BloodNet

BloodNet

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	1993
Founder	MicroProse
Products	BloodNet (video game)

BloodNet is a role-playing video game set in a cyberpunk universe, developed and released by MicroProse for MS-DOS in 1993. The title was later adapted for the Amiga platform in 1994 by Catfish and Teeny Weeny Games. In 2014, an emulated edition became available for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Gameplay

The gameplay of BloodNet utilizes a conventional point and click system, featuring icon-based commands accessible through a drop-down menu. It incorporates written conversations, puzzles, an open-ended travel mechanic, and random encounters. Players explore an alternate "cyberspace universe," where codewords are necessary to enter various "wells" (cyberspace locations). Character attributes such as Perception and Hacking play a role in combat scenarios and influence party interactions, emphasizing role-playing elements.

Plot

Merging futuristic technology with gothic vampire motifs within a cyberpunk backdrop, BloodNet centers on protagonist Ransom Stark. After being bitten by the vampire Abraham Van Helsing, Stark avoids transformation due to a computer implanted on his brain stem. His objective is to confront and defeat Dracula, the chief vampire, to thwart his plan for world domination and protect both humanity and the cyberspace network.

Reception

In its February 1994 issue, Computer Gaming World commended BloodNet for its fusion of vampires and cyberpunk themes, non-linear gameplay structure, compelling characters, and user-friendly interface. However, the review noted drawbacks including narrative pacing issues, limited depth in Cyberspace areas, challenging combat mechanics, and repetitive random encounters—summarizing it as "a gem without polish." Dragon awarded the game 3 out of 5 stars. The Finnish magazine Pelit scored it at 82%, praising its "stunning visuals" and "immersive atmosphere," while acknowledging some shortcomings.

At the June 1994 awards, BloodNet was runner-up for Computer Gaming Worlds Role-Playing Game of the Year honor, finishing behind Betrayal at Krondor. Editors highlighted its captivating script and distinctive surreal art style. A 2013 retrospective by PC Gamers Richard Cobbett described the title as confusing and monotonous.

The Amiga version received an 84% rating from The One, which lauded its AI system that allowed party members to interact dynamically. The magazine also praised the rendered pseudo-3D graphics but criticized frequent disk swapping during gameplay and reliance on the manual due to unclear item functions. They expressed dissatisfaction with common actions necessitating disk swaps, deeming it impractical for floppy disk use.

James V. Trunzo of White Wolf (#41, March 1994) gave it a "Very Good" rating, noting its ambitious design and smooth operation on initial execution.

Hardcore Gaming 101 acknowledged the game's unique style despite a cumbersome user interface that detracted from visual appeal. Petra Tsimberov emphasized the protagonist's development as an allegory for malfunctioning machinery, praising the surreal dreamlike backgrounds and diverse visual approach that contribute distinctive character despite occasional inconsistencies.

Legacy

A firm named "Megalo Music" claims credit for composing music for a project called Bloodnet 2000, which might have been intended as a sequel to BloodNet. Nevertheless, game designer John Antinori clarified that this follow-up was "never meaningfully worked on" and indicated he would not have approved the name "Bloodnet 2000," considering that the original game's timeline extends beyond the year 2000.

In 2015, Tommo acquired publishing rights and reissued BloodNet digitally under its Retroism label. The game saw re-releases on GOG.com on January 9, 2014, followed by availability on Steam starting October 17, 2014.

External links

• Walkthrough available at GameFAQs
• Complete Game Guide The comprehensive unofficial player’s guide authored by Chris The Gronk