From Demon’s Souls to Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s games have had a significant impact on game design over the past 15 years. The studio has introduced unique rituals in each game, focusing on precise combat, intricate maps, and storytelling through item descriptions rather than cut-scenes. This has led to the creation of the Soulslike genre, with other studios incorporating their ideas into the template set by FromSoftware.
One game that stands out is “Another Crab’s Treasure,” which offers players a massive gun to one-hit-kill enemies, making exploration easier. This approach to easing players into the game is both humorous and useful, allowing players to conquer challenges with ease. “Lords of the Fallen” introduces the Umbral Lamp, providing access to a world of the dead and offering a second life during challenging boss fights.
“Lies of P” focuses on weapon assembly, allowing players to customize weapons by mixing and matching blades and handles. This system adds depth and replayability to the game, giving players more control over their playstyle. In “Hollow Knight,” the exploration of interconnected worlds and cryptic questlines adds wonder to the gameplay experience.
“Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” introduces Force powers, blending Jedi power fantasy with challenging combat mechanics. The game offers a moment of catharsis as players use their powers to defeat enemies. “Tunic” incorporates a unique manual system, where players collect pages to uncover the game’s deeper puzzles.
“Below” features a lantern mechanic that adds a sense of unease and mystery to the gameplay experience. The lantern guides players through dark environments, leading to moments of paranoia and discovery. “Titan Souls” simplifies the Soulslike essence with one attack and a no-hit mechanic, emphasizing the dance between failure and success.
“Death’s Door” mixes elements of Hidetaka Miyazaki’s dark worlds with Hayao Miyazaki’s bittersweet tales, creating a unique and heartfelt game experience. The game merges brutal bosses with lost souls, offering a balance between challenge and storytelling. Overall, these games showcase the diverse mechanics and innovations that have defined the Soulslike genre, providing players with engaging and memorable experiences.