We have rounded up another batch of reviews for The Old Hunters, the only piece of downloadable content announced for Bloodborne, which seem to confirm the very, very positive impressions we got right before release.
GameSpot, 9/10.
There’s beauty in both success and failure in Bloodborne. A one-second lapse in concentration can place you at the receiving end of a fatal combo but if you can maintain a persistent presence of mind, a triple-digit killstreak is not unheard of. Being tested by new foes in these new lands is an unquestionable joy, as is the ability to bring these newfound armaments and treasures into the main game. The Old Hunters is Bloodborne from another time and place, and with more difficult bosses and confounding stories to unravel, it’s a fitting complement to the original, gruesome adventure.
The Escapist, 4.5/5.
It gets off to a bit of a slow start, but once The Old Hunters finds its footing, it provides some of the most exciting action you’ll find in Bloodborne. Fantastic bosses, great rewards, and some truly fascinating places to explore make The Old Hunters a compelling reason to return to one of the best games of 2015.
Nerdist, 5/5.
With The Old Hunters DLC, Bloodborne continues to show why it’s not only the best game on the PS4, but one of the best games of 2015. The mechanics and style of gameplay remain unrivaled, while the variety of new weapons, gear, new bosses, and gear shake things up. It makes the game well worth coming back to.
ZTGD, 7/10.
Bloodborne is a fantastic game in my eyes that’s cruel and punishing yet fair. The DLC is literally more of the same, but it didn’t give me the same pull or feeling that the main campaign does, and it felt unfair at times. Maybe it’s due to my frustration of just getting to the DLC, the reused assets, or the fact that it’s not new anymore? I can’t really tell as I’m confused on it myself. There are some great new weapons, my favorite being the chainsaw like melee weapon, and the bosses look as disturbing as ever. The environments and enemy design that are new are just as amazing and dark as before, but something was missing here for me.
It’s great to see some new areas and bosses for Bloodborne, but as it stands I don’t find it necessary. Most that love Bloodborne will eat this new content up with a silver spoon wanting more. I’m content with what the base game offered, and find it almost unnecessary, but I do appreciate what is offered for those wanting more reasons to jump back into the world of monsters and hunters.
MMGN, 9.0/10.
Bloodborne: The Old Hunters is an essential DLC add-on for owners of the base game who want more armour, weapons, bosses, enemies, areas and lore to engage with. With the new 1.07 patch, all players can see the new weapons, armour and NPC summons during multiplayer sessions, meaning you can also show off your cool gear to non-DLC owners, but most importantly it adds dozens of hours of rewarding gameplay and seamlessly integrates with the main game. Whether it’s in the upcoming GOTY edition or via digital download, The Old Hunters is an expansion with definite value in a sea of disappointing DLC from 2015.
The Gamers’ Temple, 90%.
If you greatly enjoy Bloodborne then you’re a shoe-in for liking the Old Hunters expansion. My only problems with the game were the inconsistent framerate that the original game had and the fact that I couldn’t control my NPC partner in any way ‘ the NPC partner can get stuck in the environment and the NPC will automatically fight the closest enemy even if you’re trying to sneak up on that enemy. Besides the few flaws, the expansion is fantastic and I’m sure hardcore fans will sit back and consume it like a delicious wine just like they did with the main game. More Bloodborne is always a good thing!
USGamer, 4.5/5.
From Software has always excelled when it comes to DLC, and The Old Hunters is no exception. It’s simply some of the best Bloodborne content you’ll ever find, especially if you blazed through the game last Spring and need a valid reason to relive the nightmare all over again.
Gaming-Age, B+.
The Old Hunters DLC itself as a whole is entertaining, but a bit inconsistent. I found myself having more trouble with the normal hunters than I did with some of the bosses. There was points where I questioned if I even wanted to confront certain enemies simply because I felt outmatched. Getting the new weapons you like leveled up is one of my main suggestions. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself using your old equipment more often than you should need to.
As someone that loves a good boss fight, I was left disappointed in the variety and design of the ones added. Some seem too familiar and don’t really give you a fresh experience. If you plan on playing online, be kind and help others once you have made it further. You can never have too much insight, plus when you need the assist, fellow hunters will have your back. I think the true amount of time playing the DLC ties into going back to the full game to get more blood stones to level up your weapons. If you plan on tanking through and have the chops to get it done, I still feel the $20 price more than worth it to get some new weapons and clothing to carry into your NGP.
GameZone, scoreless.
Bloodborne: The Old Hunters is worth your time and money if you enjoyed the base game. For the most part, it’s more of the same done better. The environments and some of the bosses are a cut above, enemy placement and interaction really stuck out, and wreaking havoc with the new weapons is almost too much fun.
The Old Hunters is as far above vanilla Bloodborne, as Crown of the Sunken King was above vanilla Dark Souls 2. While there are some rough patches, the rest of this DLC scenario shines bright enough to hide those blemishes.
GameReactor UK, 7/10.
The best aspects of Bloodborne are included here, with some new enemies, equipment, abilities, bosses and areas that gave us that great Bloodborne feeling once again. The lack of content and variety did, however, kind of spoil the pleasure. If you’re a massive Bloodborne fan, one who doesn’t mind seeing old enemies and refreshed content, go right ahead and get The Old Hunters. On the other hand, variation is a very important selling point when it comes to expansions, and The Old Hunters only offers a small drop of fresh blood; it won’t be enough to satisfy those who are already tired of Bloodborne.
Pixel Vulture, 89%.
Overall Bloodborne: The Old Hunters is a great DLC package with a handful of new bosses and an area to explore that will not have an impact on your main game’s progression. The weapons are varied and give you new ways to tackle combat, and the new enemies are as tough and twisted as ever. For R299 it adds around 8-10 hours of play, and with the new weapons and Covenant, you will surely be going back to the main game and trying these new items out on older bosses too.
NZGamer, 9.0/10.
I was initially lukewarm on the whole DLC, but the rest of the content is well worth soldiering through the rather lacklustre starting zone. New weapons and armour are nice, but the environment design, in conjunction with the new enemies and bosses, really push the whole package forward. The Old Hunters is more than just a bullet point to the entire Bloodborne package it’s a key part of the whole experience.
Eurogamer, Essential.
The Old Hunters is the only DLC Bloodborne is likely to get, and the decision to combine two releases into this one was a great call, because this is the kind of depth and richness you dream of in an expansion. The locations and, especially, the boss fights here maintain Bloodborne’s incredibly high standards, and manage that magical trick of somehow enhancing the original world at the same time. The best pieces of DLC I have played are Artorias of the Abyss and, now, The Old Hunters – From Software’s approach to additional content is a lesson to every other developer out there. This may be the end for Bloodborne. But what a game, and what a way to go.
