When discussing standout elements in the Souls genre, most fans quickly highlight the hallmark traits such as challenging gameplay, intense combat mechanics, and intricate world designs. However, the aspect of platforming often remains underappreciated. While these titles might not be renowned for parkour mechanics, a select few within the genre present creative and stylish traversal options.
This overview spotlights a curated mix of both 2D and 3D Souls-like games, ensuring a diverse selection for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
10 The Last Faith
Pixel Perfect Bloodborne
We begin with The Last Faith, often described as a 2D homage to Bloodborne. This title features a vast map for exploration, formidable bosses, and a plethora of weapons and abilities, including firearms and sorcery, that players can use creatively against foes.
As players progress, they unlock impressive skills enabling stylish movement through dashing and grappling, with the most engaging platforming challenges appearing later in the game. Despite a gradual start, the refined combat mechanics and memorable boss encounters will keep players captivated.
9 Ring of Fire
Elden Ring may not be your first thought when considering platforming, yet it stands out for its exceptional world design and iconic bosses. While the platforming mechanics can sometimes feel stiff, this is a deliberate choice to maintain the essence of traditional Souls gameplay.
Introducing Torrent adds a compelling layer to gameplay traversal, encouraging players to navigate challenging environments with verticality, often requiring caution when traversing narrow surfaces. While pixel-perfect platforming is absent, the experience remains enjoyable—just be wary of in-game messages advising you to ‘jump here’!
8 Another Crab’s Treasure
Better Down Where It’s Wetter
Since releasing, Another Crab’s Treasure has garnered attention as a charming entry for newcomers to the Soulslike genre. Combining a kid-friendly narrative with accessible mechanics, it serves as a bridge between traditional Soulslike games and platformers.
As you venture through the underwater world as Kril, you’ll engage in both combat and rewarding platforming moments, allowing less experienced players to enjoy the thrill of the genre without overwhelming difficulty.
7 Kena: Bridge Of Spirits
Deceptively Deadly
At first glance, Kena: Bridge Of Spirits appears to be a lighthearted adventure, but it quickly reveals its challenging nature. Despite its charming Pixar-style design and serene environment, this game is infused with the demanding mechanics characteristic of Soulslikes.
The combination of engaging exploration and frequent combat encounters ensures that players must master combat systems, attracting both enthusiasts and newcomers. While the visual aesthetics may be inviting, the game’s challenging boss battles and enemy waves will undoubtedly ramp up the intensity.
6 Steelrising
Robot Revolution
Developed by Spiders, Steelrising represents an ambitious attempt to carve out a niche within the genre, combining familiar elements with innovative features. Although some aspects, such as combat and boss encounters, may not be as polished, the game’s platforming mechanics stand out.
With tools like grappling hooks and dashes, players must navigate dedicated platforming sections that call for precision and skill, offering an adventurous take on the traditional Souls formula.
5 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Return of the Jedi
While the Star Wars Jedi series may not be the first choice for Soulslike experiences, both titles have robust elements from the genre.Fallen Order set a solid foundation; however, Survivor fine-tunes the gameplay with tighter mechanics for both traversal and combat.
This sequel boasts expansive environments and polished combat systems, effectively addressing previous critiques. Although it may feel more accessible to veteran players, the game promises a rewarding experience for all, firmly establishing itself as one of the best entries in the franchise.
4 Blasphemous
Newsflash: Spikes Are Sharp
The original Blasphemous exemplifies the perfect fusion of Metroidvania mechanics with the punishing gameplay of Souls titles. This game presents a challenging experience filled with intricate platforming sequences complemented by a rich world to explore.
With items that enhance your abilities, players can tackle demanding platforming challenges, where mistakes often lead to instant death—a stark contrast to the sequel, which introduced more forgiving mechanics. This title is a definitive must-play for those who crave tough platforming combined with Souls-like combat!
3 Hollow Knight
Platforming Is The True Boss Fight
Hollow Knight continues the trend of blending Souls and Metroidvania elements, celebrated for its deep, challenging gameplay. As players traverse Hallownest, they encounter a plethora of difficult bosses—the game’s platforming sections are equally punishing.
Areas like the White Palace serve as rigorous trials, demanding players master their platforming skills. Despite its visually serene style, this game offers some of the toughest gameplay that keeps you engaged through its demanding challenges.
2 Nine Sols
Tao & Proud
Nine Sols brings a unique angle to the genre with its parry-centric mechanics, challenging players to refine their skills. Taking inspiration from Taoism and presenting a Metroidvania experience, this game emphasizes precise timing and execution.
Navigating the world involves mastering both combat and platforming, with players needing to evade attacks while positioning themselves adequately to counter foes. This dual focus makes Nine Sols a noteworthy experience for fans seeking depth in both combat and traversal.
1 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
You’ll Die More Than Twice
Wrapping up our list is Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, a FromSoftware title that combines challenging combat with superb platforming mechanics. Rather than relying on defensive strategies, players utilize agility and finesse through dynamic movement and grappling mechanics.
This game emphasizes exploration, encouraging players to traverse rooftops and ledges for strategic advantage. With exhilarating traversal and demanding gameplay, Sekiro stands as a top tier experience in the genre, pushing players to not only survive but thrive in their journey.
Leave a Reply