The best Soulslike games (Part 2)

about 1 month ago, by Enzo

Since the inception of the genre with iconic titles such as Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, the souls-like label has continued to expand and evolve. This term, now widely used, refers to challenging experiences where death is an integral part of gameplay, and where punishing combat creates unique sensations. In this second selection, we explore a new series of games that revisit or reinterpret these mechanics.

Recently released and pushing the mechanics of the franchise even further, Nioh 3 skillfully blends fast-paced action, precise movements, and tactical depth. It emphasizes demanding combat against yokai inspired by Japanese folklore, reinforcing the variety of builds, weapons, and play styles.

Also back on our screens with a new installment released this year, Code Vein II brings a unique narrative and stylistic touch to the genre, blending a post-apocalyptic atmosphere, anime aesthetics, and souls-like mechanics. Hell Is Us combines challenging combat with a dark atmosphere and a poignant story. Inspired by the nightmarish aesthetics of FromSoftware games, it emphasizes the character's personal progression in the midst of a world in ruins.

Let's now move on to 2D titles, such as the excellent Nine Sols, which draws on Asian aesthetics and mythology to offer a dynamic and fluid souls-like experience. The battles are fast-paced, the enemy patterns varied, and the artistic direction gives the game a strong personality. For a similar experience, the unmissable Hollow Knight: Silksong transports players into a dark aesthetic, with challenging combat, formidable enemies, and rich exploration. Although it is often classified as a Metroidvania, its difficulty, symbolic progression, and particularly punishing battles bring it very close to the souls-like spirit.

For gameplay that's a little more firearm-oriented, Returnal transposes the souls-like principles into a roguelike/science fiction setting where death and rebirth are at the heart of the game loop. Each failure is a learning experience that helps you progress, and the enemies are formidable and unpredictable. Remnant II offers a much-appreciated variation by incorporating elements of third-person shooting, loot, and procedural generation. As for Witchfire, it reinvents the genre with an FPS approach while retaining the souls-like spirit: tough enemies, patterns to memorize, and a heavy, mysterious atmosphere.

Finally, how could we conclude this new article without mentioning Where Winds Meet, the odd one out in this selection? This free-to-play title stands out for its dreamlike open world and intense combat, combining free exploration, challenging enemies, and gradual progression. The contemplative atmosphere mixed with demanding phases is reminiscent of the balance found in the best souls-like games: a world to be discovered slowly, without ever giving up on the intensity of the challenge.

In conclusion, the souls-like genre has grown far beyond its roots, inspiring bold creations that sometimes transcend the boundaries of sword fighting. Whether it's open worlds, tactical shooting, strong narrative styles, or original artistic directions, each of the titles presented here offers a unique interpretation of what makes a good Souls-like game: the feeling of triumphing through merit and learning from your mistakes.