View source for Blood (video game)



{{Infobox video game
| title = Blood
| image = Blood logo.jpg
| developer = [[Monolith Productions]]<br>[[Nightdive Studios]] {{small|(remaster)}}
| publisher = {{ubl|[[GT Interactive]]|[[Eidos Interactive]] {{small|(Europe)}}|[[Atari, Inc. (1993–present)|Atari]] {{small|(remaster)}}|[[Warner Bros. Games]] {{small|(''Refreshed Supply'')}}}}
| director = Nick Newhard
| producer = Matt Saettler
| programmer = {{ubl|Peter Freese|Nick Newhard|Dan Leeks|Matt Saettler}}
| artist = Kevin Kilstrom
| composer = [[Daniel Bernstein]]<br>[[Guy Whitmore]]
| engine = [[Build (game engine)|Build]]<br>Kex Engine {{small|(remaster)}}
| platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X/S]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Nintendo Switch 2]]
| released = {{video game release|NA|March 7, 1997 (Shareware)|NA|May 21, 1997 (Registered)|EU|June 20, 1997|NA|July 15, 1998 (One Unit Whole Blood)}}'''''Fresh Supply'''''{{video game release|WW|May 9, 2019}}'''''Refreshed Supply'''''{{video game release|WW|December 4, 2025}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Blood''''' is a 1997 [[first-person shooter]] game developed by [[Monolith Productions]] using the [[Build engine]] and published by [[GT Interactive]]. The [[shareware]] version was released for [[MS-DOS]] on March 7, 1997,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,0-637,00.html|title=Blood is out!|last=Hamrick|first=Lee|date=March 7, 1997|website=[[CNET Gamecenter]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000824092638/http://gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,0-637,00.html|archive-date=August 24, 2000|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2019}}</ref> while the full version was later released on May 21 in North America<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-05-19.html|title=More Blood|date=May 21, 1997|website=[[PC Gamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980218070651/http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-05-19.html|archive-date=February 18, 1998|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2019}}</ref> and June 20 in Europe.

The game follows the story of Caleb, an undead early 20th century gunslinger seeking revenge against the demon [[Tchernobog]]. It features a number of occult and [[horror fiction|horror]] themes. ''Blood'' includes large amounts of graphic violence, a large arsenal of weapons ranging from the standard to the bizarre, and numerous enemies and bosses.

''Blood'' received largely positive reviews from critics upon release, with many praising its creative level design, humor (particularly its use of pop-culture references), atmosphere, and gameplay, though some criticism was aimed at the game's difficulty. It has since garnered a [[cult following]] and is now considered one of the best games on the Build engine.

The ''Blood'' franchise was continued with two official expansion packs titled ''[[#Plasma Pak|Plasma Pak]]'' (developed by Monolith)<ref name="plasmapak">{{Cite web |title=Blood Plasma Pak (Game) |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/blood-plasma-pak/3030-9048/ |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Giant Bomb |language=en}}</ref> and ''[[#Cryptic Passage|Cryptic Passage]]'' (developed by [[Sunstorm Interactive]]). A sequel titled ''[[Blood II: The Chosen]]'' was released in 1998. ''Blood'' also served as the principal inspiration for the [[manhwa]] series ''[[Priest (manhwa)|Priest]]''.<ref name="Mudmosh-2011">{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2011 |title=Getting to Know "Priest:" Manhwa Artist Min-Woo Hyung |url=http://mudmosh.com/getting-to-know-priest-manhwa-artist-min-woo-hyung/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510092938/http://mudmosh.com/getting-to-know-priest-manhwa-artist-min-woo-hyung/ |archive-date=2017-05-10 |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Mudmosh}}</ref> The game was released on [[GOG.com]] along with its two expansion packs on April 22, 2010, utilizing the [[DOSBox]] emulator to run on modern systems,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_one_unit_whole_blood |title=New Release: One Unit Whole Blood|publisher=GOG.com}}</ref> and on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on July 14, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://store.steampowered.com/app/299030|title=Blood: One Unit Whole Blood|publisher=Steam}}</ref> A remaster of the game made to run better on modern systems entitled ''Blood: Fresh Supply'' was released on May 9, 2019, by [[Nightdive Studios]] and [[Atari, Inc. (1993–present)|Atari]].<ref name="GOG.com">{{Cite web |title=Blood: Fresh Supply |url=https://www.gog.com/game/blood_fresh_supply |access-date=2020-04-23 |website=[[GOG.com]]}}</ref><ref name="Steam">{{Cite web |title=Blood: Fresh Supply™ |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1010750/Blood_Fresh_Supply/ |access-date=2020-04-23 |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
In [[single-player]] mode, the player takes the role of Caleb in his quest for revenge against his former master by navigating levels in episodes, looking for an exit, until the [[boss (video games)|boss]] level.

