#BLUD is a delightfully zany and bloody action adventure developed by EXIT 73 Studios and published by Humble Games. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
#BLUD Review Overview
What is #BLUD?
#BLUD follows the story of Becky Brewster, the new kid in town who seems like a bright-eyed, innocent student. However, she soon reveals her true colors as a badass descendant of a legendary vampire-hunting bloodline. Watch as Becky takes on invading vampires at Carpentersville High, fighting them off with style and snapping selfies along the way!
#BLUD features:
⚫︎ Hand-Drawn Animation Inspired by 90’s Cartoons
⚫︎ Ultra-Fast-Paced-Action Hack and Slash
⚫︎ Small Town Zombie Apocalyptic-Like Setting
⚫︎ A Flurry of Arsenal and Upgrades
⚫︎ Gen-Z Dialogue and Humour
⚫︎ Zany and Memorable Cast
⚫︎ Over the Top Boss Battles
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about #BLUD's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts |  PlayStation |
 Xbox |
 Steam |
 Switch |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24.99 |
#BLUD Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Ripped Straight from a Cartoon Hilarious Cast and Dialogue Creative and Fun Gameplay Mechanics Compelling Lore and Story |
Hitboxes are a Hit or Miss Missing a Few QoL Features Way too Many Fetch Quests |
#BLUD Overall Score - 90/100
Move over, Cuphead—#BLUD is making a blood-sucking debut as the top cartoon-inspired game. This game bursts onto the scene with the creativity of Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon classics like Powerpuff Girls and Hey Arnold. The animation is stunningly fluid, the story is an absolute blast, and the characters are delightfully over-the-top. Sure, it could use a few tweaks in the quality-of-life and combat departments, but even so, #BLUD is a game that deserves to trend on social media for being nothing short of #ABloodyGoodTime.
#BLUD Story - 9/10
The story of #BLUD feels like a Saturday morning cartoon that’s been hit with a splash of adult humor and Gen-Z wit. The humor and characters in this game aren’t just passable—they’re genuinely funny, likable, and intriguing. What’s more, there’s an unexpected heart beneath the jokes. Sure, it starts off a bit slow, but once it kicks into gear, it’s a thrilling, bloody good ride that feels like binge-watching an entire season of a captivating show on Cartoon Network.
#BLUD Gameplay - 8/10
#BLUD is a hack-and-slash semi-open world game that's an absolute blast. It’s brimming with explorable areas, thrilling boss battles, and unique ways to take down vampires and zombies. Sure, it starts off with a few too many fetch quests, has some hitbox issues, and could benefit from a few quality-of-life tweaks. But despite these hiccups, it still remains quite engaging, especially since it's no walk in the park either.
#BLUD Visuals - 10/10
#BLUD is a visual delight bursting with personality. The team's dedication to art and animation shines through, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a '90s cartoon-like Powerpuff Girls. The creativity doesn't just stop at the story; it spills into the gameplay too. From menu UIs designed as a phone to outrageously animated combat scenes, every aspect is crafted to keep your eyes glued to the screen. The game is rich with detail, featuring a top-notch art style, stunning lighting, and vibrant colors.
#BLUD Audio - 8/10
I found the audio to be really fun and creative. There's no voice acting, but the game uses cute gibberish sounds for their characters like in Animal Crossing, which is absolutely adorable. The music, while sometimes repetitive, is still enjoyable and atmospheric. Especially at night, the soundtrack gets insanely spooky and eerie, adding a lot to the vibe. And when it's time for a boss fight, the tracks really amp up the intensity.
#BLUD Value for Money - 10/10
Despite a few small flaws, playing this game feels like diving into a true labor of love that absolutely delivers excellent value for your money. You're sure to have a blast with its nostalgic charm and blood-pumping fun. If you've been longing for a top-notch Cartoon Network-style game—which, let's face it, has been sorely missing—then your search ends here.
#BLUD Review: Worthy of Being a Cartoon Network Classic
#BLUD took 7 years to create by Exit 73 Studios, who painstakingly hand-drew every detail. This game absolutely shines as a stunning work of art, clearly inspired by cartoons just like how the game Cuphead was. If you're a fan of '90s classics or modern gems like Gumball or Regular Show, this game is a must-buy. But if you need more convincing, let me share what I loved and what didn't quite hit the nail in the coffin.
