This is a community for discussion, news, and memes pertaining to the video game sub-genre "soulslike".
Given Lemmy's size, the definition of soulslike may be treated relatively loosely. While games like the numerous FromSoft titles, the recent Star Wars Jedi games, Lies of P, Nioh and similar games should be the focus, games that incorporate soulslike elements - like Hollow Knight and Blasphemous, for example - may also be discussed here.
Basic Lemmy-quette applies. Additionally, since flairs don't exist yet, please do make sure to include a marker to denote what game your post is about in square brackets for clarity's sake. An example could be:
[BB] This enemy is so difficult!
or
[DS1] Anyone struggling with the gargoyles?
Friends:
Should you have any questions, please do let me know.
It's definitely noticeable when a non-FromSoft soulslike doesn't implement more classic aspects of soulslikes, like world building and intricate level design - most seem to focus on boss difficulty. I think part of the allure of these games gets lost with those. They can still be amazing games but may come with a few shortcomings here and there.
This is all correct but I also gotta beat that multiplayer drum. The notorious difficulty was originally offset by using an item that let you have full health and summon help! Help is good, but now you can be invaded by other players and NPCs. Sometimes you ran out of those items when fighting hard bosses or areas, and now you need to invade to get more helper items. Then you find covenants that let you earn unique equipment through helping and invasions. The whole scenario had risk and rewards that was completely watered down in Elden Ring and totally absent in other souls likes.
They also used to be full of obtuse bullshit that was never explained and you just had to figure out, summon a guide, get lucky, or if all else fails look it up. World tendencies? Curses that dont go away when you die? Unkillable enemies (except with a certain weapon type)? Being able to murder every NPC for special weapons and absolutely fuck your playthrough? Weirdly hidden side quests, areas, and bosses (just jump off this specific cliff)? Demons souls and Dark Souls had all kinds of crazy shit I dont see anymore.
I still enjoy a lot of these other games but I really feel like "souls like" is thrown around pretty loosely on anything that just has a similar combat style, but none of those other hallmark traits.
Look at me, I have intricate hitboxes, annoying bosses, and big doors that open slowly: I’m the soulslike now!