REVIEW – Well, we are way passed Halloween, but it seems FromSoftware decided to hold one after October. Which is great because players around the world who were aching for more content for one of the best PlayStation exclusive game, got their wish granted. New demons, ghouls, and traps in the world Yharnam.

FromSoftware has been pretty good with DLCs, why just remember Artorias of the Abyss for Dark Souls. The content there was magnificent and had the best boss encounters back then. The developers also always add a unique spin to the DLC, so it does not feel tacked (or cut content, HI EA! ). The Old Hunters downloadable expansion is an interesting mixed bag of content, experience and lots and lots of death.

Yharception

So how does the DLC fit into the lore of Bloodborne? Well, it does so by making everything more confusing and at the same time a hell of a lot interesting. The DLC can be accessed by picking up an individual item where you fought Vicar Amelia. After that, it’s off to that asshole near the Cathedral that would pick you up and slam you down to the ground, except this time you don’t die, but cinematic plays that will transport you to The Hunter’s Nightmare.

This place is where the DLC starts, and will take you through four bosses, and loads of new enemies. The Old Hunters serve as a sort of prequel (do not expect too much explanation as to why and what happened to Yharnam), where the events were shown can be interpreted in multiple ways. Still if you dig deep enough, you’ll end up with a satisfying explanation of some of the gods, and early days of Yharnam. Though the way the game implies, nothing is what it seems to be.

Death over here, death over there, and lots of evil

Now before someone thinks „I’ll just kill Vicar Amelia, and enjoy the new content with a new character” SHOULD NOT DO THAT. Even the veteran Bloodborne players are having issues with the game’s difficulty, and I am not talking about the bosses here. The game throws heavy hitter old generic „Hunters” at the player that were supposed to keep the demons and monsters at bay. These foes are equipped with Beast Cutters and guns.

Speaking of fire weapons, watch your step as multiple traps will shoot, slice, and cut you. FromSoftware has upped the ante on these nasty traps so watch out! Besides the usual generic enemies, and powerful bosses, we get optional medium „difficulty” bosses that usually drop us a unique weapon.

It will take time patience, and perseverance to get these new weapons, but it will be worth it as all of the weapons are unique in design and handling. I was surprised that the number of weapons is now doubled, and allow for some great moments (especially with the Gatling gun).

We will have many opportunities to test out our new weapons on all four of the bosses. I do not wish to spoil what or who these bosses are, but they are all very fun, exciting and ooooh so difficult.

Enter the nightmare?

There are some problems with the DLC, but the biggest is its difficulty. Even a well equipped Hunter will have its issues, especially since the developers consider this content to be ENDGAME ONLY. Which is weird especially when they allow players to access this content after beating the second or third boss (depending on which route you took).

It feels as if this should be started only when your character is in New Game Plus. Trying it without even beating the game, and forcing this new content down on yourself may leave you bitter. Go on, finish the game first and then do the DLC on the New Game + if during your first playthrough it does not feel right.

-Dante-

Publisher: SCEI, SCEA, SCEE, SCE Australia

Developer: FromSoftware

Genre: action-RPG

Release date: November 23rd 2015