FromSoftware and “Soulsborne” games have gotten quite a bit of attention this last generation. Before the PS4/Xbox One generation,Dark Soulswas still a relatively niche series, only enjoyed by the most hardcore fans. While it’s not necessarily true, the stigma ofDark Soulsgames being prohibitively difficult is still pervasive even to this day. However, in the last generation, FromSoftware was able to break down some of those walls by expanding beyond theDark Soulsworld in various ways.
AfterDark Souls 2, FromSoftware released a few standalone games in-between the main franchise, experimenting with various different takes on aDarkSoulsexperience. BothSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceandBloodbornecame out in a very strange time forSouls-like games. Each game takes a very different approach to innovating, improving, or altogether changing the dynamic that’s typically found in aDark Soulsgame. These two formative games have left a deep impression on FromSoftware, and inspirations from both games will likely filter into futureSoulsgames.
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Sekiro, A Very Different Souls-Like Game
Compared directly to everyDark Soulsgame before it, evenDark Souls 3,Sekiro: Shadows Die Twiceis a very different game. Both from a thematic/story perspective, as well as a gameplay perspective,Sekirotakes an entirely different approach. Development onSekiroinitially began as a spiritual successor toTenchu, and that certainly shows in the gameplay mechanics.Sekirois inherently designed to play much more aggressively compared toDark Souls, and while elements of defensive mechanics like the posture system encourage strategy, many bosses can be assaulted and beaten with intelligent offense.
Playing as the Wolf,Sekiroplayers could dash faster and jump (and even wall jump) higher than any previousSoulsgame to date. Mechanically speaking, the game plays much faster thanDark Souls, and to a lesser extentBloodborne. Each boss encounter rewards aggressive attacking, since there’s no stamina bar and the posture meter encourages offensive pressure. From a story viewpoint,Sekirois far more linear compared to anyDark Soulsgame as well. The story is told through character moments and interactions, rather than the more subtle environmental storytelling found inDark Soulsgames. Overall,Sekirois easily the most different Soulsbornegame to date.
Bloodborne, A Familiar Twist on Dark Souls
On the other hand,Bloodbornewas the first step made by FromSoftware to try something new on PlayStation 4. Despite the differences in setting, character builds, and weapons,Bloodbornewas actually much closer to traditionalSoulsgames than new players may have expected. There’s far more customization available to the player for character builds, and mechanically speaking,Bloodborneplays a lot like whatDark Souls 3became. The major differences came in the specific stats, but more importantly the stance swaps with different weapons.
Nearly every weapon inBloodbornehad the ability to swap weapon modes on the fly, changing instantly from a one-handed axe to a polearm in a second. Rather than just sticking to light attack/heavy attack, the extended weapons could change fighting styles completely, allowing for more variety and versatility. For example, Ludwig’s Holy Blade could turn from a quick-thrusting short sword into a heavy buster sword to deal massive damage. The Hunter’s Axe swapped from a strong one-handed weapon into a huge area-of-effect weapon.Bloodbornestuck to the traditional freedom of play thatDark Soulsalways ascribed to.
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Both Games Impress In Unique Regards
BothSekiroandBloodborneareSouls-like games, but they really do play like two different games in a good way.Sekirochases a much more fluid and fast combat experience, reliant on the posture system to push aggressive play against bosses.BloodborneresemblesDark Soulsmore thanSekiro, but still has a lot of visual and gameplay flair to make it distinctly its own game.Bloodbornehas far less linearity compared toSekiroin its story, but that’s largely because the narrative in both games follows a different beat. Players can’t create their own character inSekirobecause of its direct characters and story, whereasBloodbornehas a blank slate protagonist just likeDark Souls.
Each game excels in its own area.Bloodborne’s unique setting and stance-swapping weapons made for an interesting yet familiar tweak onDark Souls.Sekiro: Shadows Die Twiceacts as a distinct departure that references theDark Soulsspirit, but endeavors to tell its own direct story with memorable characters and clear direction for players. The gameplay differences each emphasize different desires, different playstyles, each to embody a different type of experience.That’s what makes these games so special, they’re each in their own spheres of influence.
Bloodborneis available now on PS4.Sekiro: Shadows Die Twiceis available now on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.
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