''Blood''{{'}}s gameplay is similar to other classic FPS games like ''[[Doom (1993 video game)|Doom]]'': the player must activate switches or seek keys to go through the levels; some larger maps contain up to six different keys. Features include teleporters, traps such as crushing blocks, explosive barrels, lava pits, [[jumping puzzle]]s, and [[combination lock]] doors.

''Blood'' is one of the earliest FPS games to feature alternate or secondary attack modes for its weapons. Weapons include a [[flare gun]], [[Voodoo doll]], and an aerosol canister that can be used as a flamethrower.<ref name=EGM91>{{cite magazine |title=Blood |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=91 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=February 1997 |page=52}}</ref> It also features a power-up known as "Guns Akimbo", which allows the player to dual wield certain weapons temporarily. ''Blood'' also has "super secret" areas which contain rewards for discovering them.

Enemies include human members of the Cabal and creatures fighting for the demon [[Tchernobog]]. Enemies can use objects in the environment for cover.<ref name=EGM91/> The game also features a lesser class of enemies (bats, rats, eels, possessed hands, etc.) often referred to as "nuisance enemies" that are not considered threats individually, but can be deadly in large numbers.

''Blood'', like many FPS games of the time, features [[multiplayer]] modes. When it was released, Internet play was not well established, so ''Blood'' used [[modem]], [[LAN]], or [[serial cable]] connections for multiplayer. Modem and serial cable connections only allow two player games, while an [[IPX]] network connection can support up to eight players. This can easily be achieved on a variety of platforms that support DOSBox and its IPX modes, coupled with [[VPN]] software such as [[Hamachi (software)|Hamachi]]. Online multiplayer was also possible via the [[Total Entertainment Network]] and [[DWANGO]].<ref name=UGO>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/history-of-online-gaming-1993-1994|title=History of Online Gaming - 1993-1994: DOOM and DWANGO|date=July 10, 2008|access-date=January 16, 2013|publisher=UGO|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014095704/http://www.ugo.com/games/history-of-online-gaming-1993-1994|archive-date=October 14, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The multiplayer modes consist of [[deathmatch (video games)|deathmatch]], known in ''Blood'' as "Bloodbath", and cooperative play. Bloodbath matches can be played on specifically designed multiplayer maps or on the levels of the various episodes; the "frag limit" or "time limit" options are available to end matches, as well as the possibility to control respawn mode for weapons and power-ups. A feature of Bloodbath is "The Voice", an audio comment heard upon each frag, that punctuates the death of an opponent often in gory and irreverent terms. "The Voice" is that of [[Jace Hall]], who was [[CEO]] of [[Monolith Productions]] at the time. Cooperative gameplay follows the lines of the single player campaign, allowing several players to work together in the levels of the different episodes.

==Plot==
''Blood'' takes place in an unspecified time period. The various levels contain elements from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, in addition to futuristic and [[retro-futuristic]] technologies and a [[weird West]] theme. Many elements are [[anachronistic]], including weapons and pop-culture references. The sequel, ''[[Blood II: The Chosen]]'', retroactively dates the game to the year 1928.

