If Bloodborne isn't already on your radar, it should be: the next project from the creator of Demon's Souls and Dark Souls is a PlayStation 4 exclusive, and one of the best-looking games players have ever seen. It's not just a looker, either; the game looks to be an evolution of the Souls formula, with more of a focus on quicker, more aggressive combat. While Dark Souls II may have been a bit of a step sideways for fans, Bloodborne looks to be the next true evolution of the franchise.
Luckily, From Software has been far from secretive about its new game. Bloodborne has been shown at several different shows since it was first revealed. However, the studio has been incredibly selective about what its shown, as the footage so far has only raised questions instead of answering them, and much of the game's story and mechanics are still shrouded in mystery.
Now, for the first time since its debut, fans have the answers to some of Bloodborne's mysteries. IGN has posted the first 18 minutes of the game, and it is glorious:
The Souls games have always been light on story, and Bloodborne looks as if it will continue that tradition. The first cutscene in the game, while positively horrifying, is sparse on actual exposition. Introducing the idea that the whole thing may be a dream may make some fans groan, but the question about what is going on and where we are is more than enough to make up for it.
Otherwise, the demo is full of new information. The 'Dream Refuge' area makes its debut as Bloodborne's safe haven, similar to the Firelink Shrine from Dark Souls. Here, players will buy and sell supplies, upgrade and reforge weapons and teleport back into the game world proper. There's a mysterious old man sitting in the home at the top of the hill, but he doesn't seem that enthusiastic about answering any questions...
As with previous videos, the demo ends with an unsuccessful encounter with the Cleric Beast, and as far as bosses go, Bloodborne obviously knows what it's doing. The elongated arms, the otherworldly shriek, the flowing fabric draped over one arm - it's a far cry from the generic armored guards of Dark Souls II.
There are plenty of mysteries that remain to be solved, but now, fans at least have an idea of how Bloodborne will begin. The game's new systems all look great, and while answers about the story may be few and far between, fans should still be excited to drop into this gothic Victorian horror when it's finally released.
Bloodborne is set to hit the PlayStation 4 on March 24.
