Bloodborne Review Roundup

Bloodborne, the long-awaited PlayStation 4 role-playing game from the creators of Demons' Souls and Dark Souls, has finally arrived. But how is it holding up with critics? Quite well, it turns out.

GameSpot's 9/10 review said: "Bloodborne's excellent action, beautiful artistry, and religious melodrama make it another must-play in the Demon's Souls tradition."

One issue some are reporting is that Bloodborne's load times are too long. In response to those concerns, Sony and developer From Software are "exploring" a patch to reduce load times (and fix more bugs).

Check out a sampling of review scores and editor opinions below. And be sure to visit GameSpot sister site Metacritic for even more on Bloodborne's critical reception.

• Game: Bloodborne
• Developer: From Software
• Platforms: PlayStation 4
• Release Date: March 24
• Price: $60

FURTHER READING:

• Bloodborne Starter Guide
• 15 Tips For Bloodborne Beginners
• Which Bloodborne Class Is Right For You?

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GameSpot -- 9/10

"The finest treasures are found within the city of Yharnam and the forests, lakes, and purgatories beyond it. Only Bloodborne would be so bold as to bury an entire factional player-versus-player mechanic within an optional region, which is in turn buried within a series of oblique steps you might miss if you aren't exploring every nook and cranny, or ignore the game's enigmatic hints. I finished Bloodborne in less time than I did Dark Souls II, yet I treasure it more in spite of its few missteps. In death there is life, and in blood, there is redemption. More hyperbole, yes, but for a game this theatrical, only hyperbole will do." - Kevin VanOrd [Full review]

Game Informer -- 9.75/10

"Bloodborne is a blood-drenched horror gem that has only the faintest of cracks in its façade. Bloodborne succeeds through sparse storytelling, lush atmospheres (conjuring up notions of the best of Lovecraft's work), and tight combat that forces you to be aggressive. While this new IP doesn't stray far from the established Souls franchise, it is a magical, wondrous work that admirably instills both terror and triumph in those brave enough to delve into it." - Daniel Tack [Full review]

The Guardian -- 5/5

"Bloodborne, like its predecessors, will spill its secrets slowly, over months rather than days. Part of the appeal of [director Hidetaka Miyazaki's] games is this slow-release effect, whereby riddles are unpicked and shared by the community, rather than plainly laid out on the first day of release. It brings players together, where the fiction itself keeps them somewhat apart. Bloodborne is, by any measure, an extraordinary game, one that runs forcefully against the commercial tide, subverting perceived wisdom that contemporary games have to hold their players' hands, or make their shape and rules explicit from the get-go." - Simon Parkin [Full review]

The Escapist -- 4.5/5

"Bloodborne, like the rest of the Souls games, isn't going to be for everyone. But, if you're the patient sort and are willing to put in the time and effort to get good at Bloodborne's complex and punishing combat, you'll find Bloodborne nearly impossible to put down." - Mitchell Saltzman [Full review]

Destructoid -- 9/10

"Bloodborne is an interesting mix of everything From Software has learned throughout its storied developmental career. Not everything will gel with fans old and new, but for the most part, the shift towards a combat-oriented game is a net positive. From Software is still one of the only developers left that makes you work for your satisfaction, and Bloodborne is damn satisfying." - Chris Carter [Full review]

GamesRadar+ -- 4.5/5

"Bloodborne lies somewhere between Dark Souls and Dark Souls II, better than the latter but not quite as good as the former. The fourth time following the same template means the master strokes, however masterful they are, are anticipated. But take nothing away from this brilliant, brooding, brutal reinvention, because almost as great as the best game ever is pretty bloody great." - Ben Griffin [Full review]

Digital Spy -- 5/5

"Bloodborne may not be a Souls game and it doesn't fall into the horror genre, but it captures everything that makes the series so satisfying, so terrifying, and so magical. I want to keep playing, I want to discover its secrets, I want to fight every monster, try every weapon, discuss theories, and explore as many of the community dungeons as possible. To put it bluntly, I want to bleed the game dry." - Liam Martin [Full review]