Most people active here probably know of the FS catalogue. Given Lemmy’s population, the term soulslike may be applied to games quite liberally, so games like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols, Blasphemous and similar games, which incorporate soulslike elements, would all fall under the same umbrella term.

What are your must-plays? What surprised you? What is a sleeper hit you feel like people don’t talk about enough?

Let us know!

Edit: I do know that the games in the thumbnail aren’t soulslikes in the traditional sense; however, they show some elements that are often associated with soulslikes, so they serve more as a conversation starter to think outside the box and the rigid ideas of what a soulslike truly is and can be

  • Ech@lemm.eeEnglish
    4·
    2 days ago

    I wouldn’t include Ori under that umbrella, and Dead Cells is a bit of a reach, imo. For me, a souls-like has to focus on skill and strategy in combat, ideally with evasion and blocking being critical to success. It also needs a rhythm to the combat - recognizable patterns that the player can learn and improve with (and even be manipulated with). The bosses are also absolutely critical - they should be visually and mechanically formidable, and they need to be plentiful.

    With that definition in mind, Hollow Knight would be my top suggestion. Easily one of my favorite games ever. I haven’t played too many other souls-likes, but the next two that come to mind are Lies of P and Another Crab’s Treasure. I haven’t finished either, myself, but they both fit the mold quite well and will likely “scratch the itch” for anyone looking for something similar (LoP is most similar to a FS game, while ACT is…pretty wacky). For anyone that’s played everything and is desperate for anything, the Jedi: Survivor series clearly tries to be a psuedo-souls-like, but it just isn’t in the same league, imo. I found the combat very janky and unsatisfying, but maybe worth trying as a last resort.

    • Druid@lemmy.zipOPMEnglish
      3·
      1 day ago

      Oh yea, true, I agree. Hollow Knight does the fit the bill rather nicely in comparison, for sure!

      Haven’t played ACT treasure yet but should, I feel like. How’s it stack up to your favourites?

      • Ech@lemm.eeEnglish
        2·
        24 hours ago

        The FS games and HK are the pinnacle, imo, and in that respect I haven’t found any other game that gets particularly close, but from what I played of it, ACT definitely puts up a good showing. Like I mentioned, it’s much wackier/goofier than most souls-likes, which I personally enjoyed, but it might not be for everyone. Probably worth checking out, at least, for anyone looking for a fresh souls-like.