The second and final DLC for Dark Souls III is coming up fast, releasing on March 28. This is the last piece of content for one of the most groundbreaking RPG video games ever created. And it definitely makes all of its fans extremely sad, as it was one of a kind experience.
But don’t get upset too quickly. There are some great games out there that can bring back all the memories, and maybe you will even find something that can fill the void left when The Ringed City credits roll.
Here we present you with eleven Dark Souls-esque titles that are already available for purchase, or will be released sometime this year. You’ve probably of some of them, but hopefully others will actually be able to surprise you.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
- Developer: Capcom
- Release Date: May 22, 2012
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Dragon’s Dogma is a much faster and slightly easier game than Dark Souls. However, the enemies have a static level — and if you come along a boss that isn’t suitable to your level, then you and your assistants will be devastated.
Another distinct feature of Dragon’s Dogma is the ability to climb up on top of giant bosses, which isn’t possible in the Dark Souls games. In general, combat system is the same skill-wise, but stylistically it looks more like a hack-and-slash game. If you enjoy that, then you will love Dragon’s Dogma.
Nioh
- Developer: Team Ninja
- Release Date: February 7, 2017
- Platforms: PS4
This latest RPG title from Team Ninja, the creator of the famous Ninja Gaiden series, is a great game — and it actually stands on its own, even without all the comparisons to Dark Souls. Many players have stated that boss fights in Nioh are much harder, and at some points almost impossible.
On top of that, Nioh is a much longer venture than any of the Souls games — clocking in just over a hundred hours of gameplay. If you like long and challenging games, then Nioh should be your number one alternative to Dark Souls.
Memory Of Eldurim
- Developer: Liminal Games
- Release Date: February 8, 2014
- Platforms: PC
This hybrid of Dark Souls and Skyrim is still in Early Access, and has been for almost three years now. And why is that? Because the team behind this ambitious project consists of only three (very talented) men.
The developers are constantly updating the game and communicating with their fans. So the work is going on consistently, although fairly slowly. New items, weapons, and terrains are being added every few months — so if you want to play something like that, then be sure to check it out on Steam.
Abyss Odyssey
- Developer: ACE Team
- Release Date: July 15, 2014
- Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360
Imagine a Dark Souls game in the setting of Castlevania — that’s Abyss Odyssey. This game’s skill-based combat system is as hard as it gets, and the bosses are merciless. Although primarily a rogue adventure, it also contains some RPG elements, such as item stats and skills.
Another component that makes it a Souls-like game is the vague story-telling, which is a trademark of the Souls series at this point. Here this device is used really well, and creates a well-rounded sense of mystery.
The Surge
- Developer: Deck13 Interactive
- Release Date: May 16, 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Could you imagine the events of Dark Souls taking place in the future? Well, the same developer that gave us Lords of the Fallen will be releasing that sort of peculiar spin on the Souls games a bit later this year.
This is really something interesting. And if you do get tired of the same setting and weapons, then the new exoskeleton and firearms should reinvigorate your excitement for action RPGs. As the lead designer of the game said:
“People thought of the game as more of a clone, but we didn’t think of it that way. We want to add to the genre this time. We want to put [out] something that has never been seen before.”
Eitr
- Developer: Eneme Entertainment
- Release Date: TBA 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4
Eitr is heavily influenced by the Souls and Bloodborne games. Due to the isometric POV it also hints at the Diablo series, but that may be completely coincidental. Everything else from the combat system to leveling up will be something you’ve definitely seen before, so the game will instantly feel familiar.
Even the health potion refilling is executed at the campfires, just like the Estus Flask system in the Souls games. The last and probably a slightly controversial feature of Eitr is the possibility of overleveling your hero. This problem was solved in the later Souls games, but it looks like the creators of Eitr decided it would work well in their own game.
Ashen
- Developer: Aurora44
- Release Date: TBA 2017
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One
Ashen has been in development since 2014, and it should be out by the end of this year. The world of Ashen strongly resembles the setting of the Undead Burg, but is much more open and wide.
The protagonist of Ashen is a lonely adventurer who seeks his way home, and he must fight his way through hordes of monsters to get there. The combat is pretty much the same as in Dark Souls, where stamina plays a huge role and it is easy to get killed.
If there is one new game that looks and plays like the first Dark Souls, then it’s definitely Ashen.
Below
- Developer: Capybara Games
- Release Date: TBA 2017
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One
Since the announcement of Below in 2013, it has been proclaimed as the indie successor to the Souls games. The visual style of the game makes the Wanderer feel really small and unimportant in the vast world around him.
The game doesn’t tell you what to do at any point of the story, but it strongly encourages exploration based on intuition — which is also a huge part of the Souls series in general. With the scarce amounts of items and weapons, Below will really make people feel the unforgiving touch of despair.
Salt and Sanctuary
- Developer: Ska Studios
- Release Date: March 15, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS Vita
This little game is nothing else but Dark Souls in 2D format. Death is a huge part of the game, so don’t get mad when you see the dreaded message on your screen — just hit the replay button and die once more.
From a certain perspective, Salt and Sanctuary is even harder than the Souls games because it is restricted by two dimensions — whereas in Dark Souls you could utilize the 3D environment to your benefit. But all in all, it’s just as much fun, and will definitely make you salty.
Shrouded in Sanity
- Developer: Steve Gal
- Release Date: May 27, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PS4
If you can’t afford Salt and Sanctuary, then there is Shrouded in Sanity — another 2D Dark Souls clone that is really cheap on Steam. Except that most of the action takes place inside a haunted mansion instead of the open world.
Another slight drawback of the game is that it is made specifically for wide screens. So if you are a rare owner of a 4:3 monitor, then the game will look skewed to you. But other than that, it’s full of scares and excellent gameplay.
Titan Souls
- Developer: Acid Nerve
- Release Date: April 14, 2015
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS Vita
This one is for those who want some insane levels of difficulty. Don’t let the cute graphic design of Titan Souls deceive you, as this is one of the most daring games you will ever play.
You are given only one chance to hit your target. If you don’t manage to hit it right — you die and everything starts over again. Sounds familiar? Probably…but at least in Dark Souls you had some HP and an Estus Flask.
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In any case, there will be plenty more Dark Souls clones in the future, and we’re pretty sure they’ll even have the chance to trump the original series, but that is the topic for a whole new discussion. Until then, these upcoming and already released games should be enough to get you by.
Did we miss any games in this list? Got other Souls-like titles that you love to play and think other fans would too? Share in the comments below!
Published: Mar 27, 2017 11:56 am