A brutal breed of RPG that continues the Dark Souls style of gameplay. Perfectly developed story, RPG elements and graphic combat. Unique insight currency that alters the game world. Plenty of exploration and item hunt. Only on PlayStation 4.

Combat – Setting – Item hunt and exploration

Variety isn't as high as other games

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

The evolution of the Souls formula to the next generation, this game demands your time and attention.

Super aggressive combat; fantastic world and art design; and wonderfully mysterious environments

Death sometimes comes from slight control and camera issues rather than a player mistake

Bloodborne is in the unenviable position of being a great game that's not quite as great as its predecessors. Making the game more accessible was probably necessary, especially since Bloodborne isn't just another action/RPG - it's one of the selling points of buying a PS4 instead of an Xbox One.

Gorgeous; interconnected world; Exciting; fast combat; Eerie sound and visuals; Weird characters and lore

Not as complex as predecessors; Some graphical oddities

If Dark Souls were a man transforming into a beast, its name would be Bloodborne . All rational, spiritual, methodical thought begins to bleed out, as an insatiable hunger gnaws its away at the walls of the mind.

Dark story on lycanthropy; Eerie atmospheric and sound design; Barren environment; grotesque enemy design; Brutally difficult; just the way you like it; Co-op; PvP; Chalice Dungeons; Insight system

Blood vials not as great as Estus Flasks; Firearm counter not that reliable; Long loading times; can't jump between lamps in one shot; Tags

Your adventure begins with some sort of medical procedure being performed on you, presumably with your approval. Something about becoming a "hunter." Much like the Souls series before it, Bloodborne is pretty vague, but still has an overarching story and a variety of characters that you'll encounter...

Rewarding; challenging combat; Massive and intricate maps; Procedural Chalice Dungeons ensures replayability

No real defensive options; Long loading times

I walk through the hallways of a Victorian hamlet, cautiously advancing, mindful of even the slightest shift of a shadow in the dull moonlight. It is the night of the hunt, where beasts roam the streets and civilians hide inside, in fear of the lycans and crazed, plague-infested madmen.

Combat is smarter; faster; and bloodier; Trick weapons add versatility and personality to your arsenal; Engrossing atmosphere and themes; Bosses and enemies are varied and exciting; Chalice Dungeons and NG+ provide tons of replayability

Framerate can get spotty in some areas; Load times range from short inconvenience to almost a full minute wait

Update: Now that Bloodborne is out in the shops for real people to buy, Brett has finally had a chance to check out its multiplayer functionality. His impressions are below, and you can see his final score over there on the right. You've probably seen it already. That's OK.

Please Sir, Can I Have Another

Thirty-plus years. More than three decades. That is how long I have been playing video games. During that time I have considered myself someone who likes to be challenged, someone who wants to be tested. I like being pushed to the limits of my skills and abilities.