FromSoftware’s Bloodborne has earned its place as one of the most celebrated action RPGs of all time. Released in 2015 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive, the game captured the hearts of fans with its gothic horror aesthetic, fast-paced combat, and cryptic storytelling. Despite its enduring popularity and critical acclaim, Bloodborne remains untouched by a sequel or even a remaster, leaving fans yearning for more.
Here’s why Bloodborne deserves either a remake, a sequel, or both to bring this iconic game back into the spotlight.
A Unique and Beloved World
The setting of Bloodborne is one of its greatest strengths. Yharnam, a city drenched in gothic horror and eldritch mysteries, is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply unsettling world. Inspired by Victorian architecture and the works of H.P. Lovecraft, its atmosphere draws players into a nightmarish landscape of blood-soaked streets and cosmic terror.
A remake or sequel could expand upon this world in meaningful ways:
- Enhanced Visuals: A modern remake could take advantage of the latest hardware to bring Yharnam to life with more detail, lighting effects, and smoother performance, creating an even more immersive experience.
- Expanded Lore: The cryptic storytelling of Bloodborne leaves plenty of room to delve deeper into the lore of the Healing Church, the Great Ones, and the origins of the blood curse.
The potential to further explore the mythos of Yharnam and its connections to the cosmos is practically endless, making a sequel or remake incredibly enticing.
Combat That Redefined the Genre
When Bloodborne was released, it introduced a bold new take on FromSoftware’s signature combat system. Unlike the slower, methodical approach of Dark Souls, Bloodborne encouraged aggression, rewarding players for taking risks with its rally system, which allowed them to regain health by striking back after taking damage.
A sequel could build on this foundation in several ways:
- New Weapons and Tools: Bloodborne introduced trick weapons, which transformed mid-combat to provide versatile options. A sequel could expand this concept with even more creative and dynamic tools of destruction.
- Improved Mechanics: Modern advancements in game design could make the combat even more fluid and responsive, ensuring a smoother experience for players.
A remake could refine the combat further, perhaps adding new animations, rebalancing enemies, or tweaking hitboxes for a more polished experience.
The Timeless Appeal of the Chalice Dungeons
The Chalice Dungeons in Bloodborne offered a unique endgame experience, allowing players to explore procedurally generated areas with a variety of challenges. While this feature was innovative, it didn’t reach its full potential due to repetitiveness and lack of variety.
A sequel or remake could revamp this concept:
- Improved Procedural Design: By introducing more unique environments, puzzles, and enemy encounters, the Chalice Dungeons could feel fresh and engaging throughout multiple playthroughs.
- Expanded Co-op Options: Multiplayer features could be enhanced to make Chalice Dungeon exploration more rewarding and enjoyable with friends.
By addressing these shortcomings, a sequel could turn the Chalice Dungeons into a standout feature that adds significant replayability.
Demand for a PC Release and Technical Improvements
One of the most common complaints about Bloodborne is its performance on PlayStation 4. The game is locked at 30 FPS, with occasional frame pacing issues that hinder smooth gameplay. Fans have been clamoring for a PC port or next-gen remaster that could run at 60 FPS or higher.
A remake could address these issues with:
- Higher Frame Rates: Ensuring smooth gameplay to enhance combat responsiveness and immersion.
- Enhanced Resolution: Supporting 4K for modern displays to showcase Bloodborne’s stunning art direction.
The success of other FromSoftware ports, such as Dark Souls Remastered and Sekiro on PC, shows there’s a substantial audience ready to embrace Bloodborne on additional platforms.
Unanswered Questions Beg for a Sequel
The story of Bloodborne is intentionally ambiguous, with many mysteries left unresolved by the time the credits roll. Fans have speculated endlessly about the lore, from the nature of the Great Ones to the deeper significance of the Hunter’s Dream. A sequel could pick up where the original left off or explore new characters and locations tied to the same universe.
Potential directions for a sequel:
- A New Setting: While Yharnam is iconic, a sequel could introduce a new city or region plagued by the same eldritch forces, offering a fresh perspective on the curse of blood.
- Returning Themes: Themes of transformation, forbidden knowledge, and cosmic horror could be expanded with new twists and narratives.
A sequel could deepen the lore while maintaining the mysterious, interpretive storytelling that fans adore.
FromSoftware’s Track Record with Sequels
FromSoftware has a history of delivering stellar sequels and iterations. Titles like Dark Souls III and Elden Ring show the studio’s ability to refine and expand upon their previous work while introducing new mechanics and ideas.
A sequel to Bloodborne could:
- Incorporate Lessons Learned: Drawing from the success of Elden Ring and Sekiro, a Bloodborne sequel could incorporate more open-world elements, refined stealth mechanics, or even new ways to tell its story.
- Satisfy Fans’ Desires: With Bloodborne’s enduring fan base, a sequel would likely be a commercial and critical success.
Given FromSoftware’s consistent track record, it’s clear they could deliver a Bloodborne sequel that honors the original while pushing the series forward.
The Legacy of Bloodborne
Nearly a decade after its release, Bloodborne remains a beloved title in FromSoftware’s library. Its influence can be seen in other games that borrow from its fast-paced combat and gothic aesthetic. The hunger for a remake or sequel is a testament to the game’s lasting impact on both fans and the industry as a whole.
Whether through a remake that revitalizes the original experience or a sequel that expands its universe, Bloodborne deserves to return to the forefront of gaming. It’s time for the nightmare to rise once more.
Would you rather see a Bloodborne remake or a sequel? Let us know your thoughts!
