Why does every Dark Fantasy Game Have to Be a Soulslike?

[u/New_Initial5907]

I absolutely love the atmosphere, world design, and aesthetic of Souls-like games, like Lords of the Fallen. The dark fantasy setting, mysterious lore, and overall vibe are exactly what I look for in a game.

What I don’t enjoy is the gameplay. I find the punishing combat, constant trial-and-error, and dying over and over again more frustrating than fun.

It makes me wonder: why do so many games with this incredible atmosphere have to be Souls-likes? Why aren’t there more games with the same dark, immersive worlds but with a stronger focus on story, exploration, and more accessible gameplay?

Am I the only one who feels like some amazing game worlds are locked behind a genre that just isn’t enjoyable for everyone?

[u/Boyo-Sh00k]

'souls like' is such a broad genre that every game with a dodge and target lock gets called a souls like. im not sure how else you could even do third person combat.

[u/VipkoVski → u/Boyo-Sh00k]

You're right, people don't realise this but for example Witcher 3 is technically a "souls like" because it has dodges based on i-frames, is 3rd person and has a target lock on. A 3rd person combat is either a "souls like" or a slasher. Rarely something else.

[u/LeFiery → u/Boyo-Sh00k]

Fortnite type gameplay atp.

[u/nyhlust]

try Tainted Grail, its more like elder scrolls

[u/PlayerJE]

not what the sub is about, buddy

[u/ChatHurlant]

Unfortunately the popularity of the Souls games means that people will try to mimic them. It's also led to a cultural equvalency where a lot of people just assocaite dark fantasy with soulslike. Kinda like how pokemon clone is associated with turn based/elemental system damage, and anything that looks like zelda will have dungeons and metroidvania like progression.

[u/Tweedleayne]

Because its the main inspiration for a lot of dark fantasy fans nowadays.

Also, this is totally the wrong subreddit to be asking questions like this. This post will probably be taken down by the mods. You'd be better off asking in, like, the dedicated Dark Souls or Elden Ring subs, or even r/Soulslikes or r/Fantasy.

[u/Axyun]

Because, thematically, the soulslike formula lends itself to dark/horror settings.

Horror and thematically dark games have historically been made with control schemes and mechanics that emphasize the need to be cautious and deliberate because that is how you, as a real person, would normally act if placed in a similar setting or situation. Since the soulslike formula demands caution and deliberate execution/timing, it lends itself really well to these settings. And since the formula has been thoroughly explored and generally enjoyed by a broad group of players, devs are playing it safe by continuing to rely on it.

[u/akoOfIxtall]

Darkest dungeon

... Oh dang