The most unusual Soulslike games – similar and unlike Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and other FromSoftware titles

Contents:

• What is soulslick
• Lies of P
• Nioh
• Lords of the Fallen
• Another Crab's Treasure
• Remnant 2
• Tunic
• Hollow Knight

Complaints about the similarity of Soulslikes have been around since the genre's inception and emergence as a recognizable style. In 2017, renowned YouTuber Mark Brown released an essay titled "Do We Need a Soulslike Genre?" in which he analyzes games that copy Dark Souls and offer nothing new to the genre. This topic continues to be relevant, as many developers strive to replicate the successful elements of the original, resulting in games that lose their individuality and originality.

At first glance, it might seem that the main innovations in the genre still come only from FromSoftware, a studio known for its Soulslike series. For example, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice introduced parry mechanics, significantly diversifying the combat system. Elden Ring, meanwhile, expanded the Dark Souls gameplay by moving it to an open world, introducing new elements of exploration and interaction. Elden Ring: Nightreign combines the concepts of the original game, battle royale, and co-op roguelikes to create a unique experience that continues to evolve the genre.

Many studios working in the genre are inspired by the works of FromSoftware, but among them there are still developers who bring original ideas. Despite the abundance of imitators, even in their creations you can find unique elements that allow them to stand out from the usual templates.

We have compiled a list of the seven most fascinating soulslikes developed outside the FromSoftware studio. Our review includes both high-quality clones of Dark Souls and innovative games that inspired the creation of their own followers.

What is a soulslike?

At first glance, the answer to the question of how to characterize games similar to Dark Souls may seem obvious. However, this simplicity hides many nuances. This term includes a specific set of characteristics inherent in the games of the FromSoftware studio. These features include a challenging difficulty level, a deeply developed world, and a unique combat system where every player decision and action matters. Furthermore, the game's atmosphere, dark and mysterious locations, and attention to detail in character and enemy design create a unique experience. Games that fall into this genre often offer players vast environments to explore, collect items, and improve their skills, making the gameplay engaging and multi-layered.

• Intricate locations with multiple branches and shortcuts.
• Rare save points that replenish the character's health while resting, but respawn enemies at the location.
• Runs to the site of the hero's last death in order to return the game currency remaining there.
• Windows of invulnerability during rolls and dodges, allowing you to avoid enemy attacks.
• Stamina bar management, which is spent on attacks and dodges.
• Limited number of consumable medicines, which are usually replenished at checkpoints.
• Ability to summon other players or bots to make difficult moments easier.

Undoubtedly, some elements presented in Dark Souls (2011) and its predecessor, Demon’s Souls (2009), had been used in games before. However, it’s worth emphasizing that game designer Hidetaka Miyazaki and his team were the first to combine all of these elements, creating a unique and immersive gaming experience. Dark Souls combines complex tactical combat with captivating exploration, making it one of the most influential games in the genre. This innovative combination attracted many players and had a significant impact on the development of video games.

The success of Dark Souls inspired many developers to try to replicate FromSoftware’s formula, striving to achieve similar success. In our list, we start with, undoubtedly, the most prominent of the imitators.

Lies of P

Game developer: Neowiz and Round8 Studio. This team combines experience and creativity to create unique gaming projects. Neowiz, renowned for its innovative solutions in the gaming industry, collaborates with Round8 Studio, renowned for its high-quality graphics and engaging gameplay, to offer players an unforgettable experience. Their collaboration combines cutting-edge technology with deeply crafted game worlds, making each game a true work of art.

Release Year: 2023

In 2023, new technologies and innovations emerged on the market, significantly transforming various industries. This year, the focus was on sustainability, digitalization, and improving the user experience. Companies are implementing new solutions that not only increase efficiency but also promote environmental protection. Consumers are interested in products that meet modern quality and environmental standards. It's important to note that 2023 has been a year of significant changes in approaches to business and customer interactions, opening up new opportunities for growth and development.

Innovations in Legion Handle and Arm Mechanics

Modern technologies have significantly changed the approach to the design and functionality of Legion handles and arms. The focus is on improving ergonomics and increasing efficiency. New mechanisms provide more reliable and comfortable control, allowing the user to more easily cope with various tasks. Innovations in this area contribute to increased comfort and performance, as well as improving the overall functionality of the devices.

