Summary
As one of the most prolific studios operating in the modern RPG genre,FromSoftwarehas risen from obscurity into mainstream appeal. Far less well known prior toDemon’s Soulsin 2009 and the larger success ofDark Soulsthat followed in 2011,FromSoftwarewasn’t always the beacon of innovative Soulslike experiences that it has become today. Now that it has developed a firmly established reputation in recent years under the direction of Hidetaka Miyazaki, however, FromSoft’s future potential has risen to heights that some fans could have only dreamed of previously.
AsElden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansionslowly approaches its yet unknown release date, what lies beyond for FromSoft is a topic that will only grow in relevance. Following the unprecedented success thatElden Ringbrought in 2022, it’s safe to say that conditions for the studio have truly changed for the better.
While another Soulslike title set in a dark fantasy world is likely to offer a similarly grand return on investment for FromSoft, the fact of the matter is that it now has more freedom than ever when it comes to its next project. As much as fans would love another game in the vein ofElden RingorDark Souls, the Soulslike genre now has room to explore more of what FromSoft is capable of.
RELATED:Elden Ring DLC is FromSoft’s Next-Best Opportunity to Tease a Long-Overdue Project
FromSoftware Has Always Been a Versatile Developer
FromSoftware’s Versatility Before the Birth of Soulslikes
Most gamers are likely to be familiar with FromSoftware through the Soulsborne games that have come to define the studio, but a rich library of lesser-known games preceded anySoulstitle.Enchanted Armswas a 2006 turn-based JRPG that featured all the world-building and anime-inspired characters the subgenre is known for, along with a convoluted story before it became a trend in Soulslikes.
King’s Fieldwas a traditional dungeon crawler series, and the formula was further iterated on with releases likeShadow Tower Abyssthat mixed modern concepts like guns into the formula. Given its track record, there are several novel franchises that FromSoft could tap into for inspiration on its next game:
Armored Core 6’s Success Opened New Doors
An unexpected gem of this year to many players,Armored Core 6has shown FromSoft’s lasting dedication to its biggest non-fantasy IP. A studio that has always been known for mech games, the success of its Soulsborne releases has only bolstered its ability to invest in projects removed from the typical fantasy world-building formula players have become accustomed to. Given the risk that bothAC6and evenElden Ringto some extent may have initially posed, it’s safe to say that FromSoft isn’t interested in shying away from bold, new approaches.
The Triumph of Bloodborne as an Experiment
Bloodborne’s Victorian Horror Was a Huge Departure from the Fantasy of Souls
While theSoulsgames that came before it stuck to a dark fantasy setting,Bloodbornepushed the time period forward significantly with its Victorian-era inspiration. While melee combat retained a lot of its identity,Trick Weaponsbrought a mechanical aspect to the formula that emphasized technological advancement. The inclusion of guns was the biggest push out of the genre tropes, with some Bloodtinge builds even making them viable for pure damage.
Bloodborne’s Legacy Leaves the Potential to Take More Creative Risks
IfBloodborneever gets a sequel, it’s not too difficult to imagine moving the timeline forward even further and approaching modernity. Even if it manages to receive a spiritual successor, FromSoft’s recent showing inArmored Core 6proves the studio is more than able to handle content outside the traditional RPG fare.
Bloodborne
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets in order to survive.A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you’ll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city’s dark secrets.A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation(R)4 system.Ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to Explore: Use holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.
