Summary
For the most part, FromSoftware’s Soulslike games have remained faithful to a specific theme.Elden Ringand theDark Soulsfranchise, for instance, lean heavily into medieval fantasy to produce the iconic dark tones the genre has become known for. After all, fantasy is a genre with very few limitations and therefore provides a solid foundation forFromSoftware’s iconic Soulslike formula, so it makes sense why the developer would constantly revisit it. However, despite how well it has worked up to this point, it may be time for FromSoftware to stretch its genre legs and explore some new settings for its well-oiled formula.
FromSoftware has already proven it is capable of moving beyond its comfort zone to less-predictable settings, and it only needs to continue proving that as it develops more games. In examining where the developer has been able to take the genre before and where other Soulslike developers have made attempts at replicating FromSoftware’s iconic formula, theElden Ringdeveloper may be able to find its footing in unfamiliar territory and further cement its status as the founder and champion of the Soulslike genre.
How FromSoftware’s Soulslikes Could Shake Up Their Settings
FromSoftware Could Explore More Settings Like Bloodborne’s in Future Soulslikes
If FromSoftware were to begin exploring non-fantasy settings in its future games, it wouldn’t be the first time the developer went off the beaten path to try something new. For example,Bloodborne, although it has the bones of aFromSoftware Soulslike, forewent a fantasy setting for a Gothic setting in a city inspired by the Victorian era.
While much ofBloodborne’s praise revolved around its innovative gameplay mechanics, its detailed environments were also recognized as one of its best features.
Bloodborne’s Gothic settingcontributes to the game’s emphasis on horror, although all of FromSoftware’s Soulslike games have an element of horror to them. Even so,Bloodborne, specifically, has received accolades for being a “true horror.” It couldn’t necessarily be considered horror in a traditional sense, but its atmosphere is unsettling and haunting enough for it to be seen as a departure from the developer’s usual medieval fantasy setting.
Furthermore,Bloodborne’s Gothic, Victorian-era-inspired setting opened the door for more weapon variety, as there are only so many weapon types associated with the fantasy genre. All in all,Bloodbornepresents a strong case for the developer to continue taking strides away from its familiar genre and exploring new territory for future games.
Science-Fiction Has Already Proven Itself as a Fitting Genre for Soulslikes
Science-fiction is one genre FromSoftware has yet to utilize for a Soulslike game. In fact,Bloodbornemay be the closest FromSoftware ever gets to a science-fiction Soulslike title. Rather, that doesn’t change the fact that the genre has already proven itself as fitting enough for Soulslike games. Shift Up’s recent success,Stellar Blade, is a great example of this.
Stellar Blademay not be a traditional Soulslike, but it borrows plenty of elements from the Soulslike genre to prove how well science-fiction works for it. Just asStellar Blade’s EVE spends the game fending off the often horrific Naytibas, a FromSoftware science-fiction Soulslike could see players fighting grotesque lab experiments gone wrong, and it would also present a viable opportunity for weapon types the developer has yet to include in its games.
Elden Ringand theDark Soulsseries have been some of themost influential gamesever made, but that shouldn’t stop FromSoftware from exploring other possibilities when it comes to settings likeBloodborne’s and those inspired by science-fiction. The developer has proven its capabilities before, but it might be better off shifting its formula a bit before it gets too late.
Elden Ring
WHERE TO PLAY
ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
