NOBODY likes losing, but if you want to play Bloodborne, you’d best get used to it.

It doesn’t hold the player’s hand, nor does it explain anything. The initial ‘tutorials’ actually provide a masterclass in cryptic vagueness. They give little away.

Even the menus and equipment have no explanations, and although they’re not particularly difficult to work out, it’s clear that Sony’s intentions were to create a title for seasoned gamers.

This becomes even more apparent when play kicks off proper; players are going to die – constantly.

It’s all about pushing forward, being killed, and then adapting your strategy until that part is perfected.

Some sections can take a long time and become deeply frustrating in the process.

The frustration is however outweighed by the satisfying feeling felt when a segment is cracked – especially one which had taken multiple deaths and seemingly countless hours.

All of this so far will sound familiar to anybody who played either Dungeon Souls or Dark Souls. Bloodborne is Sony’s answer to these games challenging role-playing games.

As much as I loved (and hated in equal measures) the Dark Souls games, the control system has always felt a little clunky and cumbersome.

Bloodborne gets around this by providing a slightly different combat system.

Instead of the block-and-attack style of fighting, Sony have ditched the block and allowed for players to wield both a sword and gun at the same time.

This speeds up play dramatically and creates more of a flowing experience.

Firearms don’t necessarily inflict much damage on an enemy, but they are useful when it comes to the counter strike. They will stagger the enemy’s attack if timed well.

The world itself looks phenomenal, and feels like a living, breathing, constantly evolving environment.

Players can do nothing but watch it decay right in front of their eyes.

Traversing this perilous hell-hole can be tricky at times. Familiar ground will be covered, and moments of being incredibly lost will undoubtedly ensue.

Multiplayer is again much like Dark Souls. Players can use bells to either request somebody to help in their game, to assist in someone else’s game, or to invade another player.

There are no lobbies, nor are there waiting times – it’s all done seamlessly in game.

It’s infuriating beyond all measure, yet it’s incredibly rewarding. Bloodborne evokes a deep contrast of emotions, and is consequently one of the best games for the latest generation of consoles.