Fun Souls: These Games Will Make You Love Dying Over And Over

Summary

Soulslike games don’t need groundbreaking mechanics to be great; cohesive gameplay and design are key.
Jedi: Fallen Order adds fun Star Wars combat to traditional Souls game elements in a stunning world.
Lies of P offers innovative mechanics, unique weapon building, and a captivating world for a top-tier experience.

When people think about Soulslikes, they often associate them with challenging gameplay first and foremost. However, it’s quickly followed by the recognition of incredibly entertaining gameplay that is equally engaging, rewarding, and enjoyable. Since the genre’s inception, Soulslikes have evolved significantly, giving rise to numerous titles that have reshaped certain aspects of the genre and introduced elements that enhance the fun even more.

These newcomers bring fresh mechanics, satisfying combat systems, intriguing worlds, and many other features to the table. Each game presents a unique perspective on what a Soulslike can become and offers players an opportunity to appreciate different aspects of the game that may not be as prominent in other titles.

Every game that debuts isn’t obligated to overhaul its genre or introduce an unprecedented mechanic that fundamentally changes gaming as we know it, making playtime extraordinary. In many instances, the best and most captivating games within a particular genre are those with exceptional design, seamless gameplay, and offer a satisfying overall playing experience. A game doesn’t necessarily have to be packed with every feature under the sun to create an unforgettable gaming adventure; it simply needs to possess enough character, refinement, and quality that make it stand out from the competition and provide gamers with an entertaining experience they can appreciate for years.

8. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Force Powers With Classic Souls Combat

In a brainstorming session about an ideal backdrop for a Soulslike game that’s both tough and incredibly engaging, the Star Wars universe seems like an excellent fit. And that notion is borne out by the reality. The game Jedi: Fallen Order is a brilliant action-adventure title which skillfully blends Soulslike mechanics with the thrilling combat techniques native to the Star Wars universe. With force powers, lightsaber stances, and combinations that seamlessly integrate the two, players have numerous chances to showcase their individual style in gameplay.

This game offers an exhilarating experience as you traverse diverse, immersive environments teeming with adversaries to vanquish in creative ways. The unique mobility system sets it apart â players can double-jump, dash, and scale walls, allowing exploration of every nook and cranny, uncovering secret stashes containing cosmetic items or powerful enhancements to boost your character’s abilities. Though the difficulty may not rival other games when set to the highest level, there is still ample challenge for players to conquer, and the gameplay maintains a distinctive style that keeps the excitement high as you journey from one planet to another.

7. Another Crab’s Treasure

Cute Exterior With A Dark Interior

In contrast to the typical dark and tormented Soulslike worlds, Another Crab’s Treasure offers a completely different atmosphere. Instead of a grim setting, this game is based in a lively, colorful underwater realm. The protagonist, Krill, is a charming little crab who yearns to reclaim his cherished shell. This whimsical adventure draws inspiration from the Soulslike genre, yet it stands out with its humorous elements, such as the ability to pick up and roll around using various sized shells at incredible speeds throughout the expansive world.

This game offers a wealth of charm, with its NPCs presenting relatable issues and offering profound insights on global matters, particularly the devastating effects of pollution on seldom-seen ocean floors. The game may not push players to their physical limits in terms of difficulty, but it presents a significant challenge. Mastering various move combinations and shell mechanics is an exhilarating journey. Upon completing the game, having vanquished a roster of legendary oceanic bosses, the sense of joy experienced is beyond words and might temporarily deter one from seafood.

6. Lies Of P

Truly A Real Boy

Typically, Soulslike games are known for their excellence, but those under FromSoftware’s banner often stand out the most, having set the bar high for others to follow. However, Lies of P breaks this mold and delivers an incredibly enjoyable and top-tier gaming experience that competes with the best in its category. By combining the precise parry mechanics from Sekiro and immersing players in a twisted fairytale world, Lies of P demonstrates what can be achieved with talent and inspiration even in smaller studios without a long history behind them.

It’s always enjoyable to explore and tinker with fresh and intriguing items, and in this instance, it is the versatility to disassemble weaponry and construct an assortment of creative combinations based on the player’s imagination. This allows for hammer heads that can fit comfortably in the palm or spears with a miniature dagger at the tip, giving players total autonomy over the design of their weaponry. Additionally, there are numerous additional tools available to alter the combat dynamics and offer an exciting yet distinctive gaming experience compared to what fans of this genre might be accustomed to. The game’s world is stunningly crafted to complement the gameplay, boasting a rich narrative and artistic detail that will keep players captivated, compelling them to play through repeatedly.

5. The First Beserker: Khazan

The New Kid On The Block

In the gaming realm, Khazan is a standout gem, seamlessly blending Soulslike and hack-and-slash genres in an extraordinary way. Amidst a sea of ordinary games, it offers an unforgettable, exhilarating journey that maintains the level of excitement players crave from a Soulslike game throughout. The game doesn’t excel at one specific aspect; rather, it boasts numerous elements and gameplay facets that are simply delightful, with minimal to no criticisms whatsoever. Khazan offers rewards for those willing to learn, introducing a variety of combo-based abilities and tools that keep the battles engaging and allow players to approach every challenge differently.

Khazan simplifies many complex mechanics and systems found in other games, making them easy to grasp so players can jump right into gameplay without spending too much time figuring out the basics. The option to switch between various weapon styles and reset skill points with a single click is a valuable feature that should be included in future games with similar mechanics. This freedom to customize playstyle enhances enjoyment, something often lacking in other games that limit player choice at every turn. Khazan prioritizes the player’s experience and fun, never sacrificing potential for maintaining essential elements, ensuring they feel intuitive and enjoyable to use.