Let me start by saying, this game is an absolute visual marvel and deserves serious consideration for best visuals at any gaming awards this year. Every frame is brimming with animation and overflowing with charm, bringing each character and interaction to life in a way that's truly captivating and quite zany. There are so many delightful details that you might miss if you blink. Each character design is uniquely crafted and spot-on, while the town itself exudes personality.
One standout for me is Becky, the main character. Her expressiveness both in and out of combat is a highlight. She effortlessly shifts between adorable and fierce, adding so much depth to her character—especially when you catch her in moments like taking selfies. It's not just the animation and art style that feels straight out of a cartoon; the story itself feels like a show.
The game takes a unique approach by using title cards reminiscent of 90s cartoons instead of traditional chapters. Each card sets the stage like the beginning of an episode, instantly drawing you in as if you're watching it on TV.
However, just like any series, not every episode
hits the mark. The beginning had its rough patches; while I appreciated the slow introduction to characters and the town, there were too many filler fetch quests that didn't add much to the story and felt like unnecessary padding.
Fortunately, things pick up as the pace improves. Becky's transformation into a vampire hunter, complete with her own training arc, is a highlight. The reveal that your janitor is a secret badass is a perfect nod to beloved cartoon tropes. It's moments like these that make the game feel like a true homage to classic animated series.
The gameplay mechanics are significantly enhanced by its stunning animation and art style, injecting charm and creativity into every aspect. From the fluid combat that feels incredibly satisfying with Becky's over-the-top animations and finishers, to her arsenal of tools like pencils and a hockey stick, everything feels perfectly tailored for her age which adds to the charm. The menu UI, cleverly integrated with her phone where she manages quests and takes selfies, adds a personal touch that I particularly love.
Exploration is a joy with Becky's agile movement, constantly revealing new surprises in the town. Fighting vampires and demons proves tougher than expected; while it's a hack-and-slash at heart, enemies can swiftly wear down your health if you're not vigilant. Facing hordes of varied foes like bats and small zombies can be overwhelming initially, but mastering combat—utilizing dodge rolls and switching weapons—transforms the experience into exhilarating fun.
Yet, I have to mention the game's challenges too. The sometimes wonky hitboxes and clunky combat mechanics can be annoying. It's frustrating when enemies damage you upon contact or animations can't be canceled, like when you're locked into a boss's opening pose. These issues detract from an otherwise enjoyable experience.
Despite these challenges, the game excels with its humor, featuring so many entertaining side quests and captivating puzzles to discover. Overall, playing it is a blast—it's brimming with creativity and potential. I'm hopeful that future updates will iron out these minor inconveniences to truly maximize its potential for an even #BloodierGoodTime
Pros of #BLUD
| Things #BLUD Got Right |
|---|
|
Ripped Straight from a Cartoon Hilarious Cast and Dialogue Creative and Fun Gameplay Mechanics Compelling Deep Lore and Story |
Ripped Straight from a Cartoon
The game is a delightful trip down memory lane, embracing nostalgic cartoon aesthetics while also feeling refreshingly modern in its fluid and captivating animation. Each chapter unfolds like an episode, beginning with lively title card sequences that infuse the entire experience with a burst of cartoon energy and exaggeration. Every detail, from the menu design to the combat mechanics, is imbued with this heightened sense of hype and excitement.
What impresses me most is how seamlessly the game incorporates more mature themes like blood and gore without resorting to typical gross-out humor found in other adult cartoons. It feels natural and adds depth to the experience rather than detracting from it.
Kudos to the creators for crafting a game that could easily stand alongside Cartoon Network classics like Dexter’s Laboratory during its prime. It's a testament to their talent and dedication to capturing the essence of beloved cartoons while offering something fresh and engaging for today's audiences.