The introduction of new materials and technologies allows for the creation of lighter and more durable structures, which also positively impacts durability and reliability. These changes not only make the user experience more enjoyable but also significantly expand the range of product applications.

A focus on user experience and innovative solutions makes the Legion's foregrips and arms an important element in modern technology.

At first glance, Lies of P does resemble Bloodborne, offering players a ruined metropolis with 19th-century-style architecture. Characteristic elements include save points in the form of lanterns, as well as a doll companion who helps upgrade the hero's stats in the game's hub. These similarities create an atmosphere close to the beloved classics, while Lies of P offers its own unique interpretation of the world and mechanics, making the game appealing to fans of the genre.

In practice, Neowiz and Round8's game exhibits significant similarities to Sekiro, particularly in its combat system, which is primarily focused on parrying.

In Lies of P, dodging and blocking are important parts of the combat mechanics, but for maximum effectiveness, parrying enemy attacks is recommended. This will quickly stun the enemy and inflict a critical hit. It's important to remember that some attacks are unblockable, and in such cases, parrying is the only defense. Use this technique to improve your chances of winning battles.

In Lies of P, the combat mechanics, while lacking the sophistication of Sekiro's samurai duels, offer variety through extensive customization options. This allows players to tailor their fighting style to their preferences and makes gameplay more engaging.

Take, for example, the mechanic that allows you to combine the hilt of one weapon with the pommel or blade of another. The hilt determines attack patterns and special moves, while the blades affect the speed and power of the attack. This creates an incentive to experiment with different combinations, allowing players to create unique hybrid weapon variants. This system not only expands customization options, but also enhances the tactical approach to combat, making the gameplay more engaging and varied.

Character customization extends beyond the basic stats. The game features Legion Arms—Pinocchio's unique prosthetic arms—that provide him with various tools, such as a hand flamethrower and a grappling hook. Players can also customize the protagonist by upgrading his base stats and special perks that enhance his abilities and unlock new gameplay opportunities. This allows for the creation of a unique character suited to a variety of gameplay situations.

Lies of P's secret weapon is its unique setting. The city of Krath may at first glance resemble Yharnam from Bloodborne, but the combination of Art Deco and steampunk aesthetics gives it a unique character. The story of puppets who have gained sentience raises deep philosophical questions and makes you think about the nature of existence.

The game features a unique morality mechanic that allows the player to do more than simply choose between being a good or bad character. At critical moments in the story, you must decide whether to tell the truth, as expected of a puppet in this world, or lie, which will bring you closer to human emotions and freedom of choice. These decisions not only influence the development of the plot but also allow you to better understand the internal conflicts of the characters, adding layering and depth to the game.

The game has its own difficulties that may seem unfair, making it more challenging compared to FromSoftware's creations. Some mechanics, such as weapon wear, feel redundant. Nevertheless, overall, the game successfully combines and develops elements borrowed from other projects. As a result, Lies of P becomes a worthy clone that is almost as good as the originals and serves as a good example of how to imitate while maintaining high quality standards.

Nioh

Developer: Team Ninja. This team is known for its outstanding games that have gained popularity among gamers all over the world. Team Ninja specializes in creating exciting action games known for their high-quality graphics and dynamic gameplay. Their projects often include elements of role-playing games and martial arts, which makes each game unique and exciting. Team Ninja continues to evolve, introducing modern technologies and innovations into their developments, which allows them to remain at the forefront of the gaming industry.

Year of release: 2017. This year was significant for many industries, including technology, film, and music. In 2017, new devices and innovative solutions were introduced that changed the market. Additionally, this year was marked by exciting events in the entertainment world, such as the premieres of highly anticipated films and music albums that gained popularity and left a mark on culture. 2017 also marked a significant milestone in the development of digital technologies, fueling trends such as artificial intelligence and mobile apps, which will have a significant impact on the future.

Key innovations: samurai themes and combat stance mechanics.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in games based on samurai culture. Samurai settings offer a unique immersion into ancient Japan, where honor, valor, and martial arts mastery are valued.

Stance mechanics in these games add depth and strategy to battles, allowing players to choose different fighting poses and tactics. This creates variety in gameplay and makes every battle unique.

