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[Chance Hale]

I'm actually pretty disappointed with the level design overall. The way everything connects is great and comparable to how the original Dark Souls handled it but all of the levels are really simple. There's nothing involved or legitimately challenging like Sen's fortress. At no point do you have to use items in interesting ways like Tomb of the Giants. Most areas are very linear save one or two paths, outside of a few that are just big open expanses that just scatter items at random. Doubt this is going to change as I'm pretty sure I'm very, very close to the end of the game. Just beat the

Spoiler

milkmaid

and all of the optional bosses, chalice aside.

It just feels like a really simple, stripped down game overall and unfortunately that extends to the level design. But of course when the essentials are that good it remains worth playing.

 

[Vitor711]

Right, but you're able to access cool, PvP-focused weapons and armor

I edited my original post. See above.

 

[nuttyevans]

You're likely in an area that doesn't allow for it, but often you could be, like, five steps from where it is allowed. Just keep walking until it's not greyed out anymore and try again.

Thanks pal, will try again tonight.

 

[Newman96]

Forgot how annoying invaders were, he clearly sucked and couldn't beat me so he kept running off and luring in enemies to finish me off. After running after about ten times I got trapped by a wolf who finished me off, arse.

 

[Neoweee]

Thanks, that was pretty useful. I'm almost done with my NG+ run but haven't touched a single chalice dungeon yet and that was a good explanation of them.

Later Chalice dungeons can be great, but the Chalice "progression" is complete crap, IMO. I pity the fool that has to do Pthumerian and Centrla Pthumerian. Only the boss fights aren't boring.

 

[zewone]

If each of you is wearing a different covenant rune and you are from a post covenants then you will end up as enemies. Even if you summon for a friend. It's an amazing mechanic because it makes duels with friends possible, but it's also a troll mechanic. I like it

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Beelzebufo]

Well no-one ever said to run AND then roll. Everyone here was adamant that you could do it with just one or the other.

Haha very true. #TeamRunandRoll

 

[Rubenov]

I edited my original post. See above.

Gratitude

 

[GulAtiCa]

If each of you is wearing a different covenant rune and you are from a post covenants then you will end up as enemies. Even if you summon for a friend. It's an amazing mechanic because it makes duels with friends possible, but it's also a troll mechanic. I like it

OMG, that is awesome!

 

[zewone]

If each of you is wearing a different covenant rune and you are from a post covenants then you will end up as enemies. Even if you summon for a friend. It's an amazing mechanic because it makes duels with friends possible, but it's also a troll mechanic. I like it

Does this mean the guy had somehow guessed our password? It was pretty unique.

 

[Duffman]

I dislike parrying. It makes for extremely boring and repetitive fights. The few "parry me" bosses when it is clearly the most viable strategy end up being really, really lame.

Start using 2H Hunter Axe and you will never have to parry anything again. #GOATweapon

 

[Grady]

Forgot how annoying invaders were, he clearly sucked and couldn't beat me so he kept running off and luring in enemies to finish me off. After running after about ten times I got trapped by a wolf who finished me off, arse.

I had two invaders thus far and both came at me all cocky but did next to no damage. When i landed my first hit and stripped away 30 percent of their health in one swing you could see the panic settle in. Both extremely easy fights.

 

[convo]

It just feels like a really simple, stripped down game overall and unfortunately that extends to the level design. But of course when the essentials are that good it remains worth playing.

Honestly i don't see it considering the short cuts alone. Blows anything DS had previously out of the water if i just look around some rooftops in Yarhnam, tons of places that are yet locked away but accessible in the future, looking around makes you see the bridges and roads and places you can traverse. No way to agree with you there sorry. But you can hold your opinion as you want.

 

[Respect]

What element is the

Spoiler

execution gloves?...Blood

?

I'm actually pretty disappointed with the level design overall. The way everything connects is great and comparable to how the original Dark Souls handled it but all of the levels are really simple. There's nothing involved or legitimately challenging like Sen's fortress. At no point do you have to use items in interesting ways like Tomb of the Giants. Most areas are very linear save one or two paths, outside of a few that are just big open expanses that just scatter items at random. Doubt this is going to change as I'm pretty sure I'm very, very close to the end of the game. Just beat the

Spoiler

milkmaid

and all of the optional bosses, chalice aside.