The backstory is not delineated in the game itself, only on the Monolith website and a [[readme]] text document. The player takes on the role of Caleb, once the supreme commander of a cult called "The Cabal", followers of the forgotten demon [[Tchernobog]].<ref name="Chalk2018">{{cite news |last1=Chalk |first1=Andy |title=1997 horror shooter Blood is coming back |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/au/1997-horror-shooter-blood-is-coming-back/ |access-date=22 September 2019 |work=PC Gamer |date=7 December 2018}}</ref> Known as a merciless gunfighter in [[Old West|the late 19th century American West]], Caleb joined the Cabal in 1871 after meeting Ophelia Price, a woman whose husband and son may have been murdered by the members of the Cabal; it is implied that she later became Caleb's lover. Together they rose to the highest circle of the dark cult, "The Chosen", until all four members of The Chosen were betrayed and killed by Tchernobog for unspecified failures. Several years later, Caleb rises from his grave, seeking answers and vengeance.<ref name="Chalk2018" />

In search of the [[gargoyle]] Cheogh, one of Tchernobog's minions, Caleb moves to the rail yard and station, where he boards the northbound "Phantom Express". He fights off the undead which swarm the train, finally stopping the train by blowing up the locomotive. Emerging from the wreckage, cutting through swarms of Cabal loyalists and other creatures, Caleb enters the "Great Temple". A teleporter in the temple leads Caleb to Cheogh's altar, where he finds Ophelia crucified, and he fights and slays Cheogh. Caleb finishes by lighting up Ophelia's funeral pyre to cremate her body.

[[File:Blood game screenshot.png|thumb|The player confronts [[Cerberus]] (left) and [[Tchernobog]].]]
Caleb heads to the Arctic north on a large icebound wooden sailing ship. He disembarks at a lumber mill the Cabal has transformed into a crude human remains processing area. He makes his way into a mine in search of the mother spider Shial's lair. Navigating the Cabal infested tunnels, Caleb finds a dark stony cavern where he defeats Shial, crushing her with a stomp of his boot. He then rips out and consumes the heart of the webbed corpse of Gabriel, another of the betrayed Chosen, thus gaining the power of his fallen comrade.

[[Cerberus]] is promoted to Tchernobog's second in command. Caleb moves across an industrial facility, entering a nearby dam control installation located near Cerberus' cavern, then blows up the dam with explosives. The resulting flood makes Cerberus' hideout accessible. Caleb kills Cerberus, and upon finding no trace of Ishmael, fills Cerberus' stomach with bundles of [[TNT]], and blows up the corpse.

Caleb heads for the "Hall of the Epiphany" where Tchernobog is waiting. There, before facing him, Caleb learns why "The Chosen" were cast down: Tchernobog knew Caleb would return to him, killing anyone he ran into to take his revenge and thus gaining immense power, something Tchernobog wants for himself. Caleb battles and destroys the demon. One of Tchernobog's followers approaches Caleb and declares him their new leader. Caleb shoots him and leaves the Hall of Epiphany.

==Expansion packs==
The first episode of ''Blood'' was released as [[shareware]]. The full retail version of ''Blood'' was released on a CD-ROM, featuring all four original episodes and all of the elements that were missing in the shareware version. The extremely violent content of the game later prompted the release of a censored version of ''Blood'' with toned-down violence. Two official [[expansion pack|expansions]] were released for the game. ''Cryptic Passage'' was developed by [[Sunstorm Interactive]] and features a new 10 level episode for single player and four new multiplayer levels. Monolith's official add-on for ''Blood'' is called the ''Plasma Pak'' and contains 11 new levels, new enemies, and weapons modes. A special edition collection titled ''One Unit Whole Blood'' was released on July 15, 1998, including the fully patched versions of ''Blood'', ''Cryptic Passage'', and the ''Plasma Pak'', as well as the ''Blood: Unlock the Secrets'' guide in a single package. Strategy guides for the game were also published, namely ''Blood: The Official Strategy Guide'' and ''Blood: Unlock the Secrets''.

===''Cryptic Passage''===
''Cryptic Passage'' was published by [[Sunstorm Interactive]] and is the only officially authorized commercially available add-on for ''Blood'' that was not created by Monolith. It was released on June 30, 1997, and contains 10 new single player levels and four new multiplayer Bloodbath levels.

In the episode's new story, having heard news of an ancient scroll, Caleb sets out to retrieve it for his own dark needs.

