A short clip of Bloodborne: Top Down Arena made the FromSoftware action game look unexpectedly natural as a top-down arena brawler. But the footage was from an unfinished, unofficial fan project—not a game players could download. Developer Maxime Foulquier announced it in November 2024; later reporting says Sony sent him a cease-and-desist letter, after which he repurposed the assets for a game in his own universe.
What was Bloodborne: Top Down Arena?
Bloodborne: Top Down Arena was an unofficial project by developer Maxime Foulquier that reframed Bloodborne as a top-down, Diablo-like arena action game. GameSpot’s November 6, 2024 report showed a short gameplay clip, not a complete game or an extensive feature demonstration. The footage suggests how the familiar action might read from above, but it does not establish a full playable feature set or a tested hands-on experience. GameSpot’s November 2024 report
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Foulquier said he had abandoned a larger remake and started the smaller project from scratch. “But last week I decided to start a new project from scratch, Bloodborne Top Down Arena,” he told GameSpot.
Why does the top-down version look compelling?
The appeal is the contrast in viewpoint and format. The original Bloodborne puts players close to its hostile world; the fan project’s overhead framing makes the action resemble an arena brawler in the Diablo mold. That shift could make enemy positions and movement easier to read while changing the feel of dodging and attacking. Those are possibilities suggested by the perspective, not confirmed features or impressions from playing a finished build.
#1 Best Overall
- Bloodborne Game of The Year
- If Bloodborne needs to be summed up, then the prevalent themes would be: exploring the fearsome unknown, intense life-and-death battles, and a familiar yet uniquely new online experience
- From the makers of the infamous Souls series, From Software's PS4 exclusive will attempt to take the tried and tested formula of giving players a sense of achievement to the next stage - especially when Miyazaki, the original creator of the Souls series is back at the helm
- What is promised is a harrowing experience like no other, and fans of tension, discovery, and straight up fun will sure to be excited to play Bloodborne
- If you have played the previous Souls games, then this one is a definite must buy
| Aspect | Bloodborne: Top Down Arena | Original Bloodborne |
|---|---|---|
| Viewpoint and format | Reported as a top-down, Diablo-like arena action game; the report showed a short clip. | The original action game, released for PS4 on March 24, 2015. |
| Availability established by the reporting | Unfinished and not planned for a Steam release, according to the November 2024 report. | Released for PS4; this is a distinct, official game. |
Could you play the fan project?
No playable release was reported. In November 2024, GameSpot said the project was unfinished and Foulquier did not plan to release it on Steam. The short clip is not evidence of a public build, and the reporting does not establish that one became available later.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened to the project?
In a February 20, 2026 report, GameSpot said Foulquier shared an image of a Sony cease-and-desist letter dated March 2025. The same report said he repurposed the project’s assets for a game set in his own universe. This is an account attributed to the reporting and Foulquier; it is not a court ruling about infringement. The available report does not establish the later status of that separately branded game. GameSpot’s February 2026 report
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- A terrifying new world: journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner
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- a new generation of action RPG: stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation 4 system
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Rank #3
- A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.
- Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you'll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city's dark secrets.
- A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of PlayStation 4.
Rank #2
- Bloodborne - Game Of The Year Edition [PS4]
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