The phenomenon that is FromSoftware's various Soulsborne titles has changed the gaming landscape forever. Ever since the release of Demon Souls in 2009, various games from the developer have maintained a signature style that has proved monumentally influential to subsequent releases and even inspired a quasi-genre of their own. FromSoftware had developed plenty of games before the Soulsborne titles began, but it has become defined by this collection of fan-favorite games.
The types of titles that have taken their inspiration from FromSoftware's library and that could come under the expansive term of a Soulslike are varied and diverse. There are some popular elements that tend to crop up more often than others, but a lot of Soulslikes are still unique and bring their own blend of elements. There are some truly wonderful games that could be classed as Soulslikes, as well as some not so great ones, but there are a couple that also perfect their Soulslike elements in impressive worlds.
Code Vein
Bandai Namco Studios' action RPG Code Vein introduces players to its unique post-apocalyptic dystopian world and embraces its Soulslike gameplay. The vampiric fighters that are essentially corpses brought back to life could be something lifted straight out of a Souls title, and the grotesque enemies that populate the world and threaten the few survivors present enough of a challenge to ensure the game is engrossing as well as entertaining.
Code Vein did receive some mixed reviews, but its campy anime-inspired look and its interesting ideas around progression and gameplay earned it enough of a following. Its aesthetics also make it seem more distinct from other Souslikes and provide a different experience for those looking for something similar to a FromSoftware title.
Mortal Shell
Players might be able to power through Mortal Shell in around ten hours, but the game does still offer plenty to keep them entertained. The third-person action RPG gives players a unique mechanic where they can inhabit one of a number of 'Shell' characters that each have their own abilities and playstyle. It's not a massive game by any means, but its labyrinthine environments still house secrets and interesting things for players to uncover as they explore around.
Mortal Shell is probably one of the Soulslikes that gets overlooked thanks to its slightly niche qualities, but it has its own unique charms and appeal alongside its clear FromSoftware inspirations. Its dark fantasy world and the flexibility of its playstyles should appeal to plenty of fans of similar Soulslikes if they haven't already given it a try.
The Surge 2
It isn't often that Soulslikes take on the sci-fi genre, and this helps to set The Surge 2 and its predecessor apart in some respects. The Surge 2 isn't as highly rated as some other Soulslikes, but it still deserves a mention for its fun combat system and impressive designs. The dismembering mechanic in order to collect better equipment and customize the player's armor is an interesting feature that makes the world feel more interactive, as well as just a functional way to upgrade the protagonist.
The Surge 2's setting of Jericho City is suitably bleak and futuristic, and players can explore its different areas at will as they interact with different NPCs and pick up quests. In a move very similar to some FromSoftware titles, players can also leave graffiti messages around Jericho City that other gamers would be able to see in their own worlds. The Surge 2 also utilized a parry system that elevated its combat and added layers of challenge to its gameplay.
Hollow Knight
Some may argue Hollow Knight isn't a true Soulslike, but the combat, gameplay, and challenging boss fights feel like they'd be right at home in a Soulsborne title. Players shouldn't be fooled by Hollow Knight's adorable protagonist and charmingly cartoonish design – this is a game that can push them to their limits and cause hours of frustration. Its aesthetics help to distinguish Hollow Knight from a lot of similar games that also adopt its Metroidvania sensibilities, and it soon became an instant classic upon release.
The vastness of the game's unique world was a huge point in its favor, and players relished the chance to get lost among the winding burrows and claustrophobic yet beautiful environments of Hallownest. A sequel called Hollow Knight: Silksong is currently in development, although this will focus on a new protagonist and location. Nevertheless, players are excited to experience more of this insect-infested world and to see if the sequel also adopts many similar Soulslike elements.
Ashen
Ashen's sprawling open world comes alive thanks to its unique graphics and original premise. A44 and Annapurna Interactive's action RPG guides players through a sunless world as they try to find a new home, and they can either work with or against other players as they traverse the landscape and fight off enemies.
The cel-shaded style feels distinct and made the most of the various regions in the game, as well as the multitude of mythical monsters players could encounter throughout Ashen. It felt like a fresh take on the familiar Souls formula, and remains a crowning achievement among indie titles.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
There are many, many Star Wars games that have been released over the years, and a lot of them are popular and critically acclaimed entries into the expansive canon. They cover a diverse range of genres and skill levels, but Respawn Entertainment's action-adventure title Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is up there with some of the best Star Wars games ever. It's also one of the best Soulslikes released in recent years, with a thrilling tale about a fugitive Jedi with great lightsaber and Force-based combat.
The ability to only save at certain checkpoints, the respawning of enemies every time protagonist Cal meditates at one, and the complex encounters that required players to learn enemy attack patterns were all reminiscent of a FromSoftware title. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order combined these occasionally punishing aspects of a Soulslike's gameplay with a sci-fi aesthetic, and its many planets and interactive environments proved to be a winning formula.