7 Underrated PS5 Games You Need to Play

Rethinking Horizon Zero Dawn

As I delved back into the world of Horizon Zero Dawn, I was struck by the sheer joy of exploration and discovery that the game embodies. The post-apocalyptic landscape, filled with robotic creatures and mysterious ruins, is a true marvel. But what really drew me in was the relatable protagonist, Aloy, and the intriguing cast of characters that surround her.

The game’s world-building is fascinating, with a rich history of the apocalypse that led to the downfall of human civilization. The robotic creatures that roam the land are a testament to the ingenuity of humans, and the catastrophic consequences of their actions. The game’s narrative is driven by Aloy’s quest for knowledge and revenge, which sets her on a path of self-discovery and growth.

The Allure of Bloodborne’s Dark World

I’ve been itching to replay Bloodborne for a very long time. The acclaimed action RPG has a certain allure to it, with its dark and foreboding world of Yarham. The game’s atmosphere is oppressive, with a sense of dread that permeates every encounter. But what really draws me to Bloodborne is its masterful game design, which creates a sense of tension and challenge that is hard to find in other games.

One thing that has become clear to me is that Bloodborne remains a masterpiece, even almost a decade on. The game’s world design, combat mechanics, and narrative all come together to create an experience that is hard to put down. But, as I’ve found, the game’s healing system, which relies on blood vials, can be a frustrating blemish on an otherwise perfect game.

Overcoming Challenges

Farming for Blood Vials?

The blood vial system in Bloodborne is a necessary evil. The system relies on players to collect blood vials, which are used to heal, throughout the game world. The problem is that these vials are not replenished upon death, which can lead to situations where the player is greatly disadvantaged during some of the game’s toughest moments. This can lead to a situation where the player is forced to grind for blood vials, which can be a frustrating experience.

For example, I stumbled upon an optional area called Hypogean Gaol that I missed my first time through. I was a bit under-leveled but persisted and fought my way through to the location’s hulking boss, Darkbeast Paarl. This towering electrified beast kicked my butt several times over and quickly depleted my stock of blood vials. This left me in a position where further attempts at the boss were futile without an adequate stock of healing items, and so I was forced to give up while swearing to return once I’d gotten a little bit stronger.

This had a knock-on effect on what I did next, too. Tail between my legs, I returned to Old Yharnam in the hopes of accruing some “Blood Echos” (the game’s form of XP) to level up my Hunter, and maybe upgrade my weapon for good measure. However, my motivation to fully explore every dark corner was diminished because my stock of healing items was in the single digits. Suddenly risky exploration didn’t feel wise when my resources were limited.

The Motivation to Explore and Overcome

The problem with the blood vial system is that it can lead to a situation where the player is motivated to play it safe, rather than taking risks and exploring the game’s world. This can be a problem, as the game’s world is full of hidden secrets and areas that are only accessible by taking risks and pushing through challenges. The blood vial system can lead to a situation where they are not motivated to fully explore the game’s world, which can be a shame, as the game’s world is full of hidden secrets and areas that are only accessible by taking risks and pushing through challenges.

Implications for Gamers

The Importance of Game Design

The blood vial system in Bloodborne highlights the importance of game design in creating an engaging and challenging experience. The system, while flawed, is a testament to the game’s masterful design, which creates a sense of tension and challenge that is hard to find in other games. The game’s design is a masterclass in creating a sense of risk and reward, which is essential in creating an engaging experience.

The game’s design is also a testament to the importance of balancing challenge and frustration. The game’s difficulty is expertly tuned, with a sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges. The game’s design is a masterclass in creating a sense of risk and reward, which is essential in creating an engaging experience.

The Role of Healing Items in Game Progression

The blood vial system highlights the importance of healing items in game design. The system, while flawed, is a testament to the game’s masterful design, which creates a sense of tension and challenge that is hard to find in other games. The game’s design is a masterclass in creating a sense of risk and reward, which is essential in creating an engaging experience.

The role of healing items in game progression is crucial, as it can make or break the player’s experience. A well-designed healing system can create a sense of tension and challenge, while a poorly designed system can lead to frustration and boredom. The blood vial system in Bloodborne is a testament to the importance of game design in creating an engaging and challenging experience.

The Value of Revisiting Classic Games

The experience of replaying Horizon Zero Dawn and Bloodborne has highlighted the value of revisiting classic games on new hardware. The games, which were originally released on PS4, have been given new life on the PS5, with improved performance and graphics.

The experience of replaying these games has also highlighted the evolution of gaming experiences over time. The games, which were originally released in 2017 and 2015, respectively, have aged remarkably well, with gameplay mechanics and narrative design that hold up to today’s standards.