bloodborne

Bloodborne is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Released in March 2015 for the PlayStation 4, it is the spiritual successor to the studio's earlier titles in the Souls series, though not a direct sequel. Set in the gothic city of Yharnam, the game follows a hunter who seeks relief from a blood-borne plague that has transformed its citizens into beasts. The narrative is presented through environmental storytelling and item lore rather than explicit exposition.

Gameplay centers on fast-paced, visceral combat. Players wield melee weapons that transform between forms and use a firearm to parry attacks. The world is interconnected, inviting exploration and challenging encounters. Players collect Blood Echoes, which serve as experience points and currency for leveling up and purchasing gear. Healing relies on Blood Vials, while the Insight stat influences enemy behavior and item discovery. Optional Chalice Dungeons offer procedurally generated challenges for additional play.

Setting and themes draw on gothic horror and Lovecraftian motifs, featuring cosmic entities known as Great Ones. The atmosphere emphasizes fear and atmosphere, with lore revealed through items, dialogue, and exploration rather than direct instruction. The narrative invites interpretation as players uncover the origins of the plague and the city’s hidden history.

Development and reception: Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, Bloodborne was acclaimed for its art direction, world design, and brisk combat. The Old Hunters expansion added new boss encounters and areas. It received widespread critical acclaim, won multiple awards, and is frequently cited among the best games of its era; it has influenced subsequent action RPG design and heightened the prominence of the "Souls-like" genre.