I’m Tired of the Same Problem in Every Soulslike Game

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Games inspired by the ‘Souls’ series are incredibly popular right now. Even games that aren’t traditionally action RPGs are borrowing features from these titles, effectively creating a new subgenre. Players are enjoying the influx of these challenging games, which offer complex combat and hidden storylines. However, one common element is starting to feel repetitive and is no longer as engaging as it once was – it’s time for developers to move beyond it.

Many games inspired by the Souls series tend to create dark, depressing worlds, often stripping away color and immersing players in sadness. While dark fantasy is common in these games, it’s time for something different.

The Bleakness Is Getting Old

Most Soulslike games begin with a bleak, decaying world-think ruined castles in *Dark Souls*, the horrifying gothic city of *Bloodborne*, or the desolate lands of *Elden Ring*. This sense of dread is now a defining characteristic of the genre. While these settings create tension and raise the stakes, they often feel repetitive. Even when a Soulslike isn’t set in a typical dark fantasy world, its use of dull colors can make it blend in with the rest.

Okay, I totally get why everyone loves this look at first – it really sets the mood and feels right for the genre. But honestly, after playing so many games with the *same* dark and gritty style, it’s just… tiring. What used to be scary now feels totally expected. I don’t think a tough game *needs* to be visually depressing, you know? It’s like we’re all stuck in this cycle of sameness, and it’s making things less impactful. I’m craving something fresh!

While a dark and gloomy atmosphere has always been a core part of Soulslike games, relying on it too much is now limiting the genre’s potential. To truly move forward, these games need to explore brighter, more colorful worlds and environments that feel dynamic and full of life, even while remaining challenging. Darkness used to be their biggest strength, but now it’s starting to hold them back from evolving.

The FromSoftware Effect

FromSoftware has essentially defined the Soulslike genre, and their games are now legendary within the video game world. The genre wouldn’t be nearly as well-known without their contributions. They’ve become known for creating decaying, atmospheric worlds, which are now just as central to Soulslike games as the challenging combat. Expect to see grand cathedrals, undead enemies, and huge bosses – these elements have become hallmarks of the genre thanks to FromSoftware.

Look, just because FromSoftware nailed the whole dark and gritty vibe doesn’t mean everyone can pull it off. They really *integrated* that bleakness into how their games actually *play*. A lot of games try to copy that now, making these dark fantasy worlds, but honestly, they all start to feel the same. I think *Lords of the Fallen* falls into that trap, and it really holds the game back from being something special.

Many games, like *Lies of P* and *Wuchang: Fallen Feather*, try unique settings but end up feeling just as grim and desolate as FromSoftware’s titles. Players are repeatedly placed in worlds that feel like simple variations of those games. Although the core ideas may be fresh, the overall atmosphere is too similar, which prevents the genre from evolving. To really make a mark, developers need to take risks and try something new.

Challenge Can Still Shine in Color

Soulslike games often lack vibrant color and a sense of life, with most titles sticking to dark and repetitive environments. However, a challenging game doesn’t *need* to be bleak. Introducing colorful, unusual settings – like alien planets or dreamlike landscapes – could really make a Soulslike stand out. *Another Crab’s Treasure* is a great example of how a game can be both difficult *and* full of color and humor.

Adding contrast would make the game more memorable. For example, players might be surprised to enter a bright, peaceful meadow only to encounter a challenging boss. This creates a sense of danger where players expect safety, and can create obstacles. On the other hand, a vibrant, neon-lit city could be ideal for a cyberpunk-style Soulslike game. Stepping away from the typical dark and gloomy environments is a simple way to make a Soulslike game stand out from the crowd.

The game could have really stood out with a more unique and vibrant art style, instead of sticking to the typical dark look seen in many similar games. Players enjoy the difficulty of these games, and that could still be maintained with a fresh visual approach. It doesn’t need to be overly colorful, but a departure from the usual gray and black would be a welcome change for the genre.

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2025-09-17 19:00