Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Of all the video game genres that are making a comeback, the FMV genre’s resurgence is perhaps the most surprising. Spearheaded by publisher Wales Interactive and developer The Complex, Good Gate Media is adding another game to its growing FMV library. Bloodshore, a unique blend of B-Movie FMV and Influencer Battle Royale, is a standout in this revival.
Kill/Stream: When Battle Royale Meets Reality TV.
Its inspiration is a game space TV show called Kill/Stream, where fifty participants are dropped onto a Fortnite-style island and must kill each other for a chance at money, the amount of which could change their lives. Although Kill/Stream started with prisoners on death row, here it is open to the public to compete for the money and fame that comes with it.
Satirical Survival: Influencers Fight for Fame
Bloodshore effectively uses a structural template similar to that of Battle Royale The Running Man, and, of course, the latest notable example, Squid Game. Bloodshore has a certain satirical angle that subtly feeds into the idea of people watching others suffer for their entertainment. It’s not the most pervasive example in the subgenre, but it still works quite well. This isn’t helped by the (albeit intentional) overacting of many of the actors, with a not-so-resolved exuberance that reinforces the play’s status as something not to be taken entirely seriously. The most prominent contestants are a bunch of vloggers and influencers, while the main character is a former star of a series of Twilight-style movies. At the same time, the action is regularly discussed in the news, including audience reactions and TV shows dissecting every new development that somehow fits the overall tone.
Missing Pieces: The Character Diversity Problem
That said, Bloodshore does feel a bit chaotic, and part of this is due to the highly specialized set of characters the player follows, as only one of the initial group sits outside of the media industry. Having people from different backgrounds could have made it more interesting because many influencers with generally comfortable lifestyles don’t work so well with Kill/Stream’s goal of manipulating genuinely desperate people.
Choose or Die: Interactive Storytelling Mechanics.
From a gameplay standpoint, Bloodshore works more or less as it should, though those expecting a high level of control won’t be thrilled with the FMV experience. The player will make various choices that will pop up occasionally, further making avenues for branching the storyline that the player can choose. Although the result of most outcomes is the same, especially at the end of the game, there are actually more choices than in most FMV games, adding another layer of replayability. Bloodshore also allows the player to see how their choices affect the game, such as audience opinion or team morale, suggesting how they might play the game differently with subsequent playthroughs.
Production Values: Between Woods and Violence
Bloodshore’s central gameplay loop and story are solid, but the game’s execution is not without its flaws. The game’s pride in the quality of its shots is evident, but the editing could be more consistent. The frequent scenes of walking through the woods, reminiscent of the Hunger Games, can sometimes detract from the overall experience. However, the moments of ultra-violence, while sparse, are visually impressive.
Conclusion of Bloodshore
Overall, Bloodshore is still one of the better examples of the FMV genre. It can even be quite entertaining in places. The game does have its problems, but as a crazy piece of B-movie entertainment, it’s worth playing at least once to find the various story paths to the very end that your own decisions will lead you to.
About Bloodshore
Title: Bloodshore
Type of Game: Interactive FMV / Battle Royale Drama
Developer: Wales Interactive
Publisher: Wales Interactive
Released: November 3, 2021
Platforms Available: PC, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, iOS
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5
Where to Buy Bloodshore
Steam (PC): Available now for $14.99.
Epic Games Store (PC): Available for $14.99.
PlayStation Store (PS4, PS5): Available for $12.99.
Xbox Store (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S): Available for $14.99.
Nintendo eShop (Switch): Available for $6.74.
App Store (iOS): Available for free, in-app purchases available.
Google Play(Android): Available for free, in-app purchases available.
