It is still utterly fantastic to play. It is still one of the best action fighting mechanics in gaming. It still invokes that deadly and intense sense of failure matched with the heady highs of success that few other games (if not any entertainment) can match.

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

Bloodborne is the latest release from critically acclaimed developers From Software, most known for their Demon / Dark Souls series. Following closely in the former titles footsteps Bloodborne feels instantly familiar, borrowing a lot of the core gameplay mechanics, whilst still feeling unique...

Stunningly atmospheric and tense from beginning to end; Refined combat makes the challenge ever more rewarding

Handful of bugs and rough edges, patches overdue, Less of an RPG emphasis than Souls; a little too streamlined

Hidetaka Miyazaki's Bloodborne is what many people consider the next successor to his "Souls" series, which began with Demon's Souls and was followed up with the massively popular Dark Souls .

Does FromSoftware's latest measure up to the high standard set by Dark Souls? Bob shares his final thoughts on this vast and challengin...

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.

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

It's been a bit of a rough start for the PS4 when it comes to AAA retail exclusives. Both inFamous: Second Son and The Order: 1886 were disappointing to one degree or another and that has left Bloodborne as the great red hope of the console's initial exclusive retail line-up.

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