Since the Soulslike genre’s popularization, we’ve seen more and more blockbusters and indie games joining the notable trend.
From rough approximations to carbon copies of the FromSoftware recipe,this new style of video games has given us excellent experiences, each for different reasons.
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FromSoft may never drop the ball, but all those trying to follow their formula have done so with mixed results.
Whether it’s capturing its atmosphere, replicating its bosses' difficulty, or reproducing the addictive gameplay loop, numerous titles have been able to materialize their inspiration into remarkable adventures.
Many of these are found across the various popular subscription services currently available, but today I want to focus onthe nine best Soulslike on Xbox Game Pass.
9Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Gods, Guns, and War
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Although its combat takes longer than it should to get used to and the story is bland, I truly enjoyed my hours spent with Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn.
In part, because I’m a big fan of good art direction, andthe visual design of this game is some of the best I’ve had the opportunity to experience in 2024.
However, that’s not the game’s only strong point, as it also offers spectacular bosses that, once you master the gameplay, are satisfying to fight.
Furthermore, its level design and progression are very well-crafted, making it a more than worthy experience for the genre.Flintlock: The Siege of Dawnmay not be a masterpiece, but it’s still recommended.
Relaxing Souls
From the same creators ofFlintlock,Ashenwas the studio’s first take on Soulslike titles, and I find it superior.
While the combat is less profound, it makes up for it withan immaculate atmosphere that truly departs from the genre’s typical dark and depressive overtones.
With more hopeful vibes, a simple design, and a particularly interesting multiplayer, it’s a distinctive journey that doesn’t always work well, but is unique.
Execution aside, I appreciate the intention to produce an unusual experience, which is whatAshenachieves in the context of Soulslike games.
7Lords of the Fallen
Resurrecting Great Quality
Lords of the Fallen
Fextralife Wiki
While it may not have always been the case, I think we can easily callLords of the Fallenone ofthe best and purest Souls-like gamesout there.
Hexworks' dedication is among the most sincere tributes to FromSoftware’s work, especially after its 2.0 release, which updated its content and polished its execution.
I understand it may not be to everyone’s liking, butI honorably count myself among those who appreciated the original launch and enjoyed its revitalization even more.
Given the impressive bosses, the incredibly engaging dimension-shifting mechanic thanks to theUnreal Engine 5, and the incomparable aesthetic, I feel it has what it takes to be loved by fans of Soulslike games.
It’s far from perfect, butLords of the Fallen’s quality is undeniable due to the passion it shows in emulating the Soulsborne games' sensations.
6Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
A Pleasant But Flawed Sequel
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Standard Edition
Star Wars Jedi: Survivoris, above all, a great sequel, taking the foundations of its predecessor and expanding on them to offer an even deeper and more varied experience.
Introducing new ideas to the strengths of the first game in the series, Cal Kestis’s second journey is everything you could hope for, even being one of the best titles of 2023.
With improved combat, particularly detailed locations, and superb exploration, it’s a great adaptation of the film franchise, offeringarguably the best lightsaber combat to date.
That said, I experienced so many technical problems with the game at launch that I was left feeling disappointed. My experience was both enjoyable and incomplete, as the game felt rushed upon its original release.
Over time, its state has changed, and it’s far from what it was during its release, but my first impression ofStar Wars Jedi: Survivorweighs heavily.
An Unparalleled Adventure
When it comes tocozy games, few can matchTunic, a title that hides much more than its adorable exterior suggests.
The game features some of the most unforgiving bosses and maps in the indie scene, throwing you into an unknown world whose language you don’t comprehend, forcing you to experience a real adventure.
From understanding the puzzles to knowing where to go or what tools to use,everything in the game is discovered through trial and error,interaction,and curiosity, borrowing the best of Soulslike level design philosophy.
Along with simple yet challenging combat and wonderful art direction,Tunicis one of the most uncommon products the genre has ever seen, despite sometimes being confusing and frustrating.
4Remnant 2
The Best Co-op Soulslike
Cooperative premises within Soulslikes don’t usually excite me as much as playing solo, as I’ve grown accustomed to playing Soulsborne games offline.
However, at the same time, I must acknowledge thatRemnant 2has changed my interpretation of the subject because the fun it offers is hardly comparable.
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Soulslikes like Sekiro and Hollow Knight place a greater emphasis on skill and optimization than raw stat building.
The game represents a noticeable improvement overRemnant: From the Ashes, whose foundations were solid, but here they were considerably improved in every imaginable way.
Through its builds' variety and showiness,impressive bosses, great level design, wonderful artistic direction, and immeasurable gameplay depth, we’re talking about one of the most outstanding games in the entire genre.
Despite not being my particular obsession,Remnant 2is amongthe best AA games, thus holding a place in my heart for combining unrelated elements into a proposal that is as entertaining as it is challenging.
3Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
A Fantastic Adaptation
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Warsvideo game adaptations have varied across the various console generations, but I’d venture to say few have captivated as much asStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Respawn truly excelled in not only adapting the film franchise’s universe to the interactive medium, but also in creating outstanding gameplay with tremendous progression and even better combat.
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Brutally punishing combat and rewarding exploration? Sign me up!
Considering the engaging story and characters,Fallen Orderis probably one of the most complete Soulslike games in the genre’s short history.
Even if you haven’t seen theStar Warsmovies, it’s a video game completely worth your time. Without any major flaws, it’s a fantastic experience everyone should try.
Plus, the fact that bothStar Wars Jedititles made it onto the list says everything you need to know about the series' quality, but it also reflects how few Soulslikes there are on the Xbox Game Pass.
2Another Crab’s Treasure
An Unusual Gem of the Genre
Another Crab’s Treasure
Despite coming in with no expectations, Another Crab’s Treasure quickly became one of my last couple of years' favorite indie titles thanks to its distinct identity.
The title’s creativity and personality within such a well-known formula deserve recognition, asit adapts the genre’s fundamental principles to a narrative,gameplay,and thematic context with great eloquence and quality.
The way it combines a challenging and engaging experience with an environmental critique that also includes a large dose of comedy is among the strangest yet most charming combinations imaginable.
With magnificent platforming, excellent exploration, a great progression system, and outstanding bosses from start to finish,Another Crab’s Treasureembodies everything that characterizes Soulslike games in the best possible way.
1Nine Sols
Sekiro’s Most Worthy Heir
I already knew all the expectations and positive feedback aboutNine Sols, but I never expected to come across such a refined and outstanding product.
While it isn’t perfect, this video game capturesSekiro: Shadows Die Twice’s best qualities in a way that only specific titles have managed to achieve.
Its fragmented narrative and rich universe are the perfect backdrop for a tight gameplay that, when it clicks, becomesone of the best combat systems ever created.
Thanks toiconic bosseswith unique challenges and a superb use ofparriesand passive abilities,Nine Sols' complex network of mechanics creates a playable structure that is a delight to master.
Paired with phenomenal visuals and a glorious soundtrack, everything inNine Solsworks to near perfection, standing out as both a metroidvania and a Soulslike experience.
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There are other ways to suffer the frustration of dying 1000 times in the same spot.
