Bloodborne

I'm currently in Old Yharnam. Thoughts so far:

- I've not played the Souls games but combat reminds me a little of Otogi, another old From Software game. I like how Bloodborne encourages speed and aggression. Dodging and parrying to outwit enemies is fun.
- I'm still using the saw cleaver because I like both weapon forms and it's easy to use.
- The game looks incredible. The only slight problem is that there are fairly noticeable frame rate issues.
- Yharnam is an excellent setting and I like how everything is connected. I wish there was a map though.
- I have no idea what the story is about really but the whole sense of mystery is very compelling
- co-op play is a lot of fun. It works so smoothly and replaying old bosses to help people out is very satisfying. Haven't had an invader yet though. I even like the notes and spectres.
- Levelling up seems a little basic. There aren't many stats and they seem pretty obvious. I'm currently trying to boost my arcane because I assume that will improve item drop rates.
- Insight. Interesting. I'm not sure I'm seeing any change in the game yet but I'm only at 10 insight.
- It's very challenging. I love it now but for the first hour I considered returning it.. It's not just getting used to the difficulty that's tough; it's the fact that Bloodborne doesn't explain ANYTHING.

Comments 10

Suskie Mar 29, 2015

I finished it last night and am working on a review this very moment!

joseph_valencia Mar 29, 2015

So, this is basically Dark Souls III?

JANUS2 Blogger Mar 29, 2015

I think so.

What's your advice on stats and weapons Suskie?

I just stuck with the Saw Cleaver, honestly. I think the game's fast-paced, in-and-out brand of combat begs for a quick weapon. My first choice was the Hunter Axe, but I had to restart after an hour or so because its slowness wasn't gelling for me.

As for stats, it really depends on which weapons you're using (the letter grades tell you how well each one scales to certain stats), but I really didn't focus much on Bloodtinge or Arcane. The increased item drops for Arcane weren't a huge deal for me since you can always either farm or just buy more items, and otherwise, Arcade mostly affects your ability to use expandable equipment that you can easily do without.

Genj Mar 30, 2015

I think I'm about halfway and I haven't put a single point into Arcane and I have max blood vials & bullets already. I also have about 80 blood shards sitting in my inventory. The RPG elements have been way simplified for Bloodborne. It's so much easier to play this game blind than the Souls series because you pretty much have to make your build melee based (I always played Sorcery builds in Souls). Vitality, Strength and Endurance are the 3 you want to get to 40 ASAP and then you should beef up Skill or Arcane depending on what weapon you're using.

All the weapons are supposed to be good enough to beat the game with, but I'd highly recommend Ludwig's Holy Blade. It transforms between a quick broadsword good for fast enemies and a giant claymore that wrecks large enemies. You'll probably notice most people online are using it - it's arguably the best weapon in the game because it scales with Strength, Skill ad Arcane. You can get it after beating the boss of Old Yarham - it unlocks another area in the Cathedral Ward where you can find another hunter badge then you can buy it in the Hunter's Dream.

JANUS2 Blogger Mar 30, 2015

Just beat Old Yharnam boss so I'll go and get that now. I've been using the kirk hammer as secondary weapon but it hasn't quite felt right.

I think I'll leave arcane. Doesn't appear to be doing anything anyway.

Are you guys at a high insight? Does the game world change significantly?

I only have about 17 Insight. There's a lot of unconfirmed discussion about subtle differences with difficulty and audio.

Suskie Mar 30, 2015

The important thing about insight is that it increases your vulnerability to frenzy, which is a very nasty status ailment that comes into play later and which you definitely want to avoid. Bear in mind that if you have too much insight and aren't interect in co-op, you can spend it at one of the baths in the hub for some useful items (particularly fire/bolt paper, which will give you helpful weapon buffs).

I don't understand why you'd want a high insight then? Unless you want a challenge I guess?

Well, you do need insight to summon other players, so if you plan to rely on co-op a lot, you'll need to stock up. And like Genj said, it does result in some visual/audio changes, though people are still working out what those are. Remind me to link you to one of my favorite examples once you're further along in the game :)