The Duskbloods

Even after 10 hours of hands-on time with the game, there's still plenty more to learn. We haven't even touched the option to customize characters or learn about their histories. Yes, there's a story element to The Duskbloods that's still to be revealed, but it will play out over time as players experience more in FromSoftware's new world. [10-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

While people may see evidence of Soulslike DNA in The Duskbloods, the Network Test experience suggests its a game for everyone thanks to its diverse approaches. There’s no right way to win. There are multiple paths to success. You don’t need impeccable parrying and timing to guarantee a spot in the final three or four. Exploring, facing smaller enemies, relying on melee attacks, and even picking off opponents as a lone sniper could all lead to your success. [Hands-On Impressions]

The Duskbloods is strange, dark, creepy, complex, sometimes insane and, above all, incredibly fun. [Hands-On Impressions]

I really enjoyed what I played because The Duskbloods is clearly built for those who crave discovery, enjoy the unexpected nature of FromSoft's work, and the sort of meta you'd see in fighting games. It'll be a tricky balancing act with all these moving parts while trying to maintain an audience for a fairly complex game on Switch 2. Miyazaki didn't seem too concerned, though, saying that even though he's not great at action games himself, he wanted to build something that he would enjoy, and I suppose that's all you can do in a time when multiplayer games struggle to find their footing. FromSoft has the chops, and I can't wait to see what The Duskbloods becomes when it actually comes out. [Hands-On Impressions]

The way the game lets you jump 30 ft into the air and string jumps together means even the sky isn’t safe. It’s frantic. Positioning, timing, abilities and even which summon support you bring into the final battle – dozens of factors flip through your mind as you trade back and forth with the other two finalists. These climactic battles really capture the best of FromSoftware player fights, spiking your adrenaline until your heart booms out of your chest. [Hands-On Impressions]

The Duskbloods represents From Software’s penchant to upend expectations and chart new territory. Regardless of the risks, it always seems willing to push its design and, in turn, its players in new directions. After all, that willingness to take risks is how Demon’s Souls reinvented the action-RPG genre. I don’t anticipate The Duskbloods doing the same for PvPvE games, but I think that desire to chase new ideas and experiment with off-the-wall mechanics is what I truly want out of a From Software game. [8-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

FromSoftware is on to something here, and like the game’s vampiric competitors, I’m thirsty to spill – and drink – more blood in many matches to come. [Hands-On Impressions]