Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
As an avid enthusiast of action role-playing games, particularly those crafted by FromSoftware, I find myself reflecting on my experiences with their challenging titles. While I may not be the most seasoned veteran of the notoriously difficult Souls series, I have ventured into the worlds of the original Dark Souls, experienced the Demon’s Souls remake, and triumphed in the expansive Lands Between of Elden Ring. However, among the vast PlayStation library, Bloodborne, the PS4 exclusive, holds an unparalleled significance for me. This gothic masterpiece perfectly encapsulates the essence of cosmic horror, setting a high bar for Souls-like experiences, especially for fans eagerly awaiting news on Nintendo Switch 2 and potential new game announcements.
From the macabre streets of Yharnam to the shadowy floating islands of the Nightmare Frontier, few games capture the overwhelming sense of cosmic dread as effectively as FromSoftware’s gothic action RPG. The intricately connected layers of the game’s world are astounding, and the deep lore intertwining ancient deities, primordial humans, and the contemporary Healing Church evokes the chilling narratives of H.P. Lovecraft.
Therefore, during the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct presentation, the unveiling of The Duskbloods caused a surge of anticipation within me.
An opening scene featuring a clocktower and dialogue referencing moonlight, coupled with the introduction of monster hunter protagonists described as having “transcended human strength” due to “special bloods,” strongly suggested to many, myself included, that this was the Bloodborne sequel fans have anticipated for years.
However, the emergence of more steampunk-inspired elements, such as a jetpack and automatic firearms, came as a slight disappointment. It became clear that this project lacked a direct connection to my beloved FromSoftware title. Despite this, the aesthetic of The Duskbloods still holds appeal, leaving me curious about the final product.
As further details about FromSoftware’s latest endeavor emerge, my initial enthusiasm is beginning to wane, and I’m increasingly doubtful that this game will resonate with my preferences.
Skepticism Towards Player-versus-Player Focus in New FromSoftware Title
The concept of eight players engaging in a chaotic melee within a setting reminiscent of Yharnam may appeal to some, but it deviates from my ideal gaming experience.
Typical Soulsborne games provide an expansive single-player journey, urging players to leverage their character’s abilities to overcome demanding obstacles. These are lengthy, challenging campaigns fundamentally centered on solitary exploration into daunting, unknown territories.
Dedication to understanding enemy attack patterns, strategic stat allocation, and mastery of the combat system enables players to defeat formidable knights and colossal monsters alike.
Player invasions, while present, are often perceived as brief and disruptive interludes, devolving into frantic combat until one player is vanquished. For me, these moments represent a less desirable aspect of the FromSoftware experience.
In contrast, The Duskbloods is described as an eight-player “PvPvE” experience, positioning players against each other as well as environmental threats.
Currently, no dedicated single-player mode has been announced, and unlike a cooperative, deeply challenging Souls adventure such as Elden Ring: Nightreign, the primary focus appears to be on competitive multiplayer, at least based on current information. The possibility remains that FromSoftware might subtly incorporate PvP elements into the Elden Ring spin-off, creating more similarities than initially apparent.
The Duskbloods‘ emphasis on forced PvP combat is a significant deterrent for me, as FromSoftware’s PvP design has never appealed to my gaming preferences. Despite intriguing elements in the trailers, the core concept of a FromSoftware battle royale-style experience is unexciting. This dramatic shift in gameplay diverges significantly from the experiences familiar to many Souls fans and feels profoundly disconnected.
To be clear, certain aspects of The Duskbloods sound promising. FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki has indicated that not every match will be a straightforward free-for-all. Between Nightreign and The Duskbloods, observing how the developer fosters cooperative gameplay among multiple participants will be interesting.
“Players may be tasked with teaming up to confront a powerful boss enemy, or find themselves in other unique scenarios,” Miyazaki stated in an interview on Nintendo’s website. Character customization will include selecting a role, influencing objectives during a match.
“In online play, roles assign players specific responsibilities and goals that often lead to distinctive interactions and relationships,” Miyazaki explained. “[One] example is ‘Destined Companion,’ where one player must locate another designated as their companion, resulting in a special reward upon forming a bond.”
While I appreciate the inclusion of cooperative elements in The Duskbloods, the mandatory PvP component remains a significant concern that may prevent me from fully engaging with the game. Similar to earlier FromSoftware Souls titles, Bloodborne allowed cooperative play for boss encounters, yet the central campaign remained primarily a solitary undertaking, which was a key appeal.
Questioning the Choice of The Duskbloods for Nintendo Partnership
FromSoftware’s inaugural multiplayer-focused Souls game being a Switch 2 exclusive is perplexing.
Some FromSoftware enthusiasts have expressed discontent online regarding the Switch 2 exclusivity of The Duskbloods. Personally, I am not opposed to FromSoftware collaborating with Nintendo to develop an exclusive title for their upcoming console.
Early reports suggest the Switch 2 possesses significantly upgraded hardware compared to its predecessor. If the Switch 2 can handle games like Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077 (albeit at a potentially lower frame rate and when docked), it should capably run The Duskbloods. My enjoyment of Bloodborne at 30 frames per second demonstrates that frame rate is not a primary issue for me.
However, I am troubled by the decision to make a multiplayer-centric project the singular FromSoftware collaboration with Nintendo. While Nintendo Switch Online has improved compared to Nintendo’s previous online efforts, it remains a source of frustration for many users on the platform.
Annoyingly, numerous Switch games continue to rely on peer-to-peer connections instead of dedicated servers—a practice historically mirrored by FromSoftware. Therefore, despite limited details on The Duskbloods, I anticipate a continuation of this networking approach.
The combination of potential peer-to-peer networking, questionable netcode, and Switch 2 exclusivity raises considerable concerns for me.
Can this game consistently support eight players in a single lobby while ensuring smooth gameplay for everyone? I harbor doubts about this prospect.
Being overwhelmed by opponents due to network instability is an undesirable experience. The central premise of The Duskbloods—constant vulnerability to player ambushes—does not align with my idea of enjoyable gameplay.
Perhaps Nintendo and FromSoftware will successfully overcome these challenges, and The Duskbloods will become a highly acclaimed title. However, I am more inclined to continue engaging with cooperative adventures in Yharnam and the Lands Between within the existing FromSoftware universe.
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