When it comes toSouls-likegames (akaSoulsborne) the developers FromSoft are at the top of their game. They essentially defined the sub-genre of action-adventure and action-RPG withDark SoulsandBloodborne.
When Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja titleNioharrived in 2017 it proved other developers can take the idea and make it their own. As much as Team Ninja borrowed from theDark Soulsseries, they added enough of their owningredientsto make it stand out from the crowd of emerging Souls-likes.
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Nioh 2is set to release on the 13thof March 2019 on the PlayStation 4, adding character creation, the ability to summon two players to help in battles, and an even larger skill tree. WithNioh 2still quite a few weeks away let’s take a look at 10 similar games to play until then.
10Onimusha: Warlords
Originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2001, Capcom’sOnimushaWarlordsis a Samurai action-adventure game in the vein of theResident Evilseries. It remastered and released again in 2019 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and the PC.
Just likeNioh, Onimushaputs the player in the shoes of a real-life historical figure from the Sengoku period fighting against demonic and supernatural forces. ObviouslyOnimushais nowhere near as fast or as difficult, but its setting and gameplay are just as robust and satisfying today as they were 18 years ago.
9God Of War
Released exclusively for the PS4 in 2018,God of Waris the fourth entry in theseries. From a gameplay and setting perspective, it functions as both a soft reboot and a sequel. Unlike its predecessors, this entry has a far more thoughtful and deliberate combat system that’s more in line with a Souls-like title.
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It’s far slower and weightier thanNiohbut the fighting is just as satisfying. The fights can be epic and there’s a certain amount of visceral satisfaction when Kratos’ ax connects with his enemies. Combining well-timed parries with a succession of strikes to execute the finishing move will leave a lasting impression on most players.
8Code Vein
Released in 2019 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and the PC,Code Veinis a post-apocalyptic action RPG that implements the Souls-like formula. However, just likeNioh,it does enough things differently to stand on its own merits.
Code Veinfeatures one of the most robust character creators seen this generation. In addition, players have access to an incredibly deep job system that’s typical of JRPGs likeFinal Fantasy V.The player character is also accompanied by an AI-controlled partner of their choosing. While this makes the game less challenging it could work as a good warm-up for what will no doubt be another incredibly tough game inNioh 2.
7Lords Of The Fallen
Released in 2014 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the PC,Lords of the Fallenwasdeveloped by Deck13 Interactive. It was one of the earlier attempts to recreate the Souls-like formula. It isn’t as vast as theDark Soulsgames or as tough asNiohbut it does warrant a look for fans of the genre.
Just because it isn’t quite as hard asNioh, don’t expect an easy ride. Thebossfights can be absolutely punishing and will take several attempts to learn their patterns. The art-style is also excellent and very reminiscent of theDarksidersand theWorld of Warcraftgames.
6The Surge Series
TheSurgeandThe Surge 2were released in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Developed by the same team that createdLords of the Fallen,The Surgeis a sci-fi action RPG that uses the Souls formula. This time, however, Deck13 shook up the formula by adding tactical dismemberment and enough jump scares to satisfy survival horror fans.
The Surge 2improved its gameplay mechanics further by adding larger and denser environments. The combat system is even better with the addition of the new directional blocking system. Now, timing a block in the direction of an enemy attack will result in an incredibly satisfying parry. It’s one of the best fighting systems in the genre and will appeal toNiohfans if they give it a chance.
5Dark Souls III
Released in 2017 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the PC,Dark Souls IIIis arguably the most polished in the series. True fans of the genre should certainly play all of the games in the series fromDemon’s SoulstoDark Souls.
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However, the combat is much faster and more fluid inDark Souls IIIthan its predecessors. Furthermore, the game is a masterclass in interconnected level design that offers more open and detailed environments than ever before.
4Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star WarsJedi: Fallen Orderwas released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, the PC in 2019. It’s an action-adventure game that borrowed from the Souls-like formula. Just like inNioh, players are limited to one fighting style but there are lots of skills to unlock
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Additionally, players need to keep an eye on their stamina in combat scenarios in order to land the finishing blow.Fallen Orderisn’t as difficult as the games that inspired it but there’s enough challenges to satisfy even the most hardened gamers on the Jedi Master setting.
3Bloodborne
Released exclusively on the PlayStation in 2015,Bloodborneis an action-RPG developed byDark Soulsstudio FromSoftware. Similarly to theSoulsgames,Bloodborneis a difficult game that takes time and patience. It’s also one of the best games in any generation.
Bloodbornestands apart from theSoulsseries by making the player fight aggressively with precision, timing, and speed. The interconnected world is incredibly designed and exploring it feels seamless. Furthermore, the Lovecraftian and gothic environments are extraordinarily detailed and tell a story all of their own.
2Ninja Gaiden Sigma
Released in 2006 for the PlayStation 3,Ninja GaidenSigmais from the same developers that createdNioh,Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja.Ninja Gaiden’s fast-paced combat is an early inspiration forNiohalbeit with more focus on attack combos.
Naturally, fans that favoredNioh’sfocus on difficulty, speed, and timing over the more cumbersome mechanics of theDark Soulsseries will feel at home withNinja Gaiden.In addition, Gaiden’s heritage and influence continue to live on inNioh’sboss battles.
1Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Developed by FromSoft and released in 2019,Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicewas released on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and the PC. It retains much of theDark Soulsformula that’s made From’s games so successful butSekirois a much faster precision-based experience than its predecessors.
Like the firstNioh,Sekirois based in a supernatural representation of Japan’s Sengoku period but it places the player in the shoes of a Ninja instead of a Samurai. Fans ofNiohwill also appreciateSekiro’sspeed andswordplaymechanics. It’s a game that’s focused on creating openings by deflecting the enemy’s attacks. Even thoughNiohis a more offensive game thanSekiro,the technically sound combat is a joy to use and will please fans of the genre.
