The Duskbloods Preview
It can be difficult to make an impact in the PvPvE space due to the sheer volume of titles vying for your attention. However, when FromSoftware threw their gauntlet into the arena, players had to pay attention. With a catalogue of groundbreaking, landmark titles, the Japanese developers continue to experiment and push boundaries. Duskbloods is a wholly unique experience and, based on the network test, could be the title that sets it apart from the competition.
In typical FromSoftware fashion, the developers strive to create something fresh in a familiar genre. While Duskbloods falls into the PvPvE online multiplayer category, it differs from anything I have previously explained. As with their other releases, there are many layers and a lot to learn. Although it can be overwhelming at first, after a few games, things start to click and you gradually become more confident in your ability to navigate its many systems.
Surviving the Night
Each match takes place over four phases, with the pool of eight players dwindling as the battle progresses. During phase one, you must wander the stunning environment, killing those you cross to build Virtue. You can also earn Virtue through other means such as lighting thrones, collecting items and defeating boss characters. These can be quite challenging but can lead to some wonderful impromptu co-op, as others can help take down vicious beasts. In addition to leveling up, you can also find allies to support you as matches intensify.
Forming alliances is pivotal for taking on large bosses that dominate regions. This is a great feature that allows less experienced players to lean on others to gain Virtue, as you share rewards from the battle. You can form alliances any time before the final phase, adding a nice co-operative aspect to the game. However, this is completely optional, allowing those who prefer to go it alone to tackle these formidable foes by themselves.
In phase two, Ritual Sites appear on the map and it’s here where PvP begins. Capturing these areas will grant you Virtue, making these zones a hectic, blood-filled battle. Earning this is key, as it’s at this point that players start to get culled. Those with the lowest Virtue are removed from the game, raising the stakes and forcing everyone to fight for their survival.
Phase three increases the intensity with map events, giant Trespasser fights and much more. There’s so much to do and many ways to reach your goal of collecting those precious points. From character-specific missions, which add a narrative to matches, to individual battles with online players, each phase introduces new challenges and keeps the experience feeling unpredictable.
Only One Shall Live
After the game culls the last three players, the final phase begins. It warps you from the large map to a battle arena, where you must face two others in a chaotic brawl to crown the winner. Battles are tough, making victory hard-earned. Due to the agility of players, it can be quite difficult to track your opponent even with the lock-on feature. As you’re able to jump several times in the air, foes can leap around the environment, making the camera awkwardly zip along with them.
Each character is distinct with unique abilities that let you vary your approach to matches. Characters have short- and long-range attacks, as well as a unique ability that runs on a cooldown. From axes to ring blades and daggers to rapiers, each has a distinct form of combat that you must master to emerge victorious. While it does feel familiar, this is a faster-paced experience than FromSoftware’s previous epics, meaning that fans of their previous adventures will still need to get used to the new combat mechanics.
While I generally prefer single-player experiences, FromSoftware has created something that manages to blur the lines between a solo and multiplayer adventure. With its signature style and approach to combat, you can mistake the early moments for a new offering in the Souls lineage. However, as the match progresses, PvP elements become more of a focus, leading to a thrilling conclusion. When Duskbloods was first announced, I wasn’t sold on the idea, but after the Network Test, I came away far more impressed than I expected, and I’m now eager to see how the full game builds upon this foundation.
***A Nintendo Switch 2 code was provided by the publisher***
