They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and in FromSoftware's case, the compliments just keep on stacking up. The influence of the Souls series and its spin-offs on the gaming industry as a whole over the last 10+ years is nothing short of phenomenal. Various developers, from triple-A giants to small indie studios, have tried their hand at giving players a challenging experience to rival those first tentative steps in Boletaria, Lordran, Yharnam and the Lands Between.
Whether it's a stamina-based combat system, an emphasis on patience and timing, or an interconnected world that loops back on itself, there's no doubt that Soulslikes have resonated with players and developers alike. But it doesn't always have to take place in a dingy medieval castle setting. In fact, some of the most innovative titles swap the grim dark aesthetic for concrete and neon. With that in, below are some of the best sci-fi Soulslikes available right now.
4 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
The Perfect Blend Of Souls And Star Wars
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
- Released
- November 15, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Respawn Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
- Requires patience and timing to master the Jedi arts.
A galaxy far, far away probably isn't what first comes to players' minds when talking about Soulslikes. However, there's a lot here that's inspired by FromSoftware. When it comes to combat, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order perfectly melds two iconic IPs to create fast-paced battles that feel equal parts Dark Souls and Star Wars.
Cal Kestis wields his lightsaber with deadly finesse, and mixing in various Force powers feels very much like throwing Sorceries around. But he is not invincible. There's an emphasis on patience and timing, waiting for the right moment to strike — because one wrong move could put Cal in serious trouble. It's the perfect way to blend the mindfulness of the Jedi Order with the discipline required to beat a Souls title.
3 Code Vein
Familiar Mechanics With A Visceral Twist
Code Vein
- Released
- September 27, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Features an interconnected world and epic bosses.
With how popular Soulslikes are and how many other genres they incorporate, it was inevitable that players would eventually get to sink their teeth into an anime version. Code Vein takes that sentiment quite literally. Set against the backdrop of a near future post-apocalyptic Earth, players take control of a Revenant, undead humans who require blood to stave off insanity.
It sounds very much like the process of Hollowing from Dark Souls. But the similarities don't stop there. Players can master a variety of modern-day weapons, including bayonets, as well as a host of powers through the Blood Code enhancement system. Mix in challenging bosses, a vast interconnected world, and the ability to summon help from other Revenants, and the result is a tasty crimson cocktail of stylish action.
2 The Surge 2
Scavenge For Parts To Survive In A Techo Nightmare
The Surge 2
- Released
- September 24, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Deck13 Interactive
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Create the ultimate rig to take on any challenge.
One of the earliest Soulslikes to blend strategic combat and resource management with a sci-fi aesthetic was The Surge back in 2017. With the original's success, a sequel soon followed. The Surge 2 continues the trends set out in the original, with an arsenal of robotic weaponry to collect and plenty of cybernetic augments that fundamentally alter gameplay.
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Players must explore the sprawling city of Jericho in a bid to survive against seemingly insurmountable odds. Armored soldiers patrol the streets, deranged robots scavenge the rubble, and a looming nanostorm hovers in the distance. On top of the usual character progression, players can also target specific parts of an enemy to chop off and obtain as loot, adding another layer of depth to an already challenging combat system.
1 Remnant 2
Conquer Lovecraftian Horrors With Friends
Remnant 2
- Released
- July 25, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Gunfire Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, Third-Person Shooter
- Includes firearms for a unique take on the genre.
Take the Soulslike formula, add an arsenal of firearms with just a dash of Lovecraftian horror, and the result is Remnant II. Following the breakout success of the original title, Remnant II doubles down on everything that made Remnant: From the Ashes a hit: more guns, more bosses, more challenge. Players explore strange new worlds and encounter fearsome foes on a mission to prevent the total extinction of humanity.
There are also plenty of choices to be made when it comes to character progression, with tons of ranged and melee weapons available to suit any play-style. Players will also need to learn enemy attack patterns and exploit openings in order to survive every encounter. But if things get a little too tough solo, there's the option to team up and take down tentacled monstrosities together. Jolly co-operation indeed.
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