Summary
Dark Soulsis unique for many things; fromits melancholic atmosphereand dark fantasy setting to its skill-based ARPG combat, it’s a particularly distinctive experience that fits an awfully specific niche, especially with its high level of difficulty.
As a result, fans ofDark Soulsmay be left with a very distinct itch to scratch. While there are avariety of Soulslikesbuilt withDark Soulsfans in mind, many indie games may also appeal to fans of the FromSoftware classic through their immersive atmospheres, rich settings, and/or challenging boss fights.
Lunacidis afirst-person dungeon-crawlingRPG that takes clear inspiration from FromSoftware’s earlier titles, such asShadow TowerandKing’s Field. Though built with fans of these classics in mind,Lunacid’sdark fantasy setting, enigmatic characters, and mysterious atmosphere will more than likely appeal to many fans ofDark Souls, too.
The game’s first-person combat is simple but methodical, allowingLunacidto be a great deal more accessible thanDark Souls. However, the real motivation to keep playing is arguably the game’s well-crafted atmosphere and distinctive retro style.
Taking a great deal of inspiration fromThe Legend Of ZeldaandDark Soulsalike,TUNICprovidesa remarkably enigmatic adventurewith a colorful, low-poly art style. The game’s unique method of teaching the player is particularly innovative, adding to the mystery of the setting in a way thatDark Soulsfans are sure to appreciate.
The game’s methodical combat and impressive boss battles are also likely to appeal to fans ofDark Souls, though they’re not quite as challenging. RPG systems and a focus on exploration also provide similar gameplay, made distinctive via the game’s unique perspective andZeldainfluences.
5Titan Souls
An Atmospheric, Minimalist Boss-Rush
Titan Soulsis a deeply atmosphericboss-rush gamethat’s likely to appeal to fans ofDark Soulswho loved the dramatic boss battles but perhaps didn’t care for the Metroidvania-esque exploration. The game is tremendously approachable, with simple combat that revolves around a single arrow, rather than a variety of build options.
As a result, this indie game isn’t likely to appeal to everyDark Soulsfan, but its emphasis on large-scale boss fights makes it worth a shot. For fans of pixel art and short, focused experiences,Titan Soulsis a worthwhile title.
Vaganteis apixel-art platformerwith a somber dark fantasy setting and a combination of action and RPG elements that’s likely to appeal toDark Soulsfans. The harsh difficulty and unforgiving nature of its gameplay are also sure to please many fans of FromSoftware’s iconic title, though it’s admittedly a little more blunt in the way it dishes out death.
This is due to a variety of deadly hazards and dangerous enemies that can bring swift and brutal ends to any given run. While this may be frustrating for some, it adds a level of intensity that’s sure to appeal to certain fans ofDark Souls.
This colorful, charming adventure translates the ARPG combat and unique structure ofDark Soulsto a smaller, bug-sized scale. Though its combat and RPG mechanics are sure to appeal toDark Soulsfans,White Lavenderis a decidedly unique experience with its own sense of style and atmosphere.
From its distinctive, modern soundtrack, to its wobbly art style,White Lavenderis a unique beast. As a result, it won’t appeal to fans ofDark Soulslooking for more of that rich, dark fantasy setting. However, players who simply want more ofDark Souls’methodical combat and meaningful exploration will find plenty to love.
Fans ofDark Soulsand first-person action games such asKingdom Come: Deliveranceshould certainly take a look atFlyKnight, which uses a combination of dismemberment mechanics and directional attacks to stand out from its obvious inspirations. Furthermore, the game features a nostalgic old-schoolRunescapeart style that certain players are sure to enjoy.
FlyKnightalso features a tremendous amount of loot and clear build variety that fans ofDark Soulsare likely to appreciate. Overall, while its combat is certainly unique and its art style dramatically different,Dark Soulsfans should consider givingFlyKnighta go.
Hollow Knightis an immediately atmospheric indie game with a uniquehand-drawn art style, a melancholic soundtrack, and a skill-based combat system. With its enigmatic world and variety of quirky NPCs,Hollow Knightis more than likely to appeal toDark Soulsfans on a variety of levels.
The clear difference betweenHollow KnightandDark Soulsis its tighter focus on Metroidvania elements, as well as its nature as a side-scroller. As a Metroidvania rather than an ARPG,Hollow Knight’scombat and character progression are much simpler, butDark Soulsfans should still consider giving this indie darling a shot.
