FromSoftware’s latest reveal, The Duskbloods, has generated significant buzz as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. This excitement stems from its unexpected association with Nintendo, its emphasis on multiplayer gameplay, and the intrigue sparked by showcasing a cryptic rat-like creature at the end of the trailer. We’ve now learned that this winged rodent character represents the studio’s endeavor to create something distinctly “Nintendo-esque” for a change.
Typically, adorable characters aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when discussing the developers known for Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Elden Ring, and Sekiro. However, Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of The Duskbloods, explained that this was precisely their intention in a recent Creator’s Voice blog.
In a light-hearted remark, Miyazaki mentioned, “I suppose you could say we tried doing something a little Nintendo-esque in the spirit of the partnership. We tried something cute for a change. Although I will say this character is actually an elderly gentleman.”
While Miyazaki refrained from elaborating much on who this elderly man-rat is, he did share that it “shares a similar role with the fire keepers from the Dark Souls series.” Specifically, this means the character “remains in the hub area” and offers “advice and guidance” during the game’s eight-player matches. The idea of a cute, dark fantasy flying rat old man is quite unique, representing FromSoft’s rare (and humorously charming) attempt to create a sort of mascot.
The Duskbloods offers a gameplay experience that leans more towards Elden Ring’s Nightreign rather than Dark Souls, featuring “over a dozen characters” that can only be “customized to a certain extent.”