Summary
It’s uncertain ifBloodbornewill ever receive a direct follow-up, but the prolific FromSoftware action RPG’s legacy is unlikely to fade any time soon. Remaining relevant years after informing the studio’s subsequent successes and inspiring titles across the industry alike,Bloodborneis a game that many fans still desire a sequel for. It could be argued that the original would be tough to surpass, or even match up to, given its creative blend of elements and themes in the context of its release, but specifically focusing on one of the title’s most recognizable contributions to FromSoft combat could help to allow the nextBloodborneto match the first’s prestige.
Beginning whenDemon’s Soulsproperly established what would becomeHidetaka Miyazaki’s signature style of game direction, the Soulslike genre has always been heavily characterized by an emphasis on boss battles that define the worlds of their respective titles.Bloodborneis still praised for its boss design even following the release ofElden RingandDark Souls 3, largely due to the fact that these later releases have all taken direct inspiration from the gothic horror-adjacent game despite their own fantasy settings. The cinematic encounters with humanoid bosses inBloodbornehave gone on to be highly influential in the years since, and bringing these to the forefront in a sequel could help to bring its legacy full circle.
Many of Bloodborne’s Biggest Icons Defy Its Monstrous Reputation
The Influence of Bosses like Father Gascoigne and Lady Maria
The premise of the game sees the player as a hunter intending to slay all manner of beasts, and eventually eldritch Great Ones, but anyone who progresses far enough will learn that some of themost dangerous threats in Yharnamcome in the shape of a human. There are many vicious monster bosses, but the fewer humanoid opponents are a different type of formidable, being built around mechanics similar to what the player has access to. When combined with some of the most well-written characters in FromSoft history, who are able to monologue and speak for themselves in combat, this dynamic has created landmark moments in gaming in the eyes of some fans.
Even Ludwig and Orphan of Kos Evoke This Motif
Facing the likes of Lady Maria or Gehrman are especially dramatic moments due to their deep ties to the greater narrative ofBloodborne, but their humanoid traits have also been adapted to imprint a similar quality even upon more beastly creatures. Ludwig in his Holy Blade form rises to mimic a biped in what is commonly seen as a peak of the game, while the challenging Orphan of Kos blurs a line between man, monster, and dream to seeminglyencapsulate the theme ofBloodborneas a whole.
The Next Bloodborne Should Capitalize on Having Even More Humanoid Bosses
Leaning into FromSoftware’s Most Cinematic Gameplay
Depending on howBloodborne’s Chalice Dungeonsare counted, it can contain roughly two to three times as many non-human bosses relative to its humanoid encounters. This makes sense through the lens of how much work it takes to have a more fully-realized character versus just another monster with a moveset, but the nextBloodbornecould serve as a major step up in this department. There’s an undeniable appeal to the vagueness of much of Miyazaki’s world-building, but it’s equally tough to refute the iconic nature of even some optional humanoid bosses likeElden Ring’s Malenia.
Developments in titles that followedBloodbornehave been able to build on its foundation in regard to boss battles, and this could even help a sequel avoid retreading the original’s examples of weaker design. It could be said that Gehrman and Micolash were experiments that achieved different results, but the refinement that has occurred since has led to far more encounters resembling the former. Fans are likely to be excited aboutanotherBloodbornewith a new premise, but featuring more humanoid bosses in FromSoft’s current style could come with the potential to reach a status like its predecessor.
Bloodborne
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets to survive.A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you’ll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city’s dark secrets.A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation(R)4 system.Ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to Explore: Use holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.
