FromSoftware’s New Game Rips Off Dark Souls Lore

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FromSoftware’s first Soulslike game, The Duskbloods, is unique because it unfolds on entirely separate, instance-based maps that are not interconnected. Unlike many of their previous works which were typically set in a single time and location, this change enables FromSoftware to establish arenas spanning different eras, with some evoking a more medieval feel, while others hint at the Edwardian era.

On different occasions, events from distinct periods have intertwined within a single game, and this isn’t the first instance where it has happened. In the downloadable content (DLC) for Dark Souls, titled Artorias of the Abyss, players were transported back to ancient Oolacile to help Dusk and fulfill the legend surrounding Artorias. However, there’s a lot more Dark Souls lore that is being revisited in The Duskbloods.

Time Is Convoluted in the Duskbloods

Long-time enthusiasts will recall Solaire’s iconic phrase, as it has evolved into one of the oldest memes within this series. Despite all the humor surrounding it, it plays a crucial role in Miyazaki’s narrative. Countless heroes have embarked on journeys to kindle the First Flame across various realms, and the player can trace their footsteps through messages, trails of blood, ghostly apparitions, and friendly collaboration.

In contrast to numerous similar games, the “Souls” series distinguishes itself by seamlessly integrating game mechanics with its narrative backdrop. Instead of using menus and joining lobbies for co-op play, players communicate through signs on the ground, inviting others into their world. By weaving a mythology of interconnected worlds and manipulating time within them, the developers were able to make video game elements feel more organic and consistent with the story they wished to convey.

In “The Duskbloods,” time becomes intricately interwoven as characters from various eras engage in battles across different historical and future moments. The central objective is securing the First Blood, a prestigious prize awarded for victory, which serves to attract these formidable heroes. FromSoftware has subtly suggested the presence of characters hailing from alternate times, like the NPC Chester from “Dark Souls,” who bears an enigmatic resemblance to a character from “Bloodborne.” These figures help create the impression that the player is a stranger in a peculiar world.

In The Duskbloods, there’s no specific present moment, which leaves room for curiosity about how the game’s storyline and history might unfold. Time appears to cease at the Twilight of Humanity, yet this twilight seems constant, suggesting that the traditional concept of time may not apply in the same way as it does to group or individual timelines.

If it seems unclear, let me provide analogies from other works. For instance, consider Doctor Who, where a character can traverse multiple timeframes – the past and future – while following their unique timeline, ultimately arriving at a significant moment that represents the culmination of all events leading up to it.

The Bloodsworn Reflect Another Trend of Fromsoftware’s Storytelling

In the Souls series, it’s common for the protagonist to be summoned because mightier heroes have fallen short or deserted their tasks. The player character, who starts as an ordinary individual, rises above all challenges to achieve what legendary warriors could not. The Bloodsworn, being powerful figures from their own era, strongly resembles this pattern and hints that the world of The Duskbloods is on the brink of a situation so dire that it would call for a Tarnished, Ashen One or Chosen Undead to intervene and rectify the chaos.

This offers a captivating deviation from the usual storyline, hinting that, similar to how Dark Souls 3 did, all aspects of the world and its inhabitants are gradually moving towards a single location at a specific point in time. The Duskbloods poses intriguing queries about the future trajectory of FromSoftware’s creative direction, and it promises to be incredibly engaging and thought-provoking.

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2025-04-10 02:06