Bloodborne, one of FromSoftware’s iconic games, is celebrated for its intricate level design and gothic ambiance, which contribute to its enduring appeal. This 2015 action RPG is lauded for its meticulously crafted environments, verticality, and tight, atmospheric spaces that create a palpable sense of tension. Its levels, such as Old Yharnam and the Cathedral Ward, are perfect examples of how FromSoftware’s attention to detail and vertical exploration have set a high bar for game design.
In contrast, Elden Ring, released in 2022, represents a departure from the linear level design of Bloodborne. As an expansive open-world game, Elden Ring stretches its environments across grand vistas and sweeping plains, offering a different kind of immersive experience. While its open-world design allows for broad exploration, it also means that its levels are more spread out, with a distinct emphasis on grand scale rather than the claustrophobic intensity of Bloodborne‘s areas.
The Evolution of Level Design: From Bloodborne to Elden Ring
The distinction between Bloodborne and Elden Ring extends beyond their level design. While Bloodborne’s levels are celebrated for their tight, interconnected spaces that enhance its gothic horror themes, Elden Ring emphasizes a broader exploration experience with its open-world design. This shift not only affects how players interact with the environment but also the overall narrative experience. In Bloodborne, the confined spaces often heighten the sense of dread and mystery, whereas Elden Ring’s expansive world invites players to discover its secrets at their own pace, blending grand vistas with deep lore.
The successful integration of both design philosophies in Elden Ring‘s recent updates demonstrates FromSoftware’s ability to evolve while retaining the core elements that fans love. As Elden Ring continues to grow and receive new content, its approach to level design—mirroring aspects of Bloodborne while innovating with its open-world mechanics—shows how the studio skillfully adapts its design ethos to different gameplay experiences. For fans of both games, this evolution represents an exciting journey through different facets of FromSoftware’s creative genius.
How Elden Ring Incorporates Elements of Bloodborne’s Design
However, Elden Ring does incorporate elements of Bloodborne‘s design philosophy through its legacy dungeons, such as Raya Lucaria Academy and Volcano Manor, which reflect a closer alignment with the more intimate, atmospheric design found in Bloodborne. The recent Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has further refined this approach, presenting dungeons like Belurat and Enir-Illim that blend open-world exploration with the focused, detailed design seen in Bloodborne.
Conclusion: Different Yet Alike
Ultimately, while Bloodborne and Elden Ring showcase different approaches to level design—one focused on verticality and confined spaces, the other on expansive, open worlds—they both reflect FromSoftware’s commitment to creating deeply engaging environments. Each game excels in its own right, offering players a unique experience that underscores the versatility and depth of FromSoftware’s design philosophy.
