Summary
FromSoftware’s games are bigger than ever.Elden Ring’s massive success in 2022 created a legion of fans for the inimitable developer, and the game’s upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is set to create even more. With a new generation of gamers interested in FromSoftware’s games, andBloodbornecurrently left behind on the PlayStation 4, now is the perfect time for Sony to start planning aBloodborneremake.
First released in 2015,Bloodbornewas an instant classic. CombiningDark Souls’ intricate world design with a new fast-paced combat system—all wrapped up in a stunning Victorian-inspired cosmic-horror package—the game managed to appeal to established fans of From Software’s titles, while also giving gamers intimidated by the reputations of FromSoft’s previous games a chance to get in on the ground floor with a brand new franchise. While a new IP is always a risk, the gamble paid off andBloodbornewas a system-seller for the PS4, going on to be one of the console’s highest selling and best reviewed games.
In 2015, Sony Denmark and GivBlod teamed up for aBloodborne-themed blood-drive, in order to encourage gamers to donate blood. After donating their precious ichor, fans were given the chance to roll dice for a prize, one of which was a copy of the game.
Bloodborne Risks Being Lost to Time
Bloodborneis a prisoner. Trapped on the PS4, with no PC port or current generation remake in sight, the game risks being lost to time. Fans, of course, can still currently play the game—the PS5’s backwards compatibility meansBloodborne’s PS4 disks are still playable—but there is no guarantee that the next PlayStation console will be backwards compatible with PS4 games. While talk of a remake may seem premature,Sony is already making plans for the PlayStation 6, and making sure some of PlayStation’s most important games remain accessible should be part of that planning.
A PlayStation 6 Bloodborne Remake Just Makes Sense
Bloodbornewas a system seller for the PlayStation 4, and Bluepoint’sDemon’s Soulsremake received rave reviews—giving early adopters of the PlayStation 5 the chance to revisit a classic that they may have missed two generations prior. With FromSoftware talking about moving in new directions, fans may be left craving a slice ofclassic Soulsborne gameplay, and aBloodborneremake could be a way to fill that gap with a high-quality Soulslike experience. Beyond this, with recent rumors that the PlayStation 6 may be aiming for a 2029 release date, andBloodbornereaching its 15th birthday in early 2030, the next Sony console seems like the perfect opportunity to refresh the game and present it to a new audience.
From Software Is Leaving Remakes Up To Other Developers
In a recent IGN interview withHidetaka Miyazaki, the inimitable director ofBloodborne,stated that he would welcome the game being brought to current or future hardware—going on to state that there were elements FromSoftware originally wanted in the game that simply were not possible on the PS4. Despite his enthusiasm for a remake or remaster, he also stated bluntly that ‘‘We simply don’t own the IP at FromSoftware,’’ explaining that the decision to remake the game rests entirely in Sony’s hands.
With FromSoftware moving forward, creating new games and exploring new experiences, it’s reasonable to speculate that they wouldn’t be interested in working on aBloodborneremake themselves, even if Sony did greenlight one. Thankfully,Sony’s relationship with Bluepoint Gamesmeans that it has the perfect studio waiting in the wings if they do choose to move forward with a Bloodborne remake. Bluepoint’sDemon’s Soulsremake was filled to the brim with gorgeous particle effects, textures and lighting; aBloodborneremake taking advantage of the developer’s technical prowess could bring the macabre, fleshy world of Yharnam to life like never before.
Video Game Remakes Are Here To Stay
While the merits of remaking versus rereleasing a game are up for debate, it’s undeniable that a carefully constructed remake is a great (and lucrative) way to honor a classic game. With therecent video game remakesofDemon’s Souls,Dead Space,Resident Evil 4, andFinal Fantasy 7being runaway commercial and critical successes, only time will tell if Sony will letBloodborneget similar remake treatment.
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 in order 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.
