The Bloodline

Developer: Shieldbearer Studios
Release: Oct 5th 2023
Platforms:
Action
Indie
RPG
Early Access
Creative
Addictive
Immersive
Buggy
Unfinished
The Bloodline Poster

The Bloodline Review

The Bloodline is a medieval fantasy RPG developed primarily by a solo developer, offering players extensive freedom in character building, combat styles, and exploration. The game features a variety of weapons, magic, spells, and parkour mechanics, creating an immersive and engaging experience reminiscent of classic CRPGs like Morrowind and Elder Scrolls. Players appreciate the creative combat combos, physics-based magic interactions, and the game's unique art style.

However, the game remains in early access with numerous bugs, incomplete quests, and occasional game-breaking issues such as quest softlocks and performance problems. The overworld map and navigation system receive criticism for being confusing and immersion-breaking. Despite these drawbacks, the developer is active and responsive, steadily releasing updates and new content. Overall, The Bloodline is considered a promising but rough gem that requires patience and a willingness to overlook current technical flaws.

Highlights

Players praise The Bloodline's deep character customization, diverse combat mechanics including magic and melee, and enjoyable traversal options like parkour and grappling hooks.

The game's unique, charming art style and immersive world-building receive positive remarks. Fans appreciate the freedom to experiment with spells and abilities, creating fun and creative combat encounters. The developer's dedication and consistent updates inspire confidence in the game's future potential.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include numerous bugs and janky mechanics that sometimes break gameplay or cause softlocks, particularly in questlines and crafting systems.

The overworld map and travel system are seen as confusing and detract from immersion. Performance issues such as frame drops and crashes, even on capable hardware, frustrate many players. The game's incomplete state, with missing content and slow updates, leads some to recommend waiting for further development before purchase.

Pros

  • Extensive freedom in character building and playstyle customization.
  • Engaging combat mechanics combining melee, magic, and physics-based interactions.
  • Fun traversal options including parkour and grappling hooks.
  • Unique and charming art style that stands out.
  • Immersive world with rewarding exploration opportunities.
  • Active and dedicated solo developer providing regular updates.
  • Strong community engagement and responsiveness from the developer.

Cons

  • Numerous bugs and glitches impacting gameplay and quest progression.
  • Softlocks in critical quests that hinder story advancement.
  • Confusing and immersion-breaking overworld map and travel system.
  • Performance issues including crashes and frame rate drops.
  • Incomplete content with many unfinished areas and quests.
  • Slow update pace leading to prolonged early access state.
  • Unpolished crafting and skill systems causing player frustration.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

The Bloodline is a sandbox adventure RPG that lets you play your way. Reforge bonds between kingdoms, explore the wilds, craft and plan adventures and wield mighty weapons or magic as you prepare for what is to come…

Release Date Oct 5th 2023
Publisher 505 Pulse
Developer Shieldbearer Studios
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (2,814)
84% Positive 16% Negative