Code Vein has been anticipated for some time as the anime answer to Dark Souls. Now that it's out, you'll probably want to check out other games in the same style that aren't the series that launched the genre.
Luckily, there have been several games in this style in the past year that are worth your time. Each has its own twist on the formula, and offers something new to make them stand out. Here are five Souls-style games you should check out after you're done with Code Vein.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was created by the same studio that made the Dark Souls series, so this may feel a bit like cheating. However, this game takes a lot of the formula and flips it on its head. Many of the RPG elements have been swapped out for a more streamlined upgrade system, as well as finding more abilities as you progress through the game. There are more enemies around the areas, meaning that stealth is a much bigger component of the combat. And, thanks to the grappling hook, it's much more vertical in design; you are more agile than these games typically have you be. Throw in a feudal Japan setting and it adds up to a very different but highly enjoyable game in the Souls-style genre. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC.
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Have you ever thought that Dark Souls would be better if it were like Shadow of the Colossus, and only had boss fights? Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption answers that question. You need to fight the Seven DeadlySins, each in a form that represents something from the player's past. After you defeat one of the bosses, you need to sacrifice one of your strengths such as HP or resources. So in a twist to all of the games like this, you actually grow weaker as you go on. So if you really want a challenge, this might be the game for you. Sure, it's not a long game so it won't have your attention for long but it is priced accordingly. Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch and Windows PC.
The Darksiders series is known for changing its gameplay styles game to game, as each title stars a different horseman of the apocalypse. The first game was a God of War-style action adventure title, the second was an open world action-RPG, and the upcoming Darksiders Genesis looks to play more like a top-down CRPG, similar to Diablo. Darksiders III somewhat goes back to the first game's style of play but ultimately is the series' interpretation of Dark Souls. Of all the games on this list, this is arguably the most forgiving but it can still be punishing. Your weapon of choice is a whip which is helpful in terms of keeping your distance, but many enemies will leap out at your making your distance not as beneficial as you need. As a result, being patient and dodging is still your best friend. This would be a great title to ease you into or out of a Soul-like. Darksiders III is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC.
Remnant: From the Ashes changes the Souls-style formula in two ways. First, instead of having melee combat be the focus, ranged combat is. The game will give you a variety of guns and in many ways, the game functions more like a third person shooter. Second, this game can be played cooperatively. You are not alone in this adventure. Up to two other players can join you and the difficulty will scale depending on how many other players are helping you. Enemies are also randomized so although you don't lose items or skill points when you die, you still need to go back to the last checkpoint and face a new set of enemies and challenges. Not bad from the same team that made Darksiders III! Remnant: From the Ashes was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC.
The first game in this series was one of the first Souls clones to be released. While it was solid for what it was, it failed to make an impact. The sequel fixes a lot of problems the original had and is worth a look. The combat requires patience like in any Souls-style game but a unique mechanic is being able to remove limbs from your opponents. You fight enemies with technological enhancements like yourself in this modern city setting so if you do amputate a limb, you can collect it and use it as a weapon yourself. Its setting as well as its more modern take on the dark fantasy setting of the Dark Souls series makes this an interesting take on the genre. The Surge 2 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC.
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