The game became a Nintendo exclusive thanks to a long-standing collaboration between From Software and the Japanese giant. Initially, the studio approached Nintendo with a game concept, and the company decided to support the project. Development was originally underway for Switch 1, but when From Software learned about Switch 2, the team decided to reorient the project for the new platform to fully realize their creative vision.

The story takes place in a universe where humanity is experiencing its final days. The central characters are the Bloodsworn, beings summoned from various places and times who have gained supernatural abilities through the magical power of blood. In essence, they resemble vampires—not the monstrous kind, but with a romantic slant.

A unique feature of this world is the absence of a fixed historical era—players will explore everything from gothic Victorian locations to steampunk-age settings (such as the train shown in the trailer).

The project offers a unique PvPvE experiment, which particularly intrigued Hidetaka Miyazaki due to its complexity and dynamism. Key features include:  

  • 8-player matches with options to battle each other or cooperate against bosses  
  • A flexible character customization system (appearance, skills, weapons)  
  • Diverse abilities: from super jumps to summoning battle entities  
  • Dynamic in-match events: special enemy appearances and environmental changes (like the eerie giant moon with a face shown in the trailer)  
  • A role system with unique objectives for each player. The "Sworn Enemies" role requires hunting and killing another player, while the "Destined Companions" role involves finding and bonding with another player, rewarding both if they establish a connection. Roles can be changed at will, allowing players to roleplay their character as they see fit
  • Each player will have personal objectives to pursue during the match for exclusive rewards

The game's lore is once again revealed through item descriptions. After each match, players return to a hub where they can modify their character and prepare for new battles. The winged rat in the trailer—an analogue to the Fire Keeper—awaits players in the hub. This was the studio's way of infusing the game with a bit of "Nintendo charm" due to the collaboration. The creature (which is actually an old gentleman) offers various advice and instructions that players can heed.

Though Duskbloods represents a multiplayer experiment, From Software confirms they will continue developing single-player games as their primary focus.

Main image: wall.alphacoders.com

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