Bloodless

Bloodless' unique counter-based approach to combat not only helps it come off as rather unique in a crowded genre, but the beautiful simplicity it creates with its non-lethal approach eventually gives way to a deeper layer of complexity as you face off against trickier foes in stellar showdowns. The world of Bakugawa is a delight to interact with and an absolute feast for the eyes, but the duels it contains are what make this a truly special game, and one not to be missed out on. It's the most fun you can have in a Sekiro-style game without drawing a single drop.

Bloodless has a unique twist on the current soulslike formula and style that will undoubtedly bring back a lot of nostalgia. Despite its peaceful approach, you will certainly have difficult bosses that require you to learn their combat mechanics and deal with waves of lower-ranked enemies.

Ultimately, Bloodless is an interesting, straightforward kind of game that is exactly what it says it is on the box. There’s a central premise, and the gameplay revolves (almost) entirely around it, even if it wavers a little out of an apparent necessity. And even then, takes the care to justify the shift in a way that lines up in the fiction. The non-lethal combat is fun to engage with, and doesn’t simply feel like another samurai game about parrying. There also isn’t a ton more to Bloodless than that, which is totally fine. There’s a target, the game lines up its shot, and hits it dead cente...

Bloodless provides an engaging experience with challenging and fun combat, a badass elderly protagonist, an interesting premise that I enjoyed where her determination to keep a vow is at odds with all the violence around her.

Bloodless is a unique game with great visuals and an interesting story that runs well on the Steam Deck, but the stiff combat stops it from realizing its potential.