is an amazing, exacting, and exhausting pilgrimage through a gorgeous land that imposes the feeling of approaching the bottom of a descent into madness. Though extended load times and minor frame-rate hitches have an effect on the pacing, it's otherwise an intensely challenging and rewarding game.

Stunning world artistry; Fast; tactical combat; Creature/boss design; Level design

Frame rate; load times

One of the more anticipated PS4 exclusives, Bloodborne, has finally arrived. Is this the standout new IP we've been waiting for? Let's make no bones about it – the hopes for Bloodborne have been sky high, and to a certain extent, understandably so.

Fantastic; immersive world; Beautifully detailed; Fluid combat; Challenging enemies

Little story at the outset; Some long load times

Death isn't often a massive topic of discussion, so embracing it as a part of a game can become quite a challenge. When we die, we leave all our troubles behind, we finally find peace and an escape from our nightmares, but in Bloodborne , your death is a mere nothing in the nightmare that surrounds...

Disturbingly Beautiful | Wonderful Atmosphere | Great Combat | Lots of Fun

Loading Time | Early Bosses are Very Tough | Character Create

This game is one of the few reasons why I choose the PS4. Compared to the other Souls games this was just the one for me. It was challenging but not impossible. I spent so many hours dying, but I didn't mind because they were my mistakes.

The remaining humans in Bloodborne's dead city of Yharnam think you're making a mistake to even consider this new adventure. When you talk to them, they say that there's nothing here for you, that it's a nightmare. They're incorrect on both counts.

Great variety of new weapons; Mysterious characters and artifacts excite your imagination; Captivating environments

Disappointing AI companions

Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2 took many, many days away from me. Anyone who has played From Software's action RPGs, or as I'd like to call them punishment simulators, will tell you that it's all part of the experience. That's just how it goes.

Exciting; daunting; challenging; huge; captivating is only a few words Id use to describe Bloodborne

Technical issues like causing lengthy load times and other issues

From Software and Sony's Japan Studio teamed up to release Demon's Souls as a PlayStation 3 exclusive back in 2009. They might not have guessed it at the

Comprehensive combat options for the pro-active player; Plenty to uncover through thorough exploration; Great enemy and boss design; Cohesive world

Story is cryptic and vague; Long load times

One of the best action games of the generation and a stunning achievement in terms of gameplay, art design, and encouraging players to push themselves beyond their limits.

Superb combat system is elegantly simple and hugely versatile; Amazing world design and wonderfully disgusting enemies; Great online features and role-playing elements

Long load times can be hugely frustrating; Some minor frame rate problems, and the Chalice Dungeons need some tweaking and bug-fixing

Bloodborne is the latest game from the Japanese developer, and once again we go beyond death. We play as a traveller searching the ancient town Yharnam for a cure to a deadly disease, only to find the place has turned into a hellish nightmare.

A masterclass in design, and a lesson for other developers.