FromSoftware is embarking on an exciting new path with the upcoming title, Elden Ring: Nightreign. This installment aims to enhance the cooperative gameplay elements that fans enjoyed in its predecessor while introducing an intriguing roguelike component. Despite this genre shift, it’s reasonable to anticipate that FromSoftware will eventually return to their traditional soulslike games. However, we can expect these future titles to differ markedly from Elden Ring in design and scope. It may be beneficial for the developer to consider features from competitors that could enrich their forthcoming projects, ensuring they feel both dynamic and fresh, even with a more focused approach.
With the considerable success of Elden Ring and its expansive Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has indicated that the studio’s next soulslike will not match the same level of grandeur and content. He suggests that Elden Ring represents the limits of what can be realistically achieved. While this may dishearten fans eager to see more expansive experiences, there remains hope that the next incarnation will still deliver rich content. A noteworthy example is the Lies of P game, which features a unique Weapon Assembly system that demonstrates how a soulslike title can maintain build variety despite a more limited selection of weapons. FromSoftware could draw inspiration from such innovations for their next release.
Leveraging Lies of P’s Weapon Assembly to Diversify Builds in Future Soulslikes
A Compact Soulslike Can Retain Versatile Playstyle Options
The original Elden Ring provides players with an astounding total of 308 weapons, complemented by an additional 100 in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This extensive arsenal is a direct result of the game’s vast open world, which rewards player exploration with various hidden treasures. However, since it appears unlikely that FromSoftware will create another world of similar magnitude in the near future, a reduction in the number of weapons may be necessary for their next soulslike title.
In contrast, Lies of P offers 40 weapons—29 being standard and 11 categorized as special weapons. Although this number pales in comparison to Elden Ring, the potential for customization is significant. The normal weapons are composed of individual blades and handles, which can be modified through the game’s Weapon Assembly system, leading to a wide array of combinations that enhance both versatility and gameplay variety. Even as a linear title, Lies of P achieves an impressive level of build differentiation, showcasing the potential of this assembly mechanic.
Maximizing Value from a Limited Arsenal with Lies of P’s Weapon Assembly System
The Weapon Assembly system in Lies of P effectively expands the usability of its 29 standard weapons, imparting a sense of variety that might otherwise be absent. This design echoes FromSoftware’s own Bloodborne, where Trick Weapons allowed for transformation based on player style. Drawing from this success, FromSoftware could implement a similar assembly system in future soulslikes, granting players the ability to craft unique weapons while maintaining a perception of a broader arsenal.
As FromSoftware continues to innovate within the realm of soulslike games, their next project is poised to make significant strides while standing on the foundation laid by Elden Ring. Even with the expectation of less content, integrating a feature akin to Lies of P’s Weapon Assembly system could ensure that the forthcoming game remains rich and engaging, delivering a thrilling experience without necessitating the vast development resources required for a title of Elden Ring‘s scale. Such a balanced approach can enable FromSoftware to uphold efficient development timelines while contributing meaningfully to the evolution of the soulslike genre.
Leave a Reply ▼