Bloodborneis sure to go down in history as one of the most bittersweet PlayStation games of all time. A dark fantasy RPG that many consider to be FromSoftware’s magnum opus,Bloodborneis inexplicably landlocked on the PlayStation 4, despite rampant consumer demand for either a PC port, next-gen update, or remaster/remake.
FromSoftware’s specific brand of unsettling art design, music, and worldbuilding come together to makeBloodbornea masterpiece of action-adventure storytelling. Set in a world that is decidedly distinct from the likes ofDark SoulsandElden Ring, the Gothic, Lovecraftian nightmare is replete with nuanced visual style: from the cluttered cobblestone streets of Yharnam to the incomprehensible and grotesque lands of the Nightmare Frontier,Bloodborneis a consistent, unforgettable, and horrifying feast for the eyes. Its raw artistry can compete with just about any game coming out in the 2020s, but its poor framerate and low resolution are unfortunate warts that hold it back, so Sony should take the opportunity to give it a much-needed facelift on the recently unveiled PS5 Pro.
Bloodborne’s technical shortcomings are particularly apparent after playing other Soulslikes likeElden Ring, which use modern hardware to elevateFromSoftware’s already stunning art design.
The PS5 Pro: Another Shot at Bloodborne
A Bloodborne Remaster Is Long Overdue
Plenty of ink has been spilled about the possibility of aBloodborneremake or remaster, to the point where the arguments are getting a bit long in the tooth. Whether Sony,Bloodborne’s publisher, is being held back by licensing, technical, or financial constraints, it seems likeBloodbornehas been all but abandoned, which is baffling to fans who consider it some of FromSoftware’s best work.Hopes for a properBloodbornesequelare dwindling, especially given FromSoftware’s apparent allergy to sequels, but the 2015 hit deserves a bit of love.
Something similar to the Bluepoint remake ofDemon’s Soulsisn’t necessary, and would arguably be a bad route to take—again,Bloodborne’s art style holds up remarkably well. Rather, a solid, thoughtful remaster of the game, offering a higher, more consistent framerate, better resolution, and maybe even some fancy visual effects like ray-tracing, could make it more palatable to modern audiences. The goal should be to elevate what the original already offers, not reinvent it or fix what isn’t broken.Luckily,the new features of the PS5 Procould do exactly this.
Bloodborne and PSSR Could Be a Match Made In Heaven
PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, or PSSR for short, is Sony’s response to AI upscaling tech from GPU manufacturers like NVIDIA and AMD. In theory, PSSR should help more games reach and maintain higher FPS without sacrificing image quality. Since60FPS is a consistent demand amongBloodbornefans, Sony ought to leverage PSSR to get FromSoftware’s cosmic horror opus up and running at a higher speed.
Through PSSR,Bloodborneon PS5 Pro could overcome its FPS struggles and hold its own against newer games, looking better and feeling smoother. Of course, this wouldn’t be the ideal solution—players have been begging forBloodborneon PC for years—but it would be better than nothing. More importantly, such a decision could lead tofurtherBloodbornecontent down the road.
A full-fledgedBloodborne 2still seems like a pipe dream, but perhaps the powers that be would grasp the full magnitude of theBloodbornecommunity’s fervor if the game were to get the PSSR treatment. In other words,revitalizingBloodbornewith 60FPSand higher framerates through PSSR upscaling could breathe new life into the game, drawing in new fans and paving the way for the much-demandedBloodbornePC port, or at least a proper PS5 remaster.
Bloodborne
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets in order to survive.A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you’ll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city’s dark secrets.A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation(R)4 system.Ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to Explore: Use holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.
