Thymesia is an upcoming Soulslike action RPG that has drawn some very well-deserved comparisons to the popular Bloodborne. Despite obvious similarities in the aesthetics and tone between Thymesia and Bloodborne, the new PC game is likely going to carve its own niche in a community already rife with competitors. Games that emulate the styles of Bloodborne and Dark Souls are plenty and varied in their themes, with games like The Surge claiming the sci-fi style and Code Vein a decidedly anime feel. Thymesia has its work cut out to distinguish itself from the pack, but it's shaping up to do just that.
A lot of attention towards Thymesia, which is set to release for PC later this year, is likely coming from fans that are looking to fill a certain void while waiting for confirmation about a PC port of Bloodborne. That comparison is apt to be sure. Thymesia shares a Gothic and sometimes specifically Lovecraftian aesthetic with Bloodborne. The ambiguous storytelling and deep, harrowing lore of the latter is a large part of its popularity, but Thymesia is seemingly shaping up to be more than just a filler for fans waiting for Bloodborne on PC.
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Among From Software games, Bloodborne was already known as one of the most fast-paced of the pack perhaps with the exception of Sekiro. One thing that Thymesia is seemingly doing despite its obvious Bloodborne inspirations is taking that action and moving it to an even faster pitch. The gameplay shown off so far feels like a mix of Bloodborne and more stylish and frenetic titles like Devil May Cry. Albeit without (as fans have seen so far) the aerial component of DMC, Thymesia seems to have a focus on frantic combat that emphasizes reading enemy movements and punishing them with extensive combos. This could help Thymesia establish itself as a solid mix of the two styles, and switching weapons mid-combo feels more DMC than Bloodborne.
Thymesia will have a difficult time distinguishing itself from Bloodborne specifically given the similarities in tone and seemingly the narrative at large. In Thymesia players take control of a plague doctor looking to eliminate a mysterious infection, all too familiar to Bloodborne fans. How Thymesia implements that story alongside variations to the now classic Soulslike formula will be a large factor in its success. While there are certainly Bloodborne features that Thymesia could make great use of, the new game seems to be leaning heavily into the idea of "similar but unique" in the way that other games in the genre like Code Vein have done to varying success.
While many Bloodborne fans are likely keeping an eye on Thymesia already, it's likely that some will write the upcoming game off as a filler title. But that attitude can often lead players to missing out on some great experiences within a genre they already enjoy. Thymesia is obviously drawing apt comparisons to Bloodborne, but between its more unique spin on the combat and a different form of storytelling that seems to be taking shape; fans of Bloodborne could find a lot more than just filler waiting on a rumored PC port.
Thymesia is set to release for PC in late 2021.