Still undoubtedly popular, the soulslike subgenre seemingly slowed down a little over the past few months and is only now starting to pick up its usual pace again. Some anticipated titles, such as Lords of the Fallen 2, were delayed, but with Mortal Shell 2 just out and games like Phantom Blade Zero, The Duskbloods, and even Black Myth: Zhong Kui receiving extensive coverage, there’s hardly a shortage of new and upcoming action titles for the hardcore audience.
With all that on players’ plates, some older soulslike games still enjoy healthy player numbers and occasional surges, such as Elden Ring, which is about to finally receive its Tarnished Edition Switch 2 port alongside some minor new DLC content. Others, however, are all but forgotten despite their numerous strengths. Below is a look at such near-perfect soulslike games, titles visible enough at launch to make a splash, but barely remembered or played today. Even as the genre keeps growing, these might be worth going back to rediscover or experience for the first time yourself.
Remnant: From the Ashes is in a pretty weird spot. One of the first soulslikes with a real focus on ranged weapons, the game did many important things like combat and exploration exceptionally well, yet got completely overshadowed by its sequel. Don’t get me wrong, Remnant 2 is definitely a better game in virtually every area, but that doesn’t mean the original should disappear from the genre’s landscape. Even if it might be visually unappealing and has a rather slow start, Remnant: From the Ashes somehow quickly gets its hooks into you through gameplay.
Brimming with secrets, original weapons, both ranged and melee, intriguing crafting, and unique leveling, the game constantly fuels your interest, while its difficulty mostly hits that sweet spot of being challenging without becoming overly frustrating. Its semi-randomized worlds and encounters also give repeat runs another reason to remain interesting. Remnant’s universe is unlike almost anything else, featuring rich, original worlds mostly experienced through a gritty apocalyptic lens, but again, the title admirably walks the thin line between feeling fresh and familiar.
I probably wouldn't be wrong if I say that many players still consider soulslikes to be strictly classic 3D action games with a third-person camera perspective, leaving a massive part of the genre’s offerings unexplored. Once really impactful, Salt and Sanctuary is mostly forgotten now, but it can serve as the perfect introduction to a different side of the genre thanks to its distinct Metroidvania-style influences. Equally haunting, tense, and punishing, the game combines excellent world and level design with solid combat, and adds an unexpectedly metal soundtrack to set the right mood.
Salt and Sanctuary is extremely Dark Souls-coded and might still be one of the most established examples of translating unmistakable Souls design into stylish 2D, proving that it can work wonderfully. From stats and deliberately defensive combat to UI elements and general aesthetics, Salt and Sanctuary wears its inspirations on its sleeve, yet somehow remains its own thing. Its timeless visuals also make it particularly easy to rediscover years later.
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Thymesia is a classic compact soulslike from the era when seemingly every studio was trying to develop one, so it was easy to overlook. Clearly inspired by the iconic Bloodborne in many areas, from its dark universe and disease-centered lore to an aggressive combat style that constantly rewards staying on the offensive, Thymesia is a very pleasant experience. What’s more, its minimalist approach actually feels more like an advantage.
سەرچاوەی فەرمی بە زمانی ئینگلیزی: https://gamerant.com/soulslikes-perfect-games-nobody-remembers/