Innovations in samurai games open up new horizons for gamers, offering them not only spectacular battles but also the opportunity to explore the rich samurai culture.

Let's move on from the most obvious imitators to more original works. Several years before the release of Sekiro, which immersed players in medieval Japan, Team Ninja released Nioh. This soulslike game offered a similar setting but approached the theme from a completely new perspective. Nioh stands out for its unique blend of Japanese mythology and historical events, making it a compelling title for fans of the genre.

Nioh's setting is a unique blend of alternate history and fantasy. The protagonist is William Adams, a real-life English sailor who arrived in Japan in 1600 and remained there, earning the honor of being recognized as a samurai. In the game's narrative, his story remains grounded in real events, but is infused with numerous fantastical elements. William encounters both fictional and historical figures, adding depth and interest to the plot. Nioh successfully combines elements of historical accuracy and mythology to create a captivating gaming experience.

The game features many original and humorous elements typical of the creators of the Dead or Alive series. For example, one character uses a cat as a wristwatch, adding a unique and humorous touch to the gameplay.

In terms of gameplay, Nioh stands out thanks to its unique blend of tactics and dynamics. Team Ninja's game successfully combines elements of the Dark Souls series' combat with the spectacular combos of hack-and-slash games. A key element is the stance mechanic, which allows players to flexibly switch between powerful, aggressive attacks and effective defensive moves. Each stance interacts differently with different weapon types, adding depth and strategy to combat.

The game Nioh features guardian spirits, When activated, they enhance the character's passive skills and allow a portion of stamina to be restored during combos. A direct sequel to the first game, Nioh 2, released in 2020, introduced new mechanics, including powerful counterattacks and the co-op "Expedition" mode, which allows players to play through the game together. This co-op format was later adapted in games such as Lords of the Fallen and Remnant, which will be discussed below.

While Team Ninja borrowed many ideas from FromSoftware, they added new elements and transferred them to the unique context of the Far Eastern Middle Ages, which was successfully presented in Sekiro. Although Nioh could not completely free itself from the influence of its inspiration, this did not prevent it from gaining popularity and recognition among players.

Lords of the Fallen

Developer Hexworks is a team specializing in creating unique game projects. With experience in video game development, Hexworks strives to provide players with an immersive and engaging gaming experience. Each project the team works on is distinguished by high-quality graphics and innovative mechanics, which makes Hexworks games interesting for a wide audience. The main attention is paid to detail, as well as to the creation of rich and multifaceted worlds that allow players to immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere. Hexworks actively utilizes modern technologies and development approaches, ensuring high performance and game stability.

Year of release: 2023.

The main innovations in the games: dual-world mechanics and custom checkpoints. These elements significantly enrich the gameplay, allowing players to immerse themselves in unique game universes. The dual-world mechanic provides the opportunity to explore parallel realities, each of which can be adapted to your preferences. Custom checkpoints allow players to customize their routes and save progress at the most convenient locations, adding an element of strategy and improving the overall gameplay experience. The implementation of these features makes games more interactive and personalized, which increases interest and engagement of players.

The game by Hexworks studio is generating a lot of interest and discussion. It is not just a near-perfect imitation, like, for example, Lies of P or Nioh. This is a rather controversial project, representing a reboot of an even more controversial game. Despite its controversy, the game offers a unique gaming experience that can attract both fans of the genre and new players seeking a fresh experience.

Released in 2014, Lords of the Fallen was one of the first projects inspired by the Dark Souls series. This game meticulously reproduced the atmosphere and elements of the original. The ruined castles in which the events unfold and the protagonist – a heavily armored knight battling ancient gods – create a recognizable setting. The block-heavy, roll-heavy combat system is also a clear example of Dark Souls' influence on Lords of the Fallen, making it appealing to fans of the genre.

Unfortunately, Deck13 Studios failed to achieve the same level of ingenuity and craftsmanship as their colleagues at FromSoftware. As a result, the original version of Lords of the Fallen turned into a high-quality, but rather typical action RPG. Despite interesting mechanics and graphics, the game failed to stand out from more successful projects in the genre.

Nearly ten years later, Lords of the Fallen has returned in the form of a reboot under the same name. The road to release was marked by numerous difficulties, including two changes of development studios. Ultimately, the project was completed by the Hexworks team, created specifically for this purpose. The result was mixed, which sparks interest in a new interpretation of the original game.

