6 Soulslike Gems You Might Have Missed

It appears that Souls-like games are quite prevalent in today’s gaming landscape, but it’s more about the term’s popularity rather than an influx of new releases. Not every action RPG needs to fit into this subgenre, but those that do tend to garner significant interest. Games like FromSoftware’s acclaimed titles, Team Ninja’s projects, and games such as “Lies of P” and “The First Berserker: Khazan” have become well-known among fans of Souls-like games, even if they haven’t played each one.

In truth, you won’t find an abundance of Soulslikes hidden treasures. Although these games, belonging to a concept that’s quite popular, remain somewhat niche and uncommon. Consequently, enthusiasts will likely explore most fresh releases that fall under this subgenre. However, there are some truly exceptional Soulslike games that may have gone unnoticed, so let’s shed light on them instead.

Some criteria to narrow down the selection:

If a Soulslike game is currently on Game Pass or PS Plus, it will not be included. That said, Clash: Artifacts of Chaos is fairly unknown and a good option for subscribers to Sony’s service.
Only games with less than 8K reviews on Steam will be considered. This eliminates titles like Little Witch Nobeta.
Indie games will take center stage.

6. Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption

A Great Concept With Uneven Execution

The game titled “Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption” was one of the pioneering indie games to attempt adopting the Dark Souls approach, and Dark Star made a smart choice by primarily focusing on boss battles. Players must confront eight opponents, many of whom are modeled after the seven deadly sins. Although it lacks a substantial narrative, the game’s biblical motifs are engaging, and each boss has distinctive aesthetics and tactical twists in combat.

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: In the game Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption, the concept of choice is twisted in an intriguing manner. After defeating a boss, you, as the player, are faced with a choice to make a sacrifice that will impact your journey throughout the game. These sacrifices could range from a decrease in health to vulnerability after draining your stamina. The only exception is the final boss, but the six others can be tackled in any order you prefer. This means that every decision you make matters, as each sacrifice you choose adds up, shaping your playthrough in significant ways.

Sacrifice for Redemption” is somewhat overshadowed by its playability, which is generally satisfactory but nothing extraordinary. The game’s challenging difficulty can sometimes border on being frustrating.

5. DarkMaus

A Hard-As-Nails Soulslike Game That Offers A Rare POV

Created by a single developer, DarkMaus stands as an impressive feat, primarily catering to dedicated Soulslike enthusiasts seeking an immersive exploration of the genre’s offerings. With gameplay viewed from above, the mouse protagonist embarks on a quest that encounters various rodents, insects, and creatures, transforming a simple pet into a dungeon-crawling hero.

In a way that doesn’t jump out at you, yet uniquely complementing its dark fantasy style, the visuals of this game echo those found in Soulslikes. The battle mechanics in DarkMaus mirror Dark Souls effectively, with the fundamental moves being both recognizable and robust.

4. Bleak Sword DX

A Soulslike Game That Looks Great And Plays Well Enough

Bleak Sword DX offers an intriguing blend of minimalistic yet captivating pixel art and straightforward yet satisfying gameplay, making it a notable indie interpretation of the Soulslike genre. While sharing similarities with its predecessors, it carves out its unique niche, almost seeming like a genre unto itself. The primary narrative progresses in a sequential manner, requiring players to eliminate all adversaries within a stage modeled like a diorama. Successful survival propels the player to the next stage within a chapter. Death results in restarting the current level, with the consequences being loss of experience points and items as well. Players can employ their earned XP to enhance their stats, and careful decision-making is essential due to the game’s considerable difficulty.

The enhanced version of Bleak Sword DX might not appeal to all players, but those who are fans of Soulslikes, particularly those drawn to expansive game worlds, may find the experience rather sparse (it should be noted that the visual environments are quite captivating). Nevertheless, this game skillfully combines visually appealing graphics with engaging gameplay and strategically crafted enemies that can swiftly halt a playthrough with just a few well-timed attacks.

3. The Last Faith

2D games that blend Metroidvania exploration with combat reminiscent of the Souls series are quite prevalent these days, with Steam hosting numerous titles in this genre. Games like Salt & Sanctuary and Blasphemous showcase how well this type of gameplay can work from a side-scrolling perspective without encountering many problems, and they’ve both gained a good reputation. While not as widely recognized as the most popular 2D Soulslikes, The Last Faith is still worth mentioning for Bloodborne enthusiasts looking for something with a similar visual style and atmosphere.

In “The Last Faith,” you’ll find an engaging Gothic atmosphere seamlessly combined with swift and deliberate gameplay mechanics, offering players a decent variety of options for loadouts. The protagonist wields a versatile array of tools, including melee weapons, ranged firepower, and magical abilities. The way these are used in combat should adapt according to the situation at hand. It’s no surprise that, like other Soulslike games, “The Last Faith” is brimming with challenging boss battles, many of which are enjoyable.

2. Asterigos: Curse of the Stars

A Budget Soulslike Game That Is Worth Checking Out

As the Soulslike genre gained popularity, games designed to make it more accessible began emerging. Often known as “Soulslites,” titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Tunic blend Dark Souls-style elements into different genres, such as platforming or puzzle-solving. Asterigos: Curse of the Stars can be categorized within this group, although it might be considered a more traditional Soulslike compared to these two games.

Asterigos, despite having some rough spots, generally offers a robust Action RPG experience, emphasizing reactive combat mechanics. Unlike many Souls-like games,

As a devoted gamer, I’ve found myself immersed in the world of Asterigos – a game with its share of challenges, yet brimming with ambition and a strong resemblance to the Soulslike genre. Despite not leading the pack in any specific aspect, it manages to excel in most areas, offering an engaging experience. Compared to other games in this genre, Asterigos leans towards being more accessible, making it somewhat easier to navigate, at least by the standards of this tough-as-nails gaming category.

1. Special Mention: FlyKnight

More King’s Field Than Dark Souls, But A Fantastic All-Around Game

Sure thing!

To set things straight about FlyKnight, let me explain that while the term “Soulslike” applies on Steam, it might not be entirely accurate. To help you understand what this game is really about, think of it as a first-person dungeon-exploration game similar to FromSoftware’s King’s Field, which paved the way for games like Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls. Combat in FlyKnight is methodical and precise, with a rhythm that can take some getting accustomed to. Although it doesn’t share the same perspective as traditional Soulslikes, the gameplay follows the same general pattern.

As a dedicated fan, I’d say that FlyKnight goes beyond mere combat to provide immersive, lived-in environments. It also offers robust 4-player cooperative gameplay, which is solidly implemented. Instead of leveling up stats, players gather various equipment, offering a sense of progression. The campaign may be brief, but if you’re seeking a unique gaming experience to appease your Soulslike cravings, FlyKnight is definitely worth checking out!

2025-04-29 02:05