Upcoming FromSoftware Switch 2 exclusiveThe Duskbloodshas been garnering quite a bit of attention since it was unveiled in early April of this year, and for good reason. Naturally, anynew FromSoftware projectis going to attract a good bit of hype, especially afterElden Ringcatapulted the studio into higher levels of popularity than ever before, and the fact that it’s a Nintendo exclusive makes it even more fascinating.
But of course, arguably the hottest topic of discussion surroundingThe Duskbloodsis its ostensible similarities toBloodborne, FromSoftware’s 2015 PlayStation exclusive that is often cited as one of the developer’s best releases. Despite its unquestionable popularity and prestige,Bloodbornesits alongside other FromSoft hits likeSekiroandDemon’s Souls, having never received a sequel, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change any time soon. But with the advent ofThe Duskbloods, a dark, Gothic, semi-steampunk PvPvE game with more than a little ofBloodborne’s secret sauce, maybe this isn’t the worst thing in the world.
A big reason whyBloodborne’s lack of a follow-up is so disappointing is FromSoftware and Sony’s general neglect of the property otherwise: it hasn’t received a next-gen update, and there have been no talks to extend the game beyondthe PlayStation ecosystem.
The Lack of a Bloodborne 2 Might Go Down Easier Thanks to The Duskbloods
The Duskbloods Wades in the Same Waters as Bloodborne
It’s important to note thatBloodbornepresents itself as something of a classic Victorian-era werewolf and vampire story ala Van Helsing before taking a swift turn into Lovecraftian antics, but it never fully sheds its original facade. It’s this same facade thatThe Duskbloodsappears to be wearing, stepping forward as a dark and Gothic adventure characterized by vampiric forces, the power of the moon, and turn-of-the-century technology. These alluring trappings are the same ones that spur comparisons betweenBloodborneandgames likeLies of P, which leverages similar ideas within a 19th-century European framework.
WithThe Duskbloodsadopting a similar aesthetic and visual identity asBloodborne’s, FromSoftware has the opportunity to reexamine once-familiar concepts. This is especially true with respect to worldbuilding and lore: games likeElden RingandDark Soulsmay focus on themes like leadership, the corrupting nature of power, and the rise and fall of kingdoms, whileBloodborneis all about the folly of man’s arrogance, exploring how human society can overextend itself in its search for progress and knowledge. PerhapsThe Duskbloods, likeElden RingafterDark Souls, will continue to delve into these subjects, but from a different angle.
The Duskbloods Isn’t Bloodborne 2, and That’s a Good Thing
Any time that there’s a breakout IP as massively popular asBloodborne, fans will naturally want to see some sort of direct continuation. This is understandable, but the commodification and proliferation of such creative works, especially when done to a significant degree, can actually dilute their impact. Take franchises likeAssassin’s CreedorCall of Duty, once leaders in their genre, now often viewed as mere products, arriving each year right on schedule. Game, film, and TV properties can lose their magic when stretched beyond their natural end point.
Thus, it might be for the best thatThe Duskbloodsis coming in place ofBloodborne 2. WithDuskbloods, FromSoftware might have the chance to explore gameplay and narrative concepts similar toBloodborne’s without being shackled to that universe’s laws and continuity, not to mention the expectations of fans.Demon’s SoulsandDark Soulsare an interesting pair to compare toBloodborneandThe Duskbloods, asDark Soulswas clearly birthed as something of aDemon’s Soulsspin-off; it should go without saying that that series benefitted greatly from being untethered from theDemon’s SoulsIP.
WHERE TO PLAY
Developed for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title with online multiplayer at its core, where up to 8 players vie for supremacy among themselves and against challenging foes.
Play as the “Bloodsworn”; a group that has transcended human strength thanks to their special blood, and throw yourself into a violent fray for “First Blood” as the twilight of humanity approaches.
