Bloodborne: “The sense of punishment is much less,” “wider audience” is the target

Bloodborne developer From Software said today it’s walking a line between disappointing Souls fans and opening up the concept to a wider audience.

[Yi-Long]

That's disappointing to hear. The former games were hard because they were challenging, but they were never unfair. I'm worried that if Bloodborne becomes too easy, that it just becomes a lot less rewarding to play, and when there's less of a challenge, it can become a bit boring.

I'm a bit worried about this announcement. Looking forward to the game, but please don't dumb it down for a so-called wider audience.

[Kayant]

I will leave this here -
http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

Same was apparently said for DS1 and 2 before the games came out seeing as both as not easy" then I really don't think there is anything to worry about given DS2 is more accessible than one in many ways but it's still a challenging game.

[Enemy]

http://www.ign.com/articles...

In this article, they confirm the same thing Miyazaki said months ago. "It's all about the brutal difficulty."

They obviously want the game to sell to as many people as possible, and they said the same things about Dark Souls-- "it's going to be easier."

The truth is that Miyazaki has said over and over this game is for the fans and that he isn't going to have different difficulty settings. It'll be brutal by default.

[Gazondaily]

Accessibility. Usually a word with positive connotations; in the gaming industry it ends up being anything but positive.

Lets hope From Software strike the right balance here.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

The games were challenging because they were unforgiving. Not that they were hard per se but making little errors could cost you everything. A gaffe in timing would allow even the weakest of enemies to do serious damage. It requires patience that a lot of people just don't have. I'm one of them I guess. I liked the soul games a lot but I've never been able to complete one. Being less punishing would be welcome to me.

[NukaCola]

I enjoy the DS series as well but it's unfortunate that FromSoftware now has a reputation that all their games must be insanely unforgiving and difficult. Now they can't make something that is open to more gamers than just the most dedicated core players? I would like to see them tackle another genre in the 3D Dot Game Heroes universe. Maybe a 2.5D Metroid/Megaman/Zelda2 style game.

[nix]

quite the opposite says Destructoid.

http://n4g.com/news/1566509...

[NewMonday]

I understand this as less backtracking by giving more convenient save system and less grinding, these 2 things are cheep difficulty gimmicks, and stopped me from getting into the DS games.

the difficulty should be mainly about skill, preparation and strategy.

Bloodborne is aiming to hit that perfect balance between challenge and wider accessibility, that is why they are making a new franchise and not a Demon Souls sequel.

[equal_youth]

punish me bloodborne :D

[BlindGuardian]

look I love the Soul games, especially Demon's Souls, but looking back on my playthroughs now they feel like climbing mountains and the thought of having that combat system with new settings and better graphics but with less frustration seems appealing to me

[vallencer]

Dark souls one had a lot of cheap mechanics in it. I'm not saying I didn't love the difficulty but let's be honest. A lot of people beat the game, my self not included, but it had cheap moments that pushed it beyond hard and I to the unfair category. Again not saying it couldn't be done but some of it was just stupid. That being said though I love all the games they've made. I will love this one too I'm sure. It sounds like it's still just as brutal but gives you more of a chance with the "regain" system in place.

Pretty sure there isn't anything to worry about.

[ABizzel1]

@Yi-Long

You have to read the article, they said they're not taking away from the challenge for core fans, but they're adding more of an online aspect to the game to make it more accessible to a wider audience. And to make it more accessible they're not going to punish in game death as much. Does that make it easier, not at all IMO, but it does make completing the game more accessible than it was for those who simply gave up.

On top of that simply having faster gameplay IMO is what's really going to help make it more accessible. I'm a hack and slash fan, but the slow paced nature of the Soul series, was an uncomfortable adjustment, and Bloodbourne seems to be everything I wanted from the Soul Series.

This is their 4th game of this kind, so I think they'll be just fine, No worries.

