A Beginner's Insight Into Bloodborne

The Nova Nexus - Part 3
Bloodborne ~ First Impressions

When I booted up Bloodborne for the first time. I was expecting something very similar if not exactly the same as Dark Souls, like a sort of spin off of their iconic franchise. While multiple aspects definitely remind me of Dark Souls, a multitude of elements are entirely unique to Bloodborne itself. Pitted against of slew of absolutely horrifying enemies once again, I ventured off into a desolate and lonely landscape. This particularly felt similar to Dark Souls, yet this unfamiliar and dangerous land had its own unique personality.

I began my journey by waking up in a sickly medieval-looking room, my character arising from a medical bed in an extremely dim and blood stained hospital wing. The way he sits up reminded me of Dracula resurrecting from his coffin; sarcophaguses and chained up coffins litter the city streets, accompanied by abandoned baby strollers and horse carriages. Dawned in black slacks and suspenders at the hipside, and a white dress shirt with the sleeves fashionably rolled up, I made my way out of the hospital wing, a black hood covering most of my face. Noctis, my character, rocked a curly blonde mustache, looking sophisticated as ever. He was tall, at least 6 foot something, and stood with fists clenched, back straight with confidence.
My role was simple. I was a “Hunter.” My task I presumed was to slay these plague ridden streets of the Undead, trolls, reapers, werewolves, and other ungodly creatures. With my massive Hunter’s Axe in one hand, and my Quicksilver Pistol in the other, I began traversing the crammed city streets of Central Yharnam. This large but empty city reminded me of an old style Italian or British City in the late 1600 or early 1700’s. It was aesthetically pleasing, yet creepy and haunting at the same time - cobblestone streets, street lanterns glowing, locked doors and junk astrew, Victorian houses, abandoned shops, high ceiling churches, stone bridges with the moon glowing in the distance, and alleyways left and right, inhibiting dark and forbidden secrets.

Mobs of undead patrolled the streets with pitchforks, torches and cleavers, scavenging the city blocks for their next victim to prey upon. All the residents of this town had given up hope, abandoned by the Hunters and the Church who were sworn to protect them. Noctis was the last of a dying breed; tales are told of other legendary hunters who now live alone, hidden away in misery. None of the cities resident’s offer shelter as you go from door to door knocking. Why would they? To them you are just another traitor who has left these helpless folks behind. Every time I inquired, I was met with rejection.

Blood Echoes were my currency now as opposed to Souls. I had also discovered that my Hunters Axe could be transformed into a two handed weapon, offering substantial range and damaging capabilities. My character survived a traumatic and violent upbringing, offering Noctis incredibly high strength (15) from the get-go. I quickly became attached to the 2 handed application of the Hunters Axe, though certain situations called for other strategies. As I learned the mechanics of Bloodborne, I grew more and more confident. I struck enemies down with authority, absorbing Blood Echoes and learning the nooks and crannies of Yharnam in the process. Large, flightless crows ambushed me, werewolves tore me to shreds, massive hooded trolls with a scythe like axe smashed my bones into the concrete, and other monstrosities attacked me relentlessly.

Playing Dark Souls before helped my gain confidence in my abilities to navigate and venture through this game. It was still frustrating and challenging, but with a surplus of Blood Vials (which recovered HP) being dropped by weaker enemies, I was much more consistently able to stay alive and defend myself. I had the balls to fight 2 massive troll-like beasts at once, which I don't think I would be capable of in Dark Souls, at least not yet. Staggering enemies with a spinning two handed attack was crucial for me to prevail in these types of match ups, and I made sure to exploit this tactic profusely. When locked onto enemies I was able to quickly dash a certain direction rather than rolling, allowing me to chain combos and weave in and out of larger foe’s attacks.

After venturing into the pits of a murky sewer while legless skeletons pursued me, slashing at my legs with their comically long arms, I found a tunnel that progressed me to the next area. As I entered, I heard a shrill squeal, followed by snorts and grunts. As I peered inside a massive pig the size of a cement truck roared in the tunnel before charging towards me, snarling it's human like teeth at me. “Fuck that,” I said to myself, just barely side dodging the attack and running to the end of the smelly stone corridor. I reached the end after finding some loot, only to step into a bottomless pit and fall to my death. Thank you Bloodborne. Having to redo this sequence, I hooked a left this time, and pushed my way through to the other side of town. Climbing an immensely high ladder, I reached a bridge overlooking Yharnam, a majestic Chapel looming in the distance. 2 beastly werewolves patrolled the bridge, so I went the other way. Climbing a flight of stairs, I entered a foggy graveyard. I had encountered the first story boss of the game. A fellow Hunter who was not keen on being allies, he appeared much wiser and skilled than I, wielding a Blunderbuss and swift movement capabilities. After wearing him down to half health, he retorted by transforming into a horrifyingly fast and vicious werewolf, smashing gravestones in his path I had previously been using as cover, ultimately hunting me down. After this, I took a short break; my mind was exhausted and my hands were shaking. Though, I was entirely eager to return, because I know I can defeat him. I will update you all when I progress a bit further. If you made it this far into the blog, thanks for reading. I sincerely appreciate it.

- Max Nova (March 3rd, 2019 ~ 11:07 a.m.)