From time to time, a game emerges with such unique and captivating gameplay that it sparks a whole new category in gaming, inspiring numerous titles that strive to recreate that distinctive experience with their own twists. The release of Dark Souls in 2011 gave birth to the Soulslike subgenre, characterized by its unforgiving challenges, combat reliant on managing stamina, and explorative elements reminiscent of Metroidvania games.
Even though the full Dark Souls trilogy and its expansive successor, Elden Ring, aren't available on the Nintendo Switch, players on this platform still have access to a diverse collection of demanding, immersive games heavily influenced by FromSoftware's Souls formula. It's surprising to see such hardcore experiences on a Nintendo console, considering their reputation for prioritizing creativity and accessibility above all else.
1. Hollow Knight
With its four expansions included, Hollow Knight offers over 100 hours of gameplay—an impressive achievement given its cartoonish visuals and 2D platformer style. Surprisingly, the game boasts intricate lore and, most notably, impeccably smooth gameplay that's both challenging and captivating.
Hollow Knight blurs the lines between being a Soulslike and a Metroidvania. It presents numerous routes to traverse, supplementary areas to investigate, a diverse array of adversaries to combat, and an elaborate charm system that grants unique abilities, offering players multiple strategies to confront enemies.
2. Dead Cells
Ultimately, Dead Cells stands as an outstanding game deserving of the attention it received, showcasing how the combination of Soulslike gameplay and roguelike progression creates something exceptional.
In Dead Cells, each playthrough serves as an educational journey where players gradually comprehend the game's mechanics and the most effective approaches to combat the numerous adversaries encountered. Through consistent repetition, most individuals grasp the game's workings and eventually overcome its challenging bosses—with considerable effort, of course.
3. Dark Souls Remastered
Any compilation of top Soulslike games would be incomplete without acknowledging the one that initiated this entire trend: Dark Souls. The remastered edition of FromSoftware's iconic game, which continues to inspire numerous game studios worldwide, arrived on the Switch in 2018, delivering an equally enjoyable experience whether played in handheld mode or on a larger screen.
Given that it's a port of a 2011 release, Dark Souls Remastered performs admirably on the Nintendo Switch, displaying consistent performance without notable issues throughout the entire gameplay. While it received some necessary graphical enhancements, these improvements are predominantly noticeable when the Switch is in its docked mode. Beyond that, it maintains the classic Souls experience, although its success amplifies the disappointment surrounding the absence of the remaining two Dark Souls titles on the Switch.
4. Death's Door
Death's Door adopts an isometric viewpoint. Players assume the role of a crow, functioning as one among many reapers in a world where the task of ferrying souls to "the other side" has become highly bureaucratic.
The gameplay involves swift, stamina-driven combat with straightforward yet gratifying attacks. It's reasonably challenging (though not as intense as Dark Souls), and it incorporates numerous puzzles and exploration elements reminiscent of the Zelda series. Ultimately, Death's Door is a brief and enjoyable game that runs seamlessly on the Switch.
5. Salt and Sanctuary
This indie title, boasting a captivating art style reminiscent of platformers like Limbo and Inside, adeptly reimagines the essence of Dark Souls within a 2D framework. Its grim, post-apocalyptic setting evokes a reminiscent atmosphere of Drangleic, while Salt and Sanctuary's smooth, stamina-focused combat presents an equally demanding and relentless challenge.
Despite its seemingly simplistic visuals and easy-to-understand mechanics, Salt and Sanctuary proves to be a rather intricate game. It encompasses extensive RPG elements, approximately 600 usable items, and a variety of distinct weapon types, each equipped with unique move sets. These elements collectively allow players to tailor their gameplay to match their individual preferences.
6. Blasphemous 2
The initial Blasphemous stood out as a strong Metroidvania, blending gothic horror elements that contributed to its overall excellence. Enthusiasts of intricate pixel artistry will certainly appreciate the offering of this title, which explains the justified anticipation for its sequel, following its success as an indie gem.
The sequel improves significantly on the Metroidvania aspects compared to its predecessor. Its exceptional exploration aspect combined with challenging yet fulfilling combat renders Blasphemous 2 a commendable follow-up that fans should personally experience.
7. Ashen
With its sleek yet straightforward visuals and commendable voice performances, Ashen stands out as one of the premier Soulslike experiences accessible on the Nintendo Switch. While its combat mechanics and progression closely resemble those of Dark Souls, Ashen possesses unique elements that establish its individuality.
One of the standout features of Ashen is its innovative co-op system, enabling chance encounters between players within the game to collaborate on quests. Additionally, the game incorporates a hub area that players can transform from a dilapidated settlement into a thriving village throughout their journey.
8. Remnant: From the Ashes
Merging the Soulslike genre with elements of a third-person shooter seemed like a daring move, but fans were pleased to find that Remnant: From the Ashes handled this fusion with remarkable finesse. The game's seamless execution delighted players, especially with its cooperative play option, enabling friends to confront the challenges of this demanding yet captivating title together.
Additionally, Remnant: From the Ashes enhances replayability by structuring areas and boss encounters differently in each playthrough. This decision adds a layer of freshness, requiring players to adapt their strategies for boss battles based on the varied strengths and configurations encountered in every new encounter.
9. Blasphemous
Players seeking an atmospheric gaming adventure intertwined with platforming will find Blasphemous to be a captivating choice. The game boasts a remarkable and memorable art style that lingers in players' minds long after they've completed their journey. With nightmarish bosses and occasionally frustrating platforming sections, Blasphemous maintains a compelling grip from beginning to end.
The anticipation for a sequel is easily understandable given the game's immersive qualities. While the game poses considerable challenges, those who grasp its combat mechanics and comprehend enemy behaviors will find immense satisfaction in the experience it offers. Admittedly, navigating spike traps remains a persistent annoyance, but it's a minor inconvenience in an otherwise exceptional game.
10. Eldest Souls
The game's title, which directly includes the word "souls," serves as an overt nod to the titles that inspired it. Eldest Souls openly pays homage to the Dark Souls trilogy, yet it takes considerable strides to distinguish itself within the Soulslike genre, carving out its distinct identity.
Presented from an isometric viewpoint, Eldest Souls retains the gruelingly challenging combat reminiscent of Dark Souls, but its artistic style and tempo diverge significantly. Contrary to the norm, the game lacks traditional mobs, instead guiding players through a series of breathtaking pixel art landscapes by moving from one demanding boss battle to the next.
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