Bloodborne and Dark Souls are two of the most popular and challenging games in the action role-playing genre. Both games are developed by From Software and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, who is known for his creative vision and unforgiving gameplay. But are these games related to each other in terms of story, setting, or mechanics? Or are they completely separate entities that share some similarities? This article will explore the possible connections and differences between Bloodborne and Dark Souls, and try to answer the question: is Bloodborne related to Dark Souls?
Story and Setting
One of the most obvious differences between Bloodborne and Dark Souls is their story and setting. Bloodborne takes place in a gothic Victorian-inspired city called Yharnam, where a mysterious plague has turned most of the inhabitants into beasts. The player is a hunter who seeks to uncover the secrets of the city and the source of the plague, while facing horrific enemies and cosmic horrors.
Dark Souls, on the other hand, takes place in a medieval fantasy world called Lordran, where the Age of Fire is fading and the world is decaying. The player is an undead who seeks to either rekindle the First Flame or usher in the Age of Dark, while facing powerful lords and ancient dragons.
According to Miyazaki, Bloodborne and Dark Souls do not belong to the same universe, and there is no direct link between them. However, there are some easter eggs and references that suggest some connections or similarities. For example, in Bloodborne, a priest says “Umbasa”, which is a word from Demon’s Souls, another game by From Software. In Dark Souls 3, there are enemies that resemble the beasts from Bloodborne, and armor sets from Dark Souls can be found in Bloodborne’s dungeons. These could be seen as fan service or homage, rather than canon evidence.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Another major difference between Bloodborne and Dark Souls is their gameplay and mechanics. Both games are known for their difficulty, but they have different approaches to combat, weapons, and healing.
Bloodborne is more aggressive and fast-paced, whereas Dark Souls is less aggressive and slower-paced. The combat in Bloodborne encourages the player to dodge, parry, and counterattack, rather than block or wait for openings. The weapons in Bloodborne are mostly trick weapons that can transform into different forms, such as a saw that becomes a spear or a cane that becomes a whip. The healing in Bloodborne is done by using blood vials, which are limited in quantity and can be replenished by killing enemies or buying them.
Dark Souls or afun is more defensive and strategic, whereas Bloodborne is more offensive and reactive. The combat in Dark Souls requires the player to manage their stamina, shield, and positioning, rather than rely on quick reflexes. The weapons in Dark Souls are mostly conventional weapons that can be upgraded or infused with different elements, such as a sword that becomes fire or lightning. The healing in Dark Souls is done by using estus flasks, which are unlimited in quantity but can only be refilled at bonfires.
Conclusion
Bloodborne and Dark Souls are both amazing games that offer different experiences to their players. They are not related to each other in terms of story or setting, but they share some similarities in terms of gameplay or mechanics. They are both brutal games that challenge the player’s skills, patience, and perseverance. Whether you prefer one over the other depends on your personal preference and playstyle. But if you enjoy one of them, you might want to give the other a try as well. You might find something new to love or hate.
