As a seasoned veteran of the Souls-Like genre, I can confidently say that these underrated gems are absolute treasures for us fans seeking a challenge. Let me walk you through my personal journey with each one.
The world of games resembling Souls-Like from Software keeps moving forward, mirroring the footsteps of their well-known series. Certain titles introduce innovative spins to the traditional design, while others masterfully capture the fundamental elements.
Yet, a treasure trove of underrated Souls-Likes often gets overshadowed by the titans of the genre.
Despite the enticing prospect of replaying Bloodborne or starting a new game in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree with a distinct character build, it’s also worth exploring lesser-known games that offer exceptional gaming experiences.
Even though these games may not make front-page news or attract immediate attention, I’m confident that both beginners and experienced players within this genre will discover much to appreciate in the following selections.
Let’s dive into the list below and discover a hidden gem that could become your next favorite.
17 Ashen
A Co-op Souls-Like Open-World
Before the enchanting world of Elden Ring captivated us in The Lands Between, the indie studio A44’s creation, Ashen, provided an immersive open-world adventure reminiscent of a soul-like gameplay experience.
Despite its barrenness and limited activities that might deter some, there was an unexpected sense of hopefulness about it. It offered the opportunity to create a home amidst a landscape of deterioration and decay.
One key difference that sets Ashen apart from similar Souls-like games lies in its smooth cooperative play feature. Sharing this adventure with a companion as you traverse the realm of Lathyrus and The Gnaw can be an incredibly fun experience.
Furthermore, Ashen’s battle system bears a strong resemblance to traditional Souls-style combat, but it’s less demanding and may not pose much of a challenge for experienced players. Consequently, if you’re seeking a more approachable Souls-like game to enjoy with friends, this could be the perfect fit.
16 Elderborn
Dark Messiah Brutality
| Platforms | PC |
| Released | January 30, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Hyperstrange |
Elderborn fundamentally redefines the Souls-like genre by offering an immersive, first-person action game set within a gloomy fantasy landscape, delivering a gritty and intense combat experience.
In addition to incorporating game design elements common in Souls-like games, Elderborn also takes significant inspiration from the timeless classic, the Dark Messiah of Might and Magic.
Initially, one might not find it instantly appealing to die-hard fans of Elden Ring or Dark Souls, but upon closer inspection, its intense, skill-based fights prove to be quite powerful. Each strike, parry, and evasion carries a noticeable impact, mirroring the hefty and demanding nature of a game in the Souls-Like genre.
15 Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
A Mythical, Difficult Adventure
Since the release of “Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty”, it seems as though it hasn’t garnered as much attention as it might have, possibly due to its challenging initial boss encounter that may have deterred some gamers.
For those persistent enough, Wo Long provides some of the most gripping battles and relentless boss encounters that we’ve experienced in a long time.
Even though the gameplay towards the end starts to feel somewhat monotonous, the immersive ambiance and refined mechanics of Wo Long never fail to hold my attention throughout.
14 Hellpoint
Brutal and unforgiving
Hellpoint is one of those games that, despite garnering mixed opinions, could end up being a personal favorite. But equally, it’s also a Souls-Like that I find myself recommending others cautiously, even though I enjoy it a lot.
The Sci-Fi Souls-Like game is based on a decaying space station, where it combines terrifying cosmic themes with intense close-quarters fighting. It also provides an extensive selection of weaponry for players to utilize.
Although the controls may seem awkward at times, Hellpoint’s compelling ambiance, diverse weapon collection, and engaging sense of discovery make it hard to resist. Despite its flaws, this tough sci-fi game is a hidden gem in the Souls-Like genre, deserving of more praise.
13 Asterigos: Curse of the Stars
Best souls-lite for newcomers
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars” presents a lively, mythology-infused action-RPG experience, offering a more approachable take on traditional “Souls-Like” gameplay mechanics.
To be sure, it doesn’t introduce new mechanisms that are drastically different from what we’re familiar with, but its vividly beautiful environment sets it apart from the ominous ambiances commonly associated with similar genres’ popular titles.
Instead, Asterigos offers a unique blend of accessible battle systems, intricate world design, and captivating narrative, making it a delightful exploration of a mythical realm that incorporates some aspects reminiscent of Souls games.
