10 Poorly Reviewed Soulsikes That Are Actually Pretty Good

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Occasionally, some fresh and thrilling game genres appear to mesmerize gamers unexpectedly. For instance, when roguelikes were popular, it was Hades that did the trick, while Farming Simulator’s market dominance is due to Eric Barone.

To put it simply, I can’t help but marvel at the lasting impact the Soulslike genre has had on gaming enthusiasts like myself. Thanks to the visionaries Miyazaki and FromSoft, we’re blessed with a wealth of Soulsborne and Soulslike games that have become an integral part of our gaming library.

As a passionate fan, I acknowledge that the Soulslike genre has its share of both acclaimed hits and lesser-known titles. It’s essential to remember that not every game in this style finds immediate recognition. Yet, it’s our mission to champion those games that might not have received their fair share of accolades. After all, sometimes a game’s true value lies beyond its initial reception.

Here are some Souls-like games that might not have received the best reviews from critics, but they still deliver an authentic Souls-like gaming experience and are definitely worth your time to explore.

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In simpler terms, when we talk about Souls-like games that have been poorly reviewed, we are focusing on titles that have garnered an aggregate score of 75% or lower on the review aggregator platform OpenCritic. We will also limit our selection to games that are categorized as ‘Souls-like’ within their filter system.

10.
Enotria: The Last Song

Thespian Souls

In Enotria, an Italian game steeped in folklore, each player steps onto a stage where they enact their roles, just as every character does on a Shakespearean stage. The words of the Bard resonate strongly within this game, making it as valuable as gold.

From the start, Enotria captivates with its stunning landscapes bathed in sunlight and fields of vibrant sunflowers, making it difficult not to be smitten by its dramatic backdrop. However, it’s important to note that this location isn’t just about picturesque views; it also delivers a challenging experience, much like a Soulslike game.

By switching among different masks, you can adapt your strategy in real-time, and by perfecting the skill of deflecting attacks, you’ll endeavor to vanquish colossal adversaries and warp time according to your whim, navigating a stunning yet merciless landscape that awaits you.

The issue is that the performance can be somewhat choppy at times, and the fighting isn’t always smooth, but it’s never severe enough to spoil the entire gameplay. This hidden treasure is definitely worth investigating for anyone who’s a fan of the Souls series.

9.
Outward

Venture Outward, Brave Explorer

When I place Outward on a list of Soulslike games like this one, I usually add a disclaimer for each game, explaining that in essence, Outward is closer to being a fantasy RPG similar to The Elder Scrolls series. Nevertheless, it has numerous characteristics reminiscent of the Souls series, making it deserving of inclusion on such a list.

This game is often called “Dark Souls for Pairs,” which might be pushing it a bit, but I understand how it gained that nickname.

In other words: The name “Dark Souls for Couples” may not seem entirely accurate, but it’s easy to see why

The game might be appealing because it offers a chance for two daring explorers to battle using tactics reminiscent of Soulslike games, where care and accuracy play crucial roles.

Perhaps the challenge lies in the game not providing much guidance, instead throwing you into a mysterious, expansive realm where players must strategize, gather resources, and tread carefully lest they lose everything quickly.

Essentially, we’re talking about an intense, fantastical role-playing game journey that’s most enjoyable when experienced together. If your friend is ready to embark on an adventure at a moment’s notice, don’t hesitate – seize the opportunity!

8.
Loot River

Top-Down Tile Puzzles

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve stumbled upon a unique gem – Loot River. Unlike most games in its genre, it stands out as a Soulslike from above, yet offers a twist by constantly challenging me with intricate block-based puzzles. It seems the creators have handed over the reins of this world, inviting me to command and conquer!

You will effortlessly arrange the global interconnected battlefields, similar to a sliding puzzle game, giving you the opportunity to engage and maneuver strategically against numerous foes, all while skillfully dodging enemy attacks.

Instead of focusing on reactive battles, constructing excessively powerful character setups, or mastering each move of a specific enemy, it’s more about observing your surroundings intelligently and employing your mind rather than muscle to survive.

This game stands out as the most unconventional Souls-like in the collection, but for those open to a more innovative experience, it promises a thoughtful and lasting journey that sets it apart from any other.

7.
SteelRising

Vive La Revolution

Although I acknowledge that Lies of P stands out as the top Soulslike game with its unique mechanical puppet character, it’s important to remember that SteelRising is also a strong contender deserving recognition.

SteelRising is developed by the same creative team behind games like Greedfall and The Technomancer, providing a tale set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. They’ve skillfully adapted historical events while infusing it with a captivating narrative filled with the appealing allure of Soulslike gameplay.

The game does have a few oddities, much like other productions from Spiders, such as unusual character expressions and questionable level layouts.

Ultimately, despite some drawbacks, the positive aspects prevail, primarily due to an immersive environment, engaging battles, and a captivating narrative that is clearly presented rather than obscured by item descriptions or subtle environmental hints.

This game is undoubtedly one of the simpler and more approachable entries within the Souls-like genre. If you’re seeking an entry point into this type of gameplay, there aren’t many better options than this one.

6.
Death’s Gambit

Life Before Afterlife

Although many people might argue that Death’s Gambit has significantly improved in its updated form, ‘Afterlife’, I must confess that I still hold a soft spot for the original version. To me, the initial release wasn’t nearly as flawed as others may have suggested.

