FromSoftware’s Duskbloods: The Bloodborne Sequel We Never Knew We Needed

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The upcoming Switch 2 exclusive game titled “The Duskbloods” has been generating considerable buzz since its reveal in April this year, and for valid reasons. Given FromSoftware’s reputation, any new project from them is bound to create quite a stir, but the excitement surrounding “The Duskbloods” is particularly noteworthy following the phenomenal success of “Elden Ring,” which boosted the studio’s popularity to unprecedented heights. What makes it even more intriguing is that it will be an exclusive for Nintendo, adding a layer of allure to an already highly anticipated release.

As a fervent admirer, it’s no secret that the buzzing debate about The Duskbloods revolves around its striking resemblance to Bloodborne, FromSoftware’s 2015 masterpiece that consistently graces ‘best of’ lists. While Bloodborne‘s enduring fame and acclaim is undeniable, it shares the same fate as other FromSoft classics like Sekiro and Demon’s Souls, having yet to spawn a sequel, which seems unlikely to happen anytime soon. However, with the arrival of The Duskbloods, an enticing blend of dark Gothic, semi-steampunk elements drenched in a hint of Bloodborne‘s signature flavor, perhaps this isn’t such a disheartening turn of events after all.

One significant reason why fans find it disheartening that Bloodborne doesn’t have a sequel is due to the overall lack of attention given to the franchise by FromSoftware and Sony: the game hasn’t been upgraded for next-gen platforms, and there’s been no discussion about expanding the game outside of the PlayStation environment.

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 worth mentioning that Bloodborne shares some characteristics with classic Victorian-era tales of werewolves and vampires, much like Van Helsing, but it also delves into Lovecraftian elements without completely abandoning its initial style. Similarly, The Duskbloods seems to adopt a similar approach, offering a dark and Gothic journey filled with vampire themes, lunar powers, and technology from the turn of the century. This is what makes people draw parallels between Bloodborne and games like Lies of P, as both employ similar ideas within a 19th-century European setting.

With The Duskbloods displaying a resemblance in style and visual design to Bloodborne, FromSoftware can potentially revisit previously explored ideas. This is particularly relevant when considering world-building and storytelling: games such as Elden Ring and Dark Souls often focus on topics like leadership, the corrupting influence of power, and the rise and fall of empires, whereas Bloodborne primarily concentrates on the folly of human arrogance, examining how human society can excessively strive for progress and knowledge. It’s possible that The Duskbloods, like Elden Ring following Dark Souls, will further explore these themes, albeit from a fresh perspective.

The Duskbloods Isn’t Bloodborne 2, and That’s a Good Thing

Whenever a highly successful game like Bloodborne gains popularity, it’s only natural for fans to crave a direct sequel. This desire is reasonable, but over-commercialization and excessive expansion of creative works, particularly in large quantities, can diminish their original impact. For instance, franchises such as Assassin’s Creed or Call of Duty, initially pioneers in their respective genres, are now often seen as mere annual releases rather than treasured properties. Overextension can rob game, film, and TV properties of their enchantment when they outlive their natural lifespan.

It could potentially be more advantageous for FromSoftware to introduce “The Duskbloods” rather than “Bloodborne 2”. By doing so, they might gain freedom to experiment with gameplay and story elements akin to “Bloodborne”, yet outside of its universe’s constraints and fan expectations. Comparatively, both “Dark Souls” and “Demon’s Souls” can be seen as kindred spirits to “Bloodborne” and “The Duskbloods”. Notably, the “Dark Souls” series flourished as a spin-off from “Demon’s Souls”, demonstrating the creative benefits of being unbound by the original IP.

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2025-05-24 15:04