Bloodshore | PC Review
Battle royale films and TV shows have been making a resurgence after a major drought. Sure, we’ve been inundated with games in the genre, but cinematic content has been pretty scarce for years. Wales Interactive have combined the mediums with their latest FMV title Bloodshore. It’s a bloody (literally) good time, and should definitely be on your radar if you’re a fan of this type of content.
All For One
Bloodshore sees a group of streamers, influencers, athletes, and more signing up to participate in a televised battle to the death. They’re flown to a desert island and forced to fight for their lives, all for a chance to win a huge cash prize and an immense amount of fame. You control the decisions of Nick Romeo, a washed-up child actor who is struggling to stay relevant. Will he make it to the end of the game? That depends on how you instruct him to act.
The choices aren’t clear-cut, even if they appear to be on the surface. Who do you save? Should you be cautious or run in with abandon? More than once, I chose what I thought was the best option only to discover that I completely messed an opportunity up. Your decisions also affect certain aspects of Nick’s livelihood, such as strength, romance, and morale. I really loved this aspect and felt like the stakes were heightened in the best way possible because of it.
Another One Bites The Dust
I loved how immersive this game was. I felt like I was watching a true reality show, albeit an uncensored one. Bloodshore doesn’t shy away from harsh language, violence, and very realistic-looking gore. It even flashes a Viewer Discretion Advised warning as soon as you boot up the game, in the fashion of current TV shows. Definitely don’t play this around your family.
The dialogue and acting can come off as campy, but it adds a certain charm to the experience. Of course, your tolerance for this may vary. It’s also quite a short experience, only taking a little over an hour to complete a playthrough. The game does have high replay value with its multiple paths and endings, but if you’re not interested in finding out how these different avenues unfurl you may feel slightly shorted.
The Final Reveal
Bloodshore is a fun, intense FMV game that makes you feel truly powerful. Your decisions matter and ultimately decide the fate of Nick Romeo, and it feels like you’re watching a real television program. The campy nature and short length may turn some players off, and it’s not for younger players or those averse to violence and gore. If you’ve enjoyed Wales Interactive’s previous games or if this sounds up your alley, though, you’re in for a treat.
This review is based on a PC copy of Bloodshore provided by Heaven Media for coverage purposes. It is also available on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Xbox.
Bloodshore
$14.99
Pros
- Genuine Reality Show Vibes
- Your Choices Matter
- A Blast to Experience
Cons
- Very Short
- The Campy Vibes Aren’t for Everyone
