FromSoftware is currently hard at work on Elden Ring, the studio’s new action RPG being developed in a collaboration with George R.R. Martin. While there’s a dedicated audience holding their breath for some info on this enigmatic title, there’s another group of players waiting for a Bloodborne sequel. With 2009’s Demon’s Souls and 2011’s Dark Souls, the studio set a new benchmark for action RPGs in the industry with its nail-biting combat, intricate level design, and impeccable world-building. This formula was later on nearly perfected with the release of 2015’s PS4 exclusive Bloodborne, which led to the eventual formation of the popular sub-genre known as SoulsBorne.
While there’s no denying the fact that it’s the Dark Souls franchise that brought FromSoftware to the forefront of modern gaming, it’s hard to ignore that Bloodborne elevated that success to a broader level and brought in an audience that would have otherwise never experienced the essence of FromSoftware titles. Given the success of Bloodborne and a huge demand for its sequel, it’s easy to assume that FromSoftware and Sony would eventually cook something up. However, there are much bigger obstacles to overcome for the studio if Bloodborne ever sees the day of light.
Bloodborne’s success isn’t just tied to how solid of a game it really was. Rather, it also boils down to how mesmerizing it felt to take the first steps in the world of Yharnam, how exciting it was to use a trick weapon for the first time, how liberating it felt to take control of the fast-paced combat in contrast to the one found in the Dark Souls games. Bloodborne’s ability to surprise its players was its biggest strength, something that would be hard to rejuvenate with a successor.
Moreover, what the game’s hefty campaign lacked, The Old Hunters DLC made up for it. The DLC provided more variety in its trick weapons, more strategic boss battles, and expanded lore that felt satisfying to the core. Given how satisfying Bloodborne feels in its entirety, it’s hard to imagine a sequel that could possibly build upon something that’s already so whole in and of itself.
While there are exceptions, sequels to most successful games are relatively underwhelming, to say the least. Developing sequels to beloved titles often comes down to whether the developer wants to follow the mantra, “if it’s not broken don’t fix it,” or a complete overhaul that would possibly restructure the essence of that IP. In the case of Bloodborne 2, either of the routes could turn out to be its biggest weakness.
Needless to say, the fate of a Bloodborne sequel lies in the hands of Sony Interactive Entertainment as they own the IP. While the PS5 already has some big exclusives lined up, Sony would want to compliment that by adding the much-requested Bloodborne 2. While such a possibility has to yet be confirmed, Bloodborne 2’s development would require some much-needed diligence on behalf of FromSoftware.
Bloodborne is available now exclusively for PS4.
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