What is the First Souls-like Game Ever?
The Souls-like genre has become synonymous with challenging and rewarding gaming experiences. FromSoftware’s Demon’s Souls (2009) is often cited as the first game to pioneer this style of play, but is it really the first? In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Souls-like genre and identify the earliest games that laid the groundwork for this beloved type of gameplay.
The Origins of the Souls-like Genre
The Souls-like genre is characterized by its difficulty, atmospheric settings, and deep lore. These elements were first introduced in Etrian Odyssey, a Japanese RPG released in 2007. The game’s unique blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving set the stage for the Souls-like genre.
The First Souls-like Game: Etrian Odyssey
While Demon’s Souls is often credited as the first Souls-like game, Etrian Odyssey predates it by two years. Developed by Atlus, this game introduced many elements that would become standard in the Souls-like genre, including:
- Hand-drawn maps: Players had to create their own maps of the game world, which added to the sense of exploration and discovery.
- Difficulty spikes: The game featured sudden increases in difficulty, which prepared players for the challenges to come.
- Dark fantasy setting: Etrian Odyssey’s world was a dark, gothic-inspired place, setting the tone for many Souls-like games to follow.
The Evolution of the Souls-like Genre
After Etrian Odyssey, other games began to incorporate similar elements, including:
- Odin Sphere (2007): A side-scrolling action RPG with a dark fantasy setting and challenging combat.
- Tales of Maj’Eyal (2009): A free-to-play, open-source RPG with a focus on exploration and strategic combat.
- Dark Souls (2011): FromSoftware’s response to the growing popularity of the Souls-like genre, which refined the formula and introduced new mechanics.
Demon’s Souls: The Game that Started it All
While not the first Souls-like game, Demon’s Souls is often credited as the one that popularized the genre. Released in 2009, this game refined the formula established by Etrian Odyssey and added new features, such as:
- Online interactivity: Players could interact with each other’s souls, leaving messages and challenging each other to battles.
- Atmosphere and storytelling: Demon’s Souls’ dark, gothic world and cryptic storytelling set the tone for the Souls-like genre.
The Legacy of the Souls-like Genre
Today, the Souls-like genre has spawned numerous games, including Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring. These games have built upon the foundations laid by Etrian Odyssey and Demon’s Souls, offering challenging experiences that reward players for their perseverance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Demon’s Souls is often credited as the first Souls-like game, Etrian Odyssey predates it by two years. This game introduced many elements that would become standard in the Souls-like genre, including hand-drawn maps, difficulty spikes, and a dark fantasy setting. The evolution of the Souls-like genre has been a gradual one, with numerous games building upon the foundations laid by these early pioneers.