As a long-time fan of FromSoftware’s games, I was excited to try out The Duskbloods, their next multiplayer experiment. However, after playing the closed network test, I have some concerns about whether it will live up to its potential.
First Impressions
The network test was limited in scope, with only one map, six playable characters, no build customization, and solo queue only. Additionally, there seemed to be a portion of the intro tutorial missing. I also experienced significant input lag from both docked and handheld modes on the Switch 2, which made it difficult to control my character.
Gameplay
The simplest way to describe The Duskbloads is by using MOBA terms. It’s a game about killing creeps to level up and collect Virtue points as you prepare for the final PvP team fight (or free-for-all in solos) at the end of every match. Enemy players are there to gank you or be ganked by you as you race to become the strongest combatant in the lobby. Otherwise, collecting Virtue is your entire goal from the moment you and seven other players drop into the map and the first round begins. The rest of the game’s systems are there to disrupt you on your quest to farm as much Virtue as possible so you don’t get kicked, or culled, from the match early.
Concerns
Even though I expected the PvP aspect of The Duskbloods to be the worst part as someone who avoids it in FromSoft’s other games, it’s actually so meaningless for the majority of a match that I almost wish there was more reason to hunt down players, but it’s huge risk with little reward. Dying to other players doesn’t do anything but set you back on your Virtue farm. It’s more lucrative to play it like you’re speedrunning a normal Souls game with opportunities to PvP every now and then if you want.
The gameplay felt repetitive, as I was constantly farming the same enemies over and over again. The routine was only occasionally broken by another player engaging a boss that lets everyone join under a temporary truce to help fight it. My hope is that the final game has more of these moments that rely on having a handful of players participating.
Potential
Despite its flaws, I am fascinated by FromSoftware’s irresistible premise: a bunch of vampires from different eras and factions fighting on the eve of an apocalypse to give themselves up to a giant moon dripping with blood. I would like to know why there is a steampunk airship in the sky and why one of the bosses looks like Bloodborne’s Lady Maria riding on a headless horse. There are echoes of other FromSoft games imbued into the world, but so far it’s only enough for director Hidetaka Miyazaki to remind us that better games exist.
The Kin system, which allows players to recruit enemies as allies and have them tank tougher monsters, is a promising feature. However, the Kin feel ill-equipped for the speed of PvP fights, even sometimes sabotaging you by ruining a sneaky ambush by sprinting straight into battle.
Overall, The Duskbloods has potential, but it needs work. Its best ideas fall flat in a game that is mostly about farming enemies like you’re on a quest in an MMO from 10 years ago. Nothing about it grabbed me and I’m worried it might end up being the first FromSoft game that I simply skip.
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Source: PC Gamer
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