Bloodless Review (Steam)

Bloodless offers a visually appealing experience with its decent pixel art graphics and vibrant color palettes. The game is relatively lightweight with a 1.54GB download size and includes features like Steam achievements, full controller support, and five save slots. The in-game cutscenes and character interactions add depth to the action-adventure gameplay, which is complemented by a powerful soundtrack. The game provides tutorial pop-ups and button prompts to guide players, and the Baku brazier can be lit for healing and saving progress. Players can unlock map locations through exploration and engage in multiple-choice encounters, adding layers to the gameplay.

The game mechanics are quite engaging, with players armed with a dash to disarm enemies and the ability to collect ingredients to craft health-restoring tea at the brazier. Despite its 2D scale, the game allows free movement, and actions are governed by a stamina bar, making it feel almost like a reaction-based rhythm game. Resources and materials respawn after death, and players can increase their crest limit with red leather pouches. Crests, which are objects of power, can be equipped to enhance abilities, and the in-game currency, Mannen, is used for transactions with merchants. Skill gems, which expand attack options, can be found and earned, and the game features beautiful locations and points of interest that use color to emphasize story beats.

Players can unlock and equip powerful ki attacks, which are regulated by earning ki petals from disarming enemies. Successfully timing and taking out groups of enemies is highly satisfying, and the game includes big boss encounters. Fighting idols can be found and cashed in at a brazier for self-contained combat challenges that offer rewards. The game does not lock players into a narrative, allowing for exploration, and it has a “Dark Souls” feel with combat that requires timing and learning patterns, particularly the know-when-to-stop-attacking mechanic.

However, there are some drawbacks. The controls cannot be remapped, and there are no actual graphics options or game settings for elements like blood. The game lacks voicework, and the map is very basic, showing only locations without detailed exploration info. The gameplay is very reflex-heavy, and to increase difficulty, the game often adds a large number of enemies. Additionally, the scenery can sometimes obscure incoming attacks, making it challenging to react in time.

In summary, Bloodless is a visually stunning game with engaging mechanics and a satisfying combat system. While it offers a lot of freedom and depth, it also has some limitations in terms of control customization, graphical settings, and map detail. Despite these issues, it provides a rewarding experience for players who enjoy action-adventure games with a focus on timing and strategy.