Breaking Free: Lords of the Fallen and Lies of P Illuminate the Future of Soulslikes Beyond FromSoftware

Despite occasionally experiencing performance issues on different gaming platforms, Lords of the Fallen's release has resonated with fans of Souls-like games, solidifying its position as a valuable addition to the genre. This release comes shortly after the highly acclaimed Lies of P, which showcased that Souls-like games can be successful even without being developed by FromSoftware. However, the fact that discussions about both games revolve around FromSoftware's legacy brings attention to a significant issue within the genre.

While the King's Field games and Demon's Souls can be considered the earliest titles to incorporate mechanics synonymous with Souls-like games, the true beginning of the genre can be traced back to the release of Dark Souls in 2011. The immense popularity and subsequent mainstream appeal of Dark Souls led to an influx of imitators, yet even now, with the emergence of exceptional Souls-like games developed by studios other than FromSoftware, these comparisons continue to overshadow the genre's progress and innovation. It is time for the genre to break free from the influence of FromSoftware and establish its own identity.

Both Lords of the Fallen and Lies of P Walk a Fine Line Between Imitation and Derivation

Both Lies of P and Lords of the Fallen are remarkable not only because they deliver excellence, but also because they mark the debut projects of untested studios. Neowiz, previously known for porting a popular MMO, stepped into the spotlight with Lies of P, while Hexworks took over from Deck 13 to create a captivating Soulslike experience in Lords of the Fallen. The success of these games showcases the talent of each studio, yet it is hard for players not to draw clear connections between them and FromSoftware's library.

Before its release, the buzz surrounding Lies of P suggested that it could be the long-awaited Bloodborne sequel that FromSoftware fans have been yearning for. Playing the game only solidified this belief, as its combat mechanics also brought to mind another incredible FromSoftware title, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Likewise, Lords of the Fallen serves as a spiritual successor and modern attempt at capturing the mechanics and essence of the original Dark Souls, paying homage to the genre's origins. While both games boast quality and impressive features, these comparisons ultimately undermine their individual merits.

If FromSoftware Can Move On From Its Legacy, Other Developers Can Follow Suit

It appears that there is a constant influx of games being released that proudly advertise themselves as being "Souls-influenced" or outright "Soulslike". Interestingly, FromSoftware, the game developer itself, has pushed beyond the constraints of following outdated game design principles that are over a decade old. Their recent titles have successfully deviated from the Dark Souls formula. Elden Ring, for instance, can be seen more as FromSoftware's unique interpretation of Breath of the Wild rather than simply an "open-world Dark Souls". Moreover, Sekiro and Armored Core 6 demonstrate that this studio possesses a diverse set of skills and talents, proving that they are not confined to just one type of game.

Considering FromSoftware's willingness to explore new territory and bring innovation to the genre, it becomes evident that other developers should also embrace creative risks. Unless the bar for quality is raised to greater heights, the genre is at risk of becoming stagnant. While the fundamental mechanics of Soulslikes, such as methodical combat, challenging boss encounters, and cryptic lore, will undoubtedly endure, there is little justification for new entries to dwell in the past instead of forging a path towards a daring and exciting future.

Lords of the Fallen is available now on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.