Bloodborne: The Creation of Trick Weapons

 An Overview of The Game

Bloodborne is one of the most unique experience from a modern videogame, I enjoyed playing this game with my PS4 during my days in College in 2016. This was my first PS4 game and one of the most memorable.

The game was developed by FromSoftware, and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki the creator of Dark Souls, Bloodborne was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PlayStation 4 as exclusive in 2015.

This is the most awesome experience and particularly crafted around the dark genre and fantasy RPG, the game despite being particularly difficult, stands up from the rest with an intricate story, the dark atmosphere, the exiting action based gameplay, the interconnected world structure and, most important, the unique Weapons design.

The game is played from a third-person perspective, the player controls a customizable character. The gameplay is focused on strategic weapons-based combat and exploration.

Bloodborne won the game of the Year award at the end of 2015. The game has also as an additional DLC content purchasable separately: Bloodborne: The Old Hunters. The game has lots of Dark Fantasy elements, characters and assets.

The Lovecraftian Atmosphere accompanied by the strong art design, detailed structed of the world and unique and enjoyable weapon design makes this game really memorable for me and the DLC add even more unique Weapons, each with different characteristic and gameplays that strongly push the player to engage in the gameplay, build around certain Weapons, and play the game multiple times.

The Art of Bloodborne

Face your fears as you search for answers in an ancient city, cursed with a mysterious endemic illness that is spreading trough the street like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corners of this dark and horrifying world. The Hunt just begun!

The game is Heavily inspired by the Lovecraftian Cthulhu Mythos, a series of shared elements, characters, settings, and themes found in the work of H.P. Lovecraft.

The World Structure

The player will start first by creating their own character, a common format for most RPG games.

Just after a brief cutscene, the player will gain control of their character, unharmed, from here it start the exploration of Iosefka's Clinic, the first of many point of interest trough the game.

The city of  Yharnam is the main exploration area, an imposing and sprawling metropolis characterized by Gothic and Victorian architecture. The town appear rather grim and decadent and has been ravaged by a mysterious plague, becoming infested with dangerous beasts and demented citizens.  

Yharnam is an ancient city renowned as home of a mysterious remedy to the plague. Over the years, many desperate travellers have ventured into the city in search for this cure. none of them have returned.

The Hunter, the player main character, venture into perilous streets of Yharnam hoping to discover the origin of the plague. 

The city is an complex, interconnected series of streets and areas filled with enemies for the player to explore, the world is structured in such a way that is enjoyable backtracking in some areas.

Fights and encounter with various enemies across the streets of  Yharnam will test your patient and skills with your weapon of choice. The player will be able to collect various items, keys, and interact with different NPC across the vast city and the different explorable areas. The game also offers a sense of discovery and exploration very famous and iconic for Soulslike genre.

The Hunter's Dream is a location accessible by dying the first time in game, this is an optional way.

The player can travel to this location by interacting with one of the many lamp post, scattered around the world, these acts as checkpoint and safe resting spot for the player.

The Hunter's Dream is the player character home base, were the player will be able to purchase various items and weapons, levelling up the Hunter, and were weapons are fortified and repaired. This location acts as a central hub and sanctuary for the Hunter, connected to every other locations in game.

The Hunter's Workshop is located inside the Hunter's Dream, this place is wear the Player will be able to upgrade and repair their weapons.

The Workshop also has a storage, where exceeded items and trinkets are held secured.

Weapons can be fortified in the workshop, This will boost their base damage, increase their scaling and unlock additional slots for Blood Gems, imprints, new slots will be available at specific levels of upgrade. Fortifying the weapons will also upgrade their durability. 

The Trick Weapons

Here is a list on YouTube for all the main Trick Weapons moveset in Bloodborne + DLC.

The functionality of a Trick Weapon is very unique for this game, and is probably the only game that explored this interesting concept and gameplay design.

The weapons are a type of equipment in Bloodborne. these in particular are mean to deal damage to the various enemies in game. 