It just feels like a really simple, stripped down game overall and unfortunately that extends to the level design. But of course when the essentials are that good it remains worth playing.

Gotta disagree mostly...haven't run into anything that has been quite as taxing level wise as a Sens Fortress, I agree there, but the interconnectivity is wonderful and the design itself is great. At no point did I ever feel like it was overly linear.

 

[Beelzebufo]

What element is the

Spoiler

execution gloves?...Blood

?

Arcane pretty sure

 

[Neoweee]

Start using 2H Hunter Axe and you will never have to parry anything again. #GOATweapon

I used the Axe on my first play through. Went 95% of the game not parrying, but there are a few bosses that are "Parry me" bosses:

Spoiler

the last boss

Spoiler

Logarius

Chalice boss with the Scythe
Some of the crazy fast guys in the Chalice dungeons.

Really, did you do those two spoilered bosses without parrying at all?

All of the "Powerstance" versions of the starting weapons are great.

 

[Figboy79]

I just beat the W

Spoiler

itches of Hemwick

, and can use the

Spoiler

Runes

I have. I find it helps to lay out a plan before your gaming session. Last night, my plan was to purchase Ludwig's Holy Blade, since I already retrieved the badge over the weekend and didn't think to buy it, and level that up some. I got it to +3 or +4. Then I set out to defeat the aforementioned foe. I did that last night, and my plan today after me and my wife get back from Sushi is to explore the first floor of my Chalice dungeon. I already beat the first default dungeon, and made one of my own.

I probably won't have much game time tonight though, sadly.

Edited out my spoilers until I can fix the tags at work.

 

[Randam]

please bold it for me.

Okay, if he wants the key itself, he needs to buy it.
But "the key" to open the gate doesn't need to be bought.

 

[Chance Hale]

Short cuts don't make up for simple level design or limited traversal options. I remember using a floating spell in Dark Souls to skip half the tomb before I opened the short cut. In Bloodborne you're just walking through tiny, linear areas for the most part.

 

[GulAtiCa]

Got my Ludwig's Holy Blade to a +8 and with new gems now having +215 damage on top, so like 400ish total. Does a lot of damage 2H. Can't wait till I get it to +10 and much better gems. Seen some pics with people having like +400.

Also, after the R

Spoiler

om

boss fight, game turned quite scary!

 

[Deku Tree]

Does this mean the guy had somehow guessed our password? It was pretty unique.

I am not sure why a random who likely has no idea who you are would be trying to guess your password. More likely they just randomly choose the same password as you out. Or maybe the matchmaking was bugged out. Probably most likely the MM was bugged.

 

[TheRagnCajun]

I'm actually pretty disappointed with the level design overall. The way everything connects is great and comparable to how the original Dark Souls handled it but all of the levels are really simple. There's nothing involved or legitimately challenging like Sen's fortress. At no point do you have to use items in interesting ways like Tomb of the Giants. Most areas are very linear save one or two paths, outside of a few that are just big open expanses that just scatter items at random. Doubt this is going to change as I'm pretty sure I'm very, very close to the end of the game. Just beat the

Spoiler

milkmaid

and all of the optional bosses, chalice aside.

It just feels like a really simple, stripped down game overall and unfortunately that extends to the level design. But of course when the essentials are that good it remains worth playing.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that in Demon's Souls the levels were brutal, and the bosses were comparatively tame. Flamelurker and maneater being the two notable exceptions. Bloodborne is the completely other side of the spectrum.

 

[aaronbst]

Short cuts don't make up for simple level design or limited traversal options. I remember using a floating spell in Dark Souls to skip half the tomb before I opened the short cut. In Bloodborne you're just walking through tiny, linear areas for the most part.

do you really remember using a floating spell in dark souls? cause there's no such thing

 

[Respect]

Got my Ludwig's Holy Blade to a +8 and with new gems now having +215 damage on top, so like 400ish total. Does a lot of damage 2H. Can't wait till I get it to +10 and much better gems. Seen some pics with people having like +400.

Also, after the R

Spoiler

om

boss fight, game turned quite scary!

Yeah, going back to the

Spoiler

unseen village

and now dealing with the mobs there, the changing

Spoiler

in the sky

, the ambience...definitely a "shit just got real" moment.