The 2023 version of Lords of the Fallen has been criticized for sharp difficulty fluctuations, under-optimization, and the use of cliched dark fantasy stylings. However, the project offers an interesting innovation - the mechanics of moving between two worlds, which is reminiscent of both the horror game Medium and the famous level from Titanfall 2. This innovation brings unique elements to the gameplay, allowing players to explore a variety of locations and solve puzzles, which makes the game more exciting.

The protagonist always carries a lamp, which opens a passage to the Umbral—an afterlife version of the game world. This unique ability forms the basis of many of the game's puzzles, as the Umbral allows access to places inaccessible in ordinary reality. However, one must be careful: the Umbral is inhabited by enemies capable of inflicting damage on the hero.

The Umbral represents not only a threat but also an opportunity for a second chance. The protagonist, having faced death, is reborn in the afterlife, where he must reach his body to restore unspent experience points. However, being in this dimension is significantly more dangerous than in ordinary reality. The longer the player remains in the Umbral, the more powerful the enemies he will face become. Considering that death in this world leads to an irreversible loss of experience, every step requires caution and calculation.

The lamp allows you to use seeds, looted from monsters in the Umbral or purchased from merchants, to set your own checkpoints. This mechanic will prove useful, as basic save points are quite rare in the game world. Using your own checkpoints allows players to significantly facilitate the process and reduce the risk of losing progress.

Lords of the Fallen did not become the significant Soulslike game that managing producer Sol Gascon hoped for, but it demonstrated that even a game inspired by Dark Souls can surprise players. The project from Hexworks studio introduced interesting mechanics and elements that distinguish it from other representatives of the genre, allowing it to occupy a unique place in the gaming market.

The developers continue to actively improve the game. Hexworks recently released update 2.0, which includes cross-play, more responsive controls, and an improved interface. These changes significantly improve the game's usability and allow players to enjoy a higher quality gaming experience.

Another Crab's Treasure

Aggro Crab is a developer that attracts attention with its unique game. The company is known for its innovative approaches to gameplay and high-quality graphics. Games from Aggro Crab offer players an exciting experience thanks to the original storyline and well-thought-out mechanics. If you are looking for interesting new products in the world of video games, pay attention to the projects of this developer, which promise to immerse you in unique gaming universes.

Year of release: 2024. This year promises to be significant in various fields, including technology, art, and science. Innovations and progressive changes are expected that can change the processes we are accustomed to. In 2024, we will see new trends, the emergence of innovative products and services, as well as the development of existing areas. It's important to keep up with these changes to stay up to date and take advantage of them.

Key innovations include an ocean setting, cartoon-style graphics, and recycled armor.

Let's leave aside games reminiscent of Dark Souls and consider new, unexplored directions in the world of video games.

Another Crab's Treasure may at first glance seem like a cartoonish action-adventure game reminiscent of PlayStation 2 games. However, despite the bright graphics and cheerful tone, the game offers a fascinating story. The main character is a hermit crab named Kril, who finds himself in a difficult situation: a shark-creditor takes his shell because of debts. Now Kril sets off on a thrilling journey to reclaim his lost property. This unique story combines elements of adventure and humor, making the game interesting for a wide audience.

Despite the ironic Another Crab's Treasure is a full-fledged soulslike game. The game features all the key elements of the genre, such as exploring complex environments and battling powerful enemies. However, Aggro Crab Studios uses a unique nautical setting to present these elements in a new light.

Consider the armor. Kril uses a shell as armor, but since his own shell was stolen, he's forced to improvise, replacing it with various items discarded on the ocean floor. These include bottle caps, children's sneakers, and even disco balls. As a result, his armor becomes a unique reflection of urban culture, demonstrating how waste can find new life in the underwater world.

Improvised "shells" grant the player unique abilities. For example, a sushi roll can be consumed in battle to restore health, while a rubber duck attracts enemy attention. All of these items wear out quickly, like swords and shields in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This necessitates regularly testing different types of armor, adding an element of strategic planning to the gameplay.

The oceanic theme permeates even the smallest details. For example, Kril gains a grappling hook that can attract enemies. To catch particularly large prey, you must play a fishing minigame. This element not only adds interest to the gameplay, but also enhances the atmosphere of the underwater world, allowing players to dive deeper into the adventure.