[imt558]

From Neogaf poster S1kkZ

Played the demo. Feels more like demons souls to me. But I really sucked at it. The core souls gameplay seems intact, the firearms are just an addition, not the main focus. You need to be a lot more agile and doge, roll around. The visuals. Aside from some minor framerate issues and aliasing(which could have been the tv), the game Is a looker. The animations, the physicsof the main characters cape, atmosphere... Amazing.
Ich It wasn't rock solid 30 frames, but it was alpha code. Some stutter here and there, no major dips. The guns seem to be mostly there for crowd control. You can stun or kill with it, but I had so few bullets, that it wasn't really worth wasting the gun on single enemies. Sorry about the grammar, posting from phone on floor.

[Palitera]

It doesnt disappoint me at all.

These are the devs that I have absolute faith in. Whatever they choose to do, I'll get the game.

[thorstein]

I would expect this to be on the same level as Demon's Souls and Dark Souls. He worked on those two. He didn't work on Dark Souls II, so, what he considers "punishment" may be quite different.

[Blacklash93]

Less punishing, not less difficult. He doesn't necessarily mean that the game is easier, just less hard on failure.

It could be a good thing. I could do without the long backtracking from bonfires after dying when trying to take take down a boss, for instance. That's not challenging punishment, just annoying.

[lifeisgamesok]

Different game than what the fans want

Confirmed

[xHeavYx]

Xbox fan who won't be able to play the game is hurt

Confirmed

[Unarmed_Civilian]

Troll confirmed!

Slated for termination.

[MysticStrummer]

"Different game than what the fans want"

Either way it has nothing to do with you.

The game is looking sweet, and since Demon's Souls/Dark Souls were my two favorite games last gen I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

[thezeldadoth]

this whole "what the fans asked for" argument is annoying. When i was young i didn't ask for mario or zelda or donkey kong, but i loved them. How is gaming going to progress if we only get what "fans ask for"

[creatchee]

@xHeavYx

"Xbox fan who won't be able to play the game is hurt

Confirmed"

So, people getting up in arms about Tomb Raider being a timed exclusive or whatever is a noble cause, but people on Xbox not being able to play the next Souls game is something to point out and poke fun of? And don't give mr the "it's not a Souls game" crap, because it looks exactly like a Souls game.

[xHeavYx]

First of all, this is not the next Souls game, and it's not me saying it, it's the game developer,Source (point #1) http://blog.eu.playstation....

Second, this has no similarities to what's going on with Tomb Raider. Bloodborne was confirmed as exclusive as soon as it launched, Crystal Dynamics didn't say that TR would be exclusive when it was revealed at E3.

Third, Bloodborne is a new IP, TR never missed a Playstation platform.

So, do yourself a favor and do a little research before opening your mouth

[creatchee]

@xHeavYx

1. Bungie says Destiny isn't a MMO, but that doesn't make it so. IT LOOKS EXACTLY LUKE A SOULS GAME WITH GUNS.

2/3. No Man's Sky was a new IP and was announced before platforms were confirmed. I saw zero complaints from you when it went PS4 exclusive, timed or otherwise.

Also, don't ever tell me what to do. I'll open my mouth whenever I want.

[Malphite]

Like any game ever was 100% what fans wanted. That's simply impossible due to the fact that fans aren't on the same page when it comes to every single aspect of the game. Even devs aren't. In the end they show us the game that's as close as possible to what they wanted to create and if we're interessted we'll pick it up.

[gangsta_red]

Well to be honest it is disappointing to hear this about this game regardless of whether it came from a Xbox fan or not.

No one (at least the fans of the original) wanted to see this game go the casual route that Dark Souls 2 went.

This is very disappointing especially since this was one of the only games that was highly anticipated at E3 and Gamescon.

I hope this was a joke to throw people off.

[thricetold]

Stop fooling yourself, none of the games are truly hard in the series. Wish people would stop spreading this fud to soak their own oats in. The games are just obtuse, which the devs have been trying to correct with each sequel.

