Summary
FromSoftware may have enjoyed a massive leap in popularity with theDark Soulsgames, but the developer has certainly not played it safe following the release of these seminal games. This has proven to be the right move, as experimentation and innovation has led to critically acclaimed titles likeBloodborne,Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, andElden Ring. Still, asFromSoftware plans for the future, it may stick to its roots withDark Souls 4, which would be a welcome return to form.
As something of a spiritual successor toDemon’s Souls,Dark Soulsmade a splash in the world of gaming thanks to its uncompromising difficulty, interconnected map design, esoteric lore, and commitment to delivering on a unique vision. TheDark Soulsgames improved upon the foundations laid byDemon’s Souls, ultimately paving the way forBloodborneandSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, two games with wildly different settings, premises, and combat systems, but with a number of systems and features familiar toDark Soulsfans.Elden Ringhad combat that was most similar toDark Souls, but was still probably the greatest shift away from the traditional formula,expanding uponDark Soulselementswhile adding an open world - a first for the developer.
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How Dark Souls 4 Could Be a Much-Needed Return to FromSoftware’s Roots
TheDark Soulsgames, despite being somewhat open-ended via backtracking opportunities and side content, were decidedly linear in design. This linearity may seem quaint or restrictive now, especially to players who go back toDark Soulsafter finishingElden Ring, but it allows for several aspects that are arguably superior toElden Ring. The dark fantasy setting of the series also opens the door to exciting and satisfying RPG systems, ones that were missing fromBloodborneandSekiro.
The Benefits of the Dark Souls Structure
The semi-linear design of theDark Soulsgames offers unique opportunities that aren’t compatible withElden Ring’s open-world design (orArmored Core 6’s level-based structure, for that matter). While going back to the more contained approach ofDark Soulsmay seemlike a step down fromElden Ring’ssprawling map, the smaller scope allows for a number of more detailed and concise environments. Most ofElden Ring’s most memorable locations are, in many ways, closer to the areas inDark Soulsthan the huge landscapes that characterize most open world games, which proves how effective bespoke, small-scope areas can be.
Essentially, a newDark Soulswould be leaner thanElden Ring, though with a higher concentration of tailored, memorable locations. This approach to game design also helps with pacing, as the game is constantly evoking a sense of progression as players cut through each area.
Essentially, a newDark Soulswould be leaner thanElden Ring, though with a higher concentration of tailored, memorable locations.
Dark Souls 4 Could Further Polish Soulslike Combat
While games likeSekiroandBloodbornefit the description of linear Soulslikes, they stand apart fromDark Soulsin how they handle combat. Both games encourage aggressive play and de-emphasize varied classes, withSekirobeing much more like a traditional action game than an action-RPG. In some ways, these combat systems can be seen as even better than typical Soulslike combat, as they enhance and remix the basics of the genre. By returning to the linear, dark fantasy basics of theDark Soulsfranchise, FromSoftware could continue to flesh out the classic combat mechanics of slow-deliberate movement, while allowing for even further build diversity.
Although games likeElden Ringare similar toDark Souls, the latter is still a distinct and crucial part of gaming history. FromSoftware’sDark Soulsinheritors all have plenty going for them, but there are no doubt countless fans who are ready for a return to the more straightforward, classic fantasy setting of Lordran.
