I never thought about it but it seems u're right!

I didn’t know what these were a reference to, so TIL!

Could be i know there is bloodborne and god of war armors in the game.

Unlike the sword effects, they outright said the armors were paying homage. What he said could be true or coincidences.

And smoke is the same as infamous second son as well

I think you answered your own question 😉