Table of Contents
Highlights
- The Duskbloods marks FromSoftware’s bold leap into vampire-themed action RPGs, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- The game promises fluid, aggressive combat, rewarding players who embrace their vampiric abilities.
- With bizarre transformations and cryptic storytelling, The Duskbloods could be FromSoftware’s strangest title yet.
Nintendo Switch 2 has just got itself an exclusive FromSoftware title, carrying the treacherous difficulty, convoluted world, and signature…goth style? With The Duskbloods, the studio is boldly taking its first steps into the world of vampire action RPGs with exclusivity for Nintendo Switch 2. Will this new direction uphold what draws people to From Software games, or is it too far from the truth?
A Bloodborne Successor in Spirit
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises surrounding The Duskbloods is that it’s exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Historically, FromSoftware has flourished on the PlayStation and Xbox platforms, where the games’ unforgiving nature could thrive on powerful hardware. At first glance, The Duskbloods gives off a heavy Bloodborne vibe with its dark, blood-soaked environments and the grotesque designs of its foes.
But, unlike a sequel to the game, we see more of a new interpretation of the Gothic Horror genre while adding its mechanics to stand out. From what we heard about the combat, it seems that the focus will be on fluidity and aggression in play, rewarding players who embody the vampiric nature of their character.
Things Just Got Weirder
From a man clad in an iron suit flying in the air to a person transforming into a dinosaur, it seems like The Duskbloods might be the weirdest title From Software has ever created. From the one trailer that has been released, it is difficult to decide if the audience was fascinated with the gameplay or not.
One thing is certain: the trailer sparked intense curiosity. Its cryptic visuals and unpredictable transformations raised more questions than answers, leaving players puzzled and intrigued. With virtually no additional context or narrative hints provided, fans are left speculating wildly about the storyline and gameplay direction The Duskbloods will ultimately take.
Exclusive to Switch 2—A Risky Move
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises surrounding The Duskbloods is that it’s exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Historically, FromSoftware has flourished on the PlayStation and Xbox platforms, where the games’ unforgiving nature could thrive on powerful hardware.
While the Nintendo Switch 2 is touted as a significant upgrade over its predecessor, concerns linger about whether it can truly meet the high technical demands of a FromSoftware title like The Duskbloods. FromSoftware games are known for their intricate environments, dynamic lighting, and smooth performance—all of which may challenge the Switch 2’s hardware. Fans worry that the platform’s limitations could hinder the studio’s ability to fully realize its ambitious vision.
A New Era for FromSoftware
With Elden Ring: Nightreign also bordering on the horizon, The Duskbloods signifies the expansion of FromSoftware’s portfolio beyond the Soulsborne formula. Playing into vampiric abilities, coupled perhaps with a more narrative-driven experience, could signal a change of direction for the studio. Long-time fans may feel uncertain, as From Software’s bold shift could either redefine expectations or risk alienating its core audience.
Final Thoughts
Although details are scant, The Duskloods appears to be one of the most interesting titles in FromSoftware’s catalogue. Its gothic horror setting, exclusivity on Switch 2, and experimentation with new types of gameplay open too many new doors. If the studio can balance its signature difficulty with new mechanics, then The Duskbloods would stand as one of the defining titles for Nintendo’s next-gen console.
