I saw Blud in a showcase a while back and I put it on my radar to play. Now after a bit of a wait, I got a chance to play the game and oh Lawd I have some thoughts. This might be one of the most unique games that I played in a while. It’s a Saturday morning Cartoon vibe, but what got me interested in checking the game out is that the art style flashed me back to my days growing up watching, Dexter’s Lab, Edd, Ed & Eddy, Bill and Mandy, and a lot other old school cartoon network shows. Going into play Blud I had one major question: Is the game as good as its artstyle?
Let’s Dive into it.
The Narrative:
Step into the shoes of Becky Brewster, a newcomer in town and the latest descendant in a centuries-old lineage of vampire hunters. Her dual mission: tackle demonic infestations amidst a bustling social media presence while navigating the trials of fitting in after a major relocation. Needless to say, a demonic invasion makes for an intriguing first day at school.
The story strikes a balance of fun, lightheartedness, and engagement. Characters brim with charm and personality, particularly Becky, an easy protagonist to rally behind. However, it takes an excessive two hours for the main plot to gain traction, which feels drawn out in today’s fast-paced gaming landscape.
The Gameplay:
Blud operates as a dungeon crawler infused with a beat ’em up vibe reminiscent of a Saturday morning cartoon from the 90s or 2000s. While this concept sounds promising, the execution disappoints. The game’s presentation sets lofty expectations, but gameplay elements are either half-baked or plagued by significant issues. Combat feels clunky with erratic hit detection. Attacks are limited to a narrow frontal arc, often resulting in missed strikes or vulnerability to unforeseen angles of attack. Boss fights vary wildly in difficulty, some feeling unfairly challenging with poorly telegraphed attacks. Moreover, defeated enemies yield no rewards, incentivizing players to bypass combat altogether—a chore made worse by sluggish movement speed.
Additional Pros:
The standout feature of Blud is undoubtedly its art style and animation, which are truly top-tier. Cutscenes are crafted with the finesse of a premium cartoon series, while environments, characters, and enemies evoke nostalgia for classic Cartoon Network shows of yore. Character animations are fluid, and environments are richly detailed, showcasing a meticulous attention to visual design.
Cons/Flaws:
Similar to games like Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Blud belies its appearance with unexpectedly steep difficulty. Mastering game mechanics, attack angles, and enemy behaviors becomes imperative for progress, exacerbated by unforgiving hitboxes that leave little room for error. Quality-of-life issues further mar the experience; for instance, losing health during locked dialogue sequences adds unnecessary frustration. Meanwhile, rune slots for weapon customization seem superficial, merely altering attack animations without clear explanation or meaningful impact. The game inundates players with numerous fetch quests that feel detached from the main narrative, requiring unnecessary detours for completion.
Overall/Should you Play Blud Review:
Blud stands as one of my most disappointing experiences of 2024—not just in gaming, but across the board. Despite its stunning animations and art style, the gameplay falls flat, veering towards mediocrity. It’s a shame, considering the potential of its concept. While Blud might have thrived as a nostalgic animated series, as a game, it struggles to captivate. I hesitate to recommend it broadly due to its myriad issues, though fans of challenging dungeon crawlers might find some enjoyment amidst its frustrations.
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Reviewed on PC
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