The Soulslike genre has become a common fixture in gaming. Every year, developers come up with challenging new worlds for players to explore, creating new variations on the tried and tested formula. As the name suggests, Soulslikes take inspiration from FromSoftware’s seminal dark fantasy seriesDark Souls, blending difficult boss fights with an interconnected world and environmental storytelling.
While many games feature the same third-person POV as Dark Souls, this visual perspective does not define the genre. Soulslikes have begun to incorporate other styles, from side-scrolling platform games to an isometric point of view. Isometric video games are characterized by their fixed parallel viewpoint, with the camera angled down towards the character, creating the illusion of a three-dimensional world. Isometry is well-suited to the Soulslike genre, it allows for a greater level of depth over side-scrolling or top-down games. The perspective has also become popular among indie developers for its game design possibilities and technical accessibility.
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7 There is No Light
A Challenging Fantasy Horror Soulslike
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One
- Released: 2021
- Developer: Zelart
- Genre: RPG, Action-Adventure, Soulslike
- Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive
This tough action Soulslike game blends elements of Metroidvania and Roguelike games into a challenging experience that fans of the genre should enjoy. While there is a story, the narrative is secondary to the action, as players take on the creatures of the dark underworld. The game includes elements of Lovecraftian horror and has a solid pixel art style.
There is No Light is a tough game and can be very unforgiving. The game's difficulty may be unappealing for some. However, for players searching for a fresh challenge, the Eldritch horrors of There is No Light may satisfy that itch. There is No Light has received mostly positive reviews through Steam, and experienced genre fans will enjoy this challenging Soulslike title.
6 No Rest for the Wicked
A Solid Early Access Isometric Soulslike
No Rest for the Wicked
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Developer(s)
- Moon Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive
No Rest for the Wicked tasks players with purging a mutating plague, named Pestilence, from the island of Isola Sacra. Players take on the role of a Holy Warrior, who uses their magic abilities and various weapons to combat the monsters created by the plague.
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No Rest for the Wicked uses common dark fantasy themes often found in Soulslike games, creating a fun, action-orientated title that will appeal to fans of the genre. Players can craft weapons and armor, items for their home, improve the surrounding city, and explore a stunning world, created by the same team as Ori and the Blind Forest. As an early-access game, No Rest for the Wicked offers a lot of potential. While its content is quite short, it remains a must-play experience for fans of isometric soulslike action games.
5 Eldest Souls
A Challenging Soulslike for Genre Veterans
Eldest Souls
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- July 29, 2021
- Developer
- Fallen Flag Studio
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure , Soulslike
- Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive
Fans of Soulslikes will want to test their skills against this tough isometric action title. In the game, players find themselves in a dark fantasy setting, where the imprisoned Old Gods have wrought devastation on the land. Players control a lone warrior, fated as the last hope for humanity against the unleashed monsters.
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Eldest Souls blends fast combat and high difficulty that will appeal to veteran Soulslike players. While the challenge of Eldest Souls may not appeal to the average gamer, its stunning pixel art style and boss design will. Eldest Souls looks and plays well and will require patience to complete. However, players who persevere will be rewarded with a solid Soulslike action game set within a vibrant apocalyptic world.
4 Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
Explore the Horrific Fantasy Land of the Acolytes
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One
- Released: 2020
- Developer: Still Running
- Genre: RPG, Action-Adventure, Horror, Soulslike
- Metascore: 71
This fantasy horror isometric Soulslike offers a challenging experience. The player controls a Striver of Dibrom, a warrior who has trained to take on the legendary Seven Acolytes. This simple premise takes players into a dark and brutal realm where they will find quests to complete and enemies to slay.
Weapons can be upgraded and perks can improve the player’s stats. While based in a fantasy realm, the game moves into horror territory, with buckets of gore and Lovecraftian monstrosities. While the game can be completed within only a few hours of play, Morbid: The Seven Acolytes is a solid addition to the Soulslike genre.
3 Sands of Aura
Explore a Ruined World On the Brink of Destruction
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
- Released: 2021
- Developer: Chashu Entertainment
- Genre: RPG, Action-Adventure, Soulslike
- Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive
Sands of Aura presents a doomed fantasy world known as Talamhel at the end of its time. This ravaged land has been covered by an endless sea of sand which players can explore. The game follows the adventures of a Remnant Knight as they fight against the destructive Night Plague and attempt to bring peace to the apocalyptic land.
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This action-adventure game leans heavily into the dark fantasy aesthetic, offering challenging boss encounters, excellent level design, and smooth combat controls. The game supplies an array of weapons to suit a variety of play styles and crafting options for even more customization. The story is solid, if a little forgettable. Sands of Aura offers a satisfying Soulslike experience that will please genre fans or players looking for a new challenge.
2 Death’s Door
Uncover The Secrets of the Afterlife
Death's Door
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- July 20, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Acid Nerve
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
- Metascore: 85
Death’s Door takes common Soulslike mechanics and places them in a unique setting that is unlike any other game in the genre. In the game, doors to the afterlife replace the standard bonfire, while healing requires planting seeds scattered around the game. Players control a small Crow, who works for the bureaucratic Reaping Commission, to find and reap souls. However, the character soon finds themselves in a crow-conspiracy and must fight to uncover its secrets.
The game supplies an array of weapons, spells, and abilities to defeat the various bosses and solve puzzles in each dungeon. The game was well-received on release, receiving praises for its rewarding difficulty, fun tone, and combat. The game blends classic dungeon crawling gameplay with Soulslike mechanics. Death's Door will please fans who are looking for a light-hearted game that still offers significant challenges.
1 Tunic
A Fun Indie Soulslike
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Mac Operating Systems.
- Released: 2022
- Developer: Isometricorp Games
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Soulslike
- Metascore: 85
At first glance, Tunic looks nothing like the gritty, dark fantasy Soulslikes genre fans are used to. However, this fun action-adventure game uses many common mechanics veteran players will know, such as Estus-like healing flasks and bonfires that reset the world.
The game follows an anthropomorphic fox who explores a post-apocalyptic fantasy world, taking on dangerous enemies and tough boss fights. The game's story is slowly revealed through various writings and clues discovered throughout the playthrough. Tunic is a colorful and pleasing game with hidden depth and a strong challenge. The game was released to strong reviews, with critics praising its difficulty, gameplay, and setting.
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