Title: Cautionary Impressions of FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods After Network Test
The recent closed network test for FromSoftware’s upcoming multiplayer experience, The Duskbloods, left many players, including myself, pondering its potential. As a long-time fan of the studio, particularly fond of Elden Ring, I approached this test with high expectations, especially since the game was touted as an exclusive for the new Switch 2 console. Unfortunately, the experience largely fell flat.
Initially, players navigated a single map with only six characters available and no customization options to tailor builds. The matchmaking system also mandated solo queuing, which, combined with limited tutorial functionality, made for a disorienting introduction. Personal experiences with input lag significantly marred gameplay, complicating even the simplest controls, and further hampering the overall experience.
Despite these limitations, there’s a glimmer of hope that the final version might address the disarray. The memory of my initial struggles with Elden Ring, which eventually blossomed into a daily obsession, lingered in my mind as I attempted to glean enjoyment from The Duskbloods. However, unlike Elden Ring, the gameplay here felt disjointed and chaotic, lacking the cohesion needed to draw players in.
The mechanics themselves felt like an outdated throwback, reminiscent of earlier gaming eras before the explosion of battle royales. While the game offered cryptic tutorial guidance, such as needing to earn “Virtue” by visiting “Sites of Ritual,” understanding how these elements fit into gameplay proved challenging. The simplistic objective of accumulating Virtue points as players engage in combat diminished the thrill of competition, making PvP encounters feel supplemental rather than central.
Replacing the thrill of traditional PvP was an odd and monotonous farming dynamic, where players focused on defeating AI enemies as a primary strategy rather than strategic player confrontations. The action quickly devolved into mindless button-mashing against weak foes. In my sessions, the rest of the combat encounters primarily centered around collective boss fights with very few memorable moments to ignite excitement.
Character abilities gave hints of diversity, but the emphasis on melee combat left little room for strategic maneuvers. While the introduction of unique characters provided some entertaining moments, the requirement to play in a largely combative manner seemed to squander their potential.
Even with all its flaws and a questionable need for dedicated switches and subscriptions, the underlying premise of The Duskbloods intrigued me. Its quirky design bore the hallmarks of FromSoftware’s creativity, crafting a world filled with eccentric characters and intriguing lore, reminiscent of a gothic fantasy. Concerns about its exclusivity and performance vary, yet this multiplayer experience might not keep the attention of those who enjoy more nuanced gameplay.
Editorial Material: This news is significant as it raises questions about the future direction of FromSoftware and the experiences they choose to deliver exclusively to specific platforms.