Anyways, glad they are getting rid of the tryhards, maybe bloodborne won't be ruined by meta players trying to turn an rpg into an action fighting game for PvPing like the others.

[gangsta_red]

Weeeelll excuuuuse me Lord King of all video games.

But Demon Souls and Dark Souls was hard due to the fact that you did have to memorize enemy patters (only after dying a few times), you couldn't rush into battle like most games and you actually had to lure enemies by themselves to take them out. Add to the fact of losing souls, getting invaded and other staples that punish the player and the game is hard.

Fans of the game love this series because it's hard and unforgiving, not obtuse(huh?). Whenever a dev says they want to cater to casuals or make it the game more appealing to all it usually means they want to dumb it down.

[Systemshock2]

Previews said otherwise, dont be fooled, it still is unforgiving.

Check IGN and this

http://www.destructoid.com/...

[Artista]

Let's just wait till we get to play it. .

[XtraTrstrL]

Uh Oh, this sounds like the Crapcom route that ruined so many great, legendary franchises. Going for the 'wider audience' and ruining the genre.

[Systemshock2]

If every Bloodborne boss fight is this intense, Souls fans--and action RPG gamers in general--are going to be in heaven. - GamesRadar

[miyamoto]

With all the lessons learned from Demon's Soul , Dark Souls 1 & 2, Miyazaki knows what he is doing and this time there is no pressure from Bandai Namco but creative freedom from Sony.

In FromSoftware We Trust.

Never have I seen 3D graphics look like hand painted art.

I am going to play Nintendo's Hiroshi Yamauchi this time and say this game is going to be very successful just by looking at it.

100% satisfaction guaranteed

[nX]

You probably didn't play Ni No Kuni :P
But I agree, I love the art style and the attention to detail as well.

[tlougotg]

Out of all the games shown in any conference, this and Wild are my most anticipated!!! I love Souls games.

[DarXyde]

Well, it would be nice to turn a profit...and making a game only for the hardcore is a sure way to hurt that. I can understand from a business perspective.

When they say they don't want to punish the player outright, it could simply mean there are more opportunities for online help. They did mention that. Could also mean the game is hard, but doesn't capitalize on losing your currency (blood, souls) when you die before retrieving it. That would be considered a lesser degree of punishment. I'm not sure, but I have faith it'll turn out great.

Let's just wait and see how it turns out.

[funkybudda]

People can judge the game when it is released. The argument that this will not sell well is just laughable, for every hardcore "I want this to be super hard" fan that turns away, the game will attract few more casual fans.

[DarXyde]

I didn't say it wouldn't sell well. I said it would definitely hurt that. It could still do great, but not as well as perhaps it could. That's a fact--fewer people would be willing to tolerate such a game.

For the record, your comment is a bit inconsistent and I'd like some clarification:

"The argument that this will not sell well is just laughable[.]"

Okay...

"For every hardcore 'I want this to be super hard' fan that turns away, the game will attract few more casual fans."

Then you agree that it would probably do better financially if it became more approachable? Because if--as you say--for every hardcore fan that it turns away, it will get more casuals; in other words more gain than loss.

[Rivitur]

They just said that the game won't be easy in another article in response to this one.

[x_RadicalAura_x]

Yeah... Right. We've heard this before.

[Grave]

We still getting that 1 hour video of gameplay?? That what I was excited about.

[eyeDEVOUR]

"We" were never getting that, it was a press only showing...sadly

[Grave]

Dang. Oh well. I still read that blog post form the God himself so I'm still happy.

[Shinuz]

As if Dark Souls 2 wasn't casual enough...

[Themba76]

im tired of this crap man screw the wider audience let them stay on cod and there tablets.

[SaffronCurse]

Will we be able to activate UAV's and nukes if we get enough consecutive kills?

[Vantage]

To quote an article from IGN. Nothing below is mine.

