Why FromSoftware Should Give Open-Worlds a Break With Its Next Soulslike

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As a veteran gamer who’s been traversing the labyrinthine realms of FromSoftware for over a decade now, I can attest to the profound impact their hub areas have had on my gaming journey. These sanctuaries, like Firelink Shrine and Majula, are more than just rest points; they’re the heartbeat of each game, the social hub where we gather, heal, and share tales of triumphs and tribulations.

For over a decade, FromSoftware has revolutionized gaming by popularizing the Souls-like genre with its hub areas like Dark Souls’ Firelink Shrine or Dark Souls II’s Majula. These hubs are basically sanctuaries for players. Much like a modern-day multiplayer lobby. But instead of the teammates planning, chatting, and having fun, a hub is a place where you can heal, upgrade your character, and take a breather. While everything else in the game might be dangerous or hostile, this hub feels like home.

With the studio broadening its scope to encompass open-world design, most notably in the game Elden Ring, there has been a transformation in those close, familiar areas. Although this shift isn’t inherently negative, it does spark nostalgia among fans for the original centralized hubs. Now, whispers, rumors, and speculations hint that FromSoftware might return to a non-open-world setting for their next Soulslike game, potentially revisiting these hubs once more. This wouldn’t be an undesirable move.

The Role of Hub Areas in FromSoftware Games

Ever since the debut of Demon’s Souls, hub areas have played a crucial role in the gaming experience designed by FromSoftware. These thoughtfully crafted environments offer a respite from the game’s challenging intensity, giving players a chance to catch their breath, strategize, and interact with NPCs who provide insights into the storyline and helpful advice. Furthermore, hub areas serve two functions: they function as key storytelling elements and safe zones for gameplay.

Over time as players revisit these places, they grow a strong emotional bond with the hub and its characters. This recurring presence fosters a sense of progression and attachment. The non-player characters (NPCs) within these spaces enhance this feeling, their unique histories frequently offering insights into the game’s lore. For example, Firelink Shrine is home to several NPCs whose complex, interconnected stories unfold the world’s history and moral complexity.

In open-world games, keeping up with an engaging narrative can be quite a challenge because the expansive landscapes often make key locations feel more like temporary waypoints rather than beloved home bases.

The Challenges of Recreating Hubs in Open-World Settings

In the launch of Elden Ring, FromSoftware dived into open-world development, expanding the possibilities for exploration and immersion. This popular title introduced new dimensions of freedom and discovery, but it also significantly influenced how game hubs functioned. For example, the main hub in Elden Ring, Roundtable Hold, serves as a partially independent location.

Instead of being directly connected within the game’s primary environment, access to Roundtable Hold requires quick travel. This separation gives it a feel that’s less like a inhabited space and more of an optional checkpoint needed only when required. One reason for this disconnection could be the open-world structure itself, which allows players to freely roam without a specific location tethering them back regularly.

The Next FromSoftware Title Might Not Necessarily Be a Soulslike Addition

There are rumors circulating that FromSoftware’s upcoming game may deviate from the open-world style seen in Elden Ring, instead favoring a more concentrated, linear structure akin to their Soulslike series. If accurate, this change might signal a return to the traditional hub areas. Hints have been dropped by Miyazaki that he is keen on delving into “abstract” and “warm” themes, which could potentially lead to a hub design influenced by his affinity for classic JRPGs. This potential hub could take the form of a peaceful village or tranquil temple garden, offering a stark contrast to the dangerous world beyond it.

Perhaps themes like steampunk or a retro-futuristic hideaway where players gather, craft weapons, or interact with NPCs with complex backstories rooted in a blend of fantasy and industrial history could be another way forward. With the Soulslike genre becoming saturated by other studios, the signature yet fresh hub-centric approach could help FromSoftware maintain its status as a leader in atmospheric, character-driven world design. And while the studio is at it, it might just end up producing a new classic in the process — a place that ends up becoming just as memorable as Nexus, Firelink Shrine, or Majula.

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2024-11-01 18:33