Summary
Video games have evolved greatly over the past few years, incorporating more and more complexity and demanding mechanics that can get overwhelming, especially when combined with the difficulty of the Soulslike genre. With a focus on rewarding combat and tricky enemy encounters, it can be hard to find the right balance between anengaging and fluid gameplay styleand a simplistic yet rewarding approach that doesn’t ask too much but still provides all the same satisfaction.
Many titles lean heavily into the higher end of complexity and agency, offering players a long list of combos, attacks, and movement abilities to mix up the fights and allow the player to approach every battle however they choose to. But sometimes it is nice to jump into a game where the combat is easy to pick up and still be challenged with some well-designed fights that can still put up a significant fight, even without a long list of combat techniques and powers.
BeforeElden Ringbrought the Soulslike genre to the mainstream,Ashenshowed a glimpse of what was possible in a uniquely styled world full of mystery and wonder. The combat in the game keeps things pretty much as simple as they can be, with no crazy parry mechanics or insane spell combos, and instead, the standard dodge, block, roll, and attack. There are a few different weapons that mix up the gameplay slightly, but for the most part, the player will spend most of their time swinging away with little extra to think about.
Though it may sound like a bare-bones experience that leaves a lot to be desired, the story and world-building more than make up for the simplicity, and even though the player won’t be feeling much of an adrenaline rush, the fights can still be pretty intense and push the player even without needing to be too flashy. A great Soulslike with a lot of character and a great one to add to the list for those looking for a nice, easy ride.
Part of the charm of the Soulslike genre is the endless list of amazing and rewarding boss battles that practically define the games and keep players coming back time and time again. A boss rush game likeTitan Soulstakes that concept and strips away all complexity and delivers a short but sweet ride that never feels too excessive in its approach but is always fun. There’s a lot of mystery to be uncovered, and the world very much unfolds before the player’s eyes, with each subsequent takedown.
Every single boss requires just a single or a few precise hits to take down, a stark contrast to the hefty HP bars found elsewhere in the genre. But the satisfaction that comes from launching that final arrow to take out the enemy is just as high as much longer fights, and delivers a rush of enjoyment that lingers long after the battle.
Genre blending has always been around in the Soulslike space, and there have been plenty of excellent games that redefine combinations that people never thought they needed.Salt and Sanctuaryis one of those games that does a lot right and delivers a pretty solid overall experience, while keeping things fairly grounded insimplistic combat systems, enemy attacks, and a world that feels easy to traverse at all times.
The combat is visceral and filled with gore and blood, and every attack feels meaningful against the long list of grotesque and unique enemies that litter the lands all around. The game is constantly evolving, with a new area around every single corner full of loot and adventures to follow, whilst still having a basic combat system that allows for some expression despite keeping things within certain confines. It won’t blow anyone away, but it’s a surprising indie title that does everything it set out to do.
The spiritual successor toTitan Soulsand a greatly improved experience overall,Titan Soulssticks to the boss rush formula and introduces a few new tricks to mix up the gameplay while still keeping thingssimple and easy to digest. The biggest change between this game and the developer’s previous game is the introduction of a hub area in which players can upgrade their little crow and improve their ability to deal with the range of enemies that scatter each area.
The bosses remain in a similar format as the original, more puzzle-oriented than focused on raw mechanics and aggressive attacks, and each offers a different feeling from the last and constantly mixing up the loop and keeping it fresh. Attacks are simple and satisfying, and each attack thrown has a lot of weight behind it and feels great to use. Simplicity is king, and though the game doesn’t break any boundaries, it keeps the enjoyment high throughout and delivers a nice, concise Soulslike game unlike any other.
Taking the setting away from dark, dingy castles and throwing the player into a colorful underwater wasteland,Another Crab’s Treasureis an incredibly unique title in the genre and sets itself apart with its simple yet unique combat mechanics that are as comedic as they are chaotic. The main difference between this title and others is the ability to swap between shells of different shapes and sizes that each provide their own set of stats and abilities to deal with the undersea foes.
Swapping between them feels fluid and meaningful, and though the main combat mechanic is parrying, the game keeps things fairly straightforward and puts a greater emphasis on developing the world and the characters in it. A fantastic game that continues to deliver laughs and excitement from start to finish, and the perfect game to choose for someone just starting out in the world of the Soulslike.
The golden boy of the Metroidvania genre,Hollow Knightis a revolutionary experience that has one of the most beautiful and unique art styles and acombat system that’s to die for. Every fight has a satisfying feel behind it, but remains pretty simple even with the extra movement mechanics the player gains along their journey. The game is all about staying mobile and constantly being vigilant, but everything about the fights feels readable and clear, making the combat feel simple yet challenging all at the same time.
The game hosts an array of difficult and gorgeous bosses that top many players' all-time lists, and each has its own unique fighting approach and style that can be learned with ease and taken down with a basic set of skills that never push the boundaries too much. It’s an unforgettable experience that has so much to offer from story to setting and more, all infused with a combat system that keeps the game fresh and gratifying.
While there may be many titles in the world of the Metroidvania that stand out more than others, few give a rush and level of excitement asBlasphemous.A truly wonderful world full of history and mythology that delivers so much for the eyes to see, and is complemented by a crisp combat system that is fluid and fun at every stage of the game.
The original game only lets players use a single weapon, but that limitation is far from a negative, as there are plenty of abilities and tools at the player’s disposal that allow them to take down monumental threats of all kinds with style and elegance. Every single boss and area feels like a step above the last, and there is never a dull moment thanks to the fast and satisfying attacks that range in their power, speed, and impact.
Some Soulslike fans may suggest starting from the beginning, while others may say thatElden Ringis the best place to enter the FromSoftware catalog. But in terms of accessibility and level of excellence,Dark Souls 3is a cut above the rest and delivers a gameplay experience that is simplistic yet highly flavorful. For the most part, the gameplay is as simple as it gets, with basic rolling and attacking being the majority of the player’s move set that allows them to slay thelong list of exceptional bossesthe game has to offer.
There is some additional depth with some parrying that is far less complex thanSekiro, and plenty of weapon choices to deliver whatever fantasy the player wants. But overall, the standard gameplay approach consists of a simple yet extremely well-crafted combat style that is one of the best in the genre and paved the way for many games to follow. There really is no game like it, and the overall package toes the line of complexity and simplicity with perfection.