 

[qa_engineer]

I was really hoping I wouldn't have to kill

Spoiler

Eileen the Crow

, but

Spoiler

she failed to show up at Cathedral Ward after I cleared the area and beat Vicar Amelia

. Who else can I get a Caryll Rune from? As of this moment I've beaten

Spoiler

Cleric Beast, Father Gascogine, Gatling Gun Hunter, Blood Starved Beast, Shadow of Yharnam,Vicar Amelia, Rom the Vacuous Spider, and Eileen The Crow (Hunter)

. I wish this game made it a little more clear what some of your missions are, or at least cataloged it so you can review.

 

[Chance Hale]

do you really remember using a floating spell in dark souls? cause there's no such thing

No fall damage Pretty sure it had a special animation, but it's been a while.

 

[aaronbst]

No fall damage

you mean fall control?

 

[-tetsuo-]

I'm actually pretty disappointed with the level design overall. The way everything connects is great and comparable to how the original Dark Souls handled it but all of the levels are really simple. There's nothing involved or legitimately challenging like Sen's fortress. At no point do you have to use items in interesting ways like Tomb of the Giants. Most areas are very linear save one or two paths, outside of a few that are just big open expanses that just scatter items at random. Doubt this is going to change as I'm pretty sure I'm very, very close to the end of the game. Just beat the

Spoiler

milkmaid

and all of the optional bosses, chalice aside.

It just feels like a really simple, stripped down game overall and unfortunately that extends to the level design. But of course when the essentials are that good it remains worth playing.

I just can not agree with this at all. You may like Dark Souls more but the gap is not that wide.

 

[Newman96]

Spoiler

Yahar'gul

how do I get back there? I died before setting up a lamp..

 

[convo]

Short cuts don't make up for simple level design or limited traversal options. I remember using a floating spell in Dark Souls to skip half the tomb before I opened the short cut. In Bloodborne you're just walking through tiny, linear areas for the most part.

What about people losing their orientation in

Spoiler

forbidden woods

? If it was so straight forward as you make it out to be people would be less lost than they are. And how is Dark souls somehow more than what you described? Your explanation hold for that game too from what i understand.

 

[aaronbst]

Spoiler

Yahar'gul

how do I get back there? I died before setting up a lamp..

die again to the bag men

 

[NEOPARADIGM]

Short cuts don't make up for simple level design or limited traversal options. I remember using a floating spell in Dark Souls to skip half the tomb before I opened the short cut. In Bloodborne you're just walking through tiny, linear areas for the most part.

Well I mean, it is ultimately a dungeon-crawler.

 

[UnluckyKate]

You don't have enough vitality and aren't using

Spoiler

Tonitrus

.

I'm not good at the series, just enough to beat them but not excel, but the bosses are all pretty easy if stack Vitality and use the wildly overpowered weapon.

got it. Thanks. the weapon really did tons of dmg

 

[graffix13]

Alright THIS is the best explanation of the chalice dungeon i have found yet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Er8E3pDC2I
Anyone who want know about them and how to approach them look at the video for when you begin them.Slight spoilers about weapons and armor and booses in the video but i recommend it.
edit: People not further along the game please just hold off from watching if you only have the one chalice at the beginning

Thanks for this. It is super informative and clears up a lot of my questions. I am far from doing these though at the moment so I'll save this for later.

Question: Will farming blood and leveling up make these a bit easier? I know they don't scale in NG+, so I am just looking for any edge to make these a bit less....stressful.

 

[Mechanized]

The key to Rom is

Spoiler

to stay close at all times. You want to be in range so that he keeps casting the upward rocks thingy around him. It's hard to dodge the raining one, but he'll do the aoe thing more often if you stick close. The best tactic for dodging the rain I found was to watch his animation for it, the moment just before he returns to a normal stance dodge left 2-3 times immediately. During the initial part of the fight kill all the adds so they won't make the end of the fight rougher, you do this because you kill no more adds in the fight, not intentionally anyways. Again, you're staying close to Rom for this whole remaining thing. Get in near his tail, do a few whacks, if he starts flailing get out and heal up. The spiders can be annoying but the best strat I found was to completely ignore them except for the initial wave. I would not recommend charge attacks or any 2 handed weapons, you want to get in a ton of fast strikes with R1 and have enough stamina left to get out fast if he starts casting or spiders start crowding around you.

