Bloodborne: The Old Hunters Review
Played on PlayStation 4 (base) & PlayStation 5
Developed by FromSoftware Inc.
Released 24th November 2015
Bloodborne is a phenomenal game with a phenomenal story, gameplay, world, design and everything else. I've sung its praise in my review of it, though I wouldn't recommend reading it as my love for the game clouded my critique, missing out on flaws that'd deter other players, however, I'd still confidently say it sits at a comfortable 10/10. Given this fact, the DLC had a lot to live up to, both for me and day-one players.
Story
The story of this DLC is as mysterious and great as the base game. The quick summary of this expansion is that you're transported into a world where beasts live and hunters go after becoming frenzied, blood-craving monsters. I absolutely loved picking apart the disjointed, yet masterfully connected areas of this DLC as they were filled with many enigmas. Its narrative and world offer some more answers, or at the very least, fuel for the theories that circulated the base game, such as the multi-layered worlds and trauma of Yharnam's residents.
Every location is fascinating with its load of lore, from bloodthirsty, inverted worlds, a mechanical tower used to medicate this bloodthirstiness and a fishing hamlet that illustrates the origins of the hunters. This add-on advances on the Lovecraftian elements of aquatic horror and cosmic power that is prevalent in his works, and overall just makes me want another Bloodborne game to expand upon these already intriguing themes.
Gameplay
The gameplay has not been reworked in any shape or form, however, it does feature a great amount of new content. First, are the new weapons - they are awesome. The new off-hand weapons such as the Fist of Gratia and Loch Shield throw in some melee-distanced parries in the mix while the likes of the Church Cannon or Gatling Gun add a greater wallop in punishing enemies. The main weapons are even better; with Simon's Bowblade and Rayuko adding more differentiation in bloodtinge builds, Whirligig Saw being decent fun to use, the Holy Moonlight Sword being a returning FromSoftware favourite, and more that, while they aren't the best weapons out there, do serve as amazing uniquity within this game's already delightful arsenal.
The new enemies they've added are quite fun to fight and are probably more memorable than the base game's bosses. You'll see a lot more hunter-type enemies throughout the DLC which, in turn, subtly tells the player that it's about to get hard as fuck. I will talk about the bosses soon, but this whole expansion is a challenge - and it's all for good reasons. The Patients are the most aggressive non-boss enemy you'll encounter, giving you no time to breathe while the Shark Giants are terrifying foes to go up against, and they're probably better to run away from. They're all beatable in fairways, you just simply require the skill to do so.
Bossfights
The bossfights are immaculate. I'm just going to tell you I've already decided on a 10/10 for the boss fight section, before even writing this review, because they are hands down some of the best bosses ever. Period. The lacklustre nature of 2 of the bosses simply isn't big enough of a problem to hold back the magnificence of the other 3.
Ludwig is a glorious fight in both phases. From having the best soundtrack of the whole game to being as much of an incredible challenge as he is entertaining to battle. The gruesome arena and the grotesque design work so well together and I just can't stress how good this boss is. He has this soothing pattern and blueprint you can follow to beat him, that you only unlock after learning his attacks. However, be warned, Ludwig can annihilate your health if you're being too careless, just like every other boss in this game.
Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower is an epic hunter fight that will present cinematic attacks that have this anime-like flair. She's an awesome balance to your playstyle, being as punishable as you in terms of your volatility.
Now, time for what was the hardest boss FromSoftware had made until Malenia, reigning supreme for 6 years as the monstrous foe players struggled to beat: Orphan of Kos. This, hands down is my favourite boss of the game. It's a mesmerisingly splendid duel. Orphan is erratic and unpredictable, causing you to adapt on the go. Its highly aggressive nature is brutally punishing as it challenges your hostility. Its music is downright depressive yet golden as it matches the vibe of its lore and arena. This boss is just a certified chef's kiss of difficulty.
Now for the bosses that "plague" the game. Laurence the First Vicar isn't too bad. While yes, his outrageous damage, delayed hitboxes and a first phase that resembles the Cleric Beast too much are detrimental to most, I'd value this boss as entertaining as their equally great backstory. As for the Living Failures, I can't exactly vouch for it that much. I'd give it the benefit of the doubt for being the equivalent of hypemen to Lady Maria's fight, however, overall it's an interesting gimmick boss that doesn't work as successfully as other fights. That being said, Laurence is an optional boss that you can skip if you want to and the Living Failures do help in making Lady Maria's fight grander.
Characters
The characters aren't anywhere near as fantastic as the base game's Eileen, Alfred, the Doll and more, but they still are wonderful. There are only three noticeable NPCs and they all have this aura to them that I enjoyed. Simon is this cool, reoccurring guidance while Adeline perfectly portrays the insanity embedded within this DLC. Brador's mystery and his constant player invasions were relatively enjoyable as well.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is brilliant, with possibly the best soundtrack, design and overall aesthetic out of the whole game. The art design is nothing but top-tier and I already went over how incredible it is. Somehow, however, the DLC brings out even more of these high-grade visuals, leaving every surface of the game looking stunning from just how intriguing it is to look at. Fishing Hamlet's sombre yet drowning mood, the Astral Clocktower's confining and eruptive pressure, and this doesn't even bring into consideration the phenomenal spectacle of boss designs, enemy visuals or weapon craftsmanship. The soundtrack is also legendary. I know I sound like I'm a die-hard stan that violates anyone who speaks ill of my favourites, with no knowledge of what an opinion is, but the fact is, you cannot disagree with me on this. Lady Maria's theme flowing with sheer epicness or Laurence's monumental choir ensemble that sends chills down your body will most likely be better than whatever you think is the best videogame soundtrack.
Story - 10/10
Gameplay - 10/10
Bossfights 10/10
Characters - 9/10
Atmosphere - 11/10
G.O.A.T
The Old Hunters DLC is simply another showcase that FromSoftware's catalogue of bosses shines the brightest in their expansions. However, Bloodborne not only follows this trend but shows just how incredible DLCs could be for every other game out there.
