Why a Demon’s Souls 2 Might Have Better Legs Than a Dark Souls 4

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Why a Demon's Souls 2 Might Have Better Legs Than a Dark Souls 4

Highlights

  • The universe of Demon’s Souls offers untapped dark fantasy intrigue beyond the Dark Souls series.
  • Miyazaki’s unexpected success with Demon’s Souls led to the creation of the Soulsborne genre.
  • A Demon’s Souls sequel could bring new ideas and consolidate FromSoft’s catalog of darker atmospheres.

As a seasoned gamer who has navigated through the labyrinthine world of FromSoftware games for the better part of two decades, I can confidently say that the universe of Demon’s Souls remains an untapped gem in the dark fantasy genre. While the Dark Souls series has undeniably left its mark on gaming culture, there’s a certain allure to revisiting the realm of Boletaria, a place where it all began.

The depth and imaginative storytelling found in The Lands Between and the rich history of Dark Souls series isn’t limited to these worlds alone. Even the universe of FromSoftware’s initial game, Demon’s Souls, remains largely unexplored when it comes to dark fantasy mysteries compared to other intellectual properties. As we’ve seen more titles emerge, delving back into the world of Boletaria could provide the most creatively stimulating direction for the developers.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on how Demon’s Souls, initially a resurrected project under Hidetaka Miyazaki’s creative direction, unexpectedly soared to success. This triumph led him to reinvent the entire concept of Souls games with Dark Souls, its spiritual heir.

The Universe of Demon’s Souls is a Much Fresher Slate Than Other FromSoftware IPs

Dark Souls’ Legacy is Established, but Convoluted

It’s clear that fans would rejoice at the prospect of another Dark Souls game, as it delves deeper into its enigmatic yet evolving mythos. However, this rich history also forms a complex and restrictive tapestry. With countless years of backstory intertwined around figures like Gwyn and his descendants, a potential Dark Souls 4 would likely need to build upon the past, ensuring it honors its references, rather than introducing entirely new ideas.

How a Return to Demon’s Souls Could Bring the Studio’s Evolution Full Circle

Although the Dark Souls series achieved widespread acclaim, it was originally intended to end with its third installment. In an interview with GameSpot in 2015, Miyazaki explained his perspective on the ongoing production of Soulsborne games as a whole:

“I feel it’s time for us, FromSoftware and myself, to move on from creating more Souls and Bloodborne games. For me, Dark Souls 3 serves as the final chapter in this series. Instead, we are eager to venture into new creative territories. Dark Souls 3 signifies the end of a project initiated before I took over as president. The next game, however, will be one that was conceptualized during my tenure. I firmly believe that FromSoftware needs to explore fresh ideas.”

In simpler terms, Elden Ring can be seen as marking the end of an era that began after Sekiro, but there’s still opportunity to delve back into the IP where it all started. While Demon’s Souls laid down many fundamental aspects of this subgenre over a decade ago, a new installment could introduce fresh concepts for a new generation rather than just repeating the past.

The Innovative Opportunities of a Demon’s Souls Sequel

FromSoft is Likely to Return to the Boletaria of the PS3 Era Over the Remake

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate the visual enhancements in the PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls, but what truly captivates me is the timeless aesthetic that the original game has maintained throughout the years. Despite the evolution of the company since 2009, this unique charm provides a strong foundation for innovating the core mechanics and world design in a potential sequel. Whether it unfolds in a future timeline or offers a fresh, disconnected setting, a new Demon’s Souls game would have the freedom to break away from the conventions that other games in its genre have come to embody.

Bloodborne Could Find a Spiritual Successor in Demon’s Souls 2

For quite some time, fans have been eagerly awaiting a new installment in the Bloodborne series, linked with Sony. However, given the current state of the gaming industry, it seems that a sequel to Demon’s Souls might be more feasible in satisfying this demand. Both games share a common dark theme and an intricate design philosophy centered around grotesquery. By creating a new game that combines these two underrepresented titles in their catalog, the studio can cater to fan expectations without feeling pressured to live up to the high expectations associated with a well-known franchise name.

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2024-08-06 23:04