Transitioning into the Souls franchise can be a daunting task, often described as a challenging journey filled with frustration. However, for those who persevere, the rewards of mastering the intricate mechanics and brutal challenges of these games often lead to a deep appreciation and love for the genre.
Enthusiasts of Souls games recognize that they are rich in sophisticated RPG systems, intricate combat mechanics, and immersive narratives. Yet, alongside these assets, there exists a collection of frustrating mechanics that even the most devoted fans wish to see excluded from future titles.
In an appeal to game developers, let’s delve into a list of ten mechanics that detract from the otherwise remarkable experiences offered by Souls games.
10 Forced Platforming
Across Various Souls Games
This mechanic is prevalent in most Souls games, with Elden Ring being a notable exception thanks to its user-friendly jump feature. Players often encounter segments requiring them to traverse narrow beams while being bombarded by ranged attackers, showcasing an unfair balance between challenge and frustration.
Even in sections devoid of enemies, players grapple with awkward jumping mechanics that seem designed to punish rather than challenge. This forced platforming feels less like a legitimate test of skill and more like an ironic lottery, where success hinges on luck rather than mastery.
9 World Tendency
Demon’s Souls
World Tendency presents an intriguing concept in Demon’s Souls, but its complexity poses significant challenges for players. The game fails to provide a clear explanation of how this mechanic works, burdening players with convoluted rules that lead to unintended consequences.
As players navigate the game world, poor decisions can swiftly plunge them into a Black Tendency state, complicating their journey. A potential solution would be to simplify or toggle this system in future iterations.
8 No Health Refill
Bloodborne & Demon’s Souls
The Estus Flask stands out as a reliable source of healing in many Souls games, but titles like Bloodborne and Demon’s Souls forgo this convenience in favor of consumable items. While this can occasionally lead to a sense of versatility, it often disrupts the game flow and forces players into grinding for resources.
Running out of health items and reverting to earlier stages for farming not only feels tedious but also detracts from the immersive experience that Souls games aim to provide.
7 Inventory Encumbrance
Demon’s Souls
Demon’s Souls introduces a cumbersome inventory system where excess weight limits players’ exploration. This mechanic compels players to either discard items or awkwardly trudge back to the Nexus, detracting from the gameplay experience.
While managing inventory can be a strategic element, the frustration it generates often overshadows any potential benefits.
6 Invasions
Various Souls Games
The PvP aspects in Souls games can often feel like an unnecessary interruption, particularly invasions. These encounters more frequently disrupt the flow of single-player exploration, introducing a random element that can lead to overwhelming odds against players who are already traversing challenging content.
While invasions serve to add unpredictability, they can often lead to frustrating experiences, especially when facing over-leveled players with advanced skills.
5 Weapon Degradation
Demon’s Souls
The mechanic of weapon degradation is inherent to all Souls games, but in Demon’s Souls, it feels particularly punishing. Players frequently find their weapons in dire need of repair after just a few encounters, forcing them into reliance on pricey repair items while experiencing the added pressure of limited resources.
This system detracts from the enjoyment of exploration and combat, making for a tedious experience rather than one of satisfaction.
4 Curse Status Effects
Dark Souls
Status effects can be an engaging element in gameplay; however, the Curse effect in Dark Souls can feel disproportionately punishing, especially in the early game. This effect dramatically reduces max health, forcing players to seek out a cure under complicated conditions.
Finding a Purging Stone can be a burdensome task, often leading players to restart their progress simply to manage this frustrating mechanic.
3 Fog Gate Vulnerability
Dark Souls II
Dark Souls II commits the egregious error of allowing enemies to attack players while they are transitioning through fog gates. This mechanic denies players a fair chance to regroup and prepare before facing often overwhelming foes, significantly diminishing the intended dramatic experience.
2 Soul Memory
Dark Souls II
Soul Memory generates one of the most frustrating matchmaking systems in the series. By linking matchmaking to accumulated souls, it inadvertently places players at a disadvantage if they lose souls during attempts to progress.
This design undermines the competitive spirit of multiplayer experiences, exacerbating the feeling of imbalance during high-stakes encounters.
1 Despawning Enemies
Dark Souls II
The mechanic of enemy despawning after repeated defeats feels utterly counterproductive, directly contradicting the core ethos of challenge in the Souls series. The thrill of overcoming overwhelming odds and mastering difficult sections is diminished when enemies simply vanish after a set number of encounters.
This approach not only discourages mastery of a zone but also undermines the game’s overall challenge, eliminating the need for players to fully engage with the world around them.
As we look to future titles in the Souls franchise, it’s critical for developers to consider these mechanics and their impact on gameplay. A return to the core principles of challenge and fairness can only enhance the player experience.
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