Bloodhound, developed by Kruger & Flint Productions, is a bite-sized first-person shooter that plunges players into a hellish nightmare – echoing titles like DOOM and Hellsinger. Following its PC debut last year, the PlayStation 5 version delivers a fast-paced, old-school FPS experience that pays homage to genre classics while attempting to carve out its own identity. The game’s intense combat, atmospheric visuals, and metal-infused soundtrack offer plenty of adrenaline-pumping action, but there are also a few areas where it falls short.
The premise of Bloodhound is straightforward and doesn’t shy away from embracing classic horror tropes. You play as a member of the Order of Keepers of the Gates, tasked with stopping the Cult of Astaroth from unleashing an unspeakable evil upon the world. The narrative is more of a backdrop than a driving force though, serving primarily as an excuse to throw you into one chaotic battle after another – there isn’t much in-game story exposition. So while the story won’t win any awards for originality, it effectively sets the stage for the game’s relentless action.
Gameplay is the core of Bloodhound – the combat is fast, brutal, and mostly satisfying, with a wide array of weapons at your disposal. From machetes to shotguns and long range weapons, each weapon feels impactful and suits the game’s arcade-style approach. The five acts feature 16 different enemy types and five bosses to tackle, each presenting unique challenges that keep the gameplay fresh during the relatively short campaign. The game’s pacing is fast and relentless, with enemies coming at you from all sides, demanding quick reflexes and strategic thinking. However, the intense action can also feel overwhelming, especially during boss fights where the difficulty spikes noticeably.
Visually, Bloodhound excels in creating an atmosphere that draws inspiration from cult horror games/movies and real-world locations. The environments are dark, twisted, and filled with disturbing details that heighten the sense of dread as you progress through the game. Powered by the (last-gen) Unreal Engine 4, the game’s graphics are solid, though not groundbreaking, with some areas feeling more polished than others. The level design, while engaging, is fairly linear, which might disappoint those looking for more exploration and variety, though we kind of liked the mindless, almost on-rails approach.
The game’s audio design is geared towards fans of heavy metal. The energetic soundtrack, featuring music from Sons of Amon, complements the game’s brutal tone, driving the action forward – though it’s going to be divisive and we weren’t big fans of the music. The sound effects are effective, with each weapon blast and enemy scream adding to the game’s atmosphere. However, the voice acting and dialogue are somewhat lackluster, often leaning into cliché and low budget territory, which can detract from the overall experience.
Bloodhound on PS5 is a game that knows its audience and delivers exactly what it promises: a no-holds-barred, old-school FPS experience with a dose of horror. While the narrative and level design may be lacking in depth, the game’s combat and dark atmosphere make it an enjoyable ride for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging, action-packed shooter that doesn’t shy away from horror, Bloodhound is worth a look – just be prepared for a few bumps along the way.
Score: 6.3/10
Press Play Media 