As an Elden Ring devotee with over a hundred hours logged in Nightreign, I was incredibly excited for The Duskbloods. Even though PvP wasn’t my forte, the PvE aspects and promises of balance intrigued me. I prepared myself for inevitable losses, confident that fun could be had even as a “mediocre” player. However, after ten hours with The Duskbloods during the Network Test, I’m left questioning if FromSoftware’s next game is truly for me.
The Frustrations of Loss and Limited Options
My experience was riddled with frustration. Losing repeatedly became deeply unfun, and I struggled to understand if things would improve in the full game. The Network Test environment itself proved problematic. I couldn’t play with my usual trio of friends, a common practice for Nightreign sessions. While occasional alliances formed during the test were enjoyable, the inability to consistently share the experience felt limiting. Furthermore, the single map and limited character selection quickly led to repetitive gameplay. Even after finding characters like Trang Lanh that I enjoyed, the lack of variety made each match feel painfully similar.
The focus on Ritual Sites, zones where players compete for objectives, also proved detrimental. While these sites offered goals like claiming stones or defending pledges, they often devolved into PvP free-for-alls. Attempting to engage with PvE content during the early phases was futile, as everyone else was consumed by the ongoing battles. The constant pressure of PvP made it difficult to enjoy the game’s exploration and boss encounters.
One particularly frustrating incident involved a player who repeatedly killed me after I spawned back at the same location. This seemingly trivial event highlighted the pervasive sense of being hunted and overwhelmed that characterized my experience. While I acknowledge that PvP is not my strength, I expected to have more opportunities for PvE engagement.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Frustration
Despite the frustrations, I found myself drawn to certain aspects of The Duskbloods. The movement system is incredibly fun, with satisfying quadruple jumps and a thrilling air dash. I also enjoyed experimenting with different characters, such as Layla, who excels at ranged combat. The visual design is stunning, from the character models to the environments. Discovering hidden areas on the map added another layer of enjoyment.
The core concept of a FromSoftware action game where multiple players compete and cooperate simultaneously is genuinely appealing. I want to participate in that dynamic experience. However, the constant pressure of PvP made it difficult to fully appreciate these elements.
Uncertain Future for The Duskbloods
I’m left with mixed feelings about The Duskbloods. While the Network Test provided a glimpse into what’s to come, it also exposed some significant challenges. The constant pressure of PvP, the limited options, and the repetitive gameplay made it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. However, I remain hopeful that these issues will be addressed in the full game.
I’m cautiously optimistic about the possibility of skill-based matchmaking, which could pair me with players more on my level. The development of a meta that encourages players to leave me alone during exploration could also create opportunities for PvE engagement. And, of course, the ability to play with friends would significantly enhance the overall experience.
Ultimately, I’m willing to give The Duskbloods another chance at launch. However, the excitement I felt before the Network Test has been tempered by my experiences. Whether I can overcome the challenges and find enjoyment in this unique blend of PvP and PvE remains to be seen. For now, I’m left wondering if FromSoftware’s next game is truly for me.
Source: Kotaku
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