FromSoftware’s Pre-Dark Souls Series Proved They Were Always Obsessed With Difficulty

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When people think of FromSoftware, they often picture being completely overwhelmed by a huge, intimidating enemy. The company is famous for creating games that are incredibly difficult, but also feel rewarding and balanced. However, this focus on challenging gameplay didn’t start with *Dark Souls* or even *Elden Ring*, which brought their style to a wider audience. FromSoftware had been developing this approach for years, and *Demon’s Souls* simply allowed them to refine it.

The challenge players experience in these games actually started with King’s Field, a dark fantasy RPG from the 1990s. This game was unusual for its time because it required players to learn from their mistakes and adjust their strategies. Though not as refined or well-known as later games, King’s Field set the stage for everything FromSoftware would become known for: a mysterious and dangerous world where winning feels truly rewarding after many defeats. It was the basic blueprint for the Souls games we enjoy today, but in an older, more pixelated style.

King’s Field and the Birth of the Souls-Like Challenge

First released in Japan in 1994, *King’s Field* threw players into a harsh and unforgiving world with no hand-holding. It didn’t offer tutorials, clear goals, or easy wins. The game was deliberately slow and difficult – enemies were powerful, and death was a constant danger. But for players who stuck with it, the feeling of achievement was incredibly rewarding, unlike anything other role-playing games offered at the time. FromSoftware didn’t intend to make the game frustrating; they wanted players to truly *earn* their progress.

This game was remarkably innovative for its time. While many developers focused on making games easy to pick up, *King’s Field* required players to be patient and explore. FromSoftware understood that a good challenge—even a frustrating one—could keep players engaged. The feeling of accomplishment after overcoming that challenge made the experience truly rewarding. *King’s Field* was FromSoftware’s first attempt at this design philosophy. Its complex, winding levels and mysterious design encouraged exploration while penalizing mistakes—qualities that would later define the *Souls* series.

By 2001, with the release of *King’s Field IV*, FromSoftware had really found its signature style. The deliberate, careful combat and mysterious stories had improved, but the underlying ideas stayed the same. Dying wasn’t seen as a setback, but as a way to learn, and ultimately, achieve a truly satisfying victory. This idea – that hard-earned triumphs are the most rewarding – became central to everything they created. It’s why *Dark Souls* felt like a natural progression, and why their games still share the same core spirit even today.

“Skill Issue”: The Philosophy That Forged a Genre

Released in 2009, after an eight-year gap since FromSoftware’s King’s Field, Demon’s Souls was a game that challenged expectations. While gaming had become popular, reviewers had mixed reactions. Some found it overly difficult or unfair, but those who appreciated it recognized its unique quality. It represented a polished evolution of the design principles established in King’s Field. FromSoftware had mastered the art of difficulty, transforming challenges from frustrating obstacles into valuable learning experiences.

The phrase “skill issue” became popular among players who believed that overcoming challenges was about personal improvement, not blaming the game. They understood that practice and learning were key to mastering any difficulty. Instead of seeing failures as the game’s fault, they viewed each attempt—every missed dodge, failed block, or defeat—as a chance to learn and get better. Often misunderstood as a way to exclude others, the phrase actually encouraged self-assessment. For those who truly understood it, the question wasn’t whether a game was too hard, but how they could improve their own skills to succeed.

Even in their Game of the Year hit, *Elden Ring*, FromSoftware sticks to its core design principle: challenge is key. The game isn’t difficult just to be punishing; it’s hard because overcoming obstacles is what makes winning feel rewarding. Dedicated players enjoy the nervousness before a boss, the precision of a well-timed dodge, and the incredible satisfaction of conquering a seemingly impossible challenge. FromSoftware didn’t create difficulty, but they changed how it *feels* to overcome it, proving that games can be both challenging and enjoyable.

Why FromSoftware’s Pain Feels So Good

While many modern games focus on being easy to pick up and play, FromSoftware continues to create notoriously challenging games – a bold move that goes against the grain. For decades, they’ve shown that difficulty isn’t about excluding players, but about offering a rewarding climb. From their early titles like King’s Field to the recent Elden Ring, this core belief has remained consistent and become even more pronounced. Their games are demanding and can feel harsh, but the feeling of accomplishment you get from overcoming those challenges is incredibly satisfying because it’s truly earned through effort.

For dedicated fans of the Souls games – those who actually enjoy a challenge – this is why the series remains so popular. It’s not simply about repeatedly dying and trying again; it’s about growing, improving, and ultimately succeeding. FromSoftware didn’t accidentally create a masterpiece with *Dark Souls*. They built their success through unwavering dedication to the idea that the greatest satisfaction comes from conquering seemingly insurmountable obstacles. And for its fans, that difficulty isn’t frustrating – it’s exactly what makes the experience so rewarding.

The original *King’s Field* laid the groundwork for the challenging but rewarding gameplay that FromSoftware is known for today. This dedication to meaningful difficulty is what makes *Elden Ring’s* world feel consistently threatening, and every boss battle a true test of skill. The studio’s approach is perfectly captured by a key line from *Sekiro*: “Hesitation is defeat.” This phrase embodies the core of FromSoftware’s design – players are encouraged to commit fully to their actions, learn from failure, and overcome doubt. This philosophy isn’t just about testing a player’s abilities; it’s about challenging their resolve, and it’s a consistent thread throughout all of FromSoftware’s games.

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2025-10-14 02:11