Tag Archives: FromSoftware

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

The Duskbloods: FromSoftware’s Bold New Venture on Nintendo Switch 2

FromSoftware, the studio renowned for its genre-defining Soulslike games, has unveiled its latest creation: The Duskbloods. This exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2 promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the studio’s portfolio, blending gothic aesthetics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and multiplayer dynamics.

A Gothic World Awaits

Set in a sprawling, darkly atmospheric city reminiscent of Bloodborne, The Duskbloods immerses players in a world of towering cathedrals, shadowy bridges, and eerie moonlit streets. The game’s aesthetic draws heavily from Victorian architecture, but with a unique twist: vampires. Players take on the role of “Bloodsworn,” individuals who have transcended human limitations through a mysterious blood ritual. This transformation is central to the game’s narrative and gameplay, as players navigate the twilight of humanity.

Multiplayer at Its Core

Unlike FromSoftware’s previous titles, The Duskbloods emphasizes multiplayer gameplay. It introduces a PvPvE (Player vs. Player vs. Environment) system where up to eight players compete for supremacy while battling formidable foes. The ultimate goal? To claim “First Blood,” a coveted prize that ties into the game’s lore. This multiplayer focus marks a departure from the studio’s traditionally single-player-centric approach, offering a fresh experience for fans.

True to FromSoftware’s legacy, The Duskbloods features iconic boss battles that challenge players’ skills and strategies. The trailer teased encounters with monstrous creatures, including a man-eating dinosaur—a surprising addition to the gothic setting. The combat system retains the studio’s signature style, blending precise timing, strategic planning, and cryptic storytelling.

Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2

Launching in 2026, The Duskbloods is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, showcasing the console’s capabilities. The Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025, boasts improved specs, including a larger screen and enhanced audio. While the graphics may not rival those of next-gen consoles, FromSoftware’s focus on gameplay ensures a captivating experience.

With The Duskbloods, FromSoftware continues to push the boundaries of game design, exploring new themes and mechanics. The game’s exclusive status on Nintendo Switch 2 highlights the studio’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. Fans eagerly await more details, including an upcoming interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game’s director, on April 4, 2025.

In conclusion, The Duskbloods represents a bold new direction for FromSoftware, blending gothic horror, multiplayer dynamics, and iconic gameplay. As the studio ventures into uncharted territory, players can look forward to an unforgettable experience on Nintendo’s latest console.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Dark Souls: A PlayStation “What If”? because Sony being Sony

In the world of video games, few stories are as intriguing as the relationship between FromSoftware and Sony. This tale begins with the release of Demon’s Souls, a game that would later become a cornerstone of the “Soulslike” genre.

However, the journey to that point was fraught with challenges and misunderstandings.

Demon’s Souls was developed by FromSoftware in collaboration with Sony Japan Studio. Initially, it was planned that Sony would publish the game globally. However, due to the game’s high difficulty and negative early playtests, Sony decided not to localize Demon’s Souls for an English language release. Instead, Atlus published the game in North America, and Bandai Namco handled the European release1.

Sony’s Misjudgment

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida revealed in an interview with the Sacred Symbols podcast that Sony’s decision not to publish Demon’s Souls globally was a significant misjudgment. Yoshida admitted that he didn’t see the game’s global appeal at the time and even described his initial experience with the game as “unbelievably bad”1. This decision led to a sour relationship between FromSoftware and Sony.

FromSoftware was deeply disappointed by how Sony handled Demon’s Souls. Despite the game’s eventual success, thanks to the efforts of Atlus and Bandai Namco, the developer felt let down by Sony’s lack of faith in the game. This disappointment led FromSoftware to turn down Sony’s offer to work on a sequel to Demon’s Souls.

Instead of working with Sony, FromSoftware decided to partner with Bandai Namco for the development of Dark Souls. This decision proved to be a turning point, as Dark Souls became a massive success and solidified FromSoftware’s reputation as a leading developer in the “Soulslike” genre.

Despite the rocky start, Sony and FromSoftware eventually reconciled. They teamed up once again for the development of Bloodborne, a PS4 exclusive that received critical acclaim. Yoshida expressed his respect for FromSoftware’s president, Hidetaka Miyazaki, and acknowledged that Bloodborne is one of his best games1.

Lessons Learned

The story of FromSoftware and Sony serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and communication in the gaming industry. Sony’s initial misjudgment and FromSoftware’s disappointment highlight the challenges that can arise when expectations are not met. However, the eventual collaboration on Bloodborne shows that redemption is possible, and great things can come from learning from past mistakes.