One Approach That Could Propel FromSoftware's Next Soulslikes to New Heights

Article Key Points

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring doesn't have a release date yet and is unlikely to match the base game's immense open-world.

After Elden Ring, fans are hopeful that FromSoftware will venture into developing a linear Soulslike game to bring diversity and a breath of fresh air to its repertoire. Incorporating both expansive open-world and linear gameplay elements could prove to be a prospective approach for FromSoftware, ensuring continuous creativity and preventing the risk of monotony.

Elden Ring enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, although a release date has yet to be announced. As an expansion, it is unlikely to rival the vast open-world of the base game, and it remains uncertain whether it will be set within a similar setting. However, considering Elden Ring's open-world nature, it is reasonable to assume that the expansion will incorporate its immersive crafting and exploration mechanics, providing players with another opportunity for a rewarding experience.

Since the release of Elden Ring, FromSoftware fans have expressed their desire for the studio to return to developing more linear and compact Soulslike games.

FromSoftware Should Follow Elden Ring with a Linear Soulslike

Of course, the entire history of Soulslikes from FromSoftware prior to Elden Ring consisted of immersive yet confined settings that players could easily lose themselves in. However, Elden Ring breaks free from this mold with its expansive Lands Between, offering a vast and captivating landscape. Undoubtedly, FromSoftware's upcoming Soulslike game will inevitably disappoint fans on either side of the spectrum, be it open-world enthusiasts or advocates for linear gameplay. Nevertheless, by striking a balance between the two genres, it could potentially satisfy both parties in the long term.

If FromSoftware deviated from Elden Ring's format and opted for a linear game similar to Bloodborne, it could distance itself from Elden Ring's influence. It would also be strategic for FromSoftware to have some time before embarking on another open-world project, as the extensive effort involved in creating such a vast world may have taken a toll, and a subsequent open-world game immediately after could potentially worsen the strain.

If FromSoftware's next open-world game were to take place outside of the Lands Between established in Elden Ring, it would understandably require significantly more development time between releases. Instead, a linear Soulslike game would notably be smaller and shorter in comparison, but fans would likely appreciate the convenience of the distinction.

FromSoftware Could Stagger Open-World and Linear Soulslikes Equally

Despite the endless options for new quests, endings, or interactions, Elden Ring may no longer hold the same appeal it once did as a novelty for FromSoftware. While the studio has proven itself capable of creating an exceptional open-world Soulslike game, returning to this genre so soon could potentially diminish its impact.

A potential strategy for FromSoftware to capitalize on their talents could involve alternating between open-world and linear Soulslike games in the future. This means releasing a linear title after Elden Ring, followed by an open-world title, and so forth. While this approach may become predictable over time, it could serve as a means to diversify FromSoftware's releases in the next decade. Additionally, it remains uncertain what direction FromSoftware will take once Shadow of the Erdtree is released. In the meantime, other Soulslike games will strive to achieve similar popularity, and it will be fascinating to observe the progress of this subgenre.

Elden Ring

Elden Ring is an epic fantasy action-RPG adventure that takes place in a meticulously crafted world. This immersive journey has been co-created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the visionary behind the iconic Dark Souls video game series, and George R.R. Martin, the legendary author of the beloved A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy saga. Together, these celebrated creators have brought forth FromSoftware's most ambitious game to date, brimming with perilous encounters and awe-inspiring discoveries waiting to be made at every twist and turn. Leading the charge is Hidetaka Miyazaki, the esteemed president and game director of FromSoftware, renowned for his masterful direction of acclaimed titles like Armored Core and Dark Souls.

Platform(s): PS5, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC

Release Date: February 25, 2022

Developer(s): From Software

Publisher(s): Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software

Genre(s): RPG, Action

Multiplayer: Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer

Engine: Proprietary

ESRB Rating: M for Mature - Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Estimated Gameplay Time: 58 Hours

Metascore: 96

Crossplay Supported Platforms: PS4 & PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S

PS Plus Availability: N/A

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the future of FromSoftware's Soulslike games. On the one hand, I am excited to see what new and innovative ideas they can bring to the table. On the other hand, I am worried that they might get too caught up in trying to create the next big thing and lose sight of what made their games so special in the first place.

I think it would be great if FromSoftware were to alternate between open-world and linear Soulslike games in the future. This would allow them to keep things fresh and prevent their games from becoming stale. I also think it would be interesting if they were to explore different genres and settings. For example, I would love to see a Soulslike game set in a sci-fi or fantasy world.