4. Elden Ring

Bridging The Gap Between Genres

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but express my awe for Elden Ring – it’s as if FromSoftware masterfully blended the soul-stirring essence of Breath of the Wild and the unyielding spirit of Dark Souls. This fusion has resulted in an extraordinary creation that resonates deeply with me.

The game is a testament to FromSoftware’s decade-long journey of learning, evolving, and pushing boundaries. Every aspect of Elden Ring showcases their extensive skillset, crafting an extraordinarily diverse and enchanting experience that deserves a place in the pantheon of video game greatness.

Elden Ring caters to every desire a fan could dream of. A roster of formidable bosses, each distinct in size, difficulty, and narrative depth, keeps me on my toes. The open world is brimming with surprises and unexpected turns, making each exploration feel fresh and exciting. And let’s not forget the flawless combat system, which carries the DNA of the genre’s pioneers while offering a more refined, modernized experience that heightens enjoyment.

In essence, Elden Ring scratches every itch a fan could ever have, and then some. It’s a game that I find myself lost in, captivated by its depth, intrigued by its mysteries, and thrilled by its challenges. FromSoftware has truly outdone themselves with this masterpiece.

The game is so engaging that it’s almost amusing how much there is to discover. Players might think they’ve explored every nook and cranny, but a tiny door can open up to an underground maze filled with fresh enemies and intricate NPC narratives, keeping players captivated for countless hours. The ability to instantly travel across the vast landscape or gallop across the entire surface world on horseback is simply delightful. There’s never a moment of boredom when traversing the Lands Between, and with a single playthrough taking over 100 hours to fully appreciate, winning Game of the Year barely scratches the surface of the recognition this exceptional game deserves. Navigating the world might seem intimidating for those new to FromSoftware’s style, so some players may find it challenging to immerse themselves initially. However, one battle with a formidable boss is all it takes to draw players in and reveal the thrilling adventure that awaits across the world.

3. Nine Sols

An Indie Game Masterclass

Metroidvania games are outstanding, boasting an extensive collection of legendary titles that have remained popular among gamers for years. Nine Sols is another fantastic game added to this collection, incorporating elements similar to Souls-like games which are highly acclaimed in the genre. It immerses players in a hand-drawn “Taopunk” universe that is both visually stunning and eerie at the same time. The gameplay can be simply explained as it encourages precise parries, providing a burst of dopamine with every button press, making the experience feel like a two-dimensional FromSoftware Soulslike game.

Experiencing the thrill of mastering each fresh tactic in combat within Metroidvania games, discovering the diverse array of attacks from each boss, significantly enhances the fighting experience and places it among the best games in this genre so far. No Soulslike game is whole without a compelling narrative, and the story in “Nine Sols” is both moving and endearing. Every collectible, every minor interaction, and every line of dialogue enriches the world, motivating players to explore a little more to find the remaining collectibles hidden in the map’s nooks and crannies. For those new to the Metroidvania genre, this is an ideal entry point, providing top-notch gameplay and a world that could easily be adapted into a full movie series to fully convey its beauty and grandeur.

2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Satisfaction Overload

In terms of groundbreaking innovation, it’s only fitting that FromSoftware is the studio behind one of the finest examples within its genre, as well as one of the greatest games ever developed. Unlike any other single-player game, it provides an exceptional platform for player skill expression. Instead of relying on constant rolling, it encourages precise parries and a vast arsenal of stunning abilities and ninja techniques to outmaneuver and annihilate any obstacle in your path.

One unique aspect that distinguishes Sekiro from similar games is the intricate map navigation and the remarkable verticality of its world. The ability to grapple across rooftops and soar over mountainous terrains, right from the palm of your hand, adds an enjoyable dimension to gameplay. What’s more, this tool can also be utilized in combat situations, significantly enhancing the overall gaming experience by allowing players to embody the samurai they’ve always aspired to become.

While the Japanese aesthetic might seem overused at present and the location diversity may not be extensive, the game’s unique feel sets it apart. Although a sequel would undeniably be a delight, even as a one-and-done title, Sekiro remains an exceptional gaming experience, with only a handful of other titles managing to approach its excellence and fun.

1. Bloodborne

Killing Felt So Good

No game, no matter how diligently they strive, has managed to duplicate the fulfillment and raw pleasure that Bloodborne offers thus far. This groundbreaking title was a step ahead in its time, taking the brutality and gloom of the initial Souls games and thrusting the gameplay into a gothic Lovecraftian universe that boasts some of the most breathtaking visuals within the genre, as well as some of the most gruesome. For over a decade now, fans have been clamoring for a sequel or remaster, and it’s hardly surprising given the game’s distinctive art style and combat system, which has inspired and evolved into many of today’s most enjoyable titles.

At its heart, this game offers an exhilarating ride, setting itself apart from previous Soulslikes with two standout features. The first is a quickstep mechanic, which replaces the traditional roll, accelerating combat and fitting seamlessly into the numerous dual-style fights within the game. Secondly, it introduces gunplay, where weapons at your side can effectively block incoming attacks – much like a parry – adding an electrifying, powder keg power to every trigger pull. This fresh take on the genre and the sheer joy of playing are boundless, making Bloodborne a trailblazer in the Soulslike world, inspiring generations of gamers by demonstrating that innovation can redefine and reshape the gaming landscape.

2025-04-13 14:38