When you think of great survival horror games, Bloodborne probably doesn’t come to mind. Most people consider FromSoftware’s gothic masterpiece more of an action RPG than anything else, but as I sit here looking for something spooky to play, I can’t help but feel the itch to go on another hunt. Bloodborne has always been a survival horror game in my eyes, and I often find myself passing over the likes of Resident Evil or Silent Hill in favor of another trek through Yharnam.
It helps that Bloodborne still has one of the most nerve-wracking worlds to explore, with horrible monsters squirreled away in every nook and cranny. Whether it be a werewolf hiding on a rooftop waiting for poor souls to pass by, or a creepy squid creature lurking behind a crate, you never feel safe because of what could be waiting for you around the next corner. The difficulty only adds to that feeling, giving almost every enemy in the game the power to take you out if you’re caught off guard.
Bloodborne also keeps experienced players on their toes on repeat playthroughs by dotting formidable enemies throughout Yharnam. The Snatchers are a great example of this, hunched hooded monsters that carry a bloody sack over their shoulder, ready and waiting to stuff you inside and whisk you away to a location far too challenging for your current level. The same can be said of the Amygdalas that are invisible until a certain point in the story, or until you get enough insight. You can’t see them, but you know they’re there.
Then there’s the small matter of the game’s brutal boss fights. Each one is horrifying in its own special way, but you dread fighting them as much as you do looking at their flailing blood flaps and mess of dangling limbs. Even if standard enemies aren’t too much of a challenge, you know you’re eventually going to come face-to-face with an extremely powerful foe that will quickly and easily spread you across the floor like butter. I still remember how I felt on my first playthrough, standing motionless in awe while hulking beasts like Vicar Amelia and Darkbeast Paarl bared down on me.
All of these things add to that sense of helplessness that is much more associated with typical survival horror titles. Resident Evil constantly has you on edge as you’re chased down by the likes of Mr. X or the Baker family, while Alien: Isolation sees you cowering in lockers and underneath tables from an unkillable Xenomorph. Just like in Bloodborne, these games deliberately make you feel under-equipped to take on the monsters that are after you.
Even on a pure gameplay level, Bloodborne shares a lot more similarities with survival horror titles than it does with The Witcher 3 or Horizon Zero Dawn. You’re only allowed to take so many Blood Vials or Quicksilver Bullets with you on each trip until you find the next Lantern, and while you can pick up more on your way there, you still have to manage your resources carefully. Abuse your healing items and you’ll find yourself reaching for a lifeline that isn’t there, unlike Geralt who has an entire pantry stuffed into his pockets that he can dip into whenever he likes.
Bloodborne’s incredible level design also makes sure that even if you ration your supplies well, you’ll only have just enough to get by. Finding the next Lantern or a new shortcut almost always results in a wave of relief, just like finding another safehouse or typewriter does in a Resident Evil game. You’re grateful for the smallest morsel of safety in an otherwise hostile world that is constantly out to get you.
Bloodborne is a survival horror game in everything but name, and a pretty dang good one to boot. How can it not be when it tasks you with surviving in a grotesque world against a variety of horrible abominations with limited resources? It might not be your typical survival horror game, but I know what I’m going to be reaching for when the spooky season rolls around again next year.