1. Ironically, It Has Soul
Apologies for the jolly little pun, but really what stands out - and it's something you can see is completely missing in the likes of Battlefield: Hardline, Watch Dogs or The Order: 1886 - is that sense of an artistically-minded creative director watching over his creation like a hawk. It's the reason something like Metal Gear endeared itself to so many so fast, and as the years have gone by, plenty gamers have come to realise when they're playing something designed by committee versus when it's a more focussed and directed experience. With Miyazaki essentially sitting out DS2 it allowed Bloodborne to land with an almighty bang, as everything from the world architecture to the weapon designs, character outfits and dialogue itself is lovingly crafted to tell a very particular tale. If there was something about Dark Souls 2 that felt off and you just couldn't put your finger on it, chances are it's this lack of an overarching presence felt from the other titles - and with an entire world crafted from scratch all waiting to be put together by both you and the community surrounding it, finally 'the Souls experience' is back in a big and very enticing way. How are you finding Bloodborne versus Dark Souls 2? Let us know in the comments if you're a first-timer, if this one clicked with you, or if this style of game just isn't for you!