Best Soulslike Games With Roguelite & Rougelike Elements

Highlights

Soulslikes, a subgenre of RPGs, offer a slow combat experience with roguelite elements for dynamic gameplay.
Games like
Dark Devotion
mix genres like metroidvania with soulslike combat, focusing on exploration and storytelling.
Mortal Shell
and
Remnant: From the Ashes
introduce roguelike elements to traditional soulslike gameplay, providing new challenges.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the current trend of merging soulslike and roguelite elements in games is truly fascinating. It’s like watching two heavyweight champions enter the ring, each bringing their unique strengths to create an unforgettable spectacle.

Role-playing games (RPGs) have consistently been a highly favored category in video game culture. More recently, a specific branch of this genre has risen to prominence and swept the globe: “Soulslikes”. This new wave was pioneered by Elden Ring, which catapulted the subgenre into mainstream success. Since then, other games have joined the trend, self-identifying as Soulslikes.

As a long-time gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the evolution of certain subgenres in video games. One such example is the blend between roguelite and soulslike elements, which I find particularly captivating. Having played both genres extensively, I can attest to their unique charms – the procedural randomness of roguelites and the intricate combat mechanics of soulslike games each offer distinct gaming experiences that complement one another beautifully.

7 Dark Devotion

A Blend Of Different Game Genres

Best Soulslike Games With Roguelite & Rougelike Elements

Dark Devotion blends multiple gaming styles, incorporating aspects of “souls-like” and “roguelike” games. Primarily, it’s presented in the style of a Metroidvania game, which are typically 2D side-scrollers like this one.

In other words, the atmosphere and design of the game align perfectly with that of a soulslike title, offering a grim fantasy backdrop for players to traverse. A key feature of Dark Devotion is its emphasis on exploration, as the narrative unfolds not through direct storytelling but rather by allowing players to discover pieces of the plot during their journey.

The combat also takes after soulslikes, with invincibility frames whilst dodging, stamina conservation, blocking, and parrying. The roguelite elements with the exploration, as players will be exploring dungeons and attempting to develop their character. Various perks and equipment will be needed to take on bosses, and if the player dies, they will respawn weakened, with their equipment gone.

6 Mortal Shell

A Regular Soulslike With A Roguelike DLC

The fundamental game, “Mortal Shell,” bears resemblance to the genre known as “soulslikes,” primarily influenced by the legendary “Dark Souls.” This title offers the signature challenge that soulslikes are recognized for, immerses players in a gloomy fantasy realm, and emphasizes intense melee battles.

In contrast, the Mortal Shell game added a roguelike mode called The Virtuous Cycle DLC, designed specifically for multiple playthroughs. As is common in roguelikes, this expansion introduced a new mechanic where boosts and enhancements are granted to skills, lasting for a cycle with a considerable degree of player-driven variation.

5 Remnant: From The Ashes

A DLC Featuring A Roguelike Mode

In its original version, Remnant: From The Ashes exhibited a few rudimentary roguelike features, like a distinctly randomized progression sequence. Nevertheless, it failed to delve deeper into the roguelike aspects.

In the expansion pack known as “Swamp of Corsus,” a new game mode called Survival Mode was introduced. This mode deviates from the regular gameplay by presenting players with a roguelike experience where they begin with a simple pistol and amass equipment through various means to aid their advancement. Enigmatic books, or Tomes, can be employed to unlock Traits, providing unique passive abilities. If a player meets an untimely demise, Glowing Fragments are kept, which can later be traded for exclusive gear.

4 Bloodborne

With Optional Roguelite Content

In the standard gameplay of Bloodborne, you won’t find any Roguelike features that are common to FromSoft games. However, these Roguelike aspects can be discovered in the optional Chalice Dungeons, which can be entered through the Hunter’s Dream.

As a devoted fan, I’m always thrilled to delve into the intricate labyrinths of Bloodborne, where I can choose between procedurally generated or pre-set dungeons. The ultimate goal? Gaining rare loot and battling formidable bosses. Checkpoints scattered throughout these dungeons provide a sense of security, while special enemies spawn additional foes to keep me on my toes. Traps lurk around every corner, ready to claim my life, and levers grant access to deeper, hidden sections of the dungeon. The abundance of blood echoes that can be accumulated is simply breathtaking. After all, Bloodborne offers a unique blend of Souls-like gameplay, pioneered by its developers, combined with roguelite elements, making each adventure truly unforgettable.

3 Arboria

A More Standard Conception Of A Soulslike

The game named Arboria is identified as a roguelike with combat reminiscent of Souls series games, and this description holds true. Certain aspects of Souls-like play can be observed, such as the prominence given to evasive maneuvers, and a healing system similar to the Estus Flask from the Souls series.

As I delve deeper into this game, it’s clear that roguelike elements are front and center. Essentially, I find myself navigating through randomly generated stages. Each attempt ends when my character meets their demise, but the skills I’ve acquired along the way stick with me. The twist? I’m not playing as the same character; instead, I get to start fresh with a new one. With each new character, I can build on what I’ve learned to keep making progress in this epic adventure.

2 Devil Slayer – Raksasi

A Unique Combination Of Soulslike And Roguelike

Soulslikes are often defined by their third-person camera view, but this doesn’t always set a strict rule. Some soulslikes have adopted a side-scrolling perspective, while others, like Devil Slayer – Raksasi, offer a top-down view. In this game, combat involves dodging and melee fighting, which are typical elements found in soulslike games.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of video games, I can confidently say that this game seems to be a classic example of the roguelike genre. Having played numerous titles within this category, I can appreciate the familiar structure it presents. The gameplay revolves around multiple attempts to build strength and uncover new features, which is a common theme in such games.

1 Curse Of The Dead Gods

A Roguelike With Soulslike Elements

While Curse of the Dead Gods isn’t strictly classified as a “soulslike” game, it shares many characteristics with them, primarily due to its roguelike structure. However, it also incorporates certain elements typical of soulslike games, even though it doesn’t fully fit into that category. This blend has earned the game significant acclaim among players.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, Curse of the Dead Gods emphasizes managing your stamina wisely. Each attack or dodge consumes stamina. A clever dodge that aligns with an enemy’s attack is considered a perfect dodge and restores some of your stamina, much like in soulslike games. Parrying, another move reminiscent of soulslike games, will also replenish your stamina once successfully executed. Just as in soulslike games, you must pause your attacks and dodges to restore your stamina before continuing your fight against the diverse enemies you’ll encounter during a run.

2024-08-15 06:05