#BLUD on PC
A younger freshman lady strikes to a small city the place, collectively along with her classmates, she’ll uncover her true calling: killing vampires. Certainly, if that sounds acquainted or if it reminded you of a 90s TV collection, then you might be heading in the right direction to what #BLUD is making an attempt to evoke. However is that this cartoony motion RPG value your time, or is that neck higher saved for an additional chew?
Becky Brewster is a tiny however courageous child, dwelling alone along with her father, she nonetheless by no means leaves her mother’s grimoire behind. Whereas it would appear like an on a regular basis recipe e-book, the e-book is definitely all concerning the killing of issues that go bump within the night time. Together with, properly, some recipes as properly. It gained’t be lengthy earlier than that grimoire will get some use, as Becky will uncover {that a} vampire apocalypse is about to hit the city and nobody however her can get these bloodsuckers to return the place they got here from.
#BLUD is a typical motion RPG in a dungeon crawler type, the place you discover areas, defeat enemies in real-time fight, clear up quests, and defeat bosses. You get to make use of each a melee weapon and a long-ranged weapon (often pencils), and there’s not a lot else when it comes to gameplay mechanics.
You’re going to get upgrades on your fundamental hockey stick, like an umbrella that works as a defend or a harder-hitting combo, however the fight stays fairly simple. Simply melee most enemies and maintain your distance whereas launching pencils.
![Becky killing two mice](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/blud-review-4.jpg?resize=991%2C557)
Enemies would require completely different total approaches, as some can solely be killed successfully through the use of bombs in a typical Zelda-fashion. Bosses generally require some type of lateral pondering, just like the very first one which had me stumped for a bit as a result of there have been no hints, however often additionally reply to some direct all-out assault. I’m not a giant fan of the roll assault, which appears to finish up damaging Becky greater than the enemies themselves, since you aren’t invulnerable whereas rolling round.
The quests are all fairly easy, largely centered on looking for your manner across the college to trace down important data to defeat the vampires or discovering contaminated blood to raised perceive learn how to combat the beasts. There are some extras, largely in the way in which of pins unfold round city simply able to be added to your assortment, however there’s not a lot in the way in which of side-quests, apart from just a few distractions. You might be free to speak with most NPCs, nevertheless it’s simply to expertise some amusing strains of dialogue. You can too discover some easy 8-bit like video games to attempt round city, resembling guess the quantity to slam dunk.
![Becky smiling to a dog](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/blud-review3.jpg?resize=991%2C557)
Talking of enjoyable, the way in which that Becky retains monitor of quests is certainly distinctive. Principally, you’ll be checking your social media app to seek out out what you’re alleged to be doing. However that’s not all, You’ll additionally be capable to take selfies (and pose!) in sure spots on the town, posting them on Perch (or X-perch?). Becky may also generally interact in some amusing back-and-forth along with her mates on the posts.
#BLUD undoubtedly has type, and that clear cartoon vibe which sits someplace between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the Powerpuff Women is a breath of recent air. There aren’t any gruff heroes or 8-bit pixelated homages right here. However is that total type sufficient to make up for a gameplay that finally ends up being fairly fundamental? That depends upon what you might be searching for in an motion RPG of this ilk. In case you are all for that loot-collecting, grinding expertise, then you might be barking up the flawed vampire citadel.
![Becky walking around a shop in the mall](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/blud-review-5.jpg?resize=991%2C557)
Clearly, #BLUD will not be for the hardcore Diablo-hardened gamers of the style. As an alternative, that is for gamers who need one thing completely different and gained’t thoughts a little bit of simplicity of their real-time fight, however as a substitute are searching for a extra enjoyable and relaxed tackle a small vampire invasion story. The quiet little city ambiance is completely recreated, from the college, café, mall and the standard haunts. Some voice performing would have gone solution to make #BLUD and its characters much more partaking, however alas, the writing continues to be good.
As a product of a small indie crew as their debut sport, #BLUD is certainly a superb first entry within the RPG area. Whereas it’ll in all probability fail to curiosity these searching for a severe motion dungeon crawler expertise, it’ll present a number of hours of leisure whereas embarking on this zany journey with Becky, Corey and all of her mates.
#BLUD
Whereas the small-town vampire apocalypse of #BLUD will fail to curiosity these searching for a severe dungeon crawler RPG, it’ll fulfill these eager for an easier zany 90s cartoon expertise.
Execs
- Fashionable animated graphics
- Entertaining social media points
Cons
- Fairly fundamental motion RPG gameplay
A replica of this sport was supplied by the writer for assessment. Reviewed on PC.