The best weapon I had for this job was the Tonitrus(however you spell it), try to get a L1 charge in before attacking if possible. This weapon is also amazing for killing the adds as it will go past their heads and hit their backs a lot of the time,

Spoiler

where they are weak, especially to bolt damage.

 

[MrPressStart]

Thoughts on Bloodborne DLC???

I would like to see more weapons and tons more clothing options.
Also... a photo mode would be really cool as well
new areas to explore and collectibles.

 

[robo_qwop]

Spoiler

Careful, his final form doesn't let you parry. Once he's done to 30/40% health, you need to just dodge two of his attacks and use the backstep R1 move. Basically, dodge to the side once, then back and hit R1 immediately.Rinse Repeat. Done. You'll never take damage.

It does, but it's more difficult. You can parry him in sword mode, but the transformation attack blocks bullets and scythe mode it appears can't be parried.

 

[Reedirect]

I'm somehow getting worse every time I fight

Spoiler

Shadows of Yharnam

. I was so close to beating them on my first try.

 

[Randam]

Why is 50% of this thread about Eileen's sidequest?

Met her once than she did to a hunter.
Welp..

 

[aaronbst]

Thoughts on Bloodborne DLC???

I would like to see more weapons and tons more clothing options.
Also... a photo mode would be really cool as well
new areas to explore and collectibles.

TBH if they just threw out a weapons and armor pack i would buy it

 

[Beelzebufo]

So... do the

Spoiler

snakes

in the Forest ever make sense? Seems such a weird thing thematically.

 

[FallenGrace]

HALP!

I'm about to talk to the

Spoiler

Queen

in

Spoiler

Cainhurst Castle

, and I know I'm supposed to

Spoiler

kneel before her

. I don't have the gesture though. What to do??

You don't need one. Should be a button prompt near what you're talking about.

 

[Newman96]

die again to the bag men

Can I get to the area after defeating

Spoiler

Rom

that way then?

 

[Duffman]

I used the Axe on my first play through. Went 95% of the game not parrying, but there are a few bosses that are "Parry me" bosses:

Spoiler

the last boss

Spoiler

Logarius

Chalice boss with the Scythe
Some of the crazy fast guys in the Chalice dungeons.

Really, did you do those two spoilered bosses without parrying at all?

All of the "Powerstance" versions of the starting weapons are great.

I'm not that far in the game yet. I just beat

Spoiler

The One Reborn and Paarl.

Haven't really used the gun at all after the first hours.

 

[LiK]

Thoughts on Bloodborne DLC???

I would like to see more weapons and tons more clothing options.
Also... a photo mode would be really cool as well
new areas to explore and collectibles.

I wish there was a 3D model viewer.

 

[MrPressStart]

TBH if they just threw out a weapons and armor pack i would buy it

The clothing is one of the most under rated parts of the game in my opinion.

 

[Chance Hale]

you mean fall control?

That would be it.

I just can not agree with this at all. You may like Dark Souls more but the gap is not that wide.

I think it is. I've been playing Bloodborne for 25 hours(thought it was 35, but I was off) and I'm almost finished with the game. At no point outside of one optional area have the levels opened up to any reasonable degree. It's just walking in hallways connected to other hallways in another zone via a ladder. There's nothing like Blighttown where you're slowly descending through this huge, labyrinth area that has paths to multiple other zones that feel completely natural. Here you're just opening a level to pop open a gate. It just feels simple in comparison to the other souls games. There's no sense of verticality or real scale. It reminds me of Dark Souls 2 where every zone felt completely disconnected to the other but everything is smaller here.

 

[convo]

Short cuts don't make up for simple level design or limited traversal options. I remember using a floating spell in Dark Souls to skip half the tomb before I opened the short cut. In Bloodborne you're just walking through tiny, linear areas for the most part.

And who says people didn't figure out how to jump over fences in BB? People in the alpha did that and found inaccessible stuff, maybe speed run strats aren't developed here yet? And all your criticism still applies to Dark souls please explain the differences between DS and BB further.

 

[aaronbst]

Can I get to the area after defeating

Spoiler

Rom

that way then?

you should be able to

 

[GulAtiCa]

Why is 50% of this thread about Eileen's sidequest?

Met her once than she did to a hunter.
Welp..

I think there is likely a bug making her quest gone. As a lot of us can't find her anymore....