From Software’s 2015 game Bloodborne may not have been the best-selling title of the 2010s, or even the year of its release, but it has stood the test of time as one of the best horror games of all time in the decade since its release, boldly injecting eerie cosmic horror and gothic aesthetics to create a visceral and haunting nightmare that still resonates with fans today.
Directed by Dark Souls and Elden Ring legend Hidetaka Miyazaki, Bloodborne follows a gun-toting, nameless beast-killing hunter as he adventures through the darkness of the Gothic dilapidated Yharnam in search of answers and relief from the never-ending battle. Along their journey, they come face-to-face with unexplainable abominations, fellow hunters succumbed to madness and grief, and uncover a webbed mystery that causes Yharnam to collapse into a realm of chaos and violence.
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Like FromSoftware’s other titles, the game is extremely tough, with a punishing and sophisticated combat system that rewards repetitive practice and muscle memory. Personally, I would argue that this was one of the most challenging, but as such, it felt tremendously satisfying when it clicked. When this game first launched, many people were put off by its difficulty, but after the huge success of Elden Ring, I think many players are now more experienced and ready for Yharnam’s nightmarish challenges. However, unlike Elden Ring, I think it has a much more intuitive level design, making it easier to navigate and get through without getting stuck or hitting insurmountable obstacles.
Thematically, Bloodborne is influenced by authors such as HP Lovecraft and Bram Stoker, exploring concepts such as nihilistic cosmic horror, mental illness, social decline, and the cost of intelligence. It also focuses explicitly on femininity, the role of women in society, the potential body horror of creating life within one’s own body, and how societal pressures can drive even the strongest to despair. The game’s themes are multifaceted, nuanced, and debatable, but more than any other “Soulslike” game, it’s inspired hundreds of great video essays online, like the one linked below.
With the game celebrating its 10th anniversary, there’s no better time to revisit it and explore the haunting darkness of its world. It may have more action and more complex RPG elements than most horror gamers would prefer, but it’s still a frightening and exhilarating game that’s worth jumping into and spending your time with. Since then, an adaptation has been published by Titan Comics, with a multiplayer spiritual sequel, Duskbloods, set to be released for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game has built a healthy and devoted cult fanbase, selling over 7 million copies as of 2022. There’s also a great DLC called The Old Hunters, which is one of the best pieces of downloadable content to ever grace a major video game, and includes some of the best games. The (and most difficult) boss fight in the game. If you dare, dive into the nightmarish horrors of space. And remember. We are born of blood, created by blood, and restored by blood. Fear the old blood.
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Something like this:
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