===''Plasma Pak''===
Released in September 1997, the ''Plasma Pak'' expansion adds several new features to ''Blood''; a new episode with nine single player levels titled "Post Mortem" is included, along with two new multiplayer Bloodbath levels, one of which was modeled after Monolith's corporate offices, for a total of 11 levels. New enemies are included in the ''Plasma Pak'', and all of them are featured in the extra episode; the new creatures include two new Cabal loyalist types, Chrysallid pods, miniature Calebs, and a new boss, the Beast. There are no new weapons added to Caleb's arsenal, though some new weapon abilities are introduced; the Tesla Cannon can now be wielded [[Dual wield|akimbo]] (provided the appropriate power-up is collected), while the Napalm Cannon and Life Leech have new secondary attacks. The ''Plasma Pak'' also integrated a large number of bug fixes which had been previously addressed by several patches.<ref name="plasmapak" />

'''Episode 5: Post Mortem'''

After Caleb learns the Cabal is training replacements for the fallen Chosen, he sets out to stop the cult's plans. Caleb moves into Cabal territory, wreaking havoc in a temple complex, then storming the inner temple. Satisfied the temples have been dealt with, Caleb enters the training ground for "The Chosen". In order to rest, Caleb destroys each of the four "Chosen" in training and the Beasts within them.

==Development==
{{See also|Build engine}}
Development began at Q Studios, an independent developer funded by [[3D Realms]], in parallel with a number of other well-known titles. It started development in 1995.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blood.sourceforge.net/bloodsource.php#history-section | title=The Transfusion Project - the BloodSource campaign }}</ref> Following the success of ''[[Duke Nukem 3D]]'', development progress was made public starting in June 1996 with weekly updates on their website. It was originally scheduled for release in early 1997. Q Studios was acquired by [[Monolith Productions|Monolith]] in November 1996. On January 22, 1997, all rights had been sold to Monolith<ref name="soldtomonolith">[http://legacy.3drealms.com/press/bloodsale.html], Rights to ''Blood'' sold To Monolith</ref> so that 3D Realms could focus efforts on ''[[Shadow Warrior]]'', another [[Build engine]] game slated for release the same year. Ports for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] and [[Sega Saturn]] were planned but never completed <ref>{{cite web |title=Q Studios Upcoming Projects Blood |url=http://web.bloodline.eu/q_studios/projects.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913224049/http://web.bloodline.eu/q_studios/projects.html |archive-date=September 13, 2016 |website=Bloodline.eu}}</ref>

''Blood'' was one of two games (the other being ''Shadow Warrior'') that took advantage of the Build engine's support for [[voxel]] objects in the game world. ''Blood'' used this for weapon and ammo pickups, power-ups, and occasionally decorations, such as the [[tombstone]]s in the first level of episode one, "Cradle to Grave". The Build engine was enhanced for ''Blood'' to allow new lighting effects, real-time shadows, and simulated "rooms above rooms".<ref>{{cite magazine |title=NG Alphas: Blood |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=27|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=March 1997|page=62}}</ref>

A central feature of ''Blood'' is an abundant (and often exaggerated) graphic violence, from which the game derives its name. Enemies can be blown to pieces, and the pieces often rain down on the player. Zombies' heads can be shot off and then kicked around like footballs, spewing fountains of blood. Enemies scream if set on fire or are otherwise injured, making sound an integral part of the violent atmosphere of ''Blood''. The levels themselves are designed with the same spirit, as corpses, torture victims, and several grotesque situations are witnessed in the game. Collectively, these features caused some public concern about ''Blood'', leading to a censored re-release of the game.

==Intellectual property ownership==
3D Realms sold [[Monolith Productions|Monolith]] the intellectual property (IP) so 3D Realms could make ''[[Shadow Warrior (1997 video game)|Shadow Warrior]]''. Monolith sold the publishing rights, but not the IP for ''Blood'' and its sequel to [[GT Interactive]]. GT Interactive was later acquired by [[Infogrames]], which has since been renamed to [[Atari, Inc. (1993–present)|Atari]]. Monolith itself was acquired by [[Warner Bros.]], which owns the ''Blood'' trademark and intellectual property.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lith.com/Games/Blood |title=Monolith - Blood™ |publisher=Lith.com |access-date=June 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617191814/http://www.lith.com/Games/Blood |archive-date=June 17, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[Atari]] re-released ''Blood'' and ''Blood 2'' on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] and [[GOG.com|GOG]], but unlike other Build engine games (''[[Duke Nukem 3D]]'' and ''Shadow Warrior''), the source code for ''Blood'' has not officially been released, however multiple incomplete versions of it exist online.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-duke-nukem-forever-leaker-just-dropped-the-source-code-for-another-beloved-90s-fps/|website=[[PC Gamer]]|title=The Duke Nukem Forever leaker just dropped the source code for another beloved '90s FPS|first=Ted|last=Litchfield|date=2023-01-05|access-date=2023-03-23}}</ref>