12 Tails of Iron
The full package in 2D
The game Tails of Iron transports you to a medieval mouse kingdom, torn apart by war and disease. It’s one of those Souls-Like games that has consistently received favorable feedback but hasn’t quite managed to make a significant impact as a defining element within its genre.
In essence, Odd Bug Studio’s side-scrolling game is an ideal choice for fans of the Sous series, offering a well-structured progression and a realistic, gritty environment.
In a nutshell, “Tails of Iron” stands out as a potential new favorite 2D Souls-like game due to its intricately constructed narrative, impressively rich world design, and immersive combat sequences.
11 Thymesia
Call The Plague Doctor!
Thymesia offers an intense, swift-moving gaming experience reminiscent of the Souls series, set in a gloomy, disease-stricken realm. It combines this atmosphere with intricate battle systems and a potent plague weaponry setup.
As a thrilled admirer, I can’t help but admit that while Thymesia may not offer groundbreaking twists in its formula, its core gameplay mechanics are undeniably engaging and fun to play.
As a fellow admirer of the dark fantasy genre, I can confidently say that you’ll find this game captivating. It’s deeply influenced by the gothic ambiance of both Bloodborne and Dark Souls, creating an atmosphere that’s as beautiful as it is bleak. If you’re on the hunt for something genuinely compelling in the Souls-Like genre, then don’t hesitate to explore what Team 17 has crafted.
10 The Last Faith
Ye Have Little Faith
The Last Faith immerses you in a chilling, soulful game resembling the Souls series, set within a hauntingly beautiful, pixel-art environment reminiscent of gothic architecture.
In the role of a cursed warrior on a mission to regain forgotten memories, The Last Faith provides an expansive selection of weaponry and mystical powers for combating towering adversaries.
A relentless, 2D game reminiscent of Souls series greats, combines exhilarating action battles with rewarding exploration experiences.
If you’re up for a tough, grueling battle experience and are willing to overlook occasional inconsistencies in pace, then “The Last Faith” might just be the perfect choice for your next gaming session in the Souls-Like genre.
9 Steelrising
Vive la révolution
In the city of Paris, during a different take on the French Revolution, the game titled “Steelrising” places you in the role of Aegis, an ingenious creation determined to dethrone the king and protect the Revolution’s cause.
Despite the fact that the automated bosses of this studio aren’t easy to defeat, Spiders has created an action RPG reminiscent of the Souls series, making it an ideal introduction for gamers new to the challenging and rewarding style of play.
Although Steelrising doesn’t entirely redefine FromSoftware’s formula, it distinguishes itself through its distinctive historical backdrop – the French Revolution – and an innovative depiction compared to other games.
8 Bleak Faith: Forsaken
Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?
| Platforms | PC |
| Released | March 10, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Archangel Studios |
Initially, the release of “Bleak Faith: Forsaken” was marred by several bugs and flaws. However, subsequent updates have effectively addressed many of these significant problems, leading to a strong resurgence for the game.
Despite being worked on by only a small team of three individuals, the game titled “Bleak Faith: Forsaken” showcases an impressive level of ambition with its bold moves.
Although it might not satisfy all expectations, it undeniably delivers a great deal and should be included in the list due to its outstanding versatility in construction and the atmospheric brilliance it creates, evoking feelings of desolation and solitude.
7 Lords of the Fallen
Dual-world Dark Souls
The first Lords of the Fallen demonstrated that rough fundamentals within the Souls-Like category could lead to total disappointment. In contrast, the 2023 remake sought to reverse this trend by merging the genre’s key elements with its intricately linked gameplay mechanics.
In the gloomy realm of Mournstead, Lords of the Fallen offers an opportunity for you to venture across different realms, unearthing hidden truths and finding novel means of exploration.
The dual-world exploration isn’t just an extra bonus, but rather a crucial gameplay element that adds depth to your adventure all the way through.
Despite some clumsy animations and unimpressive boss characters in the 2023 remake, its strong customization features and well-crafted environments remain compelling reasons to give it a try.
6 Blasphemous
Repent!
