Ahead of the highly anticipated network test for The Duskbloods, veteran Soulsborne YouTubers VaatiVidya and Oroboro have taken to their channels, sharing extensive gameplay videos and insightful explainers for this exclusive PvPvE title on the Switch 2. Meanwhile, IGN and Automaton have engaged in enlightening discussions with project lead and renowned Soulsborne architect, Hidetaka Miyazaki. As a long-time enthusiast of the genre, I find myself reflecting on the most intriguing elements from the recent footage and conversations surrounding the game, which we can only hope will eventually grace the PC platform.
It’s structured like Nightreign
The design of Duskbloods appears to echo the intricate level layouts seen in Nightreign, promising a captivating experience that prioritizes verticality and exploration. This stylistic choice stands in contrast to the sprawling landscapes of Elden Ring, suggesting a more focused and immersive environment for players to navigate.
The Bloodborne (and Souls) of it all
True to FromSoftware’s legacy, Duskbloods showcases familiar motifs and aesthetics, reimagined within a fresh context. The visuals evoke a strong resemblance to Bloodborne, with several elements standing out:
- The hooded ogres bear a striking similarity to the Church Giants from Bloodborne.
- The previewed map conjures memories of Yharnam, particularly with its picturesque clock tower view.
- A boss encounter set within a cathedral roof arena recalls the Dark Souls Gargoyles and Bloodborne’s Martyr Logarius.
- Weapons reminiscent of Elden Ring and Bloodborne’s iconic whirly saws make an appearance.
- A cathedral interior echoes the haunting beauty of Upper Cathedral Ward.
- And, of course, there’s a battle staged in a field of white flowers, a nod to the series’ thematic elements.
Shadow of the Erdtree vertical design is the future
Duskbloods’ revealed map boasts a breathtaking vertical density akin to the Land of Shadow from Shadow of the Erdtree or Nightreign’s Great Hollow. The former represents some of the finest level design we’ve seen from FromSoftware, while the latter, despite its potential, was hindered by time constraints. It remains to be seen how effectively this design philosophy will translate into The Duskbloods.
What about sustain and follow-through? What about singleplayer? What about PC?
Historically, FromSoftware has faced challenges in maintaining balance and support for its multiplayer experiences. This has often been more forgivable when accompanied by some of the industry’s best single-player action RPGs. However, titles like Nightreign have struggled to retain player engagement, feeling abandoned just a year post-launch. As we look forward to Duskbloods, the community is eager to see how these concerns will be addressed, especially regarding single-player content and the eventual release on PC.
As anticipation builds for the next significant offering from FromSoftware—be it an Elden Ring sequel, an Armored Core expansion, or something entirely unexpected—there’s a collective hope that something closer to completion will soon be unveiled. And while the Switch 2 may provide a platform for Duskbloods, many believe its true potential lies in a PC release. The gaming community will undoubtedly keep a close watch on developments leading up to the network test of Duskbloods.
