Bloodshed
Bloodshed Review
Bloodshed is a fast-paced roguelike FPS that combines classic boomer shooter elements with vampire survivor-style gameplay. Players appreciate its chaotic combat, tight controls, and unique character variety, which offer a rewarding progression loop. The game features visually appealing hellish environments and a satisfying upgrade system that encourages experimentation with different playstyles.
However, many players find the game suffers from repetitive gameplay, shallow mechanics, and a lack of meaningful weapon synergies. The content is considered limited, with only a few chapters and levels, leading to concerns about overall duration and replay value. Some technical issues, such as poor performance on Steam Deck and occasional frustrating design choices, also detract from the experience. Despite these drawbacks, Bloodshed is generally regarded as a fun, addictive game, especially at a discounted price, with potential for growth through future updates and added content.
Highlights
Players praise Bloodshed's fast-paced, frantic combat and tight controls, which create an engaging and addictive gameplay loop. The unique character abilities and hellish, visually striking environments add to the game's appeal. The upgrade system and variety of unlockables provide a sense of progression and experimentation. Fans of both classic FPS and roguelike genres find the blend refreshing and enjoyable, especially appreciating the chaotic, action-packed encounters and satisfying arena-style survival challenges.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's repetitive and shallow gameplay with minimal weapon synergies, making upgrades feel basic and underwhelming. The limited content—only a couple of chapters and few levels—leads to a short overall duration, which some players feel does not justify the full price. Design issues such as difficulty spikes, awkward boss mechanics, and the inability to effectively switch between weapons frustrate players. Additionally, technical problems like poor performance on Steam Deck and occasional bugs reduce the overall experience.
Pros
- • Fast-paced, chaotic combat keeps players engaged and entertained consistently.
- • Tight and responsive controls enhance the overall gameplay feel significantly.
- • Unique characters offer varied playstyles and strategic experimentation opportunities.
- • Visually striking, hellish environments add strong atmospheric appeal.
- • Rewarding upgrade system provides a sense of progression and customization.
- • Blend of classic FPS and roguelike genres creates a fresh experience.
- • Arena-style survival challenges are well balanced and fun to tackle.
Cons
- • Gameplay can feel repetitive and shallow without meaningful weapon synergies.
- • Limited content with only a few chapters and levels reduces replay value.
- • Difficulty spikes and boss mechanics sometimes feel unfair or poorly designed.
- • No incentive to switch weapons; upgrades mostly focus on a single gun.
- • Performance issues on Steam Deck make the game nearly unplayable there.
- • Consumable upgrade items are costly and reduce strategic flexibility.
- • Cringey character dialogue detracts from immersion for some players.
Rating Criteria
Bloodshed is a Roguelite Survivors FPS; an exhilarating fusion of Roguelite elements merged with retro-styled visuals and first-person “Survivors-like” frenetic combat action!