Despite some nagging performance issues depending on which platform players happen to be experiencing the title on,Lords of the Fallen’s launch seems to have struck a chord with fans of Soulslikes as yet another worthwhile entry into the genre.Lords of the Fallenis releasing hot on the heels of September’sLies of Pat a time when the Soulslike genre is at the forefront of fans' minds, withLies of Pbeing one of the best examples of a genre entry not developed by FromSoftware. Truthfully, though, the fact that the conversation surrounding both games only exists within the context of FromSoftware’s legacy highlights a major problem with the genre.
Although both theKing’s Fieldgames andDemon’s Soulscan technically be considered the first titles to embrace mechanics that are synonymous with Soulslikes, the genre can effectively trace its beginning back to therelease of 2011’sDark Soulsand the ensuing hype machine surrounding that title. The initial cult success and subsequent mainstream crossover ofDark Soulsmeant that it was only a matter of time before imitators arrived, and now that players are starting to see studios other than FromSoftware develop incredible Soulslikes, these comparisons still persist despite years of innovation. It’s time for the genre to step out of FromSoftware’s shadow.
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Both Lords of the Fallen and Lies of P Walk a Fine Line Between Imitation and Derivation
The excellence of bothLies of PandLords of the Fallenis made all the more significant thanks to the fact that each game is essentially the first original project from two brand new, untested studios. Prior toLies of P,developer Neowizhad only previously worked on porting a popular MMO, and Hexworks' taking of the reigns from original developer Deck 13 onLords of the Fallenis a similar scenario of a newer studio being given creative freedom to craft a compelling Soulslike. That both games turned out as great as they did is a testament to the talents of each studio, but it’s also clear for players to draw very obvious connections between each title and games in FromSoftware’s library.
Prior to its release, most of theconversation surroundingLies of Pwas that it was shaping up to be theBloodbornesequel that FromSoftware fans are still clamoring for. Playing the game only cemented that fact, with its combat inviting additional comparisons to yet another incredible title in FromSoftware’s back catalog –Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Similarly,Lords of the Fallenis very much a spiritual successor and modern attempt at many of the mechanics and elements of the originalDark Souls, with the genre’s origins serving as its most obvious inspiration. While both games are quality titles, these comparisons ultimately diminish their ability to stand on their own merits.
If FromSoftware Can Move On From Its Legacy, Other Developers Can Follow Suit
It seems like it’s impossible to go more than a month without a game releasing that advertises itself as being “Souls-influenced” or outright Soulslike. Interestingly, FromSoftware itself seems to have moved beyond the limitations presented by adhering to tenets of game design more than 10 years old, with its most recent titles definitivelybreaking away from theDark Soulsformula.Elden Ringis less “open-worldDark Souls” than it is FromSoftware’s take onBreath of the Wild, and bothSekiroandArmored Core 6prove the studio is more than a one-trick pony.
With FromSoftware willing to step outside its own wheelhouse to innovate and move the genre forward, it follows that other developers need to be as willing to take creative risks. Without raising the bar of quality to new heights, the genre flirts with stagnation. Thecore mechanics of Soulslikes– methodical combat, punishing boss encounters, esoteric lore – are here to stay, but there’s little reason for new entries to look to the past rather than charting a course for a bold future.
Lords of the Fallenis available now on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
