The Evolution of Soulslike Games: From Dark Souls to Elden Ring and Black Myth: Wukong
The world of video games has been significantly shaped by the introduction of the “Soulslike” genre. A term that has come to represent challenging, atmospheric, and deeply rewarding games that require both skill and strategy. This genre was first popularized by the critically acclaimed Dark Souls series.
The series developed by FromSoftware, and has since spawned numerous titles that carry forward its legacy. Among these, Elden Ring and the Black Myth: Wukong stand out as two of the most anticipated and discussed games. Each pushing the boundaries of what a Soulslike game can be.
The Genesis of Soulslike: Dark Souls and Its Legacy
Before diving into Elden Ring and Black Myth: Wukong, it’s essential to understand the roots of the Soulslike genre. Dark Souls, released in 2011, was a spiritual successor to Demon’s Souls. It introduced players to a world of relentless difficulty, intricate level design, and minimalistic storytelling.
The game’s combat system, which emphasized stamina management, precise timing, and strategic use of weapons, became a hallmark of the genre.
The game’s atmosphere, lore, and the sense of accomplishment that came from overcoming its challenges left a mark on the gaming community.
The Dark Souls series, including Dark Souls II and Dark Souls III, continued to refine this formula. Each installment built upon its predecessor’s success. The concept of “bonfires” as checkpoints, the interconnected world design, and the deep, often cryptic lore became defining features of the series.
The genre’s influence extended beyond FromSoftware’s titles, inspiring other developers to create games that embraced similar mechanics and philosophies.
Elden Ring: The Pinnacle of Soulslike Evolution
Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, represents the culmination of years of experience in crafting Soulslike games. Released in 2022, it is a game that merges the best elements of the Dark Souls series with new, innovative features, resulting in a truly monumental experience.
A Vast, Open World
One of the most significant changes in Elden Ring is its transition from the semi-open world structure of previous Soulslike games to a fully open-world environment. The Lands Between, the world of Elden Ring, is vast and filled with secrets, dungeons, and formidable enemies. The game encourages exploration, rewarding players with hidden treasures, powerful weapons, and lore-rich encounters.
The open-world design allows for a more dynamic and varied gameplay experience, as players can choose their path and tackle challenges in different orders.
Combat and Weapons: The Art of the Sword
Elden Ring builds upon the combat mechanics of the Soulslike genre. It offers a wide variety of weapons. Each with its own unique move set and attributes.
Among the most iconic weapons in the game is the Moonveil. A katana that has captured the imagination of many players. The Moonveil, reminiscent of the samurai swords, is not just a weapon. But a symbol of mastery and finesse. It is designed for those who value agility and precision. It allows swift, deadly strikes that can cut down even the most formidable foes.
The Moonveil’s popularity among players is not just due to its aesthetic appeal. Also because of its special skill, “Transient Moonlight.” This skill allows the player to unleash a powerful, horizontal or vertical wave of energy, capable of hitting enemies from a distance. The katana’s versatility and power make it a favorite among those who prefer a fast-paced, offensive playstyle.
The Influence of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Elden Ring also takes inspiration from another of FromSoftware’s masterpieces, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Released in 2019, Sekiro introduced a more focused combat system that revolved around posture and precision, as well as the use of a Wolf’s katana, reflecting the samurai themes that are also evident in Elden Ring.
While Elden Ring retains the traditional stamina-based combat of the Soulslike genre, it incorporates elements from Sekiro, such as a more fluid parrying system and a greater emphasis on stealth.
The incorporation of these elements has made Elden Ring’s combat more dynamic, catering to a wide range of playstyles.
Whether you prefer the heavy, crushing blows of a greatsword, the precise slashes of a katana, or the magic-infused attacks of a staff, Elden Ring offers something for every type of player.
Black Myth: Wukong – A New Contender in the Soulslike Arena
While Elden Ring has set a high standard for the Soulslike genre, Black Myth: Wukong is poised to bring a fresh perspective.
Developed by the Chinese studio Game Science, Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG that draws inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.
The game has garnered significant attention for its stunning visuals, engaging combat, and its unique take on the Soulslike formula.
The Story and Setting
Black Myth: Wukong transports players to a mythical world steeped in Chinese folklore, where they take on the role of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong.
The game’s narrative is heavily influenced by Journey to the West, a story that has been retold and reinterpreted countless times in various forms of media.
