The Best Lovecraftian Soulslike Games

Highlights

Lovecraftian Soulslike games bring cosmic horror to life effortlessly, exploring ancient lore and cosmic abominations.
Thymesia, Hellpoint,
and
Lies of P
embody Lovecraft’s unique horror in diverse settings and stories, creating a potent mix.
From
Bloodborne’s
evocation of ancient alien creatures to
Blasphemous’
reinterpretation of Christianity, Lovecraft’s influence is profound in Soulslikes.

As a lifelong gamer and horror enthusiast, I can confidently say that these Soulslikes have truly captured the essence of Lovecraftian horror in unique and captivating ways. From the eerie landscapes and haunting monsters of Salt and Sanctuary to the existential dread of Dark Souls, each game offers a chilling experience that lingers long after the controller is down.

As a die-hard gamer with a soft spot for the macabre tales of H.P. Lovecraft, it’s no wonder that I find myself drawn to games in the Soulslike genre like a moth to a flame. These games and Lovecraft’s stories share a unique connection, immersing players in a world where we’re pitted against cosmic horrors, grappling with enigmatic lore, and feeling an ever-present sense of dread that seeps into every line of text and pixel on the screen. Playing the finest Lovecraft-inspired Soulslike games is nothing short of a thrilling journey into the unknown.

It’s not unexpected, given the scenario, that numerous developers conceived identical concepts. Whether it’s battling eldritch monstrosities whose names are unpronounceable or unearthing obscure lore that might be wiser kept secret, the Soulslike genre is an ideal platform for Lovecraftian cosmic horror, a style that continues to gain traction and appeal annually.

8 Thymesia

Plague Doctors Never Bode Well

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: “When you hear ‘Lovecraft,’ most folks probably picture monstrous deities like Cthulhu ready to be formidable bosses. But the realm of cosmic horror is way more expansive than that! Take Thymesia, for instance – a riveting Soulslike game that breathes life into Lovecraftian themes by delving into fear and illness in a world influenced by Renaissance and Victorian aesthetics.”

In a world where science is complex and illnesses seem unstoppable, it’s not hard to imagine how a pandemic could evoke a sense of cosmic dread due to its seemingly indifferent cruelty. When you factor in the terrifying origin of Thymesia’s central disease, this game becomes an exceptional illustration of Lovecraftian-style Soulslike gameplay.

7 Hellpoint

All The Way To Hell And Back

In contrast to Lovecraft’s stories primarily being set in the early 20th century and distant past, contemporary game developers have transferred his unique brand of terror into the realm of science fiction. The game Hellpoint is based in a gothic sci-fi universe, where the cosmic deities of the universe manifest as tangible entities that players engage in brutal combat with, despite their futile efforts.

Given that Lovecraft’s terrifying beings are essentially cosmic deities, it’s no wonder why the horror genre blends seamlessly with a science fiction Soulslike atmosphere. However, remember not to break down when confronting these entities in reality.

6 Lies Of P

A Puppet Of The Other

In a surprising twist, the grim reimagining of the Pinocchio tale titled “Lies of P” isn’t immediately suggestive of Lovecraftian horror, but it skillfully delivers. This game is set in a realm where humans have fashioned ‘puppets,’ and “Lies of P” deftly combines philosophical explorations about the essence of existence and confronting one’s creators, much like Lovecraft’s works do.

In the game “Lies of P“, the mystery surrounding the source of power used to create Puppets deepens and takes on a more Lovecraftian tone. It’s fascinating yet unsettling to uncover what this enigmatic energy truly is. Just as in much of H.P. Lovecraft’s work, there’s often value in remaining ignorant about certain secrets.

5 Salt And Sanctuary

Lines Of Salt’ll Do Little To Help

Witness the scenario of a sailor, tormented by ghostly tales, shipwrecked on an enigmatic, unexplored island shrouded in mist, where grotesque creatures seem to materialize from the fog. The nautical motifs, eerie ambiance, and terrifying monster aesthetics found in Salt and Sanctuary strongly echo a Lovecraftian influence.

In Salt and Sanctuary, players are drawn into a world that appears to have been left in ruins, a place shrouded in mystery and terror. This game skillfully captures Lovecraft’s unique style of horror, leaving players with numerous enigmas to unravel on an island that seems beyond comprehension. If you’re brave enough, venture into the horrors of this RPG inspired by Lovecraft’s works.

4 Hollow Knight

Cosmic Horror On A Bug’s Scale

At first glance, “Hollow Knight” appears to follow a typical 2D pattern of the Soulslike genre. Yet, as the player ventures deeper into Hallownest and unearths the tragic history of the once grand kingdom, it becomes evident that the decay runs much deeper than expected. The horrifying corruption unveiled suggests the ancient deities who control the destiny of all bugs played a significant role in its demise.

As you progress through Hollow Knight, the mood shifts, but towards the game’s finale, the otherworldly aspects of its adversaries emerge more prominently. This revelation underscores the insignificance of the player in the face of cataclysmic perils, stirring a chilling, unexpected feeling reminiscent of Lovecraftian horror.

3 Dark Souls

Cosmic Horror, Done Subtly

In the fictional realm of Dark Souls, you won’t immediately notice influences from H.P. Lovecraft’s works due to its fearsome-looking adversaries. However, as you progress through the game and uncover its secrets, Miyazaki’s creation gradually reveals itself as a fresh interpretation of the profoundly unsettling themes found in Lovecraftian horror literature.

Essentially, the universe in Dark Souls is perpetually undergoing renewal, decay, and annihilation. Regrettably, neither the player nor any other being can prevent the inevitable doom and its dreadful emissaries. Instead, they must confront existential truths and grapple with the fear of the unknown if they aspire to revitalize this world once more. Surely, that’s as Lovecraftian as it gets!

2 Blasphemous

The Crusades Are The Real Horror

“This game, titled ‘Blasphemous’, offers a captivating twist on Lovecraft’s horror formula. Unlike Lovecraft’s generally secular works, it infuses elements of Christianity with an esoteric touch, demonstrating how core tenets of one of the world’s most widespread religions can be reimagined as genuinely terrifying. While gamers are accustomed to fear-inducing cults, ‘Blasphemous’ presents a unique take on this theme.”

As the character encounters terrifying colossal infants and enigmatic celestial beings, it’s evident that H.P. Lovecraft’s cosmic dread extends beyond extraterrestrial monstrosities such as Cthulhu, encompassing equally unsettling cosmic ideas that are more familiar to us.

1 Bloodborne

The Prototypical Lovecraftian Soulslike

Undeniably, Bloodborne embodies the most authentic and intense depiction of Lovecraftian terror within any Soulslike game so far. Initially, it presents a Gothic horror aesthetic, but as the player explores the secretive nooks of Yarnham, they soon realize that the corruption runs deep, and the blood ministry at the heart of this world is built upon the revelation of ancient extraterrestrial beings who seek nothing but domination and misery.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Bloodborne stands as an exceptional embodiment of the Lovecraftian genre within the Soulslike realm, seamlessly blending its intricate mechanics with enigmatic storytelling to create an indelible gaming adventure for countless players who previously were unfamiliar with this chilling cosmos.

2024-08-06 13:37