Summary
FromSoftware has delivered some truly groundbreaking video games over the last decade and a bit. But whileDark Soulsessentially forged a brand-new genre, it’s successors likeBloodbornethat have really cemented what the genre is, and all the things it’s capable of becoming. A wonderfully grim and dark Gothic aesthetic, plenty of Lovecraftian influences, and some of FromSoftware’s best-ever boss designs are all just some of the biggest reasons whyBloodborneis still so many fans' favorite FromSoft game, and the widespread passion for it is only more evidenced by the sheer number of games that have clearly taken influence from it in recent years.
While many Soulslikes are obviously inherently inspired byDark Souls, many of them actually end up resemblingBloodbornemuch more. Whether it’s a greater emphasis on parrying, a rally mechanic that lets players gain their health back after being hit, or a moreGothic, Lovecraftian art style, these are all tell-tale signs that a Soulslike has been inspired byBloodbornefirst and foremost. But there’s one coreBloodbornefeature that’s still rarely seen in other games today, and that’s trick weapons, a feature that deserves a much wider presence in the gaming world.
More Games Should Borrow Bloodborne’s Trick Weapons
There are just over25 trick weapons inBloodborne, and each one offers more variation than the last. For those unaware, the core gimmick behindBloodborne’s trick weapons is that they can be switched between two modes on the fly. For instance,Bloodborne’s starting Saw Cleaver trick weapon can be swapped between a fast cleaver mode and a slower but harder-hitting polearm mode. These modes can be switched at virtually any point with just the tap of a button, letting players swap movesets at any time during the middle of a fight.
Naturally, this adds a whole new layer of depth toBloodborne’s combat. With the vast majority ofBloodborne’s weapons being able to switch between two modes on the fly, players have instant access to two movesets at all times, along with a unique attack that comes at the end of a trick weapon combo that’s been well-timed. To truly get an edge in battle, players need to time when the best moment to switch weapon modes is, and that adds a good level of strategy toBloodborne’s otherwise frantic combat, along with a healthy amount of variety.
Trick Weapons Could Be Used In More Genres Than Just Soulslikes
Over the last few years, a few different Soulslike games have tried to borrowBloodborne’s trick weapon feature to mixed results. The best version ofBloodborne’s trick weapons in other Soulslikes is when they’re not afraid to switch things up a little and add their own spin on things.Thymesia’s weapon-stealing system is a good example of this, as isLies of P’s handle and blade system, which lets players mix and match various components to build entirely new weapons with unique movesets and effects.
However, just a regular, unchanged, and genuinely good imitation ofBloodborne’s trick weapons is yet to really happen in the gaming space, and that’s a massive shame.Bloodborne’s trick weapon gimmick isn’t just a great idea for Soulslikes, but for quite a few different video game genres. For instance,action/adventure games like the latestFinal Fantasytitles orGod of Warcould make great use of this trick weapon mechanic, doubling the game’s weapon variety from the get-go. Even the first-person shooter genre could make great use ofBloodborne’s trick weapon mechanic, letting players swap between a pistol, SMG, assault rifle, and sniper on the fly with just the tap of a button.
Bloodborne
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets to survive.A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you’ll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city’s dark secrets.A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation(R)4 system.Ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to Explore: Use holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.
