If you've managed to get your hands on Bloodborne or at least taken the time to watch a few walkthroughs, surely you know that Bloodborne is definitely a different game when compared to it's predecessors. We leave a fictional kingdom as a cursed human to take part in the plague ravished ancient and Gothic city of Yharnam as an afflicted Hunter seeking a remedy. Despite the dramatic changes from the Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2 plots, Bloodborne isn't that much of a departure game play wise from previous From Software titles but, there are some notable differences; some that actually make Bloodborne the better game.
So it's time to ditch the old shield and armor and don your Hunter's hat and join the bandwagon. Here are the top 5 reasons why Bloodborne is better than Dark Souls.
In-Game Visuals
This is one of the first things that you will notice about the game and if you don't, you may need glasses. The Dark Souls titles have always had good graphics but Bloodborne steps it up a notch or two. In both the trailers and in game play, there is a ridiculous amount of detail in character models and settings.
Unquestionably, one of the most visually immersive details is the blood and water detailing. Blood is no stranger to the From Software games but given the title, Bloodborne really focuses on that aspect. When you hack through enemies, blood will actually paint the ground and whatever other surface it lands on, including you. Same thing with water, running through the sewers and wading through pools will reflect on your character's clothes and just because you step on land, unlike other games you won't immediately become dry. It may be a small detail but it is a detail nevertheless and one that really sets Bloodborne's visuals apart from those of Dark Souls.
If you compare the two games side by side, visually Bloodborne has the stronger graphics. Colors are rich and textures are completely fleshed out and almost tactile. Dark Souls on the other hand barely holds up to its successor. Colors appear faded, textures are flat and dare I say, compared to Bloodborne, could very well be mistaken as a beta.
Weaponry
If you think I'm going to say the fact you have a gun makes Bloodborne better, think again. The gun is only a part of the new artillery you're given in Bloodborne, let alone what makes it superior to that of it's predecessor. Instead of having to pick up a new weapon for a stronger combo and all together different move-set, Bloodborne completely eliminates that with a handful of customizable weapons, emphasis on handful.
In the case of Bloodborne's weapons, less is more but each weapon that there is, there is a vastly different class and moveset. You have a sword that transforms into a hammer and a saw cleaver that can extend at any given time making it a formidable range weapon. Not only that, each weapon can be enhanced with different attributes via gems that you can switch out between weapons meaning you won't ever be hard pressed to find a brand new gem in order to upgrade a different weapon.
Game Atmosphere and Level Design
Remember how I was talking about the ridiculous amount of detail in the game? Well if you can't appreciate it in the characters you will definitely appreciate throughout the game levels. The amount of design put into the different areas really sets the two games apart and it's not just because of the different time periods either. Admittedly, the levels in Dark Souls seemed to be set worlds apart but in Bloodborne the levels easily flow into one another meaning that as you progress throughout the game, you will get to points where you can see the areas that you had been and the places that you will eventually get to. Let's not forget the atmosphere. There is a perfect balance and use of lights and shadows that make the game super immersive and really brings the plague ravished city of Yharnam to life.
Healing and Inventory
Automatic restocking of your items? Yes, please. Bloodborne may be hard but it sure has some very convenient and helpful features when compared to Dark Souls. This feature is triggered at the time of your death, automatically restocking your inventory with the consumables you have in your storage within the Hunter's Dream.
Unlike Dark Souls however, Bloodborne has a limit on what you can carry that keeps players from having an infinite amount of healing items. This might sound like a bad thing but, the purpose of this change not only makes you a more skilled and vigilant player but it also allows you to progress further through levels.
Procedurally Generated Dungeons
Also known as the Chalice Dungeons, Bloodborne seeks to keep the gaming experience fresh with the feeling of a first time play through which is something that we didn't have in Dark Souls. The vast underground ruins found beneath the city is crafted in a way to allow players to experience danger and rewards in various ways. Every time a Chalice Ritual is performed the dungeons layout is completely changed along with the dungeons level of difficulty.
What do you think about these Bloodborne features? Do you think they're good enough to make Bloodborne better than Dark Souls? Are there any other Bloodborne features you like and think are a worthy mention?
