New Retro Soulslike Game on Steam Has PS1-Era Graphics, and It’s Promising

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Gaming fads are always changing, and before a trend disappears, many games try to capitalize on it. Currently, battle royale and hero shooter games are popular, closely followed by soulslike games. While FromSoftware created the soulslike genre, many large and independent developers are now releasing their own versions on platforms like Steam. The solo developer Maruko is doing the same with their game, Forgotten Blood, but it’s also incorporating other current gaming trends.

Gaming trends aren’t limited to specific types of games; they also affect settings, how games are played, and visual styles. A growing trend is the use of a visual style reminiscent of the original PlayStation (PS1), and Forgotten Blood is a great example. Several indie horror games are using this low-poly, slightly unsettling look to evoke a nostalgic feeling. It’s also a way for developers with limited resources to create a unique atmosphere. While it might seem odd to think of the PS1 as ‘retro,’ the console is over thirty years old, and graphics have improved dramatically since then. Forgotten Blood could appeal to players who fondly remember 90s video games, and its soulslike gameplay might attract a modern audience on Steam.

Per the Forgotten Blood Steam Page, the game is targeting a March 2026 release date.

Forgotten Blood Features at a Glance

  • FIGHT challenging enemies befitting of a dark fantasy setting.
  • LOOT breakable vases and hidden chests.
  • DISCOVER hidden areas by finding illusory walls.
  • INTERACT with NPC vendors for lore and upgrades.
  • EXPLORE an open map with branching paths.
  • EXPERIENCE a story about redemption and survival.

I’m so hyped for this game! It’s set in a world completely broken by this really old, awful curse, and you play as this one adventurer who’s the only one who can actually fix things. You basically have to journey through these ruined lands to find a cure and break this endless cycle of… well, everyone dying forever. Sounds epic, right?

Forgotten Blood is Drowning in Soulslike Inspirations

Although this new game, releasing in 2026, uses a first-person viewpoint – a departure for the developers – it clearly takes inspiration from the popular ‘Souls-like’ genre. The game’s interface, especially how you choose items, feels very familiar, and the difficult, demanding combat is a key feature. Players should find the challenging gameplay keeps them engaged as they explore the Forgotten Valley.

The game’s core idea strongly resembles those found in FromSoftware titles. Players take on the role of a solitary traveler searching for a way to end a repeating cycle of death. The specifics of the ancient curse are initially mysterious, but players will uncover the world’s history as they progress. There’s also at least one character players can interact with and trade with, and the developer, Maruko, will probably use this to draw players further into the story of Forgotten Blood.

Image via Maruko

Beyond the challenging combat, mysterious story, and fantasy world, this game also focuses on exploration, much like those made by FromSoftware. The Steam trailer shows players will be rewarded for careful searching – finding hidden chests, secret passages behind illusory walls, and even loot inside breakable vases. The world seems to be designed with branching paths, similar to the Dark Souls games, rather than the vast open world of Elden Ring. Overall, the game appears to capture the essence of ‘soulslike’ exploration.

The use of AI in video games is a hot topic right now, and Maruko is being upfront about how they used it in their game. They’ve confirmed that AI was used to improve the voice in the intro and some in-game icons. Importantly, the icons are based on Maruko’s original artwork and are only temporary, meaning they plan to remove them in the final version of the game.

Forgotten Blood’s Aesthetic Gives It The Edge It Needs to Stand Out

Okay, so there are tons of soulslike games coming out right now, both indie and big-budget ones like The Duskbloods and the sequel to Lies of P. That means any new game in this genre really needs to do something special to get noticed. And honestly, Forgotten Blood is absolutely doing that! The biggest thing is it’s in first-person, which is already different since most soulslikes are third-person. But even more than that, it’s got this really cool, retro PS1-style look that really makes it stand out.

Honestly, seeing Forgotten Blood in motion is really impressive, especially the environments. It gives me that same epic feeling I get from FromSoftware games – huge areas, massive towers… it just makes you feel small. What’s cool is you didn’t really see that in most PS1 games, so it’s a big part of what makes this game feel special – a really neat mix of old and new. Even though it’s going for that PS1 look, some of the places in the trailer are genuinely gorgeous. If the gameplay feels good, I think this Steam game could be a huge hit. That retro style is already working wonders for it. It’s a smart idea to combine that classic PS1 aesthetic with a genre that didn’t even exist back then, and I’m hoping this game does well so we get more soulslikes with that old-school vibe.

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2026-02-05 17:38