Hilarious Cast and Dialogue
The game features a fantastic cast of characters who, while not incredibly deep, are incredibly memorable. From the unnamed janitor to the AV nerd Elon, each character brings a unique and humorous personality to the game, particularly through their interactions on social media. However, the standout for me is Becky, the main character. Her journey of uncovering the truth about her mom and evolving into a skilled vampire slayer is both humorous and compelling.
Creative and Fun Gameplay Mechanics
Despite my critiques of its odd choices and the absence of quality-of-life features, the game is undeniably creative and enjoyable. The animation enhances every combat encounter, while the dialogue adds humor and depth to quests. The combat itself is surprisingly fun, especially during boss fights that offer unique twists and strategic choices—like the exhilarating battle inside a school bus, arguably the highlight of the game.
I'm particularly hooked on the selfie mechanic, where snapping pictures with different characters and sharing them on social media generates likes and comments. Each interaction is unpredictable and often hilarious. Everything in the gameplay feels meticulously planned, and the game's visual appeal—from menus to weapons—is stunning, injecting energy and vitality into every aspect. It captures the perspective of a young Gen-Z high schooler with inspired clarity.
Compelling Deep Lore and Story
By the end of the game, I found myself unexpectedly in tears—such is the power of its compelling and thoughtfully crafted story. It's not some overly complex Nolan film; instead, it's a heartfelt coming-of-age tale woven with vampires, ghouls, and monsters. The game seamlessly blends horror elements with the lighthearted comedy of cartoons, creating a truly special and unforgettable narrative. I'm genuinely hoping for a sequel in the future to continue this amazing journey.
Cons of #BLUD
| Things That #BLUD Can Improve |
|---|
|
Hitboxes are a Hit or Miss Missing a Few QoL Features Way too Many Fetch Quests |
Hitboxes are a Hit or Miss
The combat difficulty partly stems from the wonky hitboxes, making it challenging to precisely target enemies. The dodge roll mechanic, while useful for evading attacks, feels somewhat nerfed due to these issues. It's a gamble to roll in close, especially when attempting the roll attack which deals more damage—I'd only recommend it in spacious areas.
One major frustration is how being near idle enemies can still inflict damage; I wish they'd remove this to make combat feel more fluid and dynamic. It's disheartening when you're held back from unleashing your full potential by these weird choices. Additionally, the inability to cancel animations can lead to prolonged sequences where you get damaged because of how long some animation takes sometimes.
Missing a Few QoL Features
This game really could use some quality-of-life improvements that are standard in modern games. For instance, being able to save anywhere instead of relying solely on auto-save would be a huge help. Also, a sprint option would be great for getting around faster, especially since you can't cancel dodge-roll animations. These changes would make the gameplay experience much more convenient and less tedious. Here's hoping they add these and other improvements soon!
Way too Many Fetch Quests
The beginning of the game really drops the ball here. It's overloaded with fetch quests where you're constantly fetching one thing to fetch another, just to open a door or obtain an item. It quickly becomes tedious, with a serious lack of variety in the tasks. Thankfully, there’s much less of it later but its such a weird choice to open the game with.
Is #BLUD Worth It?
Get it now, Blud!
Despite my complaints, #BLUD is definitely worth the $24.99 price tag. It offers hours of fun and nostalgia, almost like a trip back to your childhood if you're a fan of '90s cartoons. The animation alone makes it worth the purchase. I really hope this game gains more recognition as one of the standout titles of the year.
| Digital Storefronts | PlayStation |
Xbox |
Steam |
Switch |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24.99 |
#BLUD FAQ
Is #BLUD Hand-Drawn Animated?
According to their team, #BLUD is crafted by Exit 73 Studios, a passionate team of creators who specialize in traditional hand-drawn 2D illustration and animation. They draw inspiration from the lively and vibrant cartoons of today's era, blending their skills seamlessly into game development.
Is #BLUD a Game Children Can Play?
Unfortunately, despite its zany cartoon art-style, this game is definitely NOT made for kids because it’s very bloody and has some profanity in its dialogue.
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#BLUD Product Information
 |
|
| Title | #BLUD |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 18, 2024 |
| Developer | Exit 73 Studios |
| Publisher | Humble Games |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Action-RPG, Adventure |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | RP |
| Official Website | #BLUD Website |
