#BLUD Review (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch & PC)

The '90s were a golden era. With Cartoon Network, bringing us unforgettable shows like Courage the Cowardly Dog, Dexter's Laboratory, and Kids Next Door. These series weren't just animated shows, but cultural icons that left an unforgettable mark on our childhoods. Now, #BLUD recaptures the magic of those years, bringing back the childhood memories of shows we loved so much. 

The game does a great job of making you feel nostalgic, especially if you loved '90s Cartoon Network shows. The game's bright and colorful art style looks just like those old cartoons. However, does it succeed in combining the old-school charm with engaging gameplay? Let's check out this Role Playing Adventure game and see everything it has to offer.

The Essence of the '90s

The animated dungeon crawler #BLUD launched for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam on June 18. It was brought to us by publisher Humble Games and developer Exit 73 Studios. This wide availability ensures that many players can enjoy the nostalgic trip #BLUD offers, no matter what gaming platform they prefer.

Now, the most striking aspect of #BLUD is its art style. The game is a visual delight that perfectly captures the essence of '90s Cartoon Network shows. Every frame of animation, character design, and background brings the charm of those beloved series. 

Thumbs up to the developers for putting a lot of love and care into the visuals. It's a perfect work of art and dedication from the team. Notably, the animations are smooth, the colors are bright, and the world is full of humor and adventure. It's like stepping into a time machine and being transported back to the 90s.

Keeping the Charm

The game world itself is thoughtfully designed, with each area offering something new to be excited about. From the spooky, shadowy corners of the dungeons to the bustling, brightly-lit town, every location feels distinct and alive. The big portrait art for characters is super impressive, adding a level of detail and expression that enhances the overall experience.

Additionally, the game’s attention to detail goes beyond just the visuals. The sound design complements the art style perfectly. You can note familiar sound effects that take you back to the era of old-school cartoons, bounces, and other playful noises typical of '90s cartoons. 

One interesting thing, and quite funny too, is how the characters speak in charming gibberish. While not offering full voice acting, it adds to the game's humorous nature. On the other hand, while not particularly memorable, the soundtrack fits the game’s atmosphere well and adds to the immersive experience.

Becky’s Adventure

In #BLUD, you take on the role of Becky Brewster, a young girl who finds herself in a new town. Now, in this new town, she navigates the challenges of school life and the mysteries of her surroundings. 

Things take a turn when Becky discovers what she initially believed to be a cookbook, which turns out to contain demonic writings about vampires and other supernatural entities. This discovery throws her into an unexpected adventure that turns her into a vampire slayer. Consequently, she must face the vampires and hunt them down, thanks to her long bloodline of vampire hunters.

The narrative is super engaging, featuring a well-written dialogue. The game's writing is charming and funny, often making players laugh with its comical references to '90s pop culture. One memorable moment involves a playful reaction to an old Sunny D commercial. Somehow, it's a reference that will undoubtedly resonate with players who grew up during that era.

On the flip side, while the story and characters are charming, they don't bring anything new to the table. The plot follows a familiar direction, and the characters, though likable, are pretty typical. Becky is the brave and adventurous main character, while her friends and foes have familiar roles seen in many other stories and games. Still, the narrative's nostalgic charm and humor make it a pleasant journey, even if it doesn't offer many surprises.

Hunting in Style

When it comes to gameplay, #BLUD is a classic top-down dungeon crawler with a few twists. You navigate through various dungeons, battling enemies, solving puzzles, and collecting items. Similarly, the combat system involves basic attacks and the selection of weapons. For instance, you can pick a hockey stick and bombs to use during combat. As you progress, you also acquire gadgets like an umbrella for defense, which adds a bit of variety to combat.

However, the combat mechanics, while adequate, don't stand out. The system can feel a bit weird at times, with some awkward controls and occasional cheap hits from enemies. For instance, there's a lack of a cool-down period after taking damage. This can lead to frustrating moments where you're hit repeatedly without a chance to recover. Additionally, some enemies require specific strategies to defeat, such as performing an uppercut attack while rolling, which doesn't always execute smoothly.

Despite these drawbacks, the combat in #BLUD works well and can be enjoyable, especially once you get the hang of it. The game also has an easy difficulty level, with lots of healing items and few penalties for dying, which makes the combat less frustrating. If you like simple combat systems, #BLUD offers a nostalgic simplicity that's easy to get into and enjoy.

A Mixed Bag of Good and Bad

One area where #BLUD shines is in its exploration and quest design. The game world is surprisingly large, with numerous areas to discover and secrets to uncover. The map is helpful in guiding you. Guess what’s more interesting! The map features a sewer system that serves as a fast travel option, making navigation more convenient.

The game is filled with quests, both mainline and optional, that encourage you to explore every nook and cranny. While the main quests drive the story forward, the optional quests often provide additional context, character development, and rewards. In addition, a social media app within the game keeps you updated on villagers' conversations and hints at where to go next. When you thought the game would be some old-school thing, it adds a modern twist to the classic adventure game. 

However, the amount of dialogue and reading can slow down the pace of the game. While most of the writing is enjoyable, the volume of text can become overwhelming at times. This, coupled with the occasional fetch quest, can diminish the experience. Consequently, it feels more tedious than it needs to be. Players looking for a fast-paced, action-packed adventure might find the pacing a bit slow due to the extensive dialogue and exploration.

Let's Go to the Dungeons

Where #BLUD truly excels is in its dungeon design and boss battles. The dungeons are well-crafted, with creative layouts and a variety of challenges that keep things interesting. You'll encounter classic vibes like bombing cracked walls to find hidden passages and defeating waves of enemies to progress. These elements, while familiar, are executed with enough skill and creativity to remain engaging.

The boss battles, in particular, are a highlight. Each boss encounter feels unique and requires different strategies to overcome. These battles test your skills and often provide some of the most memorable moments in the game. Furthermore, the combination of challenging combat and clever design makes these encounters a standout aspect of the experience.

Moreover, the dungeons are filled with environmental puzzles that, while not groundbreaking, add depth to the gameplay. These puzzles often require you to think creatively and use the items and abilities you've gathered throughout your journey. They are a welcome break from the combat and add to the overall sense of exploration and discovery.

Verdict

In conclusion, #BLUD is a game that brings the beloved '90s Cartoon Network inspiration to the gaming world. The art style and animations are phenomenal, capturing the spirit of that era with remarkable accuracy. The story and characters are also charming and filled with humor. 

For those who grew up with the cartoons of the '90s, #BLUD is a delightful trip down memory lane. It's not just a game; it's a nostalgic homage to a beloved era of animation. While it may not break new ground in terms of gameplay, its engaging art and its charm make it a worthwhile journey for fans of classic top-down adventure games. 

However, the game does have its flaws. The combat system can be clunky and sometimes frustrating. Similarly, the abundance of dialogue can slow down the pacing of the game, hindering the flow of action. 

Despite these issues, the game's overall charm, engaging story, and beautiful visuals make it worth playing. If you enjoy simple combat mechanics and a strong dose of nostalgia, #BLUD offers a fun and visually appealing adventure.

Ultimately, #BLUD‘s greatest strength lies in its ability to transport players back to a simpler time when cartoons ruled the airwaves and the adventures of that time. Whether you're a longtime fan of '90s animation or a newcomer looking for a unique and charming game, #BLUD offers a fun and heartwarming experience.