I Love Bloodborne by FromSoft but I’m Nervous About The Duskbloods on Switch 2

Bloodborne holds a special place in the heart of the writer, who views it as the most significant PlayStation game they have played. The gothic action RPG captures the essence of cosmic horror through its intricate world design and rich lore. The game’s interconnected layers and deep storytelling draw parallels to the works of H.P. Lovecraft, making it a standout title in FromSoftware’s library. Despite not being a hardcore player of Souls games, the writer’s fondness for Bloodborne is evident.

The announcement of The Duskbloods in the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event initially sparked excitement among fans, with many hoping for a Bloodborne sequel. However, as more details about the game surfaced, it became clear that The Duskbloods was not directly linked to the writer’s beloved Bloodborne. The shift to a player-vs-player experience with steampunk elements and a focus on multiplayer combat raised concerns for the writer, who prefers the solo, challenging nature of traditional Souls games. The prospect of participating in PvP battles in a FromSoftware game was not appealing to them.

The gameplay of The Duskbloods differs significantly from traditional FromSoftware titles, emphasizing a multiplayer experience with PvP elements. The absence of a confirmed single-player mode and the focus on PvP combat sets it apart from the immersive, solo quests found in games like Bloodborne and Elden Ring. While cooperative features and unique player interactions are highlighted by the developers, the forced PvP action remains a deterrent for the writer, who values the solo journey aspect of FromSoftware games. The shift towards a battle royale-style gameplay raises doubts about the game’s appeal to existing Souls fans.

The decision to make The Duskbloods a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing frustration over the limited platform availability. Despite the potential technological capabilities of the Switch 2, concerns about the online multiplayer experience and peer-to-peer networking persist, as FromSoftware’s past use of similar connections has led to issues with stability and performance. The writer questions the game’s ability to maintain fluid gameplay with eight players in a lobby and worries about the possibility of unbalanced encounters in a PvP-focused environment.

While acknowledging the potential for The Duskbloods to offer exciting gameplay features, such as cooperative boss battles and special objectives, the writer remains skeptical about the game’s overall appeal. The shift towards a multiplayer-only experience and the emphasis on PvP combat conflict with the writer’s preferences for immersive solo adventures in the worlds of Bloodborne and Elden Ring. The writer expresses a preference for cooperative play and exploration in FromSoftware games, highlighting their reluctance to embrace the competitive nature of The Duskbloods. Despite the game’s potential for success, the writer plans to stick to their preferred gaming experiences.

In conclusion, the writer’s personal attachment to Bloodborne and their affinity for traditional single-player experiences in FromSoftware games shape their perspective on The Duskbloods. While acknowledging the potential for innovative gameplay features and cooperative elements in the new title, the writer’s reservations about the shift towards PvP combat and multiplayer-focused gameplay highlight their reluctance to embrace the changes introduced by The Duskbloods. Ultimately, the writer’s preference for solo quests and immersive storytelling in games like Bloodborne sets the standard for their gaming experiences, leading them to approach The Duskbloods with cautious optimism.