Is Bloodborne a Good Souls Game to Start With?
The Dark Souls series has gained a massive following over the years, and for good reason. The games are notoriously difficult, yet incredibly rewarding to play. However, newcomers to the series may wonder which game to start with. Should they begin with the original Dark Souls or jump into Bloodborne? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of starting with Bloodborne and help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Starting with Bloodborne
• Quicker Learning Curve: Bloodborne has a faster combat system compared to the other Souls games. This means that players can learn to navigate the game’s combat mechanics more quickly, without feeling overwhelmed.
• More Accessible Enemies: Bloodborne’s enemies, while still challenging, are generally less complex than those found in the Dark Souls games. This makes it easier for new players to grasp the game’s combat strategies.
• Unique Environment: Bloodborne’s dark, Victorian-era inspired city is a unique and refreshing change of pace from the medieval settings of the other Souls games.
• More Focus on Exploration: Bloodborne’s world is designed to encourage exploration and discovery, with hidden secrets and areas waiting to be uncovered.
Cons of Starting with Bloodborne
• Steep Difficulty Spike: While Bloodborne may have a quicker learning curve, the game’s difficulty spikes rapidly as players progress through the game. Newcomers may find themselves feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
• Unforgiving Health System: Bloodborne’s health system is notoriously brutal, with even a single mistake leading to instant death. This can be particularly challenging for new players.
• Less Guidance than Other Souls Games: Unlike the other Souls games, Bloodborne doesn’t have a clear tutorial or explicit guidance on how to progress through the game. New players may find themselves stumbling around, unsure of what to do.
When Should You Start with Bloodborne?
• You’re Familiar with Action RPGs: If you’ve played other action RPGs, such as the Monster Hunter series or the Ninja Gaiden series, you may find Bloodborne’s combat mechanics more approachable.
• You Enjoy a Challenge: If you’re someone who enjoys a good challenge and isn’t easily discouraged by difficulty spikes, Bloodborne may be the perfect fit for you.
• You Don’t Mind Exploring a New World: Bloodborne’s world is designed to be explored and discovered. If you enjoy the process of uncovering secrets and finding hidden areas, you’ll love Bloodborne’s world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Bloodborne may not be the most beginner-friendly Souls game, it’s still an excellent choice for those willing to put in the effort. With its unique setting, faster combat system, and more accessible enemies, Bloodborne offers a unique experience that’s worth checking out. However, be prepared for a steep learning curve and a challenging world that will push you to your limits.
Additional Tips for New Players
• Start with Easy Mode: If you’re new to the Souls series, consider starting with the easy mode to get a feel for the game’s mechanics and difficulty.
• Explore and Experiment: Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment with different combat strategies and techniques. Bloodborne’s world is designed to be discovered and uncovered.
• Death is Not the End: In Bloodborne, death is not the end. It’s an opportunity to learn and improve, so don’t get discouraged if you die frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Bloodborne better than Dark Souls?
Bloodborne and Dark Souls are two different games, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. While some players may prefer the difficulty and atmosphere of Dark Souls, others may enjoy Bloodborne’s unique setting and faster combat system.
- Is Bloodborne a beginner-friendly game?
Bloodborne is not a beginner-friendly game, but it’s still accessible to players who are willing to learn and adapt. With a little patience and practice, new players can overcome the game’s challenges and enjoy its unique world.
Table: Souls Games and Their Difficulty Levels
| Game | Difficulty Level | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Souls | Hard | Atmosphere, Challenge, Exploration |
| Demon’s Souls | Very Hard | Atmosphere, Challenge, Exploration |
| Bloodborne | Very Hard | Combat, Exploration, Atmosphere |
| Sekiro | Extremely Hard | Stealth, Combat, Exploration |
I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of whether Bloodborne is a good Souls game to start with. Remember, the Souls series is known for its challenging gameplay, so be prepared to learn and adapt if you’re new to the series. Happy gaming!