I’m looking for games that aren’t technically soulslike but still have that Dark Souls feeling. For me, American McGee’s Alice: Madness Returns comes to mind. I know it might seem weird, but there’s something about the dark fantasy atmosphere and the combat that requires careful timing and dodging that really captures that souls experience. The gothic tone and challenging gameplay mechanics just hit the same notes for me, even though it’s not set in a medieval world.
What games have given you similar feelings? I’m curious to hear about titles that aren’t officially part of the souls genre but still manage to capture that special Dark Souls essence through their atmosphere, difficulty, or gameplay style.
Monster Hunter World really does hit the same spot for me. You need to learn the enemy patterns and wait for the right moment, just like with Dark Souls bosses. You get that same rush when you finally take down something that’s been wrecking you for hours. The combat feels heavy and punishes button mashers just like Souls does.
Hollow Knight hit me the same way. You drop everything when you die and have to fight your way back to recover it, all while dealing with that unsettling atmosphere that follows you everywhere.
Dead Space nails it perfectly. You’re completely isolated with this constant dread, and the combat’s all about positioning - you can’t just spray and pray. What really gets me is never knowing what’s waiting around the next corner.
Salt and Sanctuary hits the same spot for me. Sure, it’s 2D, but it’s got all the Dark Souls DNA - you drop your salt when you die, bosses are brutal pattern fights, and everything wants to kill you. The hand-drawn art looks like a grimy nightmare and nails that hopeless Dark Souls vibe perfectly.