The Duskbloods is FromSoftware at its weirdest – 5 things I learned from playing the Switch 2 exclusive

The gaming world is no stranger to unexpected collaborations, but the union of Nintendo, a titan of family-friendly entertainment, and FromSoftware, the purveyor of punishingly difficult and darkly atmospheric experiences, has long seemed like a distant, almost paradoxical fantasy. Yet, this improbable alliance has materialized in the form of "The Duskbloods," a new online multiplayer exclusive slated for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Developed by the acclaimed Elden Ring creators, this title promises to blend FromSoftware’s signature esoteric charm with a fresh approach to interactive entertainment, challenging both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Early glimpses and network test impressions suggest "The Duskbloods" is a departure from the solitary, methodical journeys that have defined FromSoftware’s recent successes. Instead, players will step into the shoes of the "Bloodsworn," a motley crew of eccentric characters vying for the coveted title of "First Blood." This shift towards a competitive, multiplayer-centric experience, coupled with the unique aesthetic and gameplay mechanics, paints a picture of a game that is both audacious and potentially divisive.

A Surprising Synthesis: Nintendo’s Family-Friendly Canvas Meets FromSoftware’s Dark Vision

The initial announcement of "The Duskbloods" for the Nintendo Switch 2 naturally raised eyebrows. FromSoftware’s legacy is built on titles like Bloodborne, Elden Ring, and the Souls series, games renowned for their intricate lore, demanding combat, and often bleak, oppressive atmospheres. Nintendo, on the other hand, has cultivated a reputation for accessible, joyful experiences, from the vibrant worlds of Mario to the adventurous spirit of Zelda. The prospect of these two distinct design philosophies converging on a single platform was, to say the least, intriguing.

However, as Hidetaka Miyazaki, President of FromSoftware, has emphasized, "The Duskbloods" is not a direct spiritual successor to Bloodborne, despite thematic and visual echoes. This distinction is crucial, particularly given Bloodborne’s exclusivity to Sony platforms. Instead, "The Duskbloods" appears to forge its own identity, leveraging the Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities to deliver a novel multiplayer experience that still retains the distinctive "Souls-like" DNA in its challenging gameplay and cryptic world-building.

The game’s gothic aesthetic, evident in the early screenshots, hints at a familiar FromSoftware palette. Yet, the introduction of a diverse cast of playable characters, the "Bloodsworn," suggests a broader creative scope. These aren’t the silent, customizable protagonists of the Souls games; they are distinct personalities with unique backstories and, as revealed, often peculiar abilities. This move towards pre-defined, character-driven multiplayer roles marks a significant departure and could be the key to unlocking a new dimension of player engagement for FromSoftware.

The Peculiar Pantheon: Unveiling the Bloodsworn and Their Kin

One of the most striking aspects of "The Duskbloods" is its roster of playable characters, the Bloodsworn. Far from the stoic warriors or masked hunters of previous FromSoftware titles, these individuals are a vibrant, often bizarre collection of archetypes. Albert, the tutorial character, might bear a passing resemblance to a Yharnam inhabitant, but the rest of the cast ventures into truly imaginative territory.

Sniper Layla, with her post-apocalyptic survivalist aesthetic, and Senator Samir Patres, a skeletal figure capable of transforming into a dinosaur, showcase the game’s willingness to embrace the unconventional. Perhaps the most talked-about character is Zork, a steampunk automaton whose design has sparked considerable online discussion, with some drawing parallels to iconic mecha from the Gundam series. This eclectic mix of influences, from gothic horror to science fiction and even a touch of the absurd, points to a creative freedom that might have been constrained in FromSoftware’s more thematically focused single-player titles.

The eccentricity extends to the AI-controlled companions known as "Kin." These allies, such as the immortal cockney urchin Undead Marlowe, the buff-granting opera singer Baritone, and the grotesque emperor Valentius, add another layer of unique characterization and potential strategic depth to the gameplay. The inclusion of such distinct and often humorous characters suggests that "The Duskbloods" aims to inject a sense of personality and perhaps even lightheartedness into its otherwise dark and challenging world, a delicate balancing act that could prove to be one of its greatest strengths or a point of contention for purists.

Navigating the Labyrinth: Accessibility Meets Esotericism

FromSoftware’s games are notoriously challenging, often requiring players to learn through repeated failure. While this difficulty is a core part of their appeal, it can also be a significant barrier to entry for many. "The Duskbloods," by virtue of its collaboration with Nintendo and its multiplayer focus, appears to be addressing this by offering a more accessible onboarding experience.

The network test revealed a more robust tutorial system than typically found in FromSoftware titles, guiding players through the game’s mechanics without the risk of missing crucial information, a common pitfall for players who overlooked Elden Ring’s initial tutorial cave. This thoughtful approach to player education is a clear nod to Nintendo’s design philosophy, aiming to ensure that a wider audience can engage with the game’s intricacies.

