Is Dark Souls considered a Roguelike Game?
The debate surrounding Dark Souls’ genre classification has been ongoing for years. Some argue that the game is a traditional Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG), while others believe it shares characteristics with the Roguelike genre. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and explore whether Dark Souls can be considered a Roguelike game.
What is a Roguelike Game?
To understand the genre, let’s first define what a Roguelike game is. Roguelike games are characterized by their procedural generation of content, permanent death, and turn-based gameplay. They typically feature grid-based movement, item randomization, and a focus on exploration and strategy.
Common Features of Roguelike Games
Here are some common features of Roguelike games:
• Procedural Generation: Levels, enemies, and items are generated randomly, offering a unique experience each time the game is played.
• Permanent Death: Characters do not respawn, and progress is lost upon death.
• Turn-Based Gameplay: Gameplay is turn-based, allowing players to take their time to think through actions.
• Grid-Based Movement: Movement is restricted to a grid, adding a tactical element to exploration.
• Item Randomization: Items, such as weapons and armor, are randomly generated and have unique properties.
Are these Features Present in Dark Souls?
Now that we’ve established what makes a Roguelike game, let’s examine Dark Souls’ features to determine if it fits the bill.
• Procedural Generation: Yes, Dark Souls’ levels are procedurally generated to some extent. While the overall layout is similar each time, enemies and items are randomly placed, providing a unique experience each time the game is played.
• Permanent Death: No, in Dark Souls, players can resurrect at bonfires using soul items. While death can be punishing, the game does not feature permanent death.
• Turn-Based Gameplay: No, Dark Souls is an action RPG, featuring real-time combat.
• Grid-Based Movement: No, Dark Souls features a non-grid based movement system, allowing for more fluid exploration.
Conclusion: Is Dark Souls a Roguelike Game?
While Dark Souls shares some elements with Roguelike games, such as procedural generation and randomization, it lacks key features like permanent death and turn-based gameplay. Therefore, it cannot be considered a traditional Roguelike game.
Soulslike Games
Instead, Dark Souls can be classified as a Soulslike game, a subgenre of ARPGs that incorporates elements from Roguelike games. Soulslike games, like Dark Souls, typically feature:
• Non-grid based movement: Free movement and exploration
• Real-time combat: Fast-paced combat mechanics
• High level of difficulty: Challenging enemies and boss battles
• Deep lore: Rich storytelling and atmospheric world-building
Other Examples of Soulslike Games
Some other examples of Soulslike games include:
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Bloodborne
- Nioh
- The Surge
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dark Souls does not fit the traditional definition of a Roguelike game, it is often classified as a Soulslike game due to its procedural generation, randomization, and challenging gameplay. Its unique blend of action and exploration elements sets it apart from traditional Roguelike games, but makes it an excellent example of a Soulslike game.