The Hunter will be able to wield two weapons: One Trick weapon on the right hand and "Gun" for the left hand. This is an important mechanic, that allows the player to use both right and left hands efficiently with a clean flow of animation, with just a simple press of a trigger in the PS4 controller.

A good weapon example would be the Saw Cleaver, the most iconic weapon from the main game box.

The Saw Cleaver

The Saw Cleaver is one of the starting weapons in Bloodborne, presented to the player upon arrival to the Hunter's Dream, and later purchasable from the messengers, after obtaining the Saw Hunter Badge.

This weapon is wielded by the Hunter in the right arm, and even in his "trick state" is still a one handed weapon. It is a Strength Based weapon, and it require the Hunter to increase their Strength attribute in order to be used more efficiently.

The Saw Cleaver and the Hunter Blunderbuss are the flagship weapons of Bloodborne, being wielded by the hunter in several screenshots, promotional art, and on the game box art as mentioned before.

The left handed guns, like the Hunter's Blunderbuss are utilized as "parry tools", when timed correctly. This will allow the player the opportunity to perform a Visceral Attack.

This is an interesting mechanic as they present the player with an opportunity to deal a lot of damage on a defenceless enemy. For large, unparriable bosses, visceral attacks are only possible during a certain part of a fight, and are often, if not always limited to 1 or 2 moments during the entire encounter.

The Hunter's Blunderbuss

The Hunter wielding the Saw Cleaver and the Blunderbuss

The Saw Cleaver

This is how the Saw Cleaver trick state function in bloodborne

The Saw Cleaver Natural State

The Saw Cleaver Trick State

While in its untransformed mode, the Saw Cleaver's moveset focuses primarily on rapid attacks that consume very little stamina per attack. However, it also has a short range. Alternatively, while in its transformed mode, the moveset begins to focus on slower, more powerful attacks, and the Saw Cleaver's range increases; however, in its transformed mode, the Saw Cleaver loses its Serration damage bonus.

The transformation attacks of the Saw Cleaver are incredibly effective, and one can maintain a high damage-per-second rate by creating a combination of transformation moves. The transformation attacks in both modes are arguably one of the Saw Cleaver's greatest strengths. Chaining into it does more damage than R2 ( controller button) would and comes out faster for a smaller stamina cost. It also generates a respectable amount of Beast Blood meter.

The Weapons

Weapons in Bloodborne are a very strategic and important choice for the player. Players must choose weapons that suit their style of play and preference. A player's character will be able to dedicate themselves to mastering one weapon, with its rich movesets that affect output damages per move and the Blood Gem Imprints that determine its extra bonuses.

You may equip two weapons in each hand and rotate between them. Trick Weapons will primarily be held in the right hand and Firearms will be held in the left. Trick Weapons have a regular and transformed mode which varies greatly depending on the weapon. Firearms serve different roles. Some fire high damaging single-target shells and others fire a spread of bullets that stun enemies in area. 

Weapon upgrades are done at the Workshop in the Hunter's Dream, You will need Blood Gems. You play the role of the Blacksmith to repair and fortify weapons, instead of an NPC blacksmith character.

The Trick Weapons

This is the complete list of the Trick Weapons in Bloodborne

Trick Weapons in Bloodborne are weapons wielded in the right hand. These weapons can be transformed into alternate form and have different attacks in their transformed mode.

Amygdalan Arm

The arm of a small Amygdala Great One.

Strictly speaking, the Amygdalan Arm is no trick weapon of any sort, but certain madmen wield them like clubs.

Starts as a large, tough blunt weapon formed of bone, but when extended, the hand quivers as if it were still alive.

Beast Claw

Beastly weapon wielded by Irreverent Izzy.

Crafted by chiseling the long bones of an undead darkbeast and fastening them to the weapon. The bones are still alive, and when unleashed, grant its wielder a spurt of beastly power.

As flesh is flayed and blood is sprayed, the beast within awakens, and in time, the wielder of this weapon surges with both strength and feverish reverie.

Beasthunter Saif

A trick weapon used by the old hunters.

A second blade is found inside the curve of the main one. In its initial form, the saif can be wielded like a long curved sword, but when transformed, its blade is contracted, allowing for quick, repeated stabs.