Aggro Crab sarcastically plays on the clichés of the soulslike genre. In this game, souls are converted into microplastic, highlighting the urgency of the problem of environmental pollution. Instead of ancient gods responsible for the impending destruction of the world, the main antagonists are greedy inhabitants of the seabed who profit at the expense of their fellow creatures. This approach is not only entertaining but also makes you think about serious environmental issues, making the game interesting both in terms of gameplay and in terms of its thematic load.

Another Crab’s Treasure did not revolutionize the genre, but it is a fresh project that demonstrates that soulslike can thrive even in an unusual setting inspired by "SpongeBob SquarePants." The game confirms that the main thing is a creative approach and an original idea. In this unique world, players will be able to enjoy the true challenges that are characteristic of soulslikes, while immersing themselves in an exciting and vibrant atmosphere.

Remnant 2

Gunfire Games is a studio known for its high-quality games. It specializes in creating exciting gaming content that attracts the attention of players around the world. The Gunfire Games development team combines a unique style and innovative mechanics in their work, which allows them to stand out from other companies in the gaming industry. Thanks to the pursuit of excellence and attention to detail, Gunfire Games constantly delights fans with new projects and expansions, strengthening its reputation as a reliable developer.

Year of release: 2023.

In 2023, new technologies will be introduced that will significantly impact various industries. Innovations in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and digitalization continue to gain popularity. These changes create new opportunities for businesses and society as a whole. It's important to monitor trends and adapt to new conditions to remain competitive. 2023 promises to be a year filled with events and discoveries that will change our understanding of the future. Key innovations in game design include third-person shooting and procedural generation. These elements significantly alter gameplay, offering players a unique experience and variety in each session. Third-person shooting allows for greater character control and environmental awareness, making the game more dynamic and engaging. Procedural generation, in turn, provides an endless variety of unique levels and scenarios, increasing replayability and maintaining player engagement. These technologies open up new horizons in game development, allowing for the creation of deeper and more interactive worlds.

Compared to Another Crab’s Treasure, the Gunfire Games project looks more traditional. Both installments in the duology are rightly called "Dark Souls with guns": they are action RPGs featuring evasion elements, shortcuts, and a fading multiverse. The gameplay combines dynamic combat with complex mechanics, attracting fans of the genre.

Remnant is a unique series in the video game world. It stands out among other Souls-like games due to its emphasis on firearms. In this game, players can use a vast arsenal, including dozens of rifles, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, and machine guns. This diverse selection of weapons opens up new tactical possibilities and creates unique gameplay situations, making every battle unique. If you're looking for an interesting combination of soulslaying mechanics and dynamic gunplay, Remnant is a great choice.

In this regard, Remnant is more like a reversed version of Bloodborne than Dark Souls. While melee weapons are present, both Remnant games are primarily shooters. Here, not only memorizing attack timings is crucial, but also possessing excellent aim and the ability to keep enemies at a safe distance.

The second significant difference from Dark Souls is the use of procedural generation. Remnant's game world is divided into several dimensions accessible from a central hub, and each of these regions is generated anew with each playthrough. This applies not only to level layouts and enemy placement, but also to the random generation of side quests, NPC encounters, and bosses for each region. This approach provides a unique gaming experience, allowing players to discover new features and challenges with each new playthrough.

Changes aren't always beneficial. In particular, the story and its presentation in Remnant 2 feel rather weak. However, the Gunfire Games team successfully achieved its main goal: each player gets a unique experience. Combined with the shooter gameplay, this allows Remnant 2 to move beyond being a simple Dark Souls copycat and become a truly original project.

Improved procedural generation is just one reason why you should start your exploration of Remnant with the second part. In the sequel, the developers introduced more unique bosses and significantly improved the archetype mechanics. This opens up ample opportunities for creating diverse builds and strategies, allowing players to adapt their playstyle to any challenge. As a result, Remnant 2 offers a deeper and more engaging gaming experience than the first part.

Remnant 2 has sold a million copies in just a week since its release, and it's no wonder. The game attracts attention not only due to its soulslike genre, but also as a standalone action game capable of appealing to a wide audience. Despite comparisons to Dark Souls, the developers created Remnant 2 for everyone who appreciates high-quality action games. This approach proved successful and allowed the game to quickly gain popularity.

