10 Game Worlds That Would Make Epic Soulslike Adventures!

Summary

Games like Hades and Dishonored would make rich soulslike settings with diverse atmospheres.
Quake’s Gothic architecture and Darkest Dungeon’s Lovecraftian terrors align well with soulslike ambiance.
Oddworld’s Stranger’s Wrath and Gloomwood offer unique dark tones for potential soulslike adaptations.

Among Dark Souls’ many admirable qualities, one that stands out is undoubtedly its intriguing world and the eerie ambiance it creates. Its unforgettable landmarks, varied locations, and a host of captivating characters add depth to the adventure, with heart and mystery seemingly in perfect balance.

It’s fortunate that there are numerous games sharing similar moods and environments as Dark Souls, which may attract its fanbase. Yet, a significant number of these games offer distinct gameplay mechanics, even though their dark and enigmatic realms could seamlessly blend with the souls-like genre.

8. Hades

A Beautifully Illustrated Underworld

As a gamer, I’d say I’m diving headfirst into the vibrant, artistically rendered underworld of Hades. This action-packed roguelite game has me hooked with its stunning painterly style. The storyline is engaging, bolstered by compelling characters that truly bring the game to life. And let’s not forget the RPG elements – they give Hades a universal allure that keeps me coming back for more!

While the current gameplay of Hades is undeniably fulfilling, it’s clear that its intricate underworld setting could thrive even more in a narrative-driven soulslike format. The captivating characters, mysterious environment, and varied adversaries all contribute to a vivid world that would blossom with a broader scope.

7. Quake

Dark & Gothic Science-Fantasy

This classic first-person shooter game stands out with its Gothic architecture and intriguing blend of dark science fiction and fantasy elements, showcasing an impressive variety of imaginative level designs that push the boundaries of what’s possible within its constraints. While its gameplay is undeniably action-packed, the world of Quake is shrouded in a deep, captivating atmosphere that turns the act of exploration into a surprisingly engaging adventure.

In a similar vein to traditional soulslike games, this title features an enveloping ambiance and Gothic-style settings that fit right in. Moreover, subtle horror elements add to this immersion. What makes it stand out is the blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements akin to Quake, which would offer a unique twist on enemy and boss creation within the soulslike genre, broadening its design possibilities.

6. Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath

A Strange & Desolate World

In essence, the game Oddworld presents an exceptionally captivating soulslike atmosphere through its eccentric design philosophy and distinctly peculiar personality traits. With its vibrant setting and assortment of alien characters, it creates extraordinary landscapes that intrigue in delightful ways.

In another perspective, one could contend that the atmosphere of Stranger’s Wrath lends itself well to a soulslike game, given its bleaker mood and more barren landscapes. The challenging and hostile environments, along with the larger-than-life inhabitants, are what truly align Stranger’s Wrath with the soulslikes’ distinctive style.

5. Ravenswatch

A Dark & Twisted Fairy Tale Setting

Ravenswatch is a demanding action game with roguelike elements, heavily influenced by Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs). It blends a tactical combat system with rewarding role-playing game (RPG) character development across each playthrough. The action unfolds in a grim, fantastical setting that may be sparsely presented but provides an appropriate stage for the game’s intense battles.

In a simplified manner, the game’s setting is appropriately minimalistic for the roguelike genre. However, it could potentially benefit from a broader exploration of its dark fantasy atmosphere and character interactions in a soulslike format. Despite limited lore drawn directly from the game, there’s a rich reservoir of folklore and fairy tale influences to delve into.

4. Dishonored

A Downtrodden Atmosphere & Diverse Urban Environments

In the world of Dishonored, you find a grimy and unhealthy landscape populated by rough individuals. The stark difference between the opulent upper-class areas and squalid lower-class ones adds variety. However, no matter where you go, the game’s grime and decay are always evident.

In a more casual tone, it could be said that the griminess and variety of settings in the game “Dishonored” make it an excellent candidate for a soulslike genre adaptation. This is largely due to the game’s gritty atmosphere and interconnected urban landscapes, which can not only be navigated but also manipulated in inventive ways. Additionally, the intricate steampunk world could be further enhanced by the grand scale usually found in soulslikes, offering more chances for immersive world-building.

3. Gloomwood

A Dirty, Grimy, & Interconnected Victorian City

In simpler terms, the game titled “Gloomwood” blends survival-horror, immersive-sim, and stealth genres to create a unique gaming experience filled with captivating atmosphere. One of its standout features is the expansive, interconnected Victorian city setting, which changes dynamically and teems with various peculiar and ominous characters and creatures.

Gloomwood’s gameplay is meticulously designed with immersive simulation in mind. It’s clear that its dark, Victorian atmosphere, combined with fantastical elements and the eldritch horrors lurking beneath, would make it an excellent fit for a “Soulslike” style of game.

2. Caves Of Qud

A Strange, Mysterious, & Expansive Science-Fantasy Setting

The game titled “Caves Of Qud” stands out as an exceptional open-world roguelike RPG, offering a top-notch character creator, progression system, and a masterful blend of handcrafted and procedurally generated content. What truly sets it apart, though, is its immersive science-fantasy universe.

In this sparsely designed roguelike game, the intricate and otherworldly environment is skillfully portrayed through a mix of haunting background music, captivating narrative, and thoughtful dialogue. The diverse cast of peculiar characters and imaginative locales contribute to a vibrant world teeming with diversity, consistently sparking interest with its engaging exploration rewards. The soothing atmosphere and distinctive, extraterrestrial feel could undoubtedly create an appealing soulslike environment, while the array of quirky weapons and collectibles would certainly add thrilling loot opportunities.

1. Darkest Dungeon

Stark Gothic Horror & Lovecraftian Terrors

Darkest Dungeon’s rough, hand-drawn artwork and the grim, gritty feel of its dark fantasy setting align seamlessly with the challenging and unrelenting gameplay common in soulslikes. Moreover, the game’s Gothic influences and somber tone harmonize nicely with the atmosphere of Dark Souls and similar games.

The central horror in this game has a Lovecraftian feel, making it suitable for a soulslike genre. It boasts an array of unique enemy and boss designs, as well as a constant feeling of impending doom. What stands out most is the potential for growth within the game’s world, particularly in Darkest Dungeon’s bleak and decaying regions. Delving further into these dark lands using a soulslike framework could yield an immersive and fulfilling experience.

2025-03-12 11:34