The gaming landscape is often rejuvenated by fresh, engaging genres that capture players’ interest. In recent years, the rise of roguelikes, largely influenced by titles like Hades, has transformed the market, as has the surge of farming simulators introduced by the ingenious Eric Barone. However, few genres have matched the enduring popularity of the Soulslike phenomenon.
Thanks to the visionary Hidetaka Miyazaki and the acclaimed studio FromSoftware, we have access to a plethora of Soulsborn and Soulslike titles. Yet, as with any genre, some games face a less than favorable reception, even when they offer a captivating experience. Our aim here is to highlight those underrated gems within the Soulslike category that may not have received their fair share of recognition.
This guide features a selection of Soulslike games that, despite scoring 75% or lower on OpenCritic, provide a compelling adventure worth your time. Let’s dive into these hidden treasures.
10 Enotria: The Last Song
Thespian Souls
In the enchanted world of Enotria, players encounter a stunningly crafted Italian folklore universe. The aesthetics are captivating, drawing you into sunlit fields and breathtaking landscapes. Yet, beneath its beauty lies a challenging Soulslike adventure.
Players can utilize various masks to adapt their build dynamically and must perfect their parrying skills to conquer formidable bosses. While some may find the game’s performance to be a bit unsteady and its combat slightly rough around the edges, these flaws do not overshadow the overall enjoyment. Enotria is truly an underrated treasure for any Souls enthusiast.
9 Outward
Venture Outward, Brave Explorer
Despite often being classified more as a fantasy RPG similar to The Elder Scrolls, Outward possesses numerous Soulslike attributes worth noting. Commonly dubbed “Dark Souls for Couples, ”it encourages two players to engage in careful, strategic combat, emphasizing planning before execution.
With its vast, mysterious world that punishes recklessness, Outward requires players to be prepared lest they lose their progress in an instant. This challenging adventure is ideal for those ready to tackle its demands alongside a partner, promising an unforgettable journey filled with peril and discovery.
8 Loot River
Top-Down Tile Puzzles
Loot River stands out as a unique top-down Soulslike that cleverly merges combat with tile-based puzzle mechanics. Players manipulate interconnected platforms like sliding tiles while battling hordes of enemies. This requires strategic thinking to survive rather than just reflex-based combat mechanics.
Though it strays from traditional Soulslike formulas, those willing to engage with its imaginative design will find a thoughtful and memorable experience that rewards cerebral gameplay over mere brute force.
7 SteelRising
Live the Revolution
While Lies of P is a standout in the mechanical puppet genre, SteelRising deserves recognition for its own merits. Set during an alternate version of the French Revolution, this title weaves a compelling story within its compelling gameplay, made by the developers known for titles like Greedfall.
Despite having some minor graphical issues and design quirks, SteelRising excels with its rich historical context and satisfying combat. It is slightly more accessible for newcomers to the Soulslike genre, making it a great entry point for players eager to explore this immersive style of gaming.
6 Death’s Gambit
Life Before Afterlife
The recent updates to Death’s Gambit have significantly improved its gameplay, with the ‘Afterlife’ version elevating the experience. Despite its rocky launch, I argue that the original iteration was never as disastrous as critics claimed.
The game offered a distinctive combat system that, despite needing fine-tuning, was engaging and rewarding once mastered. True Souls enthusiasts may appreciate Death’s Gambit for staying true to genre conventions, with an exploration-driven approach that resonates with the hardcore community. It’s a title that deserves a second look amidst the critical backlash.
5 Thymesia
Pick Your Poison
Thymesia represents a bold departure into experimental territory for developers under the Team17 brand. Though some players critique its less-than-stellar story and brevity, the gameplay shines through with innovative mechanics like its double HP combat system that emphasizes aggressive encounters.
If you don’t mind a somewhat unembellished aesthetic, Thymesia offers a rich and challenging gameplay experience that is well-suited for those craving a fresh Soulslike challenge.
4 Lords of the Fallen (2023)
Death Is Not The End
The reboot of Lords of the Fallen in 2023 has shifted perspectives on the franchise, contrasting sharply with its predecessor’s failure. Its innovative dual-world design allows for fascinating exploration and the chance to uncover new secrets across intertwined realms.
This revamped title offers not only a plethora of compelling combat and cooperative gameplay options but also extensive character customization. Although it has minor balance issues and occasionally convoluted world design, it delivers a robust and engaging Soulslike experience that merits recognition.
3 The Surge
The Surge stands out as one of the best attempts to blend sci-fi with Soulslike mechanics, despite mixed receptions for its original release. While the sequel obtained widespread acclaim, the first installment introduced innovative combat based on limb-targeting mechanics paired with a unique character upgrade system.
Though it suffers from average storytelling and level design issues, The Surge delivers enough intriguing gameplay concepts to merit exploration. If you look past its shortcomings, you may find an exciting experience waiting for you in this cybernetic adventure.
2 The Last Faith
Gory, Gothic, Great
Despite its undeserved reputation, The Last Faith deserves recognition as one of the finest 2D Souls-like experiences currently available. The game masterfully combines elements from Bloodborne and Castlevania, creating an enticing atmosphere filled with gothic horror and masterful combat mechanics.
Though it does withhold some of the most rewarding combat mechanics until late in the game, perseverance pays off with tremendous rewards. Players looking for a deep and engaging 2D adventure will find much to celebrate in The Last Faith.
1 Code Vein
There Will Be Blood
Code Vein often stands out from typical Soulslike titles due to its unique blend of anime-inspired storytelling and RPG mechanics. Some traditional fans may find its accessible hack-and-slash style and cooperative-heavy gameplay off-putting, but it’s precisely this combination that creates a rich gameplay experience.
For players willing to embrace its idiosyncratic nature, Code Vein offers a rewarding adventure that invites exploration and camaraderie, making it a worthy addition to the Soulslike roster.
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