For players that seek brutally difficult, yet immensely satisfying gameplay experience, FromSoftware's catalogue of titles is a perfect match. From Dark Souls to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the company has released a bevy of hardcore adventures over the past two console generations. One of the most critically acclaimed from the studio's repertoire is 2015's Bloodborne, a gothic fantasy nightmare world, with an even strong emphasis on offensive combat rather than the usual defensive style in other Soulslike games.
The fan-favorite FromSoftware title has been at the forefront of conversation for years when it comes to games worthy of a remaster or sequel. Recently, these hopes may have been answered after a PS5 exclusive FromSoftware game titled Velvet Veil leaked online, quickly making the rounds among interested fans. The game is allegedly very similar in to Bloodborne, both in terms of style and overall gameplay. As these things go, its always best to take rumors and leaks with a grain of salt. However, even if Velvet Veil isn't what fans expect (or isn't real at all), there is still hope for a true spiritual successor to Bloodborne in the future.
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As stated, Bloodborne is a popular title and its success cannot be overstated. Whether being examined as one of the best PS4 exclusives or compared to other offerings FromSoftware has released, it's praise is almost universally positive. The Souls/Soulslike genre of games is a hot trend nowadays, with many imitators trying to claim a piece of the pie that FromSoftware helped pioneer. However, when all these similar titles are compared, Bloodborne tends to rise near the top as one of the best of the bunch.
This rampant popularity is surely a factor that Sony and FromSoftware have noticed over the years, prompting conversation for what could possibly done with the franchise going forward. Sequels and remasters are a common occurrence in the video game industry, with a desire to tap into fan interests and nostalgia. FromSoftware's 2009 title that started it all recently received a remake, with Demon's Souls on PS5. So although FromSoftware doesn't seem particularly interested in direct sequels going forward, the studio's love for spiritual successors still keeps hope alive.
Aside from the Dark Souls trilogy, none of the other Soulslike games FromSoftware has made have ever received a proper sequel. However, although other FromSoftware games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring are not direct sequels to pre-established titles, they do share a common theme. In terms of these Soulslike games, the similarities are not just in the brutal gameplay, but also in the themes and overall art style.
Demon's Souls in 2009 was the first to tackle this style of game, which was then further refined in Dark Souls two years later. The foundation was built upon, and the improvements/additions in Dark Souls were clear as day to make it a spiritual successor (not to mention sharing the same second name in the title). Fast forward to the present, and the recent reveal trailer for Elden Ring has prompted gamers online to dub the game as an open world Dark Souls. This makes sense, especially with the similar tone, freakish creatures, and haunting music.
FromSoftware likes to take its prior concepts and progress, then bring these into future projects as opposed to making direct sequels. Bloodborne's visceral combat perhaps influenced Sekiro's fighting system, just as its gothic architecture may be seen in elements of Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring. Based on this recurring pattern with how FromSoftware approaches developing its products, the essence of what Bloodborne will surely pop up again, even if it isn't in the form of Velvet Veil.
Bloodborne is available now for PS4.
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