Soulslike Games With The Most Complicated Lore

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Soulslike Games With The Most Complicated Lore

Key Takeaways

  • FromSoftware games prioritize lore discovery through gameplay, not exposition.
  • Mortal Shell’s lore is complex but lacks explicit narrative, and revolves around immortality.
  • Lords of the Fallen features dense, poignant storytelling about the living and the dead.

As a longtime connoisseur of the Soulslike genre, I must say that these three games have certainly captured my heart and sparked my interest in new and exciting ways.

The Dark Souls series by FromSoftware has been a pioneer in the action role-playing genre and contemporary video game development. Unlike many other games, these titles offer unique perspectives on gameplay mechanics, combat systems, and level design. Furthermore, their storytelling methods depart significantly from traditional RPG narratives, as players are more often immersed in discovering the games’ lore through their own exploration rather than being spoon-fed exposition or dialogue.

In many FromSoftware games like Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3, the narrative can be intricate and challenging for players to grasp. For instance, understanding the true essence of the Old Blood in Bloodborne or the ascent of Pontiff Sullyvahn in Dark Souls 3 demands a deep dive from players, often leading them to YouTube tutorials to decipher the storyline. Similarly, other Soulslike games exhibit complex lore, even if they don’t share the same themes as FromSoftware’s Dark Souls or Bloodborne. To sum up, these games are known for their convoluted narratives that often require external resources for interpretation. Here is a list of Soulslike games with the most intricate lore.

5 Mortal Shell

A Brief Hunt for Immortatility

As a gamer, I’ve found myself immersed in the world of Mortal Shell, a game that carries a strong resemblance to Dark Souls in its narrative approach. While it offers some intriguing concepts within its lore, I can’t help but feel that it didn’t quite live up to its potential. This game manages to create an atmosphere that is heavy with sorrow, melancholy, and a chilling ambiance that lingers in the air.

Though the game doesn’t provide a traditional storyline through dialogue, players can piece together the narrative as they progress. The central theme revolves around the pursuit of immortality, manipulation of religion, and endless greed. Some sections of the game share a resemblance with Bloodborne, yet due to its brevity and limited expository information provided to players, understanding the lore can become intricate, especially when considering the various factions involved in the hunt for immortality.

4 Lords of the Fallen (2023)

A Welcome Return To Axiom

It’s worth mentioning that the remade version of the initial Soulslike game, Lords of the Fallen, had a bumpy debut but soon became one of the most satisfying Soulslikes to play. Despite not being as enigmatic as its inspiration, it offers a thought-provoking, engaging, and intricate storyline. The core theme of the game revolves around traversing the realm of life and death.

The game offers numerous decaying settlements, hordes of the undead, and breathtaking landscapes. When you add in a multitude of detailed NPC narratives and the sometimes unclear shifts between realms, it can create a good deal of bewilderment. Although the lore of Lords of the Fallen isn’t overly mysterious, it’s rich enough, covering a wide range of topics, making it complex.

3 Ashen

Fantastical Yet Sullen

In essence, “Ashen” carries the unmistakable mark of games in the Soulslike genre, a nod to its long-standing influence from FromSoftware titles. However, it skillfully uses this influence to develop its unique storyline and forge its distinct path. Fundamentally, “Ashen” revolves around the age-old struggle between light and darkness, a battle it executes masterfully. Though it shares a similar vibe with “Dark Souls 3”, the standout aspect of “Ashen” lies in how the narrative unfolds through the diverse characters players encounter and their individual tales.

In “Ashen,” the game skillfully employs its settings and atmosphere to tell its tale. The initial world is shrouded in darkness, desolation, and a somber beauty that’s eerily captivating. As players advance through the narrative, they gather more companions and vanquish more formidable foes, gradually transforming the atmosphere into something warmer and more inviting. Although the main storyline of “Ashen” follows a familiar path, its clever use of diverse characters and their objectives, combined with environmental narration, gives it an intricate and highly capable feel.

2 Lies of P

A Dark Fantasy Soulslike With A Twist

In an alternate rendition, it could be said that among games belonging to this particular sub-genre, Lies of P stands out as one of the most victorious, presenting a revamped account of Pinocchio set against a gothic backdrop – reminiscent of the world depicted in Bloodborne. However, what truly sets this game apart is its masterful execution of its unique concept. The narrative woven by Lies of P is captivating, brimming with unexpected twists, intriguing turns, and enigmatic mysteries yet to be unraveled.

In the aftermath of a chaotic puppet rampage that leaves the entire city in ruins, the main character awakens. The ensuing gameplay involves gradually uncovering the secrets of the past, immersing oneself in this ominous fantasy realm, and advancing through the primary storyline. The game skillfully explores the contrast between being a puppet and gradually becoming human. What makes it even more captivating is the array of secondary characters that players can engage with to delve deeper into the lore. Unlike some games, Lies of P offers a richly detailed in-game world filled with tales and complex interactions at every turn.

1 Blasphemous

A Riveting Metroidvania

The Blasphemous game might be the one that masterfully emulates the enigmatic narrative style of Dark Souls. It sets itself apart with a distinctive spin while still being hailed as one of the top Soulslike games available. Players assume the role of a priest belonging to the Brotherhood, referred to as The Penitent One. The game is richly textured with grim, gory, and ominous visuals, interwoven with ample doses of sorrow for added impact.

The story primarily revolves around a repeating sequence of atonement, a continuous loop of pain, sorrow, and submission for the inhabitants of Cvstodia. The game leaves many aspects clear, including elements of religion, avarice, and remorse. However, it is also rich in numerous personal narratives, detailed background information, and extraordinary world creation. Despite its short length, the lore is on par with most FromSoftware games and is undeniably as intricate as can be.

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2024-09-21 06:33