Thymesiais an upcoming Soulslike action RPG that has drawn some very well-deserved comparisons to the popularBloodborne. Despite obvious similarities in the aesthetics and tone betweenThymesiaandBloodborne, the new PC game is likely going to carve its own niche in a community already rife with competitors. Games that emulate the styles ofBloodborneandDark Soulsare plenty and varied in their themes, with games likeThe Surgeclaiming the sci-fi style andCode Veina decidedly anime feel.Thymesiahas its work cut out to distinguish itself from the pack, but it’s shaping up to do just that.
A lot of attention towardsThymesia, which is set to release for PC later this year, is likely coming from fans that are looking to fill a certain void while waiting for confirmation about aPC port ofBloodborne. That comparison is apt to be sure.Thymesiashares a Gothic and sometimes specifically Lovecraftian aesthetic withBloodborne. The ambiguous storytelling and deep, harrowing lore of the latter is a large part of its popularity, butThymesiais seemingly shaping up to be more than just a filler for fans waiting forBloodborneon PC.
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How Thymesia is Distinguishing Itself From Bloodborne
Among From Software games,Bloodbornewas already known as one of the most fast-paced of the pack perhaps with the exception ofSekiro. One thing thatThymesiais seemingly doing despite its obviousBloodborneinspirationsis taking that action and moving it to an even faster pitch. The gameplay shown off so far feels like a mix ofBloodborneand more stylish and frenetic titles likeDevil May Cry. Albeit without (as fans have seen so far) the aerial component ofDMC,Thymesiaseems to have a focus on frantic combat that emphasizes reading enemy movements and punishing them with extensive combos. This could helpThymesiaestablish itself as a solid mix of the two styles, and switching weapons mid-combo feels moreDMCthanBloodborne.
Thymesiawill have a difficult time distinguishing itself fromBloodbornespecifically given the similarities in tone and seemingly the narrative at large. InThymesiaplayers take control of a plague doctor looking to eliminate a mysterious infection, all too familiar toBloodbornefans. HowThymesiaimplements that story alongside variations to the now classic Soulslike formula will be a large factor in its success. While there are certainlyBloodbornefeatures thatThymesiacould make great use of, the new game seems to be leaning heavily into the idea of “similar but unique” in the way that other games in the genre likeCode Veinhave done to varying success.
While manyBloodbornefans are likely keeping an eye onThymesiaalready, it’s likely that some will write the upcoming game off as a filler title. But that attitude can often lead players to missing out on some great experiences within a genre they already enjoy.Thymesiais obviously drawing apt comparisons toBloodborne, but between its more unique spin on the combat and a different form of storytelling that seems to be taking shape; fans ofBloodbornecould find a lot more than just filler waiting on a rumored PC port.