Although this trick weapon allows for adaptive combat, it was later replaced by saws and similar weapons that were more effective at disposing of beasts.

Beast Cutter

A trick weapon used by Old Hunters.

This thick iron cleaver slices through the toughest of beast hides, and when transformed the blade splits into sections, allowing one to lash it in the fashion of a heavy whip.

This crude weapon relies on brute force and is regrettably inelegant, suggesting that the hunts of the earliest hunters made for horrific affairs, painted in sanguine black and reds.

Blade of Mercy

A special trick weapon passed down among hunters of hunters. One of the oldest weapons of the workshop.

Splits into two when activated. The weapon's warped blades are forged with siderite, a rare mineral of the heavens. Most effective swift attacks, such as after a quick-stepping.

Bloodletter

The demented hunter weapon brandished by Brador, the Healing Church assassin.
The Bloodletter assumes its true and terrifying form after it draws upon blood from the inner reaches of one's body and soul.
This is the only effective means of expelling tainted blood, or so Brador, isolated in his cell, continued to believe.

Boom Hammer

A trick weapon used by the old hunters, and crafted by the workshop heretics, the Powder Kegs.

A giant hammer equipped with a miniature furnace. When ignited and fired, it emits a volley of flame that explodes furiously upon impact.

Crush the beasts, then burn them - the brute simplicity of the Boom Hammer was favoured by hunters with an acute distaste for beasts.

Burial Blade

Trick weapon wielded by Gehrman, the first hunter.

A masterpiece that defined the entire array of weapons crafted at the workshop. Its blade is forged with siderite, said to have fallen from the heavens.

Gehrman surely saw the hunt as a dirge of farewell, wishing only that his prey might rest in peace, never again to awaken to another harrowing nightmare.

Chikage

Foreign-made weapon wielded by the royal guards who protect Annalise, Queen of the Vilebloods at Cainhurst Castle.

When the intricate, rippled engraving that spans the Chikage's blade is imbrued with blood, the sword sings in scarlet hues.

However, the rite eats away at the wielder's very essence.

Church Pick

One of the old trick weapons of the Healing Church, a hunting weapon formed from one of the giant picks that appear in old beast tales.

The Church Pick initially serves as a large sword, but when transformed functions as an extended war pick. In spite of its origins, it is a highly practical weapon.

Holy Moonlight Sword

An arcane sword discovered long ago by Ludwig.
When blue moonlight dances around the sword, and it channels the abyssal cosmos, its great blade will hurl a shadowy lightwave.
The Holy Moonlight Sword is synonymous with Ludwig, the Holy Blade, but few have ever set eyes on the great blade, and whatever guidance it has to offer, it seems to be of a very private, elusive sort.

Hunter Axe

One of the trick weapons of the workshop, commonly used on the hunt. Retains the qualities of an axe, but offers a wider palette of attacks by transforming. Boasts a heavy blunt attack, leading to high rally potential. No matter their pasts, beasts are no more than beasts. Some choose this axe to play the part of executioner.

Kirkhammer

A trick weapon typically used by Healing Church hunters. On the one side, an easily handled silver sword. On the other, a giant obtuse stone weapon, characterized by a blunt strike and extreme force of impact. The Church takes a heavy-handed, merciless stance toward the plague of beasts, an irony not lost upon the wielders of this most symbolic weapon.

Kos Parasite

When the carcass of Kos washed up on the coast, its insides were teeming with tiny parasites, unlike any found in humans.

This atypical weapon can only be clasped tight and swung, but a Kos Parasite is said to stimulate phantasms inhabiting a lumenwood.

Logarius' Wheel

Weapon wielded by martyr Logarius' band of executioners.

Used to slaughter the Vilebloods in Cainhurst. Bathed in pools of their blood, and forever steeped in their ire.

Transform to release the power of the wheel and manifest their lingering rage in a show of utter brilliance.

Ludwig's Holy Blade

A trick weapon typically used by Healing Church hunters. It is said that the silver sword was employed by Ludwig, the first hunter of the church. When transformed, it combines with its sheath to form a greatsword.

