Soulslike gamesseem like they are everywhere nowadays, although that is more due to the term’s overuse than actual releases. Not every action RPG should attempt to cater to this subgenre, but the ones that do often attract quite a bit of attention. FromSoftware’s masterpieces need no introduction, and the same can be said for Team Ninja’s efforts or games likeLies of PandThe First Berserker: Khazan. If somebody is remotely into Soulslikes, they should be aware of these projects, even if they might not have played all of them.
Honestly, there are not all that manySoulslikes hidden gems. Despite being fairly popular as a concept, these types of releases are still relatively niche and rare, so fans will probably check out most new games that fall within the subgenre. Still, there are some very good Soulslike games that have slipped through the cracks, so let’s highlight them.
Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemptionwas one of the earlier indie games to try and adapt theDark Soulsformula, and Dark Star wisely opted to strip things down to mostlyjust boss fights. Players have to take on eight enemies, with most of them inspired by the seven deadly sins. While not featuring much of a story, the biblical imagery is fun and the bosses all have unique esthetics and combat twists.
Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemptionis all about player choice, albeit in a different way than is usual for these types of games. After overcoming a boss, players have to pick a sacrifice that hamstrings them for the rest of a playthrough. It could be something as simple as a health reduction, or a more situational punishment that leaves players vulnerable after they diminish their stamina. Except for the final boss, players are free to fight the seven other enemies in any order, so their decisions carry a lot of weight since they gradually stack sacrifices.
A great concept for a Soulslike,Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemptionis held slightly back by the gameplay, which is mostly just OK. The game is also so difficult that it can slip into frustration.
Made by a solo developer,DarkMausis an impressive achievement that, admittedly, is mostly for die-hard Soulslike fans who want to experience everything the genre has to offer. Played from atop-down perspective, the short campaign elevates a mouse to a dungeon-crawler, and they go on a journey that sees them take on all sorts of rodents, bugs, and creatures.
While not exactly popping off the screen, the visuals are unique and fit the dark fantasy tone synonymous with Soulslikes.DarkMaus' combat translatesDark Souls' standard moveset quite well, with the core mechanics being familiar but strong. The game has a solid number of unlockables for customizations, allowing for some build variety. However,DarkMausis extremely difficult, even by the genre’s standards.
Combining simple butstriking pixel graphicswith simple but decent gameplay,Bleak Sword DXis a great indie take on the Soulslike formula, albeit one that is different enough that it almost exists in a realm of its own. The main campaign follows a straightforward structure that challenges players to clear out all enemies in a diorama-like stage. If they manage to survive, they move on to the next stage in a chapter. Death means starting the current level over, with the loss of experience and items also serving as a punishment. Players can use their XP to upgrade their stats, and they will need to pick wisely asBleak Sword DXis pretty difficult.
Bleak Sword DXis not for everyone, and Soulslike fans who specifically enjoy exploring sprawling worlds will find almost nothing to latch onto here (that said, the environments are quite stunning). However, the game blends eye-catching visuals with satisfying gameplay and well-designed enemies which can easily bring a run to an end with a few quick hits.
2D Metroidvanias with Soulslike combat are fairly commonplace nowadays, with Steam being filled with these releases.Salt & SanctuaryandBlasphemousdemonstrate that this type of gameplay is flexible and can adapt to a flat perspective without many issues, and both of those games are relatively well-known. Although not completely buried,The Last Faithdid not enjoy the same level of exposure as the biggest 2D Soulslikes, but it is among thebetter options forBloodbornefans seeking something with a similar aesthetic and setting.
The Last Faithblends an awesome Gothic identity with fast-paced but precise gameplay that gives players a reasonable number of choices when it comes to loadouts. Melee, ranged, and magic are all part of the protagonist’s arsenal and should be combined in battles, depending on the situation. Unsurprisingly for a Soulslike,The Last Faithis absolutely packed with boss fights, most of which are a lot of fun.
As the Soulslike genre became more mainstream, projects that sought to reduce the barrier of entry started to appear. Oftenreferred to as Soulslites, games likeStar Wars Jedi: Fallen OrderandTunictypically incorporate elements associated withDark Soulsinto other genres, be it 3D platformers or puzzles.Asterigos: Curse of the Starssomewhat falls within this category, although it arguably is closer to a normal Soulslike than either of the previously mentioned games.
Although somewhat rough around the edges,Asterigosis overall a solid action RPG with reaction-based combat. Unlike most Soulslikes, this title opts for a conventional storytelling style that tells an easy-to-follow narrative. Rather than unlocking different weapons, players have access to six types right out of the gate, and they equip two of them simultaneously. Each weapon is not only completely unique but also comes with an extensive skill tree.
Asterigoshas its share of issues, but it is an ambitious budget Soulslike that gets most things right, even if it is not the best in class in any area. It is also quite easy, at least by the standards of this genre.
OK, describingFlyKnightas Soulslike is a stretch, even though it has the tag on Steam. To avoid any confusion or disappointment, let’s clarify exactly what this game offers. This is afirst-person dungeon-crawlerreminiscent of FromSoftware’sKing’s Field, a series that was a precursor toDemon’s SoulsandDark Souls.FlyKnight’s combat is deliberate and precise, sticking to a slow rhythm that can take some getting used to. Even though the perspective sets it apart from Soulslikes, the gameplay is still cut from the same cloth.
Beyond the combat,FlyKnightdelivers well-designed environments that feel lived-in, along with solid implementation of 4-player co-op. Players do not level up stats, but they acquire different equipment, so there is a sense of progression (although the campaign is quite short). If somebody is looking for a different type of game that can scratch a Soulslike itch, they should check outFlyKnight.
