From Software is renowned for its challenging and intricate “Souls” games, such as Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, and Elden Ring Non Souls From soft Games.These titles are famous for their punishing difficulty, deep lore, and complex game play mechanics. However, From Software has a diverse catalogue that extends beyond the Souls-borne genre. This article explores some of the studio’s lesser-known works that showcase a different side of their game design prowess.
1. Armoured Core Series
Overview: The Armoured Core series, launched in 1997, stands as one of From Software’s earliest successes. Unlike the Souls games, Armoured Core focuses on mecha combat and customisation. Players control powerful, customisation mechs known as Armoured Cores and engage in strategic battles against other mechs and various enemies.
Game play: The series is known for its intricate culmination options, allowing players to tweak every aspect of their mechs, from weapons to mobility. The game play emphasises tactical manoeuvring and strategic combat rather than the intense action and exploration found in the Souls games.
Notable Titles: Armoured Core (1997), Armoured Core: For Answer (2008), and Armoured Core VI: Fires of Rubicon (2023) are standout entries in the series, showcasing its evolution over the years.
2. King’s Field Series
Overview: Released in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the King’s Field series is often considered a spiritual precursor to the Souls games. The series, starting with King’s Field (1994), features first-person exploration and combat in a dark fantasy setting.
Gameplay: King’s Field offