Summary
Despite most of them being Soulslikes, there’s a lot of variety in FromSoftware’s modern output.Demon’s Soulsemploys stage-based progression instead ofDark Souls’ interconnected worlds, andElden Ring’s expanded verticality recallsSekiro: Shadows Die Twicedespite how differently each expresses it. EvenSekiroandArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconhave their own twists on similar concepts, like the different ways enemies can be staggered and how high mobility is represented. As long as high difficulty is permissible, there’s a diverse range of experiences to be found in FromSoftware’s games.
It’s likely that this sort of experimentation will continue in the developer’s future titles, whether that takes the form of adding new features or remixing old ones. With any luck, fans will see FromSoftware branch out more over time like it did with the aforementionedSekiroandArmored Core 6. Future games in the style ofArmored Coremay be possible given FromSoftware’s history, butSekiromay remain one of the most unique entriesin its catalog. The game is similar to a Soulslike, but often isn’t considered such, as what lies at its core doesn’t translate intoSoulsgameplay very well.
A Key Part of Sekiro’s Combat Would Be Overpowered In Souls Games
At first, plenty of similarities betweenSekiroand its Soulsborne peers seem evident. There’s a strong focus on combat in all of them, especially with regard to fighting bosses. However, it’s within these games’ abundant battles where their fundamental incompatibility appears. Generally speaking, Soulsborne games encourage defensive play, either through shields or using dodge rolls to escape attacks. From a safe position, how players deal with enemies is up to them.Sekirohas limited offensive skills, but that’s to balance out defensive abilities that eclipse their equivalents in every other FromSoftware game.
Sekiro’s Deflection System Promotes Defense Too Well
Parries may be abundant and powerful inDark Souls,Bloodborne, and evenElden Ring, but they are so deeply ingrained intoSekiro’s moment-to-moment gameplay that it’s hard to imagine a traditional Soulslike copying them. Wolf rhythmically deflects attacks before instantly dispatching his staggered opponent, putting even theBloodborneHunter’s gunshot parries to shame. All of that is without going into the various other defensive options, like Mikiri Counters, that defineSekiro: Shadows Die Twice. FromSoftware may encourage defensive playstyles, but innerfingElden Ring’s Barricade Shield Ash of War, it made its stance clear on avoiding overpowered defensive options in itsSoulsgames.
FromSoftware Will Likely Keep Grappling Hooks Out Of Future Souls Titles
Combat isn’t the only major gameplay elementSekiroshares with FromSoftware’s other games. Exploring mysterious fantasy worlds is a core appeal of FromSoftware projects, andSekiromakes traversing them even more enjoyablewith its grappling hook. Wolf is already more nimble than the average Soulsborne protagonist, but his only permanent Shinobi Prosthetic tool lets him casually soar across cliffs and rooftops with ease. It’s a surprisingly compelling part ofSekirothat even has occasional combat applications, but the chances of something similar appearing in games likeDark SoulsorElden Ringare slim.
Unlike Sekiro, Soulsborne Areas Need Restricted Movement
DespiteElden Ring’s jump button and resulting vertical environments having originated inSekiro, FromSoftware will likely leave the player’s aerial abilities there. Except for the occasionalelevator or Spirit Spring shortcut inElden Ring, Soulslike players are grounded for the majority of their gameplay.Sekiro’s grappling hook would not only make it easier to navigate past enemies, but would interfere with the intricate layout of paths FromSoftware prefers to build into its dungeons. A dedicatedSoulsgame wouldn’t be complete without danger and tension, and the powerful defense and free movement ofSekiro: Shadows Die Twicewould shatter those carefully crafted feelings in an instant.