It exhibits several departures from the workshop's design, suggesting that the Church anticipated much larger inhuman beasts.

Rakuyo

Hunter weapon wielded by Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower.

A trick sword originated in the same country as the Cainhurst Chikage, only this sword feeds not off blood, but instead demands great dexterity.

Lady Maria was fond of this aspect of the Rakuyo, as she frowned upon blood blades, despite being a distant relative of the queen.

One day, she abandoned her beloved Rakuyo, casting it into a dark well, when she could stomach it no longer.

Reiterpallash

Weapon wielded by the Knights of Cainhurst.

Combines an elegant knight's sword with the peculiar firearm wielded by the Cainhurst order.

The old nobles, long-time imbibers of blood, are no strangers to the sanguine plague, and the disposal of beasts was a discrete task left to their servants, or knights, as they were called for the sake of appearances.

Rifle Spear

A trick weapon crafted by the workshop heretics, the Powder Kegs. A prototype weapon serving as a simple firearm and spear, possibly created in imitation of a lost Cainhurst weapon. Lacks any notable functions, saving that it is the only trick weapon with an attached gun.

Saw Spear

One of the trick weapons of the workshop, commonly used by those who dedicate themselves to the hunt. This saw, effective at drawing the blood of beasts, transforms into a medium-range spear. The saw, with its set of blood-letting teeth, has become a symbol of the hunt, and only grows in effectiveness the more grotesquely transformed the beast.

Simon's Bowblade

Choice weapon of Simon, one of the first Healing Church hunters. Simon despised firearms, and so the Church workshop had this specially fashioned to his liking. The large curved blade serves as a bow when transformed. But aside from a few close friends, Simon was scoffed at for his choice of arms, for who would dare face the beasts with a measly bow?

Stake Driver

A trick weapon fashioned by the workshop heretics, the Powder Kegs. Favored by the retired hunter Djura.

The stake driver, with its queerly complex design, violently drives thick stakes into the flesh of foes.

The stake driver allows for high-damage critical attacks, but is difficult to use and leaves its wielder wide open, but none of this should bother a mere Powder Keg.

Threaded Cane

One of the trick weapons of the workshop, commonly used by hunters on their duties. Sufficiently deadly as a rigid bladed cane, but also serves as a whip when its blade is split into many. Concealing the weapon inside the cane and flogging the beasts with the whip is partly an act of ceremony, an attempt to demonstrate to oneself that the bloodlust of the hunt will never encroach upon the soul.

Tornitrus

A unique trick weapon contrived by Archibald, the infamous eccentric of the Healing Church workshop.

Striking this peculiar iron morning star flail like a match generates the same blue sparks that blanket a darkbeast.

Unfortunately, for reasons untold, the hunters of Archibald's time did not fully take to the device.

Whirligig Saw

A trick weapon crafted by the workshop heretics, the Powder Kegs, and weapon of choice of the Old Hunter Valtr, the Beast Eater.
This weapon pummels beasts in its mace form, but its true strength lies in its attached mechanical saws.
These discs, lined with serrated teeth, spin rapidly, thrashing the flesh of beasts into fine shreds.

The Firearms

This is the complete list of Firearms available in Bloodborne.

Firearms are Weapons in Bloodborne that are used in the left hand and are employed in beast hunting. They fire projectiles at the enemy. doing damage and various other effects. They can also be used to parry enemies.

Cannon

Large prototype firearms fashioned by the workshop heretics, the Powder Kegs. Use of this weapon is equivalent to toting a mounted cannon, complete with its ridiculous weight, staggering kick, and lavish use of Quicksilver Bullets, into battle. Such a monstrosity was doomed from the start, and indeed its development was cut short. Yet, against impossibly gigantic foes, it might be just the thing.

Church Cannon

An oversized weapon used by the Healing Church. A type of cannon that fires with a curved trajectory and creates an explosion upon impact.

Originally designed for use by brawny men with deteriorated brains, not for just any ordinary hunter.