In Black Myth: Wukong, players will navigate a world filled with mythical creatures, gods, and demons, all of which are beautifully rendered using Unreal Engine 5.
Combat: Mastering the Ruyi Jingu Bang
One of the most exciting aspects of Black Myth: Wukong is its combat system, which centers around the Ruyi Jingu Bang, the Monkey King’s iconic staff.
The Ruyi Jingu Bang is not just any weapon. It is a magical staff that can change its size, multiply, and transform into various shapes.
This versatility is reflected in the game’s combat mechanics, allowing players to adapt to different situations and enemies.
The Ruyi Jingu Bang offers a unique gameplay experience that sets Black Myth: Wukong apart from other Soulslike games. The ability to extend the staff’s reach, create duplicates, or use it as a pole vault adds a layer of strategy and creativity to combat. This, combined with the Monkey King’s agility and shape-shifting abilities, makes for a dynamic and fluid combat experience that promises to challenge even the most seasoned Soulslike veterans.
A Visual and Atmospheric Marvel
Black Myth: Wukong has captivated audiences with its breathtaking visuals, which bring the mythical world to life in stunning detail. The game’s environments are richly designed, from lush forests to ancient temples, each teeming with atmosphere and history.
The character models, particularly the various mythical creatures and bosses, are detailed, making each encounter feel epic and memorable.
The game’s atmosphere is further enhanced by its sound design and musical score. It draws from traditional Chinese instruments and compositions. This fusion of traditional Chinese culture with modern game design creates an experience that is both familiar and novel. It appeals to fans of the Soulslike genre and newcomers alike.
The Legacy of Soulslike Games: Sekiro and Beyond
As we look at the evolution of Soulslike games, it’s impossible not to mention Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. While Sekiro deviated from the traditional Soulslike formula by focusing on a more linear narrative and a single protagonist, it introduced new mechanics that have influenced subsequent titles, including Elden Ring.
Sekiro’s emphasis on precision, timing, and posture made its combat system one of the most refined and challenging in the genre.
The game’s protagonist, a shinobi equipped with a katana, perfectly embodied the spirit of a warrior who relies on skill and discipline. The katana in Sekiro is not just a weapon but an extension of the player’s will, allowing for swift, deadly strikes that can decimate enemies in seconds.
The success of Sekiro demonstrated that there is room for innovation within the Soulslike genre, and its influence can be seen in the combat systems of both Elden Ring and Black Myth: Wukong. The inclusion of parrying, stealth mechanics, and vertical movement in these games shows that the lessons learned from Sekiro have not been forgotten.
The Ritual of Victory: Commemorating Your Success
The Soulslike genre is known for its punishing difficulty and the immense satisfaction that comes from overcoming its challenges. Defeating a particularly tough boss, mastering a complex combat system, or uncovering hidden lore are all achievements that resonate deeply with players.
But for those who want to commemorate their victories in a tangible way, there’s more than just in-game rewards.
One way to celebrate your success is by collecting replicas of the iconic weapons from these games.
The Moonveil katana from Elden Ring, with its sleek design and powerful abilities, is a perfect representation of the game’s blend of beauty and brutality.
For fans of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the katana wielded by the Wolf is a symbol of perseverance and mastery, embodying the essence of a true warrior.
Similarly, Black Myth: Wukong’s Ruyi Jingu Bang is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of power, transformation, and adaptability. Owning a replica of this legendary staff is a way to connect with the rich mythology and culture that inspired the game.
For those who want to bring a piece of these worlds into their own, Timeblade Guild offers high-quality replicas of these iconic weapons.
Whether you’re a collector, a cosplayer, or simply a fan who wants to commemorate your achievements, these replicas are the perfect way to celebrate your journey through the challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable worlds of Soulslike games.
Conclusion
The Soulslike genre has evolved significantly since the release of Dark Souls, with games like Elden Ring and Black Myth: Wukong pushing the boundaries of what these games can achieve. The blend of challenging combat, intricate lore, and atmospheric worlds has created a genre that continues to captivate players around the world. Whether you’re wielding the Moonveil in Elden Ring, mastering the Ruyi Jingu Bang in Black Myth: Wukong, or reliving the intense battles of Sekiro, the legacy of Soulslike games is one of both frustration and triumph.
And when the dust settles, and the last boss is defeated, there’s no better way to commemorate your victories than by holding in your hands the very weapons that guided you through these epic journeys.