8 Best Top-Down Souls-Likes - Investment Policy

In recent times, the Souls series tends to follow a familiar structure, largely because developers are reluctant to deviate significantly from the tried-and-true formula set by the highly successful FromSoftware, which has become an industry standard.

In some games, they alter the experience slightly by adjusting the viewpoint, often elevating the player’s vantage point to the sky, allowing them to engage enemies from above using a top-down perspective.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to admit that while it’s a specialized corner of the video game world, this particular sub-genre is really blossoming and gaining traction.

Here are some fantastic top-down action games reminiscent of the Souls series, which you might have overlooked. Give them a try!

8. Chrono Sword

It’s Slashing Time

Avoid mistaking it with popular JRPG games Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross, our game offers a hardcore, top-down experience reminiscent of the Souls series, and interestingly enough, its story revolves around the theme of time.

At the moment of penning this, the game is still in its Early Access phase. However, it’s already generating anticipation among prospective players. It offers a vast, changeable world thanks to the time-travel feature and an abundance of formidable bosses that inhabit the fated city.

With its vibrant display of pixel art, this project demonstrates great potential and offers multiple gaming styles, an array of unique locations, and so much more. Although it’s still in development, if you find it intriguing, lend your support to the creators and give it a try.

7. Lucah: Born of A Dream

Fight Your Nightmares

If you’re searching for a game reminiscent of souls-like titles but boasting a unique visual aesthetic, then your hunt ends here with Lucah: Born of a Dream.

In essence, this game features intense, unpredictable combat with strategic elements. The action rarely pauses, and if it does, it might be because you’ve been defeated.

To have any hope of battling the demons within you that have taken physical form, it is essential that you employ a mix of battle cries, both close combat and long-range strategies, as well as strategic moments of defense at the right times.

This hack-and-slash epic with a chalkboard feel offers an abundance of exhilarating action reminiscent of “Souls” games, making it well worth your investment. Regrettably, it seems to lack the recognition it truly deserves.

6. Immortal Planet

Break The Cycle

Featuring graphics reminiscent of Adult Swim cartoons from the 2000s, a world trapped in an eternal loop, and intense fighting that’s incredibly satisfying yet quick to penalize, the game is called Immortal Planet.

Or more casually:

With visuals similar to Adult Swim cartoons of the 2000s, stuck in an endless cycle like a time-loop, and combat that feels fantastic but can punish you in a heartbeat, we have Immortal Planet.

Thanks to your character being in a deep cryo sleep, you’ve been spared from the endless cycle of immortal reincarnation. Consequently, the destiny and future of this world are now in your control. Fortunately, you possess the ability to handle such responsibility competently.

For Souls series enthusiasts, Immortal Planet delivers a wealth of adversaries to confront, a refined gameplay style to master, and a captivating environment to explore.

Vigilance is crucial; learning the moves for boss battles is a must, and no matter how hard you try, defeat is unavoidable. Yet, if you’re sincere about it, you wouldn’t want it to be different.

5. Dark Maus

A Game Of Cat And Maus

In my gaming experience, Souls titles are renowned for the intricacy of their gameplay mechanics, the multitude of gear options that allow for personalized character builds, and their stunning visuals that keep me captivated throughout my journey.

Contrarily, the game Dark Maus isn’t overly focused on those aspects. Rather, it presents a minimalist aesthetic through its series of vignettes and shadows, and its combat system is streamlined into a meticulous melee encounter requiring care and accuracy.

In other words, this game stands out because it incorporates an intriguing mechanic: a ghostly duplicate of yourself, known as a “ghost echo,” joins the battle and fights by your side when you are defeated. This gives you added strength in combat.

Although it can be somewhat repetitive and quirky on occasion, given its affordable cost, it’s absolutely worth taking a look.

4. Titan Souls

Make Your Shot Count

If you’re a fan of games that opt for lean mechanics and deliver a focused boss-battle experience, it won’t come as a shock that I hold Titan Souls in high regard, conceptually speaking.

The basic concept of this game is straightforward: you’re continuously battling powerful bosses, and due to your small and frail nature, a single attack could end your life. Yet, it’s worth noting that you possess the ability to defeat these bosses with a single magical arrow strike as well.

In other words, if you don’t strategize, outsmart your opponent, and choose the right time to make your move, you might as well be an easy target.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by this immersive blend of intricate puzzles and intense combat – a mesmerizing fusion of Dark Souls and Shadow of the Colossus. If that doesn’t ignite your passion for adventure, then perhaps we speak different languages when it comes to video games!

3. No Rest For The Wicked

A Promising Early-Access Gem

Once more, we venture into the realm of early access, where an unanticipated developer is crafting a new top-down action game reminiscent of the Souls series. In this case, it’s none other than the creators behind the Ori franchise.

This game shares similarities with action role-playing games such as Diablo and Path of Exile, but since Steam categorizes it as a “Souls-like,” we’re including it in our discussion. Admittedly, we can understand why they made that comparison.

In this game, you’ll enter a rugged, medieval fantasy realm brimming with ancient tales and mystery. You, belonging to the Celim, are the lone beacon of hope for this world. Consequently, you’ll have to step up as a lone warrior, vanquishing towering bosses in various forms.

If the soul-like aspect doesn’t appeal to you enough, it offers stunning world design, diverse character classes with unique playstyles, strategic and thoughtful battles, and hidden mysteries waiting to be discovered in every corner of this desolate realm.

If it’s becoming overwhelming, you might find solace in activities like fishing, home decoration, or learning about cooking mechanisms. Even the bravest of warriors require moments of rest. This project is still under development, but it seems quite exciting!

2. Loot River

Block-Based Brilliance

In many Souls series games, the world appears eager to knock you off your feet at every turn. Contrastingly, in the captivating top-down game Loot River, which shares similarities with Souls-like games, the environment is more than willing to comply with your commands. However, the enemies are less cooperative about this arrangement.

In this game, you’ll find elements common to Souls games, like diverse weaponry and equipment, enchantments and magical symbols, and intricate, tactical battles that could lead to your swift demise if you make a mistake.

Instead, the game combines action elements by incorporating sliding block puzzles. To defeat enemies, you must strategically position these blocks within your surroundings, similar to Tetriminoes, so that when placed, they collide with and eliminate the opponents standing on them.

Although it deviates from the typical Souls series pattern, it does so in an exceptional manner. It brings a refreshing change to the genre, making it a must-try for seasoned Souls gamers who appreciate something new.

1. Void Sols

Stripped Back Souls

Back in its day, Asteroids became a sensation by blending simple geometric shapes with irresistible gameplay, and over time, it has been demonstrated that this combination remains effective, as evidently showcased by the game Void Sols.

Although this game might seem unrelated to ‘Souls-like’ games upon first glance, it actually shares similar elements. Engage in combat that involves blocking, parrying, melee and ranged attacks, and skillful dodges. After a tough defeat, you can take a break at bonfires to rejuvenate your weary spirit. Additionally, expect numerous bosses eager to bring about frequent deaths.

However, this one is distinctive as it resembles an extravagant, high-octane laser spectacle in a top-down shooter game, showing a keen affinity for style and the uncommon.

This game boldly stands out from others with an uncompromising uniqueness, challenging traditional Souls-like game scripts and creating its own distinctive narrative. It shines as a beacon among top-down Souls spinoffs, easily surpassing other games in this category.

2025-01-23 01:40