No one started a thread for Bloodborne, which is a little disappointing. I'm reluctant to start one because I'd mainly gloss over the many important details - oh well.
What I first knew only as "project beast" or the next successor in Fromsoftware's "souls series" has since long ago been confirmed as a release that is pending for March next year. Obviously I'm elated with the news that Bloodborne has some relation with the first souls game called "Demon's Souls," especially since the director mentioned its supposed to have a "Tower of Latria" atmosphere. The tower of latria was an area in Demon's Souls unlike the others, which possessed significantly more eeriness among other things.
In all honesty there was nothing really scary at all about the previous soul titles, actually you'll be hard pressed to even jump at anything in the previous three titles. I don't think I'm startled easily, especially since I couldn't contain laughing at the conclusion of the trailer seen here:
I must say that though there are distinct similarities, which have transferred over from the previous titles - the game does give a different vibe. Contributing factors would certainly include, but are not limited to the encounters (I mean, no past souls title displayed this much gore) and their aesthetics. I do think the blood is a little over done, because the splish splash looks a little exaggerated. I do, however, like the blood stains accumulated upon the player and his allies: about time developers took the environment's elements into account. Water drenching was also present in their last Souls title as well as visible equipment degradation.
I'm really digging the absence of glowing "buddies" or "foes," previously I saw that as an aid, but also an immersion breaker. A change that I and many others welcome, because cooperative play will not interrupt the immersion of the ghastly atmosphere. In addition there's also a new composer for the game's soundtrack. I really liked Motoi Sakuraba's work in the previous titles, but I will say the first Dark Souls soundtrack was significantly better than the second. Nonetheless I've heard some samples from his work, and they definitely can fulfill the role the game provides them.
Combat looks interesting and fast paced. The imfamous roll seems to have been removed entirely, and weapons obviously are of a different nature. There are also no shields, but there are guns. I didn't see any healing mechanisms except for the introduced concept of "they strike you, you strike them back - faster" as a means of recovering health. I'm assuming that after dying so much you'll turn into a beast and be hunted by other players - perhaps until you revert back. A plague mask, and other face covering items may be hinting at some kind of disease or blight that has affected the townsfolk. Exposure to the ailment may have consequences, which makes me wonder what other visible changes will be present.
Character customization had better have improved from the previous titles. Their customization of the player model has always appeared limited with the exception of the abundance of clothing and armor. I'm specifically referring to underneath. I was disappointed with the limited proportions and variances of body builds in their last game. I would also like the character (or hunter if you prefer) to have a voice. A choice of said voice would be the icing on the cake. Finally, the story behind Hidetaka Miyazaki's games aren't always crystal clear from the start on, which I find interesting since you appear to have to rummage through item descriptions and npc dialogue to really uncover anything.
Anyone else anticipating the release of Bloodborne? I'm considering getting the collectors edition myself.