== ''Fresh Supply'' and ''Refreshed Supply'' ==
[[Nightdive Studios]] was commissioned by [[Atari SA|Atari]] to create an enhanced version of ''Blood.''<ref>{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Colin|date=December 7, 2018|title=Blood set to return in remaster of gory '90s shooter|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/7/18129658/blood-reboot-nightdive-atari|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> It was released exclusively for Windows on May 9, 2019, under the title ''Blood: Fresh Supply''.<ref name="GOG.com" /><ref name="Steam" /> The new version featured compatibility with modern operating systems and native support for monitor resolutions up to 4K, [[anti-aliasing]], [[ambient occlusion]] and [[Interpolation (computer graphics)|interpolation]] among other improvements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glagowski |first=Peter |date=2019-05-19 |title=Review: Blood: Fresh Supply |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-blood-fresh-supply/ |access-date=2020-04-23 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Park|first=Morgan|date=2019-05-09|title=Blood: Fresh Supply is the second coming of a classic FPS, and it's out today|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/blood-fresh-supply-pc/|access-date=2020-04-23|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US}}</ref>

A newer version of ''Fresh Supply'', also developed by Nightdive Studios, got more quality of life features as well the integration of the mod scenario ''Marrow'', with the scenario ''Death Wish'' planned to be in a future update.<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Katie Wickens |date=2025-12-04 |title=Blood: Refreshed Supply launches today, bundling new scenarios with the remastered '90s classic |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/events-conferences/blood-refreshed-supply-launches-today-bundling-new-scenarios-with-the-remastered-90s-classic/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> It was released for Windows, [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]] on December 4, 2025. A [[Nintendo Switch 2]] port is also planned for an early 2026 release.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=September 28, 2025 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/09/blood-refreshed-supply-announced-for-ps5-xbox-series-switch-2-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc |title=Blood: Refreshed Supply announced for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC |website=Gematsu |accessdate=September 28, 2025}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 82/100<ref name="metacritic"/>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name=GSrev>{{cite web|last=Poole|first=Stephen |title=Blood Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blood-review/1900-2538214/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=6 June 2019 |date=June 6, 1997}}</ref>
| NGen = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=NG/>
| GamePro = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=GPro106/>
|PCPP=71%<ref name=PCPP>{{Cite journal|last=Wildgoose|first=David|date=July 1997|title=Blood|url=https://archive.org/details/PCPowerplay-014-1997-07/page/n71/mode/2up|journal=PC PowerPlay|issue=14|pages=48–49}}</ref>
}}
''Blood'' received "generally favorable" reviews from professional critics, according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]] based on seven reviews.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/blood-1997/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | title=Blood (1997) for PC Reviews | work=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=March 18, 2023 }}</ref> Critics especially praised the intricate and creative level designs, humorous wisecracks and pop culture references, over-the-top gore, variety of settings, and inventive, unconventional weaponry.<ref name=GSrev/><ref name=NG/><ref name=GPro106/> ''[[GameSpot]]'' particularly noted that the [[voodoo doll]] "might be the coolest little accessory to ever grace the weapons belt of a first-person killing machine".<ref name=GSrev/>

A few criticisms were voiced about the game, but did not find consensus among reviewers. For example, while ''GameSpot'' said the game "is just too damn hard", citing how quickly enemies can deal damage,<ref name=GSrev/> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' asserted that "the game is lengthy without being too tedious, and challenging without being too difficult".<ref name=NG>{{cite magazine|title=Finals |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=33|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=September 1997|pages=134, 136}}</ref> ''[[GamePro]]'' followed up its own criticisms by concluding: "''Blood''{{'}}s flaws are easily swept aside when your guns start blasting and the bodies start falling".<ref name=GPro106>{{cite magazine |author=Major Mike|title=PC GamePro Review: Blood|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=106 |publisher=[[IDG]]|date=July 1997|pages=72–73}}</ref>

