Unveiling Neowiz's Enchanted Realm: A Game-Changer in the Fairytale Soulslike Genre

Highlights

The fusion of P's fairytale-based backdrop and Soulslike gameplay has captivated fans, opening up the possibility of a burgeoning market for action roleplaying games infused with fairytale elements.

Fans are now envisioning the creation of comparable games inspired by various other folk and fairytales, such as The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. However, the challenges of licensing rights and potential reboots may present obstacles.

Following in Neowiz's footsteps, other Soulslike developers, like Team Ninja, could potentially develop their own fairytale-inspired games. They might consider adapting renowned Japanese folktales like Momotaro or Urashima Taro.

Being a Soulslike fan has arguably never been better than it is now. The original Dark Souls trilogy, known and loved for its challenging action roleplaying gameplay, has become a template for numerous games. Some successful examples of Soulslike games include Nioh, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Mortal Shell, and Lords of the Fallen.

Recently, developer Neowiz released a new title called Lies of P, which draws loose inspiration from the story of Pinocchio, the iconic fictional character created by Carlo Collodi in 1883 and popularized through various film adaptations. Surprisingly, the combination of a fairytale-based setting and Soulslike gameplay has struck a chord with fans. Neowiz may have stumbled upon a gold mine with Lies of P, potentially dominating a completely new market of action roleplaying games inspired by fairytales.

Lies of P Has Created A World Of Possibilities

Fairytales, rooted in folklore and fantastical elements like magic, mythical creatures, and powerful heroes, have always captivated the human imagination. Following the success of Lies of P, fans have begun envisioning similar gaming experiences inspired by other folktales and fairytales. For instance, as indicated in the post-credits scene of Lies of P, there may be plans to develop a game based on The Wizard of Oz, the beloved children's story penned by L. Frank Baum in 1900. It is likely that this adaptation will be offered as downloadable content (DLC) for Lies of P rather than a standalone sequel.

Another popular narrative with potential for a Soulslike game concept is Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Although there have been prior adaptations, such as Alice: Madness Returns, which was intended to have a sequel called Alice: Asylum before its cancellation by EA, fans were left disappointed.

A Soulslike game based on Alice in Wonderland could pay homage to Madness Returns but would probably have to do so carefully due to EA owning the franchise rights. Although EA has displayed no interest in continuing the Alice series, there is potential for the company to reboot the franchise and incorporate the beloved Soulslike mechanics that millions of gamers worldwide have embraced. This approach may potentially alienate fans of the original games, but it is a thought-provoking (albeit unlikely) possibility to consider.

Other Developers May Be Taking Notes

There are other acclaimed developers in the Soulslike genre who have the potential to follow in Neowiz's footsteps and develop games inspired by fairy tales. One such developer is Team Ninja, known for their successful Soulslike titles like Nioh and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Team Ninja has also collaborated with Square Enix to create Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Currently, the team is focused on developing the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 exclusive, Rise of the Ronin, set in 19th century Edo. However, this does not limit their ability to venture into the realm of fairy tales for their next project.

If Team Ninja were to create a fairytale-inspired game, they would likely choose a Japanese folktale such as Momotaro. Momotaro is a well-known tale that dates back to the 1600s, featuring a hero born from a peach. It has been retold and adapted numerous times, even having English translations in the late 1800s. Another popular Japanese fairytale is Urashima Taro, where the hero rescues a turtle who turns out to be the daughter of the dragon god Ryujin and is taken to a palace underwater.

Speculating on potential fairytales that could be turned into Soulslike games is an enjoyable pastime, as the two genres seem to complement each other perfectly. Another interesting choice could be the story of Little Red Riding Hood. With the success of their game Lies of P, Neowiz has a unique opportunity to capitalize on this blend of genres and establish themselves as the leading developer of Soulslike fairytales.