It’s no secret by now that Bloodborne is a hard game. Gamers used to checkpoints everywhere and regenerating health who are playing it for the first time might be shocked at how punishing it is.
With that said, we here at PlaySation LifeStyle wanted to talk not only about the Bloodborne difficulty hype, but super hard games in general. Is there a market for these games aside from From Software’s titles? What do we think the gaming populace thinks of these kind of gaming experiences? All these and more are discussed in the latest entry in Now Loading.
What do you think? Do games like Bloodborne have a chance to sell millions of units or will most of the gaming masses not find these kinds of games interesting? What’s the sweet spot between a hard game and an irritating one? Do let us know in the comments below.
Now Loading is a recurring staff-drive feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).
Essential Reading:
- Now Loading…Kojima Leaving Konami, and the State of the Metal Gear Franchise
- Top 5 PS4 Remastered Games We Actually Want to See
- Exclusive Envy – Mario Party
Now Loading - Bloodborne Difficulty
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Now Loading...Bloodborne Difficulty and Super Hard Games, What Do You Make of Them?
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Alex Co
It's funny that hard games seems to be making a comeback of sorts. But if you grew up during the 8-bit era, hard games are the norm. There were no checkpoints (passwords were in, though), regenerating health wasn't even a thought back then. So, can these type of games exist now? With how well the Souls series and now, Bloodborne, is received, I'd wager that's a yes.
However, will they sell as much as the Call of Dutys, Battlefields of the gaming world? I really, really doubt it. Heck, I'd be surprised if it managed sales close to what the Uncharted games do every time it's released. Not discounting the quality of the games themselves, but I honestly don't expect casual gamers and dudebros to snatch Bloodborne up. They might get it based on TV spots and word of mouth, but after their hundredth death or so? I expect them to move on.
That said, I'm all for giving gamers more diversity; be it from new genres, gaming experiences, or even new ways of tackling them. I hope hard games are here to stay...I just won't play them if I'm having a crappy day.
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Chandler Wood
People who play games are clamoring for the challenge, and as such, difficult games will always have a place in the industry. Look at Hotline Miami and its sequel. These games are ridiculously difficult, requiring finesse, skill, patience, and thought to get through them, but succeeding is a massive reward and gamers love the rush of the challenge. Challenging games give players something to really test their mettle against, and with trophies and achievements, it makes it even more of a boast-worthy feat to accomplish insurmountable tasks in these games and be able to prove it. Gamers love to challenge themselves as much as they love relaxing and enjoying an easy-going game. There's plenty of room -- and demand -- for both relaxed experiences and true tests of might in the industry.
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Zarmena Khan
I didn't buy Bloodborne because I know I no longer have the patience to sit through games that are like pulling teeth. It doesn't mean that they're bad games or aren't enjoyable, just that not everyone enjoys spending tons of time trying to beat a boss, dying a billion times and restarting checkpoints.On the other hand, I don't like my games too easy either unless I'm playing something solely for the story and nothing else. I guess it all boils down to differences in gaming tastes and what you're actually playing. Challenging games will always have their place but I personally prefer games that include various difficulty settings. -
Dan Oravasaari
I think that harder games definitely have a place in the market, as many hardcore gamers are finding it difficult to find games that don't pander to its audience. Harder games absolutely have the power to make us better at games, as well as make us think more about the actions we take and the repercussions of a misstep. While some gamers may want a more relaxing time with games, there are some that are looking for something with more depth, and that diversity is what makes gaming so great.
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Mark Labbe
Bloodborne is definitely not an easy game, but it isn't impossible to get through, either. I'm not very good at it, but I keep plugging away and making progress. It's not a game I would play when I'm tired or having a bad day, as it would be just awful to try to get through, but when I'm looking for a challenge it is perfect. I think there are enough gamers out there that are looking for something a little more difficult than your run of the mill games, which is why Bloodborne seems to be doing so well. -
Mack Ashworth
Harder difficulties, while allowing for an extra sense of achievement, can also enhance the way we consume games. Sometimes it takes that extra challenge to really make a title realize its full potential. The Last of Us, for example, becomes much more enjoyable when played on Hard. The lack of health and ammo heightens the sense of desperation, and the character's vulnerability is much more pronounced when showcased both in cinematics and gameplay.
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Paulmichael Contreras
You know, Bloodborne isn't as tough as I thought it was when I first received it to review. It has a punishing start and steep learning curve more than anything. Its difficulty is due to the game requiring a lot of your time to master. I'd say it's justified, because those looking to buy this game are likely already in the mindset that this game will challenge them, and it delivers on that promise.