But the men lacked the wits to effectively operate firearms, and the weapon was quietly ushered into permanent storage.

Evelyn

Special pistol used by Cainhurst knights. The Evelyn uses Quicksilver Bullets, just as any workshop firearm, but the Cainhurst variant relies more on bloodtinge. Lovingly named after a woman and graced with an intricate design, Evelyns were adored by Cainhurst knights.

First of Gratia

A chunk of iron fitted with finger holes

The hulking hunter woman Simple Gratia, ever hopeless when handling hunter firearms, preferred to knock the lights out of beasts with this hunk of iron, which incidentally caused heavy stagger.

Gratia was a fearsome hunter, and to onlookers, her unrelenting pummelling appeared oddly heroic. No wonder this weapon later assumed her name.

Flamesprayer

A special weapon used by certain members of the Healing Church.

Spits searing flames by using blood-imbued Quicksilver Bullets as a special medium.

Not the most efficient weapon by any stretch, but sometimes a sea of flame is just what the doctor ordered.

Besides, the beasts of Yharnam can always use a good cleansing.

Gatlin Gun

This is a highly-customised, portable version of the stationary gatling gun operated by the old hunter Djura in Old Yharnam.
It was the weapon of choice of the youngest of Djura's three companions.
The Gatling Gun boasts exceptional rapid-firing functionality, but is considered a cumbersome weapon, due to its excessive weight and insatiable consumption of Quicksilver Bullets.

Hunter Pistol

Pistol made at the workshop, for hunters stalking beasts. Hunter firearms are specially crafted to employ Quicksilver Bullets fused with the wielder's own blood, boosting damage against beasts. The pistol is a quicker draw than the blunderbuss, allowing for speedier responses to attacks.

Hunter's Torch

A torch formed by the wrapping a pine resin cloth around the end of a long stick, once used in Old Yharnam. Designed to incinerate beasts and victims touched by the scourge.
Its fire damage is highly effective against beasts.

Loch Shield

An artisanal shield crafted with blue glass.

Originally used to safeguard the leader presiding over a sacred Healing Church ceremony, and later supplied to tomb prospectors, in particular those exploring the labyrinth of Isz.

The blue is fashioned after a lake, and the shield greatly reduces all forms of non-physical damage.

Ludwig's Rifle

A rifle typically used by Healing Church hunters.
It is said that this rifle was employed by Ludwig, the first hunter of the Church. Its long, heavy barrel makes up in range for what it lacks in reload speed.
Ludwig's Rifle exhibits several departures from the workshop's design, suggesting that the Church anticipated much larger inhuman beasts.

Piercing Rifle

A rifle engineered by the Oto Workshop, the precursor to the workshop of the heretical Powder Kegs.
Designed for hunting on narrow streets, this weapon has been optimized to cause perforation wounds, but is unfit for reliably counter attacks.

Repeating Pistol

Repeating pistol typically used by Healing Church hunters. Crafted with mostly metal parts and exhibiting a complex design, the repeating pistol fires two shots at once, making it a ravenous consumer of Quicksilver Bullets. Should be used sparingly compared to its workshop counterpart, as the trump card in one's arsenal.

Rosmarinus

A special weapon used by the Choir, high-ranking members of the Healing Church.
Sprays a cloud of sacred mist, created by using blood-imbued Quicksilver Bullets as a special medium.
Arias are heard wherever sacred mist is seen, proving that the mist is a heavenly blessing.
"Oh, fair maiden, why is it that you weep?

Torch

A common torch formed by wrapping a pine resin-drenched cloth around the end of a long stick. Hunters choose torches not only because the hunt leads them to the darkest nooks, but also because certain creatures they encounter are possessed of a deathly fear of flame

Wooden Shield

A crude wooden shield used by the masses who have arisen to join the hunt.
Hunters do not normally employ shields, ineffectual against the strength of the beasts as they tend to be.
Shields are nice, but not if they engender passivity.

Review of the Weapons

The various unique weapons in bloodborne have each different animation for the transformations.

Most weapons will increase the size, most of them will become two-handed, limiting the player in close combat.