Summary
When the originalDark Soulstook the internet by storm in the early 2010s (albeit with a less-than-stellar PC port), it was a significant moment in gaming history.Lore videos exploringthe significance of a single unassuming brick in the Undead Parish, PvP montages of dastardly invaders ruining a new player’s first experience, and ridiculous challenge runs that only got sillier as the years went on.
Japanese developer FromSoftware released a behemoth unto the world, changing the industry forever and inventing a new genre in the process. But, as they say, with fire comes disparity, and itwasn’t long before Soulslikes emerged, taking inspiration from Hidetaka Miyazaki’s vision, and even getting its own tag on Steam. These triple-A titles and indie gems polished up the formula and even added in their own twists. Below are some of the best Soulslikes that ditch the traditional knightly garb for something a little different.
Scoring generally positive reviews on all platforms,Mortal Shellticks all the boxesof a definitive Soulslike - gloomy Medieval atmosphere, a stamina-based combat system that rewards patience, and a vast arsenal to destroy enemies with. But where it differs is its unique progression system. Instead of picking a class, players possess fallen warriors found littered about the battle-scarred world, hopping in and out of bodies and harnessing their powers, whether that’s a traditional sword and board knight or a spell-slinging sorcerer.
Switching play-styles to deal with different situations as and when is a unique mechanic with a lot of variety to it, especially when combined with the game’s hardening system, in lieu of blocking or parrying.
Nominated for several awards and garnering high scores,Ashenruns with the true endgame of any Souls game - fashion. Players have to look sharp if they’re going to slay, andAshenis no different. A fantastic entry in its own right thatnails the challenging combat, features a uniquely hopeful narrative, and even manages to pull off jumping and climbing.
But it’s the outfits that really stand out. While they do offer marginal benefits, players can grab dusty discarded garb to don purely for style points. Especially since they can find costumes out in the world that transform them into various important NPCs - a fan favorite being the quirky peg-legged inventor Flokir.
Recommended by 88% of reviews on OpenCritic, this dark twist on Pinocchio mixes all the best parts ofBloodborne’scombat with a certain Gothic European elegance that putsLies of Pin a class of its own. Players explore the devastated city of Krat as the master tinkerer Gepetto’s greatest creation and face off against a horde of deranged mechanical monstrosities with avariety of stylish weapons.
There’s a bigger emphasis on dodging, much like its werewolf-cum-alien infested inspiration. So, even if there was any armor to scavenge in the scrap-strewn streets, it wouldn’t be much use. Instead, players can find a haberdashery of dashing costumes to customize the titular Real Boy™ that reflects the Belle Époque aesthetic. And there’s a clown suit too, which is neat.
Nominated for Best PC Game in Destructoid’s Game of the Year Awards 2017,Hollow Knightis a sprite-based 2D platformer that represents a sub-genre of a sub-genre - the Metroidvania Soulslike.Hollow Knightis a charmingly creepy platformer that features all the hallmarks of both its namesakes, with a tightly focused interconnected world dripping in moody atmosphere, and a focus on strategic combat that favors precision. And there’s no armor to equip.
Instead, players have to become proficient in dodging and timing their strikes - again much likeBloodborne- and make use of variouscharms found across the landto power up their attacks and increase their chances of surviving. Something that’s absolutely necessary to reach the end.
When people think ofDark Soulsand mechs, the first thing that comes to mind is probably FromSoftware’s other hit series,Armored Core. Well, beforeFires of Rubiconhit screens,The Surgeseries was revitalizing the revolution against the robot menace. What starts as a day like any other turns into a cybernetic nightmare filled with familiar combat mechanics and a chrome-plated futuristic finish. Plus, players are trapped in a metal exoskeleton - usually Monday morning stuff.
Receiving favorable reviews, the second entry continues this trend, doubling down on a unique upgrade system that sees armor becoming an integral part of a character’s build, not just something pretty to throw on. Players even scavenge different parts and implants from fallen foes to change their build, testing out new strategies until they find a combination that suits their style.
Another 2D take on theSoulsblueprint,Dead Cellsmixes in Roguelike elements to increase replayability and reward the player through learning from death - something that should sound familiar toSoulsveterans. Winning several prestigious accolades, players explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle, gathering upgrades without the aid of checkpoints. When death (inevitably) comes, the game resets back to the beginning for another attempt.
But rather than being frustrating, this offers players a unique opportunity to discover new mechanics and strategies for an endless combination of ways to win. Alongside various power-ups and in lieu of traditional armor,players can unlock costumesto customize their avatar. Its flashy stylized combat and deep progression system leans heavily towards skill, pushing players to rely on their wits rather than what they’re wearing.
