Summary
- Bloodborne is the closest FromSoftware game to a sci-fi setting, with its Victorian London-inspired setting and advanced technology.
- Bloodborne's themes and imagery, such as blood ministration and cosmic influences, can be found in both gothic horror and science fiction genres.
- None of the other Soulslike games from FromSoftware have the same technological emphasis as Bloodborne, although FromSoftware could still make a true sci-fi Soulslike one day to top that.
There's been a lot of variety in the settings of FromSoftware’s Souls series. Despite the default Souls aesthetic being medieval dark fantasy, it can take forms ranging from grandiose cathedrals and castles to refuge-strewn chasms and spider dens. FromSoftware has done an admirable job squeezing every drop of visual appeal out of its games, and that's reinforced even more when it deviates from the norm. Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice take the Soulslike formula to gothic Victorian and feudal Japan settings, and Bloodborne is particularly memorable thanks to its unique sense of style.
Alongside FromSoftware’s fantasy games are its science fiction titles, with Armored Core leading the charge like always. The 2023 release of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon brought the series back into play, and gave FromSoftware’s output some much-needed genre variety. However, it also caused some concerns about FromSoftware keeping sci-fi elements from mixing with Souls. If Armored Core releases continue, then FromSoftware once again has an incentive to keep its fundamentally fantasy Soulslike lineup distinct from its futuristic mecha action games, with the closest thing to a compromise being Bloodborne.
Bloodborne Is The Closest FromSoftware Has Come To A Modern Setting
Obviously, Bloodborne is not science fiction, but it is the closest to it of any current Soulsborne title, and could remain so for a long time. Bloodborne's Victorian London-inspired setting of Yharnam is at least several hundred years of engineering and societal advancement ahead of Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, and Elden Ring’s kingdoms. Sekiro is harder to judge, but even in an era with guns present, Sekiro's emphasis on sword duels and supernatural influences prevent it from rivaling Bloodborne.
No FromSoftware Soulslike Shares Bloodborne’s Technological Emphasis
Drilling down further, Bloodborne's trick weapons and firearms are more modern and commonplace than the rifles and Prosthetic Tools of Sekiro. The only superior piece of machinery that players can encounter in FromSoftware’s Souls catalog is Elden Ring’s tank-like Flame Chariots, which are the exception that proves the rule. Bloodborne risked introducing modern technology to a Soulslike game, and it is still a long way from Armored Core 6’s protagonist being wired into their giant, flying mech. With all of that said, it's not just its level of technology that places Bloodborne more in line with sci-fi than its Souls peers.
Elements Of Bloodborne Illustrate How Sci-Fi FromSoftware Souls Could Look
Various themes and recurring elements in Bloodborne can be found in science fiction just as easily as gothic horror. The prominent use of blood ministration is arguably what bridges the gap between Bloodborne's heightened technology and future-proofed themes. Blood tampering, and experimenting with advances in medicine in general, could just as easily feature in a 16th century story as a horror-infused sci-fi tale. Bloodborne is also preoccupied with alien and cosmic imagery, largely thanks to its Lovecraftian horrors and the Insight from beyond the stars that they bring.
Where FromSoftware Could Go With Sci-Fi From Here
None of this makes Bloodborne a perfect substitute for a sci-fi Soulslike, but it is the farthest FromSoftware has currently gone down that road. Past fantasy titles by the company, like Shadow Tower Abyss, have worked science fiction elements in, so there's still a chance that FromSoftware could explore that genre in future Soulslikes. However, dark fantasy still lies at the heart of the Souls genre, and Elden Ring’s success proves there's no reason to change that yet. Anyone wishing for a FromSoftware-developed sci-fi Soulslike will need to content themselves with Bloodborne or Armored Core 6 for the time being, as the real deal appears to be a long way off.
Bloodborne
- Released
- March 24, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets in order to survive.
A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.
Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you'll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city's dark secrets.
A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation(R)4 system.
Ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to Explore: Use holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4
- How Long To Beat
- 33 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
