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1. US USA

2. GB United Kingdom

3. DE Germany

4. SG Singapore

5. JP Japan

6. CH China

7. HK Hong Kong

8. FR France

9. CA Canada

10. TH Thailand

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Genre Genre: What Makes Soulslikes... One of Gaming’s Most Defining Modern Genres?

Soulslike

If you love challenge, reward, and exploration, Soulslikes might be one of the most impactful genres you’ve played — even if you didn’t know the name.

Soulslikes are a subgenre of action role-playing games defined by methodical combat, high difficulty, and environmental storytelling that draws players into a world where mastery is earned, not given.

 What Are Soulslikes? 

Unlike traditional RPGs that guide players with frequent checkpoints and overt tutorials, Soulslikes reward patience, observation, and learned skill.

These games typically feature:

  • Challenging combat where enemy patterns matter

  • Limited save points that heighten tension

  • Environmental storytelling — lore hidden in the world itself

  • Death as a learning mechanic rather than a punishment

The genre’s name comes from Demon’s Souls (2009) and the Dark Souls trilogy (2011–2016), both created by FromSoftware.


 Why Soulslikes Matter? 

Soulslikes aren’t just hard — they teach through gameplay systems and world design. Players often remember:

  • The moment they learned to parry

  • The first boss they finally downed

  • The subtle clues hidden in ruined landscapes

That player competence loop is why many developers borrow Soulslike mechanics even outside action RPGs.


 Notable Soulslikes and Influences? 

While FromSoftware titles are the gold standard, the genre’s influence extends far and wide in modern gaming. Some celebrated examples include:

Dark Souls trilogy – The blueprint


Bloodborne – Faster-paced aggression


Elden Ring – Open world evolution

Soulslike elements also appear in many action RPGs and even some adventure games where players face persistent challenges without frequent checkpoints.

 What Set Soulslikes Apart 

Compared with your last Immersive Sims article, Soulslikes are far less about systemic simulation and more about tight mechanical mastery. They don’t rely primarily on emergent systems — instead, they emphasize:

  • Player skill growth

  • Precision in combat

  • Learning that feels earned

While both genres prioritize player involvement, Soulslikes reward repeated tries and pattern recognition, whereas Immersive Sims reward creative solutions and system interaction.


 Why They Hook Players 

Soulslikes thrive because they make difficulty meaningful. The best moments come not just from defeating a tough boss, but from understanding the world around you.

Their legacy shows up everywhere now — in action RPGs, ARPG elements in open worlds, and even in genre hybrids — proving that difficulty paired with design elegance can be one of gaming’s most memorable experiences.


Soulslikes are more than just “hard games.” They’re experiences that cultivate resilience, observation, and humility. When you finally make that breakthrough — whether against a boss or through a dangerous section — the victory feels uniquely yours.

And that, more than anything else, is what defines this genre.



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Gigasword Turns a Giant Sword Into a Puzzle Adventure


Gigasword swings big from the very first moment — literally. This action‑adventure platformer builds its entire identity around a weapon so massive it reshapes how you move, fight, and solve puzzles. I didn't know what to expect, but I like it and... it's one of those games I wish I could play on the Nintendo 3DS.


Players step into the boots of a knight tasked with restoring balance to a crumbling kingdom, but the real hook is how the oversized blade becomes both your greatest strength and your biggest obstacle — at the same time. Every jump, climb, and encounter demands clever positioning and timing, turning traversal itself into a satisfying test of skill. For what it's worth — you'll be on-board for more than just the blade-wielding metroidvania'sh fun based on what happened to kick it all off. Check it out:

Once the sword’s weight becomes second nature, Gigasword opens up into a smart blend of combat, exploration, and environmental problem-solving. Standard enemies — like one later introduced through the gameplay footage — as well as multi-phase boss battles demand precision over button-mashing, often turning the oversized blade into both a weapon and a liability. 

The world is packed with secrets that reward experimentation, while the game’s pixel-art style and atmospheric soundtrack reinforce its classic-meets-modern vibe. Tight level design keeps the pace brisk and engaging, and for players who enjoy precision platformers where mechanics drive every decision, Gigasword delivers a sharp, memorable adventure.

Gigasword launched on multiple platforms, so players can experience it across both PC and consoles. It’s available on Steam, EPIC, GOG, as well as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.


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