To be clear, Bloodborne isn’t being made easier but a new mechanic – referred to as the ‘Regain System’ – aims to alter how players perceive failure and pain.

During combat, whenever you take damage from an opponent there’s a small window of opportunity to regain health by attacking back. With each blow that lands, you retrieve some of your lost health. This can be taken from any enemy, not just the one that initially inflicted the damage. The window is short, but it’s intention is to “draw the user into the perilous combat we want to deliver.” Although players will still die a lot in Bloodborne, it’s hope this new mechanic will change the perception of that ordeal.

Yamagiwa also expressed an interest in appealing to a bigger audience, but was again quick to say the game is being aimed at the fans of the series.

“In terms of who the game is aimed at, and who we want to capture in terms of the audience, of course we can’t betray or disappoint the fans out there. They’ll be the main ambassadors of the game." But he acknowledge Bloodborne as an opportunity to grow the audience further. "We want more people to share in this experience. So one of the things we can't talk about right now but we feel the new online concept and experience we've got for this game – we hope that will capture a wider audience."

http://www.ign.com/articles...

[aftershock]

I hope its much easier than the Souls games. RageQuit from rooster teeth said it best "what is the point of this? You will die over and over! That's not fun, I don't like that. Who the fuck likes that?" I gave up on dark souls 1 for that reason, it wasn't fun at all

[Vantage]

Dark Souls is not hard. I run through Sen's Fortress without killing a single enemy. (except the ones that block doorways)

They're grown men with a following. They should be better than "I died game's dumb".

[Blacklash93]

Agreed. Shield and strafe, and you've already beaten 80% of all Dark Souls content. Dark Souls isn't terribly hard, there's just a learning curve.

That's why I'm looking forward to Bloodborne. With shields gone and faster combat, the player will actually be required to think and react more dynamically in order to succeed.

[BattleTorn]

Exactly.

If I hated the game for dying too often, and never progressing..... who would I have to blame? Only myself.

"It's how it's meant to be" apparently :|

[SpinalRemains138]

Same exact thing was said about both Dark Souls games, and they wound up killing us all hundreds of times each.

Until they actually do make a game which holds your hand, we should assume it will be difficult but fair.

[gangsta_red]

THAT SUX!

Casual gameplay (Darksouls 2) CONFIRMED!

[mrmack00]

0% concern here. Looks awesome and reviews of the playable demo are positive. I'm sure it will be tough and rewarding.

Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill folks.

[Rhezin]

Fine with me. I never played Dark Souls or Demon Souls, but I'm sure they can add a harder difficulty later on for some people like the "Grounded" difficulty Naughty Dog added in The Last of Us.

[q8kik]

imo rpg games don't need difficulty settings

[q8kik]

i hope it keeps the core difficulty of the souls games

[thricetold]

None of the games are hard! Stop spreading this crap to boost your own egos. It just takes patience and memorization, not skill. The only thing that's hard is losing your ton of souls and having to grind to build them back up if you lost them.

Just a bunch of back tracking and time wasting to imply a lengthy playtime.

[BattleTorn]

Well, well

I for one am glad.

People who insist on games being a certain difficulty are stupid.

They insist that their games don't have any difficult options. Somehow someone else having an easier option, ruins their harder option. O.o
If you want to go for the Nightmare/Insanity trophy - fill your boots. Just don't go petitioning developers to make exclusions of easier modes.

People who insist on there ONLY being the hardest difficulty only have themselves to blame when From Software had to cut the mature-rated gore from DS2 in order to appeal to a broader audience - namely because the fanbase screamed bloody murder when they considered making difficulty setting for the same reason.

[Mister_G]

I'll just play on Hard difficulty then (if there's a choice in the options).

If there isn't a 'Hard' setting I'll just play with a rusty broken sword, that'll be challenging :)

[Mr Lahey]

Noooo! WTF is this BS!!!??