Summary
There’s been a lot of variety in the settings of FromSoftware’s Souls series. Despite the default Souls aesthetic being medieval dark fantasy, it can take forms ranging from grandiose cathedrals and castles to refuge-strewn chasms and spider dens. FromSoftware has done an admirable job squeezing every drop of visual appeal out of its games, and that’s reinforced even more when it deviates from the norm.BloodborneandSekiro: Shadows Die Twicetake the Soulslike formula to gothic Victorian and feudal Japan settings, andBloodborneis particularly memorable thanks to its unique sense of style.
Alongside FromSoftware’s fantasy games are its science fiction titles, withArmored Coreleading the charge like always. The 2023 release ofArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconbrought the series back into play, and gave FromSoftware’s output some much-needed genre variety. However, it also caused some concerns aboutFromSoftware keeping sci-fi elements from mixing withSouls. IfArmored Corereleases continue, then FromSoftware once again has an incentive to keep its fundamentally fantasy Soulslike lineup distinct from its futuristic mecha action games, with the closest thing to a compromise beingBloodborne.
Bloodborne Is The Closest FromSoftware Has Come To A Modern Setting
Obviously,Bloodborneis not science fiction, but it is the closest to it of any current Soulsborne title, and could remain so for a long time.Bloodborne’s Victorian London-inspired setting of Yharnamis at least several hundred years of engineering and societal advancement ahead ofDemon’s Souls,Dark Souls, andElden Ring’s kingdoms.Sekirois harder to judge, but even in an era with guns present,Sekiro’s emphasis on sword duels and supernatural influences prevent it from rivalingBloodborne.
No FromSoftware Soulslike Shares Bloodborne’s Technological Emphasis
Drilling down further,Bloodborne’s trick weapons and firearms are more modern and commonplace than the rifles and Prosthetic Tools ofSekiro. The only superior piece of machinery that players can encounter in FromSoftware’sSoulscatalog isElden Ring’s tank-like Flame Chariots, which are the exception that proves the rule.Bloodbornerisked introducing modern technology to a Soulslike game, and it is still a long way fromArmored Core 6’s protagonist being wired into their giant, flying mech. With all of that said, it’s not just its level of technology that placesBloodbornemore in line with sci-fi than itsSoulspeers.
Elements Of Bloodborne Illustrate How Sci-Fi FromSoftware Souls Could Look
Various themes and recurring elements inBloodbornecan be found in science fiction just as easily as gothic horror. The prominent use of blood ministration is arguably what bridges the gap betweenBloodborne’s heightened technology and future-proofed themes. Blood tampering, and experimenting with advances in medicine in general, could just as easily feature in a 16th century story as a horror-infused sci-fi tale.Bloodborneis also preoccupied with alien and cosmic imagery, largely thanks to its Lovecraftian horrors and the Insight from beyond the stars that they bring.
Where FromSoftware Could Go With Sci-Fi From Here
None of this makesBloodbornea perfect substitute for a sci-fi Soulslike, but it is the farthest FromSoftware has currently gone down that road. Past fantasy titles by the company, likeShadow Tower Abyss, have worked science fiction elements in, so there’s still a chance thatFromSoftware could explore that genre in future Soulslikes. However, dark fantasy still lies at the heart of the Souls genre, andElden Ring’s success proves there’s no reason to change that yet. Anyone wishing for a FromSoftware-developed sci-fi Soulslike will need to content themselves withBloodborneorArmored Core 6for the time being, as the real deal appears to be a long way off.
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.
