Summary
The Soulslike genre has evolved a lot since its creation over a decade ago, but something that hasalways been closely associated with itis difficulty. Bosses that take hours to take down, brutal enemies that unleash an array of attacks around every corner, and a world that is more out to get the player than even the enemies in it — these are all staples. There are no margins for error, and the challenge can often feel a bit on the unfair side.
Thankfully, there are still plenty of Soulslikes that still capture the satisfying gameplay and expert worldbuilding, without forcing the player to strain every muscle in their body just to clear a single boss. It is nice when the game is aware of its own challenge, and when the developer turns the dial down just a bit, it can make the game a lot more enjoyable.
Steelrisingis an interesting title that takes the world of the French Revolution and fuses itwith a mechanical nightmarethat is just as frightening as it is awesome. The world is gorgeous and the gameplay follows suit, taking elements from the Soulslike genre but keeping things manageable by keeping enemy patterns simpler and easier to read.
There is even an assist mode that allows players to play around with damage numbers and stamina consumption, and even lets players become immortal. Everything feels more linear and less overwhelming. The enemy designs are still satisfying to fight, but never make the player feel out of their depth, even at the start.
Remnant 2builds on the existing DNA of the original, creating a much more well-rounded experience that allows for immersive co-op battles against some fearsome foes. Bringing the Soulslike genre to a more shooter-oriented game is a nice change, and the enemies still put up a decent fight whilst still allowing for plenty of counterplay and strategy.
The customization is what really sets the game apart, letting players swap out their weapons and abilities on the fly and upgrade them however they choose. And the ability to play with a group of other players, means that even if a fight is proving to be more of a challenge than expected, the extra firepower ensures that any boss can go down without too much trouble.
A short-lived entry that still shows off plenty,Thymesiais a great Soulslike that brings the face-paced action of games likeBloodbornebutkeeps things more restrainedwhen it comes to difficulty. The key feature is the ability to use the enemy’s weapons against them through powerful abilities that transform the combat in every encounter.
When a boss does turn up, the attack patterns are fairly short and simple, meaning it’s possible to play as fast or slowly as they feel comfortable and still find just as much success. The HP pools of each boss are never too high, and they always fall after a satisfying, simple, yet still rewarding battle.
Salt and Sanctuaryis a nice entrant into the genre that was made by two individuals with a lot of talent and passion. The level design clearly pays homage to the earlyDark Soulsgames. It encourages players to venture out into the world, without giving them the safety net of fast traveling back to a hub location.
The combat is simplistic yet fun. Every new enemy provides a new challenge to overcome, and they all feel intuitive in their design. It is easy to get lost in the world, as there is so much hidden lore and information all over. For fans of the Soulslike genre, there is more than enough challenge to still feel engaged throughout.
Mortal Shellis a compact yet immersive Soulslike game that introducesa few unique mechanicsthat keep it feeling fresh from the crowd. Players can use the Harden ability to absorb damage and follow up with an attack of their own, and the class system is replaced by different Shells that each have their own attributes and playstyles.
The combat is heavy and extremely satisfying, with each swing of the sword giving a real sense of power. Enemies are fairly standard and never feel overwhelming in their attacks or numbers, allowing players to take every fight at their own pace and still progress through the story without too much challenge.
TheJedigames have always taken a slightly different route from other games in the genre, but they still keep a lot of the gameplay feel that makes Soulslikes so enjoyable. With swordplay that rewards precision and timing, difficulty settings that provide meaningful differences, and battles that feed into the fantasy of being a force user,Survivoris the perfect way for a player to enter the genre without feeling out of their depth.
Every upgrade changes how the player interacts with enemies. There are so many options in terms of customization and combat, giving all the power to the player without compromising in any way. Puzzles are a big part of the world too. Each area presents a unique set of challenges, both in the enemies found there and in the environmental threats they encounter.
Metroidvanias have alwaysshared some elements with Soulslike games, andBlasphemous 2is one of the best in both. The setting is beautiful, taking inspiration from Renaissance Italian architecture and religious imagery to create a universe that is both brutal and stunning at the same time.
The brutality extends to the fighting, as players dash and slash across the screen with a selection of weapons that each have their own style to mix up the gameplay throughout the playthrough. The game isn’t a cakewalk by any means, but the difficulty is a nice steady curve. Even when it reaches its peak, it is still manageable even for less seasoned players.
Another Crab’s Treasurewas a surprising addition to the genre that brought so much charm and humor that just wasn’t seen anywhere else. Playing as the lovable crab, Krill, players float across the ocean floor in search of their stolen shell, encountering plenty of other crustaceans and sea-dwelling critters that are set on taking them out.
The combat blends a parrying foundation with more forgiving attack windows, which means that the player can get all the satisfaction that comes from the more challenging titles, without pulling their hair out to get by. With all the side content available, it is very easy to become borderline overpowered, turning even the harder fights into pushovers that die in a matter of seconds.
