and represent fairly different implementations of Bethesda's open-world formula, but when it comes to their shortcomings, they both end up falling into the same trap. There's always a certain level of familiarity to Bethesda RPGs, from the strong points like worlds full of varied possibilities, to the weaker elements like outdated engine design. Not everything has stayed the same over the years, however, and the newer ideas in and are exactly why they don't measure up to the best qualities of Bethesda's most memorable games.
Soulslikes Are Finally Becoming Soulslites, & They're Better For It
29.04.2024 - 19:33 / screenrant.com / Ben Brosofsky
The soulslike genre has been shifting and evolving for over a decade now, and with the rapid release of recent entries like and , it's clear just how much has changed over that time. Although was the first game to codify many of the core soulslike mechanics, was the one that shot the concept to worldwide popularity. Within a few years, the ideas that made so compelling were starting to spread throughout the gaming industry, and plenty of titles have benefited from them since.
There's no hard set of rules as to what defines a soulslike, but it's usually easy to tell when a game fits into the genre. Tough combat with precise hitboxes is one key component, and progression that centers around a bonfire system where healing up at carefully placed checkpoints respawns enemies tends to be another. It's also common for soulslike storytelling to rely on the careful discovery and assemblage of information, following the subtle approach employed by developer FromSoftware throughout many of its games.
Nearly all the systems and ideas found in FromSoftware games click together in impressive synchronicity, and this careful balance makes it hard for games to borrow one idea but skip others. (2014), arguably the first major attempt at a true soulslike, was fairly thorough in its emulation. It never rose above emulation, however, and with the only real points of distinction being elements that were more generic or less satisfying than, there was never much reason for anyone to come back to it when they could have another go at the real deal instead.
In 2024, that isn't the case at all, and a flurry of April game releases has shown just how much diversity can be found in games inspired by FromSoftware's masterpieces. might be one of the most striking soulslike games yet, leaning into an aesthetic more in line with casual platformers and introducing a fun shell-swapping mechanic. It also puts the narrative at the forefront of the affair, leaning on appropriately heavy themes but going about things in a much less subtle way.
, currently in early access on PC, marries traditional -esque ARPG elements with soulslike concepts. It finds an unusual balance with an isometric view and bonfires that don't respawn enemies, and although time could help hone its ideas, it already has obvious strengths. isn't quite as innovative as its peers, but its mix of,, and ends up looking very little like, to say the least.
These certainly aren't the first games to take soulslike ideas to new places, and there's been a lot of creativity in past years. stands out as a masterful metroidvania with a healthy helping of inspiration, and titles like and certainly manage to carve out their own niches. Having multiple major releases offer unique
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screenrant.com
02.05.2024 / 22:41
There’s Still One Huge Reason Fallout 4 Is Better On Xbox Than PS5
's long-awaited next-gen update has now refreshed the game on both the Xbox Series X/S and the PlayStation 5, but it's still a better game on the former option thanks to one huge difference between the versions. Ever since first making its way to consoles with, the post-apocalyptic RPG series has had plenty of struggles with bugs and performance issues showing up in every game to varying degrees. The next-gen update does fix some key problems that have persisted in the game since launch, even if it introduces some of its own.
pushsquare.com
02.05.2024 / 14:51
What PS3 game(s) are you currently playing? - PlayStation 3 (PS3) Forum - Page 85
Well that’s about 30 minutes into Fallout New Vegas and already my first hard reset… doesn’t bode well
rockpapershotgun.com
30.04.2024 / 22:35
Here are the new Game Pass library additions for May 2024
A new batch of games have been announced for Game Pass in May, including five that are playable on PC. There are siblings, felines, reapers, and a Croft. I'm struggling to identify a theme.
screenrant.com
29.04.2024 / 15:55
Sims 4 Urban Homage Proves A Sequel Should Exist For One Notoriously Underrated Game
The new is an interesting addition to , but more than anything, it's a reminder that one older game in franchise deserves to have a proper comeback. Although the release model of has long relied on extensive amounts of expansion packs, the series also spent much of its lifespan spinning things off into proper side games. Although this could sometimes get very far from the original concept (like in ), the franchise also had its fair share of games that fulfilled core concepts in their own interesting ways.
screenrant.com
29.04.2024 / 03:05
Nintendo Switch 2 Might Be Losing One Iconic Element, & New Joy-Cons Are To Blame
Based on rumors so far, the Nintendo Switch 2 seems to be mostly focused on keeping what people love about the Switch and improving on it, but a new report indicates that one iconic element of the system could be going away with its successor. The long wait for news on the console has been full of ups and downs, dating back to the time when a Switch Pro was expected before a new system entirely. More recently, a presumed 2024 date seemed to slip out the window in favor of a 2025 release, making the wait even longer.
pushsquare.com
28.04.2024 / 23:49
What PS5 Games Are You Currently Playing? - PlayStation 5 (PS5) Forum - Page 178
The Pedestrian I normally don't have the patience (or mental ability) for puzzle games as I tend to give up when frustrated but I've been enjoying this one, albeit in small sessions. I like the way it doesn't really explain anything but still remains quite simple to grasp the new mechanics introduced in different areas. I also like how solving fairly simple puzzles makes me feel like a genius! Its quite a pleasant change of pace for me at the moment.
screenrant.com
27.04.2024 / 22:31
Clever Helldivers 2 Technique Makes A New Underused Gun Much Better Against Automatons
recently received some exciting additions to its arsenal of guns with the Democratic Detonation Warbond, but one of the most powerful possibilities isn't obvious without taking an unorthodox approach. Unusual strategies are nothing new for, as the soldiers of Super Earth are constantly seeking out any advantage they can get against the Terminids and Automatons. Any absurd exploits tend to get patched sooner or later, but that's all the more reason to hop on any trick while there's an opportunity to put it into action.
pushsquare.com
27.04.2024 / 17:59
What PS5 Games Are You Currently Playing? - PlayStation 5 (PS5) Forum - Page 178
The Pedestrian I normally don't have the patience (or mental ability) for puzzle games as I tend to give up when frustrated but I've been enjoying this one, albeit in small sessions. I like the way it doesn't really explain anything but still remains quite simple to grasp the new mechanics introduced in different areas. I also like how solving fairly simple puzzles makes me feel like a genius! Its quite a pleasant change of pace for me at the moment.
pushsquare.com
27.04.2024 / 12:23
What PS4 Games Are You Currently Playing? - PlayStation 4 (PS4) Forum - Page 324
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
pushsquare.com
27.04.2024 / 12:23
What PS5 Games Are You Currently Playing? - PlayStation 5 (PS5) Forum - Page 177
@Bentleyma likes Gollum. I can definitely put this person on ignore then...
pushsquare.com
27.04.2024 / 00:39
What PS3 game(s) are you currently playing? - PlayStation 3 (PS3) Forum - Page 85
Well that’s about 30 minutes into Fallout New Vegas and already my first hard reset… doesn’t bode well