Discover #BLUD Review: A nostalgic, humorous dungeon crawler with engaging combat and puzzles.
Table of Contents
#BLUD Review
#BLUD casts you as a high-schooler on a mission to stop a vampire apocalypse, all while embracing the nostalgic charm of late 90s US cartoons. This game combines superb animation with competent gameplay and a fun story, offering around a dozen hours of excitement. However, a few missteps along the way may dampen the overall enjoyment.
A Blast from the Past
#BLUD excels in recreating the look and feel of mid-to-late-90s Cartoon Network shows. The absence of voice acting is compensated by a delightful blend of hand-drawn cutscenes and charming gameplay art that evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. The protagonist, Becky Brewster, is a newcomer to Carpentersville and the last in a long line of vampire hunters on her late mother’s side.
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Upon arriving in Carpentersville, Becky quickly finds herself in a town cursed by dark forces. Using her trusty field hockey stick, she must fight her way through an array of nightmarish creatures. The game’s user interface is cleverly designed as a smartphone, complete with in-game versions of Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to track quests. Although the UI can be slightly laggy on the Xbox, it becomes second nature once you adapt to it.
Engaging Storyline and Quirky Characters
The narrative of #BLUD is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the player engaged. Becky’s journey is not only about battling creatures but also about adjusting to life in a new town and school. Along the way, she encounters a variety of quirky characters. A gruff janitor serves as her mentor, teaching her essential survival skills. A nerdy friend provides gadgets to aid her quest, and numerous other side characters contribute to the storyline in fun and interesting ways.
The game also features a unique selfie mode, activated by pressing the right bumper. Taking selfies in various areas around town and during combat adds a layer of interaction and humor. These selfies fill out the compendium entries for different creatures, providing extra lore and encouraging players to engage with this amusing mechanic.
Gameplay Mechanics and Combat
#BLUD is a dungeon crawler viewed from a nearly top-down perspective. The core gameplay revolves around swinging your field hockey stick, dodging, and utilizing various unlocked items to handle specific situations and enemies. Initially, combat can feel cumbersome, as Becky only uses her fists to fight off rats and bugs. Unlocking the field hockey stick improves combat significantly but may cause players to miss some story beats.
One notable issue with combat is the absence of invincibility frames during dodge rolls. Touching an enemy results in health loss, displayed as Zelda-style hearts. Becky’s most powerful attack occurs after a dodge, but the attack’s long range often leads to accidental damage. Consequently, combat can feel repetitive and unsatisfying, lacking the finesse seen in other action-oriented games.
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Puzzles and Exploration
The game’s puzzles often feel like busywork, requiring players to traverse areas to find specific items and then backtrack. While the fast travel system alleviates some of this tedium, unlocking it involves clearing tunnels in the sewer system. Even then, players must reach sewer entrances, which are scattered and not easily accessible.
The upgrade path in #BLUD is linear, encouraging players to complete side quests whenever they appear. However, missing these quests means they disappear from the quest log, lost forever. This can be frustrating for completionists who want to experience every aspect of the game. Ranged abilities, such as throwable pencils and powerful cherry bombs, are essential for defeating certain enemies. The game ensures an unlimited supply of these items is available when needed, balancing the difficulty.
Visuals and Audio
#BLUD stands out with its distinctive art style, heavily influenced by the Cartoon Cartoon era of Cartoon Network. The hand-drawn cutscenes and exaggerated character designs evoke classics like Dexter’s Laboratory. In-game conversations are characterized by characters making mumbling sounds that match their expressions, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.
The soundtrack is consistently engaging, maintaining a perfect balance between the game’s humorous and serious moments. The music never becomes overly goofy, ensuring that the tone remains appropriate for a game attempting to blend humor with action. This, coupled with the excellent writing, keeps players invested in the story from start to finish.
Unexplained Mechanics and Minor Bugs
While #BLUD is mostly free of major bugs, some key gameplay systems are not well-explained, leading to confusion. For instance, an early mechanic involving finding pink skulls and placing them on pedestals appears without any explanation. This lack of guidance can cause frustration, as players may feel lost until they figure out the mechanic on their own.
