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It's here at last. For anyone yet to pick up a PlayStation 4, and in particular fans of the Souls series, Bloodborne's release today could mark a justifiable tipping point. Having edged our way through the opening Yarnham city area, early impressions suggest another genuine triumph by From Software - and we can now provide a spoiler-free analysis of what's in store. The team's beautiful, horror-inflected world is no doubt a high point, but as with its previous games, there are also obvious technical issues that go alongside its ambition.And where better to start than the beginning? Below is a lengthy, ten minute frame-rate analysis, taken from the first moment we're set loose with a saw-cleaver. Barring a few tactical cuts (to spare you the lengthy loading screens between deaths), the video runs more or less in sequence right up to the first major boss. Understandably, this is a series that sells on its mystery - but a deep slice of this single area tells us much about where Bloodborne stands tall, and where it falls short.
Running with update 1.01 (weighing in at 2.69GB), the day one patch is essential. Game performance and stability is improved according to its patch notes, and it also adds the game's crucial multiplayer features. However, in line with embargo conditions set to press, we're advised by Sony to avoid online play up to release, meaning our frame-rate tests run without any potential strain of co-op play.
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