Bloodborne review: dark fantasy does not disappoint

PlayStation 4, Sony, cert: 16

The most eagerly awaited game of the year is finally here. And it is a pleasure to report that it's brilliant. A fast and aggressive action-RPG, Bloodborne is the spiritual successor to the Dark Souls series, in which you are the sufferer of a strange sickness who has come to the city of Yharnam for treatment. Here, the citizens hide behind locked doors as monsters stalk the streets. You must become a hunter and cut a path through the city to uncover the truth behind the affliction.

The new combat system puts first-timers and veteran Souls players on a more even footing, discouraging defensive play while rewarding agility. Interesting online features - user-generated and shareable dungeons; the ability to join someone else's game - are offset by weaker RPG elements such as a smaller arsenal and simplified levelling system.