Over the past decade, gaming history has been transformed by some of the best FromSoftware games and their intense difficulty. With over 30 years of experience, this studio has gifted the gaming world with unforgettable titles such as King’s Field, Otogi, and Armored Core.
However, it was only with the release of Demon’s Souls in 2009 that the studio garnered genuine international acclaim. Mainly due to consistent hypes around the Dark Souls trilogy, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and recently, Elden Ring.
For my part, throughout all my years as a gamer, I had long abstained from diving into the FromSoftware universe, discouraged by its notorious challenging levels and cryptic game design.
Nonetheless, a persuasive colleague of mine got me hooked on this enigmatic world just three months ago. He compared his experience to playing classic titles from the past, where memorizing levels and boss patterns were the key to success, and stubbornness was the greatest ally in conquering every stage.
Therefore, my journey into FromSoftware‘s realm began with Bloodborne, recommended as an ideal entry due to its similarity with the classic Castlevania style. Of course, I felt like a novice initially, with an unfamiliar landscape, little handholding, and minimal tutorials. Yet, it took only a few minutes before I felt a peculiar nostalgia wash over me.
A Bloodborne Battle in the Valley of Yharnam
The Bloodborne Experience For Horror Retro-Gamers
Clearly, Hidetaka Miyazaki —mastermind behind FromSoftware— drew inspiration from classic games of the 8/16-bit era, older RPGs, and action titles. This curious influence profoundly shapes these games’ gameplay, level design, and atmosphere, mixing it perfectly with challenging novelties.
As I delved further into Bloodborne, the intricacy and connection of its world struck me. The environments bore a striking resemblance to the dungeons and castles of classic adventure games. This non-linear exploration was a fundamental design principle, a remarkable accomplishment requiring a delicate balance.
One of the most striking features of FromSoftware‘s games is its artistic design. The players could be easily stunned by dark-detailed atmospheric worlds, immersing into foreboding feelings and the required despair for any quest. Gothic ruins, eerie landscapes, and twisted architecture abound, all contributing to the feeling of isolation. At the same time, the use of dynamic lighting techniques adds realism and enhances engagement.
By the time I completed my journey in Bloodborne, I thought I had experienced the peak of the challenge. However, my venture into Dark Souls proved me wrong positively.
Dark Souls and its Accurate Moral Life-Lessons
It is precisely the adaptability that sets these games apart. Earning souls by defeating foes, enhancing your character, and getting new equipment is integral to your progression. Also, your choices in equipment impact your strategy, giving you a chance to succeed (or fail) on increasingly daunting challenges.
FromSoftware games are also known for their ambiguous storytelling, a topic of passionate debate among fans. Unlike many other titles, narratives are presented in fragments through item descriptions, character dialogues, and environmental cues. Actually, the bare fact of piecing together the overarching story becomes a personal quest.
Even though this ambiguity is often seen as a deficiency, it might be interpreted as brilliance. This particularity encourages players to decipher multiple narratives, spark theories, and develop discussions about the games’ mysteries.
Naturally, uncovering a character’s true intentions is challenging because these can be genuine allies or traitors. By this far, the games remark moral decisions and complex endings, enriching the storyline and inspiring reflection on your choices.
The difficulty in FromSoftware games is a defining feature, and this very challenge makes these games unforgettable. Whether triumphing over a boss or conquering a tricky area, the feeling is a genuine accomplishment after the great difficulty in every quest. In the meantime, you learn to adapt and continually improve.
More Effort, More Rewards: A FromSoftware Games’ Seal
As briefly mentioned, these games’ lack of clear guidance enriches exploration, fostering personal progress and even stimulating teamwork. Actually, it is common to find FromSoftware communities ready to share experiences and knowledge all over the web.
With the three Dark Souls games and Bloodborne, FromSoftware became renowned for its brutal gameplay and enigmatic storytelling. However, as I embarked on the journey through these titles, I wondered what the next phase in the studio’s game development evolution would bring.
A Miniboss Fight in Sekiro
The answer to my reflection arrived in two pieces: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring, both bringing a significant gameplay shift and introducing fresh layers to the FromSoftware gaming experience.
For starters, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice transported us to feudal Japan and changed the game’s rules slightly. Unlike the company’s previous titles, agility and precision became essential elements. These require a faster and more offensive combat to make a difference between a final strike for victory or a shameful defeat.
Of course, another significant change here was removing character creation and stat enhancement. In this game, character progression occurs through the story’s development and the acquisition of specific skills. However, this simplification feels refreshing after the FromSoftware usual ways, this time focusing on the player’s skill rather than the accumulation of stats.
Then, continuing with interesting combat features, the Elden Ring quest includes mounts and horseback battles, infusing the gameplay with improved mobility and strategic elements.
The Epicness of Horseback Battles in Elden Ring
In general, this addition brings new life into the game, delivering an exciting and refreshing experience to the FromSoftware fans and complementing it with an extensive open world and the reintroduction of the character creation and stat improvement features.
The Life After Elden Ring and FromSoftware Games’ Future
Overall, the evolution in gameplay in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring proves FromSoftware‘s exceptional ability to reinvent itself while preserving its unique identity. An interesting question remains for now: What does the studio store for us in its upcoming masterpieces? One thing is sure—expectations are sky-high.
Currently, the company has earned top trust with its distinctive emphasis on challenging difficulty and rich narrative. Moreover, its consistent ability to reinvent its stories and mechanics sparks curiosity about these innovations on the horizon.
In the meantime, you can choose from a vast list of FromSoftware games that will test your skills, stir your emotions, and even involve you in moments of solitude. Yet, all the while, you will also be embraced by a fiercely loyal community and a deep thirst for conquests.
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