Why Bloodborne 2 Will Revolutionize the Gaming World like Never Before
Bloodborne 2 faces a unique challenge due to its distinct Gothic cosmic horror theme, setting it apart from the fantastical inspiration found in Dark Souls and Elden Ring
Highlights
Soulslikes often draw inspiration from the fantasy genre, allowing for reinterpretation of familiar motifs and tropes while maintaining unique gameplay mechanics.
Bloodborne's unique blend of ghastly cosmic horror infused with science-fiction sets it apart from other Soulslike games, establishing its own distinctive and unparalleled identity. Unlike the widely explored realm of fantasy, Bloodborne's gothic cosmic horror genre presents a compelling obstacle when it comes to crafting a sequel that successfully builds upon its themes while avoiding excessive duplication or straying too far from its established lore.
Soulslikes within the fantasy genre have become deeply entrenched, as expected. FromSoftware's Demon's Souls and Dark Souls established the subgenre with their own brand of dark fantasy, and it is no surprise that imitators draw inspiration from fantasy as well. Fantasy is a broad category that offers numerous motifs and tropes, making it a fertile ground for authentic reinterpretation, despite the similarities in mechanical features across FromSoftware games. This is where Bloodborne stood out, leaving its distinct mark in the developer's legacy.
While Dark Souls thrived as a trilogy in the dark fantasy realm and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offered a fantastical twist on feudal Japan, Elden Ring ventured into a similar yet distinct territory from FromSoftware's traditional fantasy. Nevertheless, Bloodborne stands apart as the developer's most otherworldly game within the Soulslike action-RPG subgenre, with its ghastly and gruesome cosmic horror intertwined with elements of science fiction. This unique genre grants it an unmistakable and unparalleled identity; however, it also presents challenges in executing a potential Bloodborne 2 with the same level of excellence.
Dark Souls, Elden Ring Can Look Openly to Fantasy for Inspiration
In addition to the traditional imagery of castles, dragons, and knights, fantasy offers a wide scope for interpretation. It has been explored extensively in various forms of media such as literature, movies, and TV, inspiring new ideas and blending common elements.
Similarly, Soulslike games draw inspiration from their predecessors, building upon existing foundations to offer unique experiences. FromSoftware, as the pioneer of this subgenre, holds a special place and their games are revered above imitations by other developers. However, fans still anticipate immersive fantasy worlds in each of FromSoftware's creations.
Bloodborne’s Gothic Cosmic Horror Might Be Too Niche to Iterate on
: Expanding the Boundaries of Imagination in Elden Ring
The subject matter explored in Bloodborne is not completely incomprehensible, but it is undeniably more intricate and imaginative than the conventional medieval fantasy often seen in Soulslike games. Bloodborne presents a gothic European backdrop that conceals a disturbing and surreal underworld, seamlessly intertwined with rituals involving blood and otherworldly terrors.
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There is no clear guide for Bloodborne's unique genre, except for Lovecraftian works, which presents a difficult challenge for FromSoftware if they decide to create a Bloodborne sequel. However, FromSoftware is best equipped to expand on the themes, settings, and atmosphere of Bloodborne.
Creating a sequel without repeating the same imagery or deviating too much from the established lore might prove challenging. Bloodborne fans desire more of what they love, and a sequel that heavily incorporates the gothic iconography of the original could fulfill their expectations.
Bloodborne is out on PS4.
