When discussing the standout games of the past decade, Dark Souls unquestionably becomes a focal point. It emerged at a time when major game developers were increasingly avoiding significant challenges in their creations. Dark Souls made a significant impact on the gaming industry by skillfully melding classic gaming elements with modern sensibilities, resulting in something truly exceptional and groundbreaking.
It was only natural for this game to give rise to a franchise, and its trilogy is widely regarded as one of the greatest video game franchises of all time. Therefore, it's understandable that completing Dark Souls would create a void that most games struggle to fill. Nevertheless, the popularity of this franchise has led to the emergence of several Soulslike games, some of which are truly worth exploring. For those seeking to recapture the same emotions experienced while playing FromSoftware's contemporary classic, here are some of the finest games akin to Dark Souls.
1. Bloodborne
Bloodborne stands out as one of FromSoftware's finest creations. Its Gothic architecture and Lovecraftian elements transform the game into a hauntingly beautiful and nightmarish experience, captivating players right from the initial moments.
In this title, FromSoftware ventured into intricate dodging mechanics rather than relying on blocking, creating intense and heart-pounding combat scenarios for players. Achieving a flawless dodge becomes a significant achievement, matched only by the satisfaction of stunning an enemy with a precisely timed countershot, leading to a devastating visceral attack.
2. Nioh 2
Nioh 2 fully embraced the essence of Soulsborne games by incorporating a customizable character, a minimized emphasis on an intrusive narrative, and some of the most demanding combat mechanics in the gaming world. Those who appreciate Dark Souls will feel instantly familiar with Nioh 2's combat system, which is harsh yet equitable in its design. The game received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics, evident in its 86 critic score and 8.0 user score on Metacritic's Complete Edition.
3. The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3 is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made, a fact evident in its overwhelmingly positive critical and commercial reception. The game's combat bears resemblance to Dark Souls but offers a more varied range of options in any given situation. What sets The Witcher 3 apart is its strong focus on storytelling. It is a deeply narrative-driven experience, with its exceptional storyline standing out as its defining feature. Players are compelled to make challenging decisions that determine the fate of numerous characters, making it a truly immersive and engaging gaming experience.
4. Salt and Sanctuary
Salt And Sanctuary, a side-scrolling Soulslike released in 2016, has unfortunately been underrated by many. However, those who took the time to explore it found themselves immersed in a distinctly unique and challenging gameplay encounter. The game offers a hauntingly beautiful art style, which, although minimalistic at first glance, captivates players. Similar to other 2D Soulslike titles, Salt and Sanctuary features a level design reminiscent of Metroidvania games.
5. Dragon's Dogma
Dragon's Dogma shares certain elements with Dark Souls, but it diverges significantly in its approach. Although it exudes a similar atmosphere to FromSoftware's masterpiece, it cannot be classified as a Soulslike due to its distinctive gameplay. In Dragon's Dogma, players engage in combat more akin to traditional action RPGs, emphasizing direct confrontation over evading attacks.
Nevertheless, the game maintains high stakes, driven by its formidable dragon antagonist, who literally steals the player's heart, compelling them to grow stronger and eventually confront the winged foe. The journey in this game is both lengthy and challenging, offering players a plethora of unconventional mechanics. These include the ability to lift, carry, and throw NPCs, unleash extravagant elemental spells, and battle through hordes of skeletons and bandits using an array of weapons.
6. Death's Gambit
Death and resurrection are recurring themes in Dark Souls, symbolizing players' control over immortality. In Death's Gambit, permanent demise only occurs if one chooses to surrender. The game begins with a haunting conversation with the Grim Reaper, setting the tone for this atmospheric 2D Soulslike experience.
Featuring a daunting world, impressive bosses, diverse level designs, and a wide array of weapons and abilities, Death's Gambit is a must-try for Dark Souls enthusiasts. Additionally, numerous concealed quests and character dialogues add depth, captivating players in this intriguing exploration of mortality.
7. Demon's Souls
Demon's Souls paved the way for Dark Souls, despite its initial imperfections. The original 'Souls' game had its share of issues, yet it provided immense enjoyment for numerous players. Interestingly, the game's imbalance became a source of delight for many, enabling the creation of incredibly fun and unconventional character builds in both the original PS3 version and its PS5 remake.
For those yearning to immerse themselves in a dark fantasy realm teeming with dragons, demons, and more, there's no game better suited. Unlike Dark Souls, Demon's Souls adopts a structured approach. Instead of an open world, it presents players with a level-by-level format, making it more accessible for gamers who appreciate compartmentalized exploration.
8. Dark Devotion
Being a 2D game, Dark Devotion naturally differs from 3D action RPGs such as Dark Souls due to inherent physical limitations. However, these disparities do not diminish the appeal of games designed in an older-school fashion. In Dark Devotion, players step into the shoes of a templar assigned the mission of exploring an ancient temple and liberating their deity from captivity at the hands of profound entities.
The game boasts intricate, original lore, unravelled solely through item descriptions and books scattered across the world. This approach imbues the setting with an eerie mystique, akin to the storytelling method employed in FromSoftware's games. Dark Devotion features a diverse array of enjoyable weapons, especially the boss weapons, which include greatswords capable of launching lightning and spells projecting beams of energy. These elements contribute to the game's addictive nature.
Furthermore, Dark Devotion's structure and map progression offer substantial replay value, following a rogue-like format. However, the game also incorporates consistent paths and numerous shortcuts, mitigating any excessive tedium associated with exploration.
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