[[GamingOnLinux]] reviewer Hamish Paul Wilson decided in a 2015 retrospective that ''Blood'' was easily the best of the three major Build engine games, stating that ''Blood'' was "one of the most underrated shooters of the whole decade. ''Blood'' arguably built more on the legacy of ''[[Duke Nukem 3D]]'' than ''[[Shadow Warrior (1997 video game)|Shadow Warrior]]'' did, taking its gameplay to sophisticated new heights and offering its referential overtones with an even greater degree of refinement".<ref>{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Hamish |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2015/06/the-big-three-build-engine-games-on-gog |title=The Big Three Build Engine Games On GOG|website=[[GamingOnLinux]]|date=June 23, 2015|access-date=June 23, 2015}}</ref> Player Attack described ''Blood'' in a 2011 article as "the best of the Build engine games after ''Duke Nukem 3D'', with its combination of scary atmosphere, great level design and challenging gameplay putting it above the rest".<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Matt|url=https://www.playerattack.com/news/2011/06/16/16135/the-history-of-duke-nukem-part-four-your-way/|title=The History of Duke Nukem – Part Four: Make it your way|website=Player Attack|date=June 16, 2011|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-date=February 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218145257/https://www.playerattack.com/news/2011/06/16/16135/the-history-of-duke-nukem-part-four-your-way/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

More than 350,000 copies of ''Blood'' have been downloaded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.segasoft.com/news/pressrel.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970619000743/http://www.segasoft.com/news/pressrel.html|title=Blood is Coming to HEAT.NET SegaSoft's Internet Game Network|website=segasoft.com|archivedate=June 19, 1997|date=May 23, 1997|accessdate=June 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> This number reached one million in its first six months of release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/981203/gt_interac_1.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990202090737/http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/981203/gt_interac_1.html|title=The Second Cut is the Deepest! GT Interactive Unleashes Highly Anticipated PC Game Sequel 'Blood II: The Chosen|website=[[Business Wire]]|archivedate=February 2, 1999|date=December 3, 1998|accessdate=July 16, 2022|via=[[Yahoo.com]]}}</ref> By 1998, the game sold 120,000 copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|first=Sharon|last=Baker|url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA53259938&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=9933d6c5|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250706071431/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA53259938&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=9933d6c5|title=Playing alone|website=[[Puget Sound Business Journal]]|archivedate=July 6, 2025|date=November 6, 1998|accessdate=July 6, 2025|via=[[Gale Research]]|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
''Blood'' has received numerous fan homages and remakes, including ''Transfusion'', ''ZBlood'', ''BloodCM'', and ''The Flesh Game'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Von Kallenbach |first=Gareth |date=2003 |title=Devoted to the cause - Blood Transfusion to save aging game |url=http://www.gameindustry.com/interviews/int030320.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030408231711/http://www.gameindustry.com/interviews/int030320.asp |archive-date=2003-04-08 |website=Game Industry News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bardin |first=Maxim |date=2009-11-09 |title=I Live, Again... |url=https://linuxgamingnews.org/2009/11/09/i-live-again/ |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=Linux Gaming News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Sledge |date=2017-04-07 |title=BloodCM – Blood v Eduke32 |url=https://www.high-voltage.cz/sortky/bloodcm-blood-v-eduke32/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=High Voltage}}</ref> as well as [[Build (game engine)#Other game ports|community produced source ports]] such as BloodGDX, NBlood and Raze,<ref>{{cite web |author=Walker |first=Alex |date=May 22, 2017 |title=You Can Play The Original Blood Using Java Now |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/05/you-can-play-the-original-blood-using-java-now/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523034646/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/05/you-can-play-the-original-blood-using-java-now/ |archive-date=May 23, 2017 |access-date=2020-08-15 |website=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Dawe |first=Liam |date=February 22, 2019 |title=NBlood, an open source port of the classic FPS 'Blood' using EDuke32 |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/articles/nblood-an-open-source-port-of-the-classic-fps-blood-using-eduke32.13620 |access-date=2020-08-15 |website=GamingOnLinux }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Dawe |first=Liam |date=February 6, 2020 |title=Raze - a new open source fork of EDuke32 backed by GZDoom tech |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/articles/raze-a-new-open-source-fork-of-eduke32-backed-by-gzdoom-tech.15937/ |access-date=2020-08-15 |website=GamingOnLinux |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201027080449/https://www.gamingonlinux.com/articles/raze-a-new-open-source-fork-of-eduke32-backed-by-gzdoom-tech.15937/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and mods for other games such as the [[Bloom (mod) |Bloom]] mod made for [[GZDoom]]. The game has also inspired several later [[boomer shooter]]s<ref>{{cite web |last=Annand |first=Gavin |date=2023-07-03 |title=Five Boomer Shooters and the Classics That Inspired Them |url=https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/five-boomer-shooters-and-the-classics-that-inspired-them/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Super Jump Magazine}}</ref> such as ''[[Postal_2#Eternal_Damnation|Eternal Damnation]]'',<ref>{{cite web |author=dopamine |date=2005-01-19 |title=Eternal Damnation mod for Postal 2 - Zombies+Blood+Rudeness! |url=https://forums.transfusion-game.com/viewtopic.php?p=2235#p2235 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Transfusion |quote=Feel free to sign up at our forum if you have ideas or questions, and yes, there is a weapon in there inspired by Blood}}</ref> ''Viscerafest'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Digre |first=Alexandria |date=2021 |title=Viscerafest Preview – Blood In Space |url=https://bagogames.com/viscerafest-preview-blood-in-space/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Bago Games}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ortiz |first=Justin |date=2019-10-14 |title=Viscerafest Developer Interview |url=https://www.consolemonster.com/news/viscerafest-developer-interview/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Console Monster |quote=A lot of the core design is meant to evoke the arena shooter genre established by titles such as Quake, Blood, and Duke 3d}}</ref> ''Dread Templar'',<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-08-14 |title=The Ultimate QuakeFest: Dread Templar |url=https://www.nostalgianerd.com/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=[[Nostalgia Nerd]] |quote=Another one is Blood, which I actually didn't like at all when I was a kid, even ranked it as one of my most hated FPS. But strangely enough, when I replayed Blood a few years ago I was totally hooked. Compared to other boomer shooters, Blood's level design is particularly fascinating to me, and DT is really inspired by Blood in level design.}}</ref> ''Coven'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Blaine |first=Lucas |date=2022-10-02 |title=Why Retro Shooter & Horror Fans Will Love Coven |url=https://www.cbr.com/coven-retro-style-shooter-horror-indie-game/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=[[CBR.com]] |quote=Coven is a unique retro shooter that doesn't take its demonic inspiration from DOOM but from the dark fantasy worlds of Hexen and Blood.}}</ref> ''Nightmare Reaper'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Alexander |first=Marisa |date=2023-05-12 |title=REVIEW: Nightmare Reaper |url=https://operationrainfall.com/2023/06/12/review-nightmare-reaper/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Operation Rainfall |quote=There are a whole slew of other influences as said on the developer’s website for the game such as Blood and Rise of the Triad.}}</ref> ''[[Project Warlock]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Cuzzucoli |first=Delano |date=2017-04-26 |title=Project Warlock Is A Retro FPS That Harkens Back To Heretic And Blood |url=https://www.heypoorplayer.com/2017/04/26/project-warlock-is-a-retro-fps-that-harkens-back-to-heretic-and-blood/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Hey Poor Player}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Grodman |first=Jesse |date=2020-05-24 |title=Project Warlock Is A Retro FPS That Channels Hexen and One Unit Whole Blood, Coming To Consoles Soon |url=https://www.dreadxp.com/news/project-warlock-is-a-retro-fps-that-channels-hexen-and-one-unit-whole-blood-coming-to-consoles-soon/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=[[DreadXP]]}}</ref> ''[[Dusk (video game)|Dusk]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Tarason |first=Dominic |date=2017-09-10 |title=Dust off your sawn-off for a bloody Dusk, and a new dawn for Blood |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dusk/dusk-FPS-steam-blood-mods-retro |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=[[PCGamesN]] |quote=While Dusk is mechanically most like Quake, it takes its thematic cues from Blood, Monolith’s venerable 1997 Build engine FPS. Of the big three – Duke Nukem 3D, Blood, and Shadow Warrior – this is my favourite, and revenant cowboy Caleb is the most enduringly charming of the protagonists, not having to rely on stolen Bruce Campbell quotes or lazy racist caricature to shine. Plus, Caleb has a thing for classic showtunes. How can you not love that?}}</ref> and most notably ''Cultic''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Andy |date=2022-10-30 |title=Review: Brilliant Cultic joins the top tier of retro shooters |url=https://entertainium.co/2022/10/30/cultic-review/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Entertainium |quote=At first glance, Cultic seems sure to fall into this trap, given its evident similarities to Blood. In fact, Jason Smith’s fantastic first project uses Monolith’s 1997 game as a jumping-off point – and ultimately delivers one of the best retro shooters in years.}}</ref> It was also influential on the [[roguelike]] game ''Infra Arcana''.<ref>{{cite web |date=2012-02-06 |title=Episode 22: Infra Arcana |url=http://www.roguelikeradio.com/2012/02/episode-22-infra-arcana.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Rougelike Radio |quote=I wish I would have jumped in on some of the topics a bit more though like room types, the Blood influences, explosives and flares, traps, some of the specific skills, disease, phobias, and why the weapons automatically tell you their bonuses.}}</ref> 

The [[manhwa]] series ''[[Priest (manhwa)|Priest]]'' created by [[Hyung Min-woo]] was inspired by ''Blood.'' An interview with Hyung in ''Priest, Vol. 3: Requiem for the Damned'' states that the comic was influenced by the game, which featured a similar horror-Western aesthetic and undead protagonist.<ref name="Mudmosh-2011" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Min-Woo|first=Hyung|title=Priest, Vol. 3: Requiem for the Damned|publisher=TokyoPop|date=November 2002|isbn=1-59182-010-3}}</ref> The manhwa was adapted into the [[Priest (2011 film)|2011 American horror film of the same name]]. 

The 2014 horror film ''FPS: First Person Shooter'' features Stephan Weyte, the actor who played Caleb, as the voice of the protagonist.<ref>{{cite web |author=Blacktooth |date=2015-01-15 |title=FPS: First Person Shooter (Review) |url=https://www.horrorsociety.com/2015/01/15/fps-first-person-shooter-review/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Horror Society}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120617191814/http://www.lith.com/Games/Blood Official ''Blood'' Monolith page] (limited content)
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227222753/http://www.sunstorm.net/games_cp.htm |date=February 27, 2009 |title=''Cryptic Passage'' official website }}
* {{MobyGames|id=/blood|name=Blood}}
** {{MobyGames|id=/blood-plasma-pak|name=Plasma Pak}}
* [http://blood-wiki.org/index.php/Blood ''Blood'' article on the ''Blood'' Wiki]

{{Monolith games}}
{{Build engine games}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Blood 1}}
[[Category:1990s horror video games]]
[[Category:1997 video games]]
[[Category:Build (game engine) games]]
[[Category:Cancelled PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Sega Saturn games]]
[[Category:Censored video games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy video games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:Fiction set in 1928]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Games commercially released with DOSBox]]
[[Category:Gothic video games]]
[[Category:GT Interactive games]]
[[Category:Horror Westerns]]
[[Category:Linux games]]
[[Category:Monolith Productions games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Sprite-based first-person shooters]]
[[Category:Video games about cults]]
[[Category:Video games about demons]]
[[Category:Video games based on Slavic mythology]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Daniel Bernstein]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Guy Whitmore]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 1920s]]
[[Category:Video games set in cemeteries]]
[[Category:Video games with 2.5D graphics]]
[[Category:Video games with digitized sprites]]
[[Category:Video games with voxel graphics]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. Games franchises]]
[[Category:Windows games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Blood (video game)|access_date=2026-02-27}}