TOP 7 New Upcoming Souls-like Games for 2022 and Beyond
You know a game is influential when they name a genre after it. FromSoftware’s Demon’s Souls, which was released in 2009, was released with positive reviews. However, it wasn’t until Dark Souls that the souls’ genre took off like a rocket. Many developers began releasing their own “souls-like” games. Some are great, some are terrible. And many more are releasing this year.
I’m not going to ramble on any longer. Let’s jump straight into the top 7 new upcoming souls-like RPGs of 2022.
Elden Ring
Is it cheating that I am putting this on the list? Oh, well. Elden Ring is developed by FromSoftware. Meaning, this game is probably going to be the most souls-like game. FromSoftware is collaborating with George R.R. Martin to help create the game’s narrative. George R.R. Martin is the author of the fantasy novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire. Most people would know the TV adaption: Game of Thrones.
Elden Ring is looking to FromSoftware’s biggest game, with a seemingly connected fantastical world. Gameplay has shown that magic abilities will be more prominent than ever. Your character will be able to summon allies, conjure beams, and create huge magical swords.
Elden Ring is releasing for PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC on February 25, 2022.
Lies of P
This game puts a dark and unique spin on the classic story of Pinocchio. Out of all the souls-like games, Lies of P is looking to be the scariest and the creepiest. Lies of P gameplay and aesthetic looks to resemble Bloodborne rather than Dark Souls. You play as Pinocchio in a twisted, Gothic, and inspired version of 19th century Europe. Lies of P will have a “weapon-making” system that allows you to combine multiple weapons to create a new something new.
Pinocchio is on a quest to find Mr. Geppetto. On his journey to find his maker, on his quest, Pinocchio will need to “lie” to others. Each quest will play out differently depending on how you “lie”. The choices you make throughout the game will change how the adventure ends. Lies of P is being developed by Neowiz Games. It is being released on PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. There is currently no release date.
Steelrising
Steelrising is another souls-like game where you play as an automaton named Aegis. Unlike other souls-like games, Steelrising seems to focus a lot on fast-paced combat rather than being slow and methodical. While the game hasn’t b shown much, we know that Steelrising allows for multiple character archetypes. The description states Aegis can “become a fearsome warrior, a deadly dancer or a virtuoso of elemental arts.”
Steelrising is being developed by the team behind Greedfall and is set to release for PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC sometime in June 2022.
Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong became one of 2020 most talked-about games when the first trailer dropped. Going viral, the game garnered attention like no other. Ever since then, gamers have been patiently waiting for more info. Black Myth: Wukong is taking inspiration from the Chinese tale, Journey to the West.
The gameplay features many souls-like elements, including big bosses, challenging combat, and exploration. We know Wukong will feature many abilities like creating clones and his magical bo staff, as well as his classic shapeshifting ability. We don’t know much about the world that is being created, but it looks stunning in scope. If they are being inspired by the classic tale, then they have a huge source to draw from. Black Myth: Wukong currently has a release frame of sometime in 2023. So we have a while to wait to see how this game is developing.
Blind Fate: Edo no Yami
The only 2D side-scrolling souls-like game on this list. Blind Fate: Edo no Yami is a challenging and stylish souls-like game. You play as blind cybernetic samurai Yami, who battles other robotics inspired by Japanese folk-tales. As a blind swordsman, you will need to use your cyber sensors to locate your enemies and attack their weak spots.
As you play through the game, you will “unlock devastating skills” to “carry on your quest for revenge”. Blind Fate: Edo no Yami is releasing on all major systems sometime in Q1 2022.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers looks like a carbon copy of a souls’ game. Not necessarily a bad thing, just an observation. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is “an exploration of the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of imperial China and the battle against mysterious forces.”
There isn’t much known about the game other than the 18-minute gameplay that was shown, but some are calling it out for taking too many inspirations from the souls’ games. But only time will tell. It may offer something truly unique. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is set to release sometime in 2024.
Soulstice
Soulstice is an intriguing-looking game. Imagine a souls-like game with hints of NieR: Automata, Bayonetta, and Darksiders 3; then you would have this game. That’s not a bad thing, though. If they can balance the gameplay, then this game could truly be something unique.
You play as two sisters, Briar and Lute, who have been reborn as a Chimera to take back the city from Wraiths. You control both simultaneously; one sister focuses on melee and physical attacks and the other with magical abilities. The game features fast-paced combat, with instant weapon switching mid-combo for fascinating and damaging combos.
In short, 2022 and the future is looking bright with promising upcoming “souls-like” RPGs. The “souls-like” genre is thriving thanks to many developers trying to capture the magic of the original souls’ games and giving it their spin to them. All of these games mentioned might draw inspiration from Dark Souls or Bloodborne, but they have their charm as well.
What about you guys? With so many “souls-like” games coming out, which one are you looking forward to the most? Sound off in the comments.
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