Tunic

Isometricorp Games is a developer specializing in creating unique and engaging games. Our team brings together experienced professionals who strive to offer players an immersive gameplay experience and high-quality graphics. We focus on innovative ideas and modern technologies to ensure that every game released under our brand leaves an unforgettable experience. By exploring new genres and game mechanics, Isometricorp Games continues to advance the entertainment industry, creating titles that capture the attention and interest of a wide audience.

This product was released in 2022.

Key innovations: isometric perspective and puzzle-based tutorial. The isometric perspective creates a unique visual experience, adding dimension and depth to the game. The puzzle-based tutorial provides an interactive experience, helping players better master the mechanics and controls. These innovations significantly improve interaction and engagement of users, making the learning process more fun and effective.

If Remnant is often called "Dark Souls with guns," then the new game by game designer Andrew Shouldis does not look like a soulslike at all. Its isometric perspective and vibrant cartoon style are reminiscent of the overhead perspective of The Legend of Zelda series. This game offers a unique experience, combining adventure and puzzle elements, attracting fans of the genre and providing engaging gameplay.

Tunic incorporates all the key elements of the Soulslike genre. The game features a checkpoint system where resting restores all enemies. If the player dies, they must return to the place of death to collect lost currency. The game's creator, Shouldis, has cited Dark Souls and Bloodborne as major inspirations for the Tunic combat system.

The innovation of the Tunic game lies in Tunic's unique approach to tutorials. Instead of traditionally explaining mechanics and controls, the game encourages players to explore the world and discover clues on their own. This method creates a deeper engagement with the gameplay and fosters the skills needed to succeed. This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also enhances immersion, which sets Tunic apart from other games.

Tunic belongs to the Metroidvania genre, which has recently become increasingly popular. In these games, player progress depends not only on the character's abilities or inventory items but also on their awareness of the hidden mechanics and rules of the game world. This makes gameplay more engaging and requires the player to pay attention and explore the environment. Tunic draws attention with its unique atmosphere and depth, creating opportunities for discovery and exploration, making it a vibrant example of the genre.

The first aspect is that the pages of this handbook are scattered throughout the devastated kingdom that the protagonist explores. Finding these pages reveals a second nuance: some instructions are written in a language created specifically for the game, requiring deciphering skills. This adds depth to the gameplay and engages the player in exploring the world and its history.

Tunic initially provides you with all the necessary tools for successful completion, but you don't have a clear idea of ​​how to use them effectively.

As a result, the emphasis in the gameplay shifts from dynamic action to exploration and the desire to solve mysteries that are often forgotten by FromSoftware's followers. The player feels not just like a hero saving the world, but like an archaeologist discovering a lost civilization and trying to assemble the disparate pieces of a vast puzzle. This creates a unique atmosphere, where every discovery becomes an important step towards understanding the game's deep history.

Tunic most accurately captures the feeling of playing Dark Souls for the first time, while taking a completely unique approach. This is what draws attention to Andrew Shouldis's creation: the developer has deeply studied what makes Hidetaka Miyazaki's games successful and applied this knowledge to offer players a new, unexpected experience.

Tunic might have concluded our list of games if not for the emergence of another indie phenomenon you've likely already heard of. This project attracted attention thanks to its unique gameplay experience and expressive visual style. Tunic invites players to immerse themselves in a wonderful world filled with mystery and adventure, making it a standout among indie games.

Hollow Knight

Developer: Team Cherry

Team Cherry is an independent game studio known for its unique approach to video game development. Their main work is focused on creating engaging and atmospheric projects, which has allowed them to gain recognition in the industry. Their most famous game, Hollow Knight, received positive reviews from critics and players thanks to its art style, complex mechanics, and deep world. Team Cherry continues to evolve, striving to create original content and improve the user experience in their games.

Year of release: 2017. This year was significant in various areas, including technology, culture, and economics. In 2017, many key events occurred that influenced the further development of society. In the field of technology, innovative gadgets and software solutions were introduced that changed the approach to everyday life. Cultural events, such as the release of popular films and music albums, also left a noticeable mark on the memories of viewers and listeners. Economic changes, in turn, affected many countries, influencing global markets and trade relations. 2017 became an important milestone, determining the direction the world will take in the coming years.

