Bloodborne! Also, questions

[Tohuvabohu]

So I've been pretty out of touch with Bloodborne since it's announcement. Generally not too interested with it since I'm pretty burned out on the "Souls" formula.

Then I came across this video.


"Hmm coop looks pretty fun. Gameplay looks similar but faster paced"

*boss fight happens*

"Oh wow that guy looks cool. Oh SHIT THIS LOOKS AWESOME. HOLY SHIT YES."

Thanks to this video, I'm suddenly greatly interested in the game.

The boss fight itself looked incredible. And coop looked like so much fun. And I would love to take on a boss like that with my friends.

And herein lies my problem.

In Demon's Souls and Dark Souls (never played DS2), playing coop with your friends was either impossible, or incredibly inconvenient. So much so that it was generally not worth trying. I can safely say I would have played DS a lot more than I did if it were easy to play that game in coop, but it wasn't.

I understand that the Souls games were "meant" to be, and I'm just someone who really loves to play with my friends. But the fact that the Souls series offered a functional and fun coop, yet roadblocked the ability to simply play with friends only, was something that always bothered me. Of course, other people aren't bothered by this and perfectly fine, I just meant me personally.

I'm sure some of you must be keeping up with this game far better than I have. And I don't know if DS2 had a different or same system for the coop.

What I wanna know is: Will Bloodborne follow the Souls method of coop, only letting completely random people be matched up together, or will we be able to directly invite our friends?
Or, is this just all information not available yet.

I've heard about the "Holy Chalice" dungeons, basically coop enabled and randomly generated challenge dungeons, that the devs have been very vague about...

Also: general hype thread - What are you looking forward to in this game?

 

[Sniper Team 4]

I played all of Dark Souls and all of Dark Souls II with one friend on the PS3. I don't know if it's just easier now because less people are playing, but we've rarely had trouble matching up. Just place your sign out of the way, somewhere where most people won't think to look for a sign (basically, NOT right before a boss or near a bonfire), and then have your friend wait there. It has worked every single time for us, and we are able to call each other within a minute.

Dark Souls II attempted to make this a bit more difficult with the Soul Memory system, but again, easy enough to get around. Just made sure my friend at I never got too far apart in total souls.


Anyway, on to Bloodborne. Alas, I have heard nothing about the co op and how it will work in this game. If I had to guess, I'd say that it's going to be very similar, or maybe even the exact same, as the Souls games. As you said, you know what the series is suppose to be: the feeling of being alone and chance encounters in a strange world, not a Jolly Cooperation of a game. From has been surprisingly silent on this front, mainly because there's a rumor that your character can go crazy with the infection and other people will come hunt you down, but we'll see.

As for what I'm looking forward to about it: Everything. I cannot wait for this game. I need it now.

 

[Tohuvabohu]

I played all of Dark Souls and all of Dark Souls II with one friend on the PS3. I don't know if it's just easier now because less people are playing, but we've rarely had trouble matching up. Just place your sign out of the way, somewhere where most people won't think to look for a sign (basically, NOT right before a boss or near a bonfire), and then have your friend wait there. It has worked every single time for us, and we are able to call each other within a minute.

Hmm that's good to know.

I admit, I only tried to do this myself with a friend in Demon's Souls early on in it's lifetime. And it was nigh impossible for us to summon each other. But, we never thought of putting our summon sign down somewhere separated like that. If you and your friend were able to do it, then that's a very good sign.

I actually told my coop junkie friends the bad experience I had trying to get a single coop game set up, but I'll let them know this.

Anyway, on to Bloodborne. Alas, I have heard nothing about the co op and how it will work in this game. If I had to guess, I'd say that it's going to be very similar, or maybe even the exact same, as the Souls games. As you said, you know what the series is suppose to be: the feeling of being alone and chance encounters in a strange world, not a Jolly Cooperation of a game. From has been surprisingly silent on this front, mainly because there's a rumor that your character can go crazy with the infection and other people will come hunt you down, but we'll see.

That's pretty much what I'm expecting too. And I mean, it's totally understandable what the devs wanted with the Souls series. But like I said, part of me couldn't help but get just a bit annoyed that there's this really cool coop that's so difficult to work with the way I want to. But, that's what the devs intended, and boy did they succeed.

The blood system sounds pretty cool too, compared to the Death/Humanity system of the old Souls games. Consuming tainted blood to strengthen yourself, but go too far and you'll become a beast yourself, and leave yourself open to being hunted by others. Or perhaps, leave the others open to being hunted by you. It's an interesting take on PvP in theory, I'd love to hear more details.