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Final Thoughts
Despite its flaws, #BLUD is a hilarious and visually stunning game that successfully captures the essence of late 90s cartoons. The combat and puzzles may occasionally frustrate players, but the game’s charm, humor, and nostalgic appeal make it a worthwhile experience. For fans of dungeon crawlers and retro-style games, #BLUD is an easy recommendation.
A Deeper Dive into the Story
The story of #BLUD begins with Becky Brewster moving to Carpentersville, a seemingly ordinary town with a dark secret. As the last of her vampire-hunting lineage, Becky quickly realizes that her new home is under siege by a vampire apocalypse. The narrative explores Becky’s journey from an ordinary high schooler to a fearless vampire hunter, blending elements of coming-of-age stories with supernatural adventure.
As Becky navigates her new life, she encounters a variety of characters who aid her in her quest. The gruff janitor, Mr. Grimes, provides essential training and guidance, while her nerdy friend, Sam, invents gadgets to help her combat the vampire menace. The game’s cast of side characters, each with their unique personalities and backstories, enriches the narrative and adds depth to the world of Carpentersville.
Combat Mechanics in Detail
Combat in #BLUD is a mix of melee and ranged attacks, with players primarily using Becky’s field hockey stick. The game’s combat system is straightforward, involving basic swings, dodges, and the use of special items. However, the lack of invincibility frames during dodge rolls can make combat feel unfair at times. Touching an enemy results in immediate health loss, which can be frustrating during intense battles.
One of the game’s combat highlights is the use of special items, such as the umbrella for blocking and ranged weapons like pencils and cherry bombs. These items add variety to the combat and are essential for overcoming tougher enemies. However, the game could benefit from more diverse enemy types and combat scenarios to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
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Exploration and Puzzle Solving
Exploration in #BLUD is a key aspect of the gameplay, with players traversing various locations in Carpentersville to complete quests and find hidden items. The game’s fast travel system, though helpful, requires players to unlock sewer tunnels, adding an extra layer of challenge. This system, while interesting, can feel like a grind, as players must clear each tunnel before it becomes accessible.
The puzzles in #BLUD range from simple fetch quests to more complex tasks involving multiple steps. While some puzzles are cleverly designed, others feel like busywork, requiring players to retrace their steps repeatedly. This can lead to a sense of tedium, detracting from the overall experience. Streamlining the puzzle design and reducing unnecessary backtracking would enhance the game’s flow and keep players more engaged.
The Art and Music of #BLUD
The art style of #BLUD is one of its most striking features. The hand-drawn cutscenes and character designs are reminiscent of classic Cartoon Network shows, with exaggerated proportions and vibrant colors. This visual style not only evokes nostalgia but also gives the game a unique and memorable look.
The music in #BLUD is another standout element, featuring a catchy and engaging soundtrack that complements the game’s tone perfectly. The music never feels out of place, maintaining a balance between the game’s humorous and serious moments. This, combined with the sound design and character mumblings, creates an immersive audio experience that enhances the overall gameplay.
Humorous Writing and Character Interactions
One of the strengths of #BLUD is its writing, which balances humor and seriousness effectively. The dialogue is witty and engaging, with each character’s personality shining through. The humor is well-executed, never feeling forced or out of place. This light-hearted approach to the story adds charm and makes the game enjoyable to play.
Character interactions are another highlight, with Becky’s relationships with the various inhabitants of Carpentersville adding depth to the story. The gruff janitor, Mr. Grimes, provides a fatherly figure, while Sam’s inventions and gadgets add a touch of whimsy to the gameplay. These interactions are well-written and contribute to the game’s overall charm and appeal.
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Addressing Gameplay Frustrations
While #BLUD is an enjoyable game, it is not without its frustrations. The lack of invincibility frames during dodge rolls and the repetitive nature of some puzzles can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the game’s fast travel system, while useful, can feel like a chore to unlock, adding unnecessary complexity.
Improving the combat mechanics, particularly the dodge roll, and streamlining the puzzle design would enhance the gameplay experience. Additionally, providing clearer explanations for key mechanics and reducing the grind required to unlock fast travel would make the game more accessible and enjoyable for players.