Despite this increased accessibility, "The Duskbloods" retains FromSoftware’s signature esotericism. The core gameplay loop, while different from traditional Souls-likes, still revolves around strategic combat and survival. The game eschews the typical battle royale "last-man-standing" format, instead focusing on accumulating "Virtue" through a variety of means, including player versus player combat, defeating enemies, and completing random objectives. This nuanced approach to victory conditions adds a layer of strategic depth that encourages diverse playstyles and keeps players on their toes.

The mechanics of earning Virtue are intentionally layered, sometimes leading to surprising outcomes. Players can form alliances, engage in unique character-specific objectives tied to "Sigils," and even participate in romantic emotes. These elements suggest a game that rewards exploration, strategic thinking, and perhaps even a touch of emergent storytelling, all within the framework of competitive multiplayer.

Visual Echoes and New Frontiers: A Familiar Yet Fresh Aesthetic

While Hidetaka Miyazaki has explicitly stated that "The Duskbloods" is not directly connected to Bloodborne, the visual similarities are undeniable. The gothic Victorian architecture of Lowanro City, the game’s apparent hub, bears a striking resemblance to the environments of Yharnam, and even the sewer layouts and rat-infested passages evoke memories of Bloodborne’s darkest corners. The final arena’s composition, reminiscent of Master Logarius’s rooftop battleground and the field of white flowers from Bloodborne’s final boss encounter, further strengthens this visual connection.

This is not necessarily a criticism; rather, it’s an intriguing example of asset reuse and thematic exploration, much like how Elden Ring: Nightreign incorporated elements from other FromSoftware titles. By setting "The Duskbloods" in a context that is "not specific," FromSoftware seems to be creating a flexible narrative canvas where elements from their previous works can be recontextualized and reimagined. This approach allows for a degree of fan service while simultaneously pushing the game in new directions, hinting at the potential for the final release to incorporate even more diverse aesthetic influences beyond gothic Victorianism.

Smooth Performance, Chaotic Encounters: The Camera Conundrum

A significant technical achievement highlighted from the network test is "The Duskbloods’" smooth performance, consistently running at a stable 60 frames per second. This is a crucial element for any action-oriented title, especially one that emphasizes verticality and aerial combat. The Bloodsworn’s ability to triple jump and air dash introduces a dynamic layer of movement that demands responsive controls and a fluid frame rate.

However, this enhanced mobility also presents a challenge for the game’s camera system. Keeping track of agile opponents in fast-paced, multi-player encounters, especially when combined with AI-controlled enemies, can lead to moments of visual chaos. The lock-on camera, while functional, struggles to maintain optimal positioning during intense aerial skirmishes. This is a common issue in character-action games with high mobility, and it remains to be seen how effectively FromSoftware will refine the camera to manage the frantic pace of "The Duskbloods’" combat.

The Unpredictability of the Dusk: A Game Not for Everyone

"The Duskbloods" represents a bold and unconventional direction for FromSoftware, and it’s clear that this title won’t appeal to every segment of their established fanbase. The shift to a match-based PvPvE structure, while offering a fresh experience, might alienate players who prefer the more introspective and deliberate single-player journeys that have become their hallmark. For those fans, the upcoming "Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition" for the Switch 2 offers a familiar comfort.

However, the success of "Elden Ring: Nightreign," which successfully blended PvE gameplay with compelling narrative elements through repeated playthroughs, suggests that FromSoftware can indeed innovate within established genres. With Hidetaka Miyazaki at the helm, there’s a strong likelihood that "The Duskbloods" will be rich with intricate lore and a narrative that ties together its seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and meaningful whole.

As a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, the influence of Nintendo as publisher is also a factor to consider. While direct character cameos from the Mushroom Kingdom or Hyrule are unlikely, the possibility of Nintendo-esque features, such as enhanced social integration or unique communication tools, cannot be ruled out. The pricing strategy will also be crucial. As an online multiplayer-focused title, it’s anticipated to fall into a mid-tier price range, akin to games like Splatoon. This pricing, coupled with the game’s unique offering, will be instrumental in attracting a broad player base beyond the dedicated "FromSoft sickos" and encouraging more players to embrace the role of a Bloodsworn.

"The Duskbloods" stands as a testament to FromSoftware’s willingness to experiment and push creative boundaries. By venturing into the realm of online multiplayer on a platform known for its accessibility, they are poised to deliver an experience that is simultaneously familiar in its challenging nature and refreshingly novel in its execution. The success of this ambitious endeavor will hinge on its ability to balance its inherited esotericism with a compelling and engaging multiplayer framework, a task that few developers are better equipped to undertake.