PC Critic Reviews

Bloodless' unique counter-based approach to combat not only helps it come off as rather unique in a crowded genre, but the beautiful simplicity it creates with its non-lethal approach eventually gives way to a deeper layer of complexity as you face off against trickier foes in stellar showdowns. The world of Bakugawa is a delight to interact with and an absolute feast for the eyes, but the duels it contains are what make this a truly special game, and one not to be missed out on. It's the most fun you can have in a Sekiro-style game without drawing a single drop.

I greatly enjoyed my time with Bloodless. It’s got some incredibly interesting visuals and everything about the game just works so well. It’s near perfection. The only real problem I have with the game is that battles can sometimes get a bit too intense once you get crowded into a corner. Thankfully, save points are everywhere, so every skill level can eventually work their way through tough battles. I highly recommend this game to fans of Dark Souls and someone that just wants a good samurai action experience. Players that like an artistic-style game will find plenty to enjoy with Bloodless as well.

Bloodless is a bold action game that requires the player to pay attention to the enemy patterns and master their character's reaction options. Within an eastern ambiance presented through unique aesthetics, the game is an easy recommendation to any player who likes a good challenge.

Ultimately, Bloodless is an interesting, straightforward kind of game that is exactly what it says it is on the box. There’s a central premise, and the gameplay revolves (almost) entirely around it, even if it wavers a little out of an apparent necessity. And even then, takes the care to justify the shift in a way that lines up in the fiction. The non-lethal combat is fun to engage with, and doesn’t simply feel like another samurai game about parrying. There also isn’t a ton more to Bloodless than that, which is totally fine. There’s a target, the game lines up its shot, and hits it dead center. Good stuff.

Bloodless approaches the idea of a brawler with a unique spin featuring its non-lethal combat, but feels like it can be pulling its punches in some areas. Parrying your way through waves of enemies is novel, yet the implementation can lead to some overwhelming moments in an otherwise engaging experience. The path of mercy was never going to be easy though, and Bloodless still manages to be an overall fun journey of finding an end to violence.

Bloodless mixes some of the combat mechanics inspired by Sekiro, with a strong emphasis on dodges, precision movements and countermoves. Not everything works perfectly, the pacing is a bit slow at times and there is a feeling that the whole adventure is a bit too drawn out.

If you want to transport yourself to the parts of good old 8-bit for a while, this game is for you.

Bloodless clearly has something to say about the cataclysmic potential of power and the cycles of suffering it locks people into, but by making its world feel universal—like it could be anywhere—it ends up nowhere at all.