Soulslikes and FromSoftware games alike all have compelling iterations upon one another. The Soulslike genre is ripe with interpretation, and how it is implemented into action-adventure games has been fascinating to see as Soulslikes become much more popular. FromSoftware obviously leads this charge as the loosely defined genre’s progenitor, and it is clear with each new game that the formula is being faithfully maintained, while also being developed with new mechanics and features. Therefore, one of the most interesting mechanics in any Soulslike game is its weapon selection.
Some games that adhere to the genre have only one default weapon, but have other mechanics and abilities to supplement it, such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Thymesia, or Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Others have a wide catalog of armaments players can find throughout their travels, with most having prerequisite stats in order to wield them efficiently. Through PvP encounters online or against particularly difficult bosses, different weapons can be more satisfying than others. However, there are few Soulslikes that compete with the satisfaction players receive from Bloodborne’s trick weapons.
Bloodborne’s Trick Weapons Offer Unique Diversity and Versatility
The thrill of Bloodborne’s trick weapons is the fact that players essentially have two weapons in one. The Saw Cleaver’s transformation simply extends the serrated blade, for example, but the Kirkhammer’s transformation turns an ordinary silver sword into a rustic greathammer.
Likewise, the Blade or Blades of Mercy starts as a short sword and transforms into dual blades; the Burial Blade, Gehrman’s trick weapon, starts as a one-handed sword and transforms into a two-handed scythe; and Simon’s Bowblade starts as a one-handed sword and transforms into a bow.
This way, trick weapons can provide a lot of diversity in terms of playstyles and desirable weapon formations. If players prefer to keep enemies at arm’s length, they could look into the Hunter Axe or Ludwig’s Holy Blade. But if players want a weapon with more functionality, they can look into the Reiterpallasch or the Rakuyo. FromSoftware’s weapon variety has always been compelling from Demon’s Souls to Elden Ring, but even Elden Ring lacks a catalog of weapons as satisfying as Bloodborne’s.
This is largely due to a bunch of other mechanics and Ash of War abilities supplementing the player, but it stands that Bloodborne’s weapons are the most independently unique and iconic as a result. That is not even mentioning Bloodborne’s diverse firearms, which also add tons of gameplay functionality to the game.
Few Soulslikes Have Weapons as Satisfying as Bloodborne’s
Many Soulslikes have paled in comparison to Bloodborne with their own weapon selections. Mortal Shell has a restrictive number of armaments and Shells, for example, while Blasphemous only features the Mea Culpa and myriad forgettable abilities in combat.
Only having one default weapon in a Soulslike is not detrimental to its experience, though with all the trick weapons players can experiment with and swap between in Bloodborne, it surely renders them lackluster in comparison. Of course, being able to brandish a lightsaber in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is incredibly satisfying, and it would be phenomenal if Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s blaster behaves like a Bloodborne firearm.
Lies of P could potentially be Bloodborne’s greatest contender in terms of its weapon diversity, at least based upon what has been shown thus far. Lies of P is comparable to Bloodborne in atmosphere and setting, and an inspired look at its weapons could be another great similarity for it to achieve.
If Bloodborne ever receives a sequel, it will have a lot to live up to in terms of its weapon diversity. In the meantime, it is great to see how other Soulslikes are iterating on the genre, and Bloodborne will hopefully continue to be a beacon of inspiration for them with regard to weapon versatility.
Bloodborne is available now on PS4.