If it were really as terrible as you suggest, there wouldn’t be much potential for improvement. However, this is not the case; it’s not like dealing with a turd at all.

To make the combat system feel more balanced and interactive, adjustments were necessary. However, once it functioned properly, it was a delightful experience to interact with, providing a challenging learning process that was exciting to conquer.

Moreover, if you’re fond of challenging and cryptic Souls series games that are known for their toughness, the original Death’s Gambit aligns more closely with the Souls style than its later version, which leans heavily towards the Metroidvania genre.

While certain elements could have been more fully realized, the initial Death’s Gambit remained remarkably unique, and I’m always prepared to advocate for its merits against those who criticize it.

5.
Thymesia

Pick Your Poison

I’m drawn towards creators who venture beyond their familiar work and attempt something fresh and intriguing, which is why I eagerly anticipated Thymesia – a Souls-like game under the Team17 label.

For some individuals, this particular title might not resonate as effectively because of a somewhat unengaging narrative, combined with its disappointingly brief duration compared to other games in the Souls-like genre.

However, what’s delivered is nothing less than top-notch, featuring an innovative dual HP battle system that combines plague accumulation and conventional damage. Essentially, this means you should prioritize attacking over defensive strategies, unlike games such as Dark Souls where hiding might be a more viable option.

This game might be more appealing due to its engaging gameplay rather than its aesthetics, but if you’re seeking a Souls-like experience and are willing to look past the somewhat dull environment, you’re likely to find Thymesia quite enjoyable.

4.
Lords of the Fallen (2023)

Death Is Not The End

The first Lords of the Fallen was a poor imitation of a Souls-like game, and I won’t defend it in any way. However, I can’t help but express my disagreement with those who didn’t appreciate the 2023 soft reboot.

Experiencing the two-realm strategy in level design is an exceptional feature that makes it a standout attraction. It grants you the freedom to transition between the actual world and the Umbral world, uncovering hidden mysteries, alternative routes, and fresh challenges. Moreover, it provides players with a unique opportunity to revisit the realm of life if they meet certain conditions.

Additionally, the game provides an array of intense and diverse battles, allows for seamless multiplayer collaboration should you wish to involve a friend, and offers numerous customizable character builds and gameplay strategies to experiment with.

Despite some issues with balance and complexity in the game layout, it’s clear that this Soulslike title exceeds expectations, proving to be much more than the mediocre experience reviewers may suggest.

3.
The Surge

Satisfying Sci-Fi Souls

Several have made an effort but fallen short in creating a Sci-fi Soulslike game. Dolmen, Deathbound, and AI Limit weren’t successful, and AI Limit also had its flaws. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely anyone would argue with me when I say that The Surge stands out as the most impressive attempt so far.

Although the subsequent installment exceeds the initial one significantly, I can’t help but feel that the groundbreaking entry in this series could have received a bit more recognition at its debut.

The game features an innovative combat system that highlights vulnerable spots on enemies’ limbs similar to Dead Space, and instead of the conventional leveling up, it offers a cybernetic enhancement system. These unique concepts are incredibly appealing and easy to become fond of.

The primary problem lay in the fact that the intriguing concepts were encased within mundane level designs, an underwhelming storyline that failed to capture the essence of the science fiction atmosphere, and a few technical glitches.

To put it simply, the original game paved the way for its fantastic sequel, and even though it has a few small issues, you can expect all of the great sci-fi elements to still be present if you’re open to looking past those minor flaws. I suggest giving it a shot; you might be pleasantly surprised by the amount of science fiction it offers!

2.
The Last Faith

Gory, Gothic, Great

It puzzles me greatly why The Last Faith is often seen as a mediocre Souls-like game rather than one of the best 2D titles available. To my mind, it definitely deserves the latter classification.

In essence, this game can be summarized as a fusion of Bloodborne’s and Castlevania’s elements in a smooth 2D format. It provides challenging yet enjoyable platform navigation, an array of traditional Metroidvania upgrades, and intense hack-and-slash battles that adapt to your actions.

But, for everyone residing in Yharnam, this game delivers an atmospheric gothic horror backdrop, battle sequences where you need to learn the dance of each boss fight, and a plethora of enigmatic side missions and optional activities that echo the style of FromSoft games.

The main issue I’ve noticed is that the game delays most of its top combat and platforming challenges until late in the game by making power-ups a crucial factor. However, despite this, I would advise persisting with it, as it might turn out to be your preferred 2D Souls-like experience yet.

1.
Code Vein

There Will Be Blood

It’s consistently clear to me that Code Vein didn’t receive the recognition it might have from both critics and fans of Souls games, as it stands out somewhat among similar titles. In other words, it’s a unique game within its peer group.

This game combines an anime-style narrative and visuals, simplifies the hack-and-slash combat for easy accessibility, and adds more role-playing game (RPG) elements. However, its mix of genres might be challenging or off-putting to some players.

It’s worth noting that for the most immersive experience, playing with a cooperative partner is strongly recommended, if not essential. However, there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had on its own as well.

The tale is remarkable, the flow of events is rewarding, the encounters with adversaries throughout serve as an appropriate test, and all in all, it’s an exceptional game within the Souls-like genre that isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.

As a gaming enthusiast who leans towards the Souls-style games, I can understand if you’re initially hesitant about Code Vein. But let me tell you, if you’re open to exploring new territories, Code Vein has some exciting rewards in store for those brave enough to step outside the box.

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2025-05-28 18:11