Although you may not have noticed, both Blasphemous games are exceptional Souls-Like titles. They deliver a challenging Souls-Like gameplay that ticks most boxes and provides an immersive, refined experience for seasoned gamers in the genre.
In the original version of Blasphemous, you embark on a dangerous voyage as The Penitent One, facing numerous challenges by perfecting challenging platforming and tough battle techniques.
As a gamer, diving into Blasphemous 2 feels like embarking on a whole new adventure. Unlike its predecessor, this sequel leans heavily on the Metroidvania genre, offering an immersive experience that emphasizes exploration and discovery.
For those just diving into this genre, the learning curve might seem quite challenging, but the eerie 2D titles from The Game Kitchen, brimming with religious symbolism and reminiscent of Souls-Like games, are definitely worth exploring and giving your focus.
5 Salt and Sanctuary
The OG 2D Souls Experience
In a skillful blend of challenging combat and role-playing game (RPG) elements, Salt and Sanctuary stands out as one of the pioneering 2D games resembling the Souls series. This game maintains an enticing level of engagement through its mechanics during gameplay.
Although it may not offer the full 3D immersion present in more expensive competitors, this game delivers a haunting ambiance and intense battle sequences that place it among the top Souls-like games, following closely in the footsteps of the Souls series.
It not only embodies all fundamental aspects typical of a Souls-Like game, but it also takes significant cues from top-tier Metroidvania titles.
In my opinion, not only am I moved by this tribute, but it’s evident that the creators, Ska Studios, have poured their heart and soul into crafting an exceptional journey.
4 Mortal Shell
Test Your Shell & Your Sanity
In the realm of games similar to FromSoftware’s, Mortal Shell distinguished itself by capturing the eerie ambiance that is characteristic of these titles flawlessly.
However, what made it stand out among the rest was its distinctive “shell” mechanism, introducing a new perspective to the conventional gameplay within the genre.
Cold Symmetry’s distinctive twist wasn’t entirely flawless; the gameplay diversity could have benefited from additional excitement, and certain level designs felt less engaging than desired.
Yet, despite its challenging boss battles and unique armor-swapping feature, the game Mortal Shell has managed to establish itself as an appealing option for Souls-Like enthusiasts seeking a fresh take on the genre.
3 Enotria: The Last Song
Sun-kissed Dark Souls
Among all the games listed, Jyamma Games’ first release could be the one that stands out most for its vibrancy. This Italian Souls-Like game merges the challenging difficulty levels characteristic of the genre with the whimsical characters reminiscent of commedia dell’arte, such as Zanni, Pantalone, Arlecchino, and others.
One of the latest games adhering to FromSoftware’s formula, Enotria: The Last Song, presents a vibrant setting brimming with intriguing character designs and varied environments under the warm glow of the sun.
As a devoted player, what truly captivates me about this game is its ingenious and adaptable mask system. This feature lets me gather fragments from diverse foes, enabling me to assume their identities at a later stage.
As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I can honestly say that, despite the occasional glitches and rough edges, this game is a captivating slow-burner that warrants a spot on my to-play list.
2 The Surge
Limbs Are Currency
Without a doubt, the The Surge series is worthy of recognition for its innovative takes on the Souls-Like genre.
They ramp up the traditional action genre by increasing the aggression level significantly, featuring an intense, tactical combat system that allows for dismemberment of enemies. This dismembered parts can then be used to enhance your own equipment.
The intricately designed mechanics and multiple options for defeating adversaries continue to make the The Surge series underestimated, yet well worth exploring. A little extra polish could have made it stand out even more.
1 Another Crab’s Treasure
One Geared Toward Beginners
In “Another Crab’s Treasure,” you dive into an underwater world, assuming the part of a determined crab on a mission to retrieve your swiped shell. Along the way, the polluted sea serves as your source for defensive gear and offensive tools.
Aggro Crab’s developer has created an amusing game title that brings a unique spin to the genre, featuring challenging, no-holds-barred combat. Despite its playful atmosphere, it distinguishes itself through its endearing, cartoony graphics and inventive employment of trash as equipment.
If you’re seeking a Souls-like game that offers an enjoyable, innovative, and remarkably polished experience, Another Crab’s Treasure is certainly worth giving a try.
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2024-10-31 17:40