Conclusion
#BLUD is a delightful and visually stunning game that captures the essence of late 90s cartoons. Despite some gameplay frustrations, its charm, humor, and nostalgic appeal make it a worthwhile experience. For fans of dungeon crawlers and retro-style games, #BLUD offers a unique and engaging adventure that is easy to recommend. The combination of engaging storytelling, quirky characters, and distinctive art style ensures that #BLUD stands out in the crowded landscape of indie games.
#BLUD | FAQs
What is #BLUD?
#BLUD is a dungeon-crawling action-adventure game where you play as Becky Brewster, a high-schooler attempting to stop a vampire apocalypse in the town of Carpentersville. The game is designed to evoke the nostalgic feel of late 90s US cartoons.
What platforms is #BLUD available on?
#BLUD is available on multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
How long is the game?
On average, #BLUD offers around a dozen hours of gameplay. This can vary based on how much time you spend exploring, completing side quests, and engaging with the game’s various features.
What is the primary gameplay style?
#BLUD is a dungeon crawler viewed from a nearly top-down perspective. The gameplay focuses on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, with elements of humor and nostalgia throughout.
What is unique about the combat system?
The combat system in #BLUD involves melee and ranged attacks, dodging, and using various items. Notably, the game lacks invincibility frames during dodge rolls, meaning touching an enemy can result in immediate health loss.
How do you track quests in the game?
Quests are tracked using an in-game smartphone UI that mimics social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This interface helps you keep track of your objectives and progress.
Are there any special features in the game?
Yes, one fun feature is the selfie mode, which allows you to take selfies with various creatures during combat. These selfies fill out the compendium entries and provide additional lore.
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How does the upgrade system work?
The upgrade path in #BLUD is linear and encourages players to complete side quests. These quests provide valuable upgrades and items that enhance your abilities and help you progress through the game.
What kind of puzzles can players expect?
The puzzles in #BLUD range from simple fetch quests to more complex, multi-step tasks. Some puzzles can feel like busywork, requiring you to traverse areas and backtrack, but the fast travel system can help mitigate this.
What is the fast travel system like?
The fast travel system involves unlocking sewer tunnels. Once a tunnel is cleared, it can be used for fast travel, although players must still reach sewer entrances scattered around town.
What is the art style of #BLUD?
The game features a distinctive art style reminiscent of mid-to-late-90s Cartoon Network shows. Hand-drawn cutscenes and character designs evoke classics like Dexter’s Laboratory, with vibrant colors and exaggerated proportions.
How is the audio experience?
The soundtrack in #BLUD is engaging and fits the game’s tone perfectly. Character conversations include mumbling sounds that match their expressions, adding to the nostalgic feel.
Are there any major bugs or issues in the game?
While #BLUD is mostly free of major bugs, some key gameplay systems are not well-explained, which can cause initial confusion. However, these issues are generally minor and can be figured out with some exploration.
Is the game suitable for all ages?
#BLUD has a light-hearted, cartoonish style that can appeal to a wide range of players. However, the vampire apocalypse theme and some of the combat elements may make it more suitable for older children and adults.
How does the game handle humor?
The writing in #BLUD balances humor and seriousness effectively. The dialogue is witty and engaging, and the humor is well-executed, adding charm to the overall experience.
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What should players do if they get stuck?
If you find yourself stuck in #BLUD, explore the environment thoroughly for clues and items. The game’s design encourages exploration and interaction with various elements to progress.
How does the game handle narrative twists?
The story in #BLUD is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping players engaged. The narrative combines elements of coming-of-age stories with supernatural adventure, creating a compelling storyline.
Can players return to missed side quests?
Unfortunately, if you miss side quests in #BLUD, they disappear from the quest log and cannot be revisited. This encourages players to explore thoroughly and complete side quests as they appear.
What makes #BLUD stand out in the indie game scene?
#BLUD stands out due to its unique blend of nostalgic art style, humorous writing, and engaging gameplay. The combination of these elements creates a memorable and enjoyable experience for players.
Is there any additional content planned for #BLUD?
Check the game’s official website or social media channels for any announcements regarding updates, downloadable content (DLC), or future expansions.