Key innovations in the world of video games: 2D Metroidvanias and cartoon bugs. These genres represent unique approaches to game design that attract the attention of both developers and players. Combining elements of platformers and exploration games, 2D Metroidvanias offer engaging mechanics and intriguing levels that promote deep immersion. Cartoon bugs, in turn, add an artistic element and originality, creating a memorable visual style. These innovations not only expand the boundaries of genres, but also inspire new generations of developers to create unique game worlds.

A crossover between Metroidvania and Soulslike seems like a logical combination, since both genres have a lot in common. In the Metroid series and FromSoftware projects, maps feature complex, multi-level labyrinths with secret passages and unexpected intersections. Integrating a progression system based on unlocking new character abilities could significantly enrich the gameplay and add depth to world exploration. This interaction could appeal to both Metroidvania and Soulslike fans, creating a unique atmosphere where exploration and character development go hand in hand.

Team Cherry initially didn't plan to create either a Metroidvania or a Soulslike. The first version of Hollow Knight was developed during the Ludum Dare game jam and was called Hungry Knight. In this game, the protagonist had to survive by killing and eating insects to avoid starvation. Interestingly, this version of the game is still available on the Newgrounds platform.

Hungry Knight didn't win any awards, but it inspired game designers Ari Gibson and William Pellen to come up with a new idea: what if a beetle knight, instead of eating insects, went exploring an ancient underground kingdom? The Metroidvania format, with its characteristic intricate 2D maps, is ideal for realizing this concept. Exploration, adventure, and unique mechanics of interaction with the environment make such a game attractive to fans of the genre, and also create an opportunity for engaging gameplay and immersion in the atmosphere of underground secrets.

At this stage, the developers relied not only on established genre traditions, but also on their own intuitive perception. The Metroid games served as a key reference point for the creation of the Hallownest map, and elements of a dark and oppressive atmosphere, as well as the save system, were borrowed from Dark Souls. However, the developers boldly reimagined these components, introducing unique features and approaches. In doing so, they created a unique gaming experience that combines familiar mechanics with innovative ideas.

The game doesn't initially provide you with a complete map of Hallownest. Instead, you purchase map fragments from a merchant, which are then filled with details and expanded as you explore locations. This approach in Hollow Knight awakens the spirit of discovery in the player, allowing them to simultaneously maintain their bearings and avoid getting lost in the kingdom's complex labyrinth.

The final version of Hollow Knight is a unique gaming experience in which borrowings from other projects become obvious, but when combined, they create an original and unique atmosphere. This game stands out from the crowd thanks to its art style and deep gameplay, which makes it attractive to a wide audience. Hollow Knight successfully combines elements of platformers and Metroidvanias, offering players a captivating journey through a vast and mysterious world.

The kingdom of Hallownest, which the protagonist must explore, truly evokes associations with the dead worlds of Dark Souls with its scenes of decay and universal melancholy. However, it stands out with the unique and strange aesthetic of the insect kingdom. The local combat system also includes elements of dodging and blocking, but is further enriched with complex platforming, unique protagonist abilities, and a 2D perspective. This creates a captivating gaming experience that combines elements of exploration, combat, and platforming, making Hallownest appealing to fans of the genre.

Hollow Knight reimagined the Metroidvania and slasher genres, becoming a seminal project for many developers. Its success inspired a wave of similar projects, including direct copies like Voidwrought and more original creations like Nine Sols. Team Cherry not only continued FromSoftware's vision but also set a new standard for adventure games, now followed by many other studios.

Soulslikes created outside of FromSoftware have spawned numerous imitators, demonstrating the dynamic state of a genre often dismissed by critics as stagnant. While there are indeed many similar games within the Soulslike genre, some of them aren't always of high quality, this phenomenon is observed in any genre that achieves mainstream popularity. For example, consider the number of mediocre first-person shooters that emerged in the 2000s. The soulslayk genre continues to evolve, offering players new mechanics and unique worlds, confirming its vibrancy and appeal to a wide audience.

This criticism does not apply to the seven titles presented in this text. While the quality of these games may vary, they certainly stand out for their unique ideas. These projects can be a great choice for players looking for new experiences and who don’t want to play Elden Ring again.