I'll be honest, since I've been looking into Bloodborne more, I am quite a bit more willing to go into this alone because of dat atmosphere. I'm really impressed with the world they've crafted, and the creepy shit that's just... EVERYWHERE.

I mean... look at this thing!

Spoiler

[/spoiler]

Jesus fucking christ!

[quote]As for what I'm looking forward to about it: Everything. I cannot wait for this game. I need it now.[/quote]

I'm also feeling the hype for this. The more I look into it, the more excited I get. It really is looking very promising.

 

[KoudelkaMorgan]

I have the Asia and US versions of Demon's Souls and got all the trophies for it and Dark Souls 1 and 2 as well as all the DLCs. And I am eager for more games in the series.

However, I hated the plot of Dark Souls 2. I ignore as much as possible all online components as well.

For some reason though, I have absolutely zero interest in Bloodborne. I've watched trailers, even the 18min long IGN video of an admittedly very early build of the beginning and I haven't seen ANYTHING that I want a part of.

I don't like the weapons, I don't like the cramped city filled with Sweeny Todd cosplayers spouting bad English (though I know there are surely other areas yet to be seen) and the bosses I've seen so far are not thrilling me.

By contrast when I first saw ANY footage, however short, of the previous 3 games I was shouting for them to take my money.

Its not even a matter of my not having a PS4 (or wanting one due to there being nothing I want to play on it yet). I don't even think I'll bother watching streams of Bloodborne when it is released (or before its released) like I did with the other games on Twitch.

I simply don't care at all, but I totally get why so many are. Dark Souls 2 was quite a disappointment, even though parts of it were great. Dark Souls 1 was great though parts of it were annoying, same with Demon's Souls.

People hear Miyazaki is directing Bloodborne and immediately look forward to it. Maybe I'm just lowering my expectations so I can be impressed this time like I wasn't with DS2 lol.

 

[Leon Royce]

The amount of blood in this game makes it vulgar, and the lack of color is uninspiring. While I'm sure it will still have a great many redeeming qualities I will never be playing it because it is a ps4 exclusive.

Too bad. Dark Souls is one of my favorite games of all time.

 

[Erttheking]

The blood looks a little over the top but the combat looks damned amazing. It's gonna take me some time to adjust to a a system where blocking isn't a thing, but I look forward to it.

 

[stroopwafel]

I've been super excited for this game ever since it was first announced. This is the game I always dreamed of. That dark gothic atmoshere uniquely brought to life through Miyazaki's vision. That delicious Souls-like gameplay charged up to 11. The no doubt incredible enemy and level design. The mystery. The melancholy. The subtlety. Last august I made a thread how I think Bloodborne is going to be the best game ever [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.858091-Is-Bloodborne-going-to-be-the-best-game-ever?page=1]. I believe it even more so now.

Also Miyazaki man. Every other game-designer is like a 2 bit hack compared to this creative genius. Going back to other games after Bloodborne will probably be difficult. I've been gaming since the mid-80s and I can honestly say I've never been this hyped for a game.

 

[Timeless Lavender]

This is coming from a person who just don't care about any souls game at all, I must say that I am very excited for bloodborne. It is the embodiment of a game that I wanted : the setting, the music, the art styles and my gosh the gameplay. I hope this game will be good and maybe I may have some spark of interest for the other souls game. Who knows (HYPE)

Also don't quote me on this: I have read articles that indicated that with the share button, the ps4 have will make it easier for co-op with friends. Also they said something about using unique words to commute with your friends through messenger . Please research first since this is coming from a person who does not care about co-op aspect and just reading it for info on other things that I care for.

 

[Tohuvabohu]

The blood looks a little over the top but the combat looks damned amazing. It's gonna take me some time to adjust to a a system where blocking isn't a thing, but I look forward to it.

I really enjoy how over the top the blood is. Although perhaps it should be dialed back a bit. In a game called Bloodborne, where a primary mechanic will be the consumption of blood, then there's bloody mess of the combat... Blood. I still enjoy it though.

Although I gotta say, I am concered about the lack of dodging. I enjoy speed a lot, don't get me wrong. I just hope the game is designed right for it. I've seen some enemies with wide and fast attack patterns inside cramped tunnels. Without a block, it seems like one could get caught in a string of hits with nowhere to dodge. But who knows, that may be intentional. I guess "Don't get hit" will be Rule #1... As usual, really.

I've been super excited for this game ever since it was first announced. This is the game I always dreamed of. That dark gothic atmoshere uniquely brought to life through Miyazaki's vision. That delicious Souls-like gameplay charged up to 11. The no doubt incredible enemy and level design. The mystery. The melancholy. The subtlety. Last august I made a thread how I think Bloodborne is going to be the best game ever [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.858091-Is-Bloodborne-going-to-be-the-best-game-ever?page=1]. I believe it even more so now.

Also Miyazaki man. Every other game-designer is like a 2 bit hack compared to this creative genius. Going back to other games after Bloodborne will probably be difficult. I've been gaming since the mid-80s and I can honestly say I've never been this hyped for a game.

Hah, I remember seeing that thread. But at the time, I really wasn't feeling it too much since like I said, I was burned out on the Souls formula.

I'm definitely starting to come around though. Luckily for me, I've only got about a month to wait until Bloodborne drops. You've been hyped for much longer than that, so I'm sure you're dying for it. I've got my eye on this for sure and grasping for as much news as possible, I may end up getting it right when it comes out.

My only experience with Miyazaki has been with Demon's Souls and Dark Souls. Something about Bloodborne seems different though. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I like what he's doing with it for sure.

This is coming from a person who just don't care about any souls game at all, I must say that I am very excited for bloodborne. It is the embodiment of a game that I wanted : the setting, the music, the art styles and my gosh the gameplay. I hope this game will be good and maybe I may have some spark of interest for the other souls game. Who knows (HYPE)

Also don't quote me on this: I have read articles that indicated that with the share button, the ps4 have will make it easier for co-op with friends. Also they said something about using unique words to commute with your friends through messenger . Please research first since this is coming from a person who does not care about co-op aspect and just reading it for info on other things that I care for.

The gameplay really does look great to me. But also, the setting/music/art style really drive the interest far higher for me. Personally speaking, I find the entire style of the game is a lot more interesting and effective than the Souls series was. It's a great treat that the gameplay itself looks very good too.

I have heard "Sharing the experience" quite a bit on the co op front. But still confirmation as to what exactly that means. With the game being so close to release, it seems like there's tons of information available, yet still a lot unknown.

 

[klaynexas3]

Has anyone else noticed a bell motif? You use them to connect in multiplayer, a few enemies are seen with them around their necks, and of course the one that signals the start of a hunt in the alpha and beta. From always picks everything out carefully, so making certain that bells are seen and heard very often in the game means that there must be something important about them. Anyone have any theories as to what that might be yet?

 

[Sniper Team 4]

Has anyone else noticed a bell motif? You use them to connect in multiplayer, a few enemies are seen with them around their necks, and of course the one that signals the start of a hunt in the alpha and beta. From always picks everything out carefully, so making certain that bells are seen and heard very often in the game means that there must be something important about them. Anyone have any theories as to what that might be yet?

No idea, as I know next to nothing about the game or the story yet (outside of the story trailer posted a few days ago), but if I had to guess, I would say it's a training mechanism. Like how the radio in Silent Hill becomes a warning for monsters. Hearing a bell will most likely mean something is happening. Something big, so you best be ready. It might just be that little background detail that you never notice on the surface, but your mind picks up on it.

 

[ferdesmannen]

I don't really know anything about the coop in Bloodborne. But Dark Souls 2 has the Name-engraved Ring. With this ring equipped you can connect easier with your friends. Sold at the very beginning of the game. The White Sign Soapstone is also accessible very early.

 

[stroopwafel]

Something about Bloodborne seems different though. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I like what he's doing with it for sure.

Yeah, I think it's the gothic setting and faster pace of the combat that gives the game completely different look and feel, yet atmospherically and mechanically it still seems to be firmly rooted in the Souls franchise. Different yet familiar.

Anyways check out this vid with some new areas and monsters. *drool*

 

[Nukey]

It looks a little more polished than Dark Souls and definitely a lot faster, which were my only two problems with that series. This seems like something I'm gonna have to pick up, despite how bad I am at games like this. The gothic look is pretty cool, too.

 

[hybridial]

I wasn't really the biggest fan of Dark Souls 1 and 2 (I finished them both once, gave them a fair shake).

Bloodborne does look faster and more aggressive which does do the Ninja Gaiden fan in me some good, but I'd probably still prefer a system that negates a stamina bar altogether.

For me a lot will bank on not just how the co-op system works but how the checkpoint system will as well. I don't like the bonfire system, I don't like having to slog through repetitious levels because the boss happened to kill me. if there's anything that I just flat out didn't like in the other games, that was it.

I beat them because it's not like they're that hard, but they definitely were unnecessarily time consuming.