middling. They are easily the worst part of the game. Good thing they are mostly optional. I also have issues with the consumable blood vials. Getting stuck on a boss early and having to grind for blood vials feels awful. The first big skill check of the game, Father Gascoigne, had me grinding between each attempt. It was not a good time. I also feel that the Winter Lantern enemies are bullshit.
All of that being said, Bloodborne is one of my favorite games, and easily my favorite Soulslike. If you play, I also recommend picking up the DLC. Like every other fan of this game, I am hopelessly pulling through for a sequel and /or a PC port.