Ever since the release ofDark Soulsin September of 2011, the world of RPGs has not been the same.Something about the brutal combat, tight controls, and incredible level design madeDark Soulsinto one of the few truly genre-defining masterpieces of game design. The somber atmosphere and subtle, complex worldbuilding ofFromSoftware’s most iconic title was not entirely new, but it struck people in a way that made it an icon. Since then, sequels likeDark Souls IIandDark Souls III, as well as other similar titles from the same developer, likeBloodborne, have not been enough to satiate gamers who want that special blend of beautiful worldbuilding and satisfying challenge.
Many studios have taken a shot at the nowwell-recognized Souls-Like genre.Nioh,The Surge, andAshenare the most successful examples of very faithful takes on the Souls-Like formula, but its ripples could also be felt in some of the best RPGs in recent memory, fromSkyrimto TheWitcher. Even with other combat systems and artstyles, the tone and try, die, repeat gameplay loop ofDark Soulshas been recreated in the likes ofHollow Knight,Salt and Sanctuary, andDead Cells.
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However, this year the number of unique, excellent Souls-Like games has skyrocketed. 2019 has been an incredible year for Souls-Likes, with the release of many fresh takes on the formula, and the announcement of some very exciting titles for the future.
Sekiro
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicearrived in March of 2019, and can perhaps be seen more as an evolution in the lineage ofDark Soulsgames. Made by FromSoftware,Sekirooffers a very different take on the formulathat its developers originally pioneered. Its extremely fast, aggressive combat is a far cry from the slow, deliberate fights of early Souls Titles. It seems that even FromSoftware recognized that their timeless formula could benefit from some new re-interpretation. To that end,Sekiroabandoned the dark medieval fantasy ofDark Soulsgames to bring in a Japanese-Historical setting with a mystical flair.
Code Vein
Code Veinis a very interesting take on the Souls-Like formula because its tone and presentation is markedly different from the gloom and doom of otherSoulsand Souls-Like games. It came out just recently in September of 2019. A gothicanime art style setsCode Veinapart, while a very robust magic and class system brings an entirely new spin on Souls-Like combat. Even as the melee-fighting is a near replica of that fromDark Souls III,Code Veinrefreshes the formula through its unique presentation and storytelling.
The Surge 2
The Surge 2was an excellent title for those who take joy in the brutality of Souls-Like combat. It is punishing, complex, and tactile. This is a different way of re-interpreting the Souls-Like formula, and because of that,The Surge 2is not for everyone. It came out in September of 2019, and was slightly overshadowed byCode Vein. Those who want a tougher experience thanCode Veinoffers should take a look at this title.
Remnant: From the Ashes
Remnant: From the Ashesreleased in August of 2019 to a warm reception.Remnantwas a strong titledue to its great gunplay, solid co-op, and excellent bossfights. Its progression is less punishing than other Souls-Like titles, allowing players to keep their experience after death. It refreshed the formula by playing on its replayability, allowing players to create a new save with randomly generated levels at any time.
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Upcoming Souls-Likes
Not only was 2019 an amazing year for Souls-Likes so far, but it is also a great year to get excited for new and upcoming Souls-Like titles. The future is bright, (or perhaps more fittingly, dark) for those who cant get enough of the uniquely satisfying gameplay experience provided by this blooming genre.
Nioh 2
Nioh 2promises more of what madeNiohgreat, a true competitor even to FromSoftware’s own titles.Nioh’scombat system is slightly more complex and variable than that ofSouls-Bornetitles with the addition of stances. Its worldbuilding is second to none, with full descriptions of the folklore and history that the game’s fantasy setting is based on.Nioh 2will be more of the same in 2020, but in this case, more of the same is more of a good thing.
Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderproves that the Souls-Like formula can be applied to any setting. The dynamic and engagingswordplay ofSekirotranslates well to aStar Warsgamewith a focus on in-depth lightsaber combat. With a setting as malleable as theStar Warsuniverse,Jedi: Fallen Orderwill be one to watch for deep storytelling as well. It will release very soon, scheduled for November 15th of 2109.
Elden Ring
Elden Ringmay be the most heavy-hitting Souls-Like to look forward to. From the moment it wasleaked before E3, the collaboration of bothDark Soulscreator Hidetaka Miyazaki, and Game of Thrones author J.R.R. Martin was reason for celebration. What these titans of dark fantasy will conjure up remains to be seen, but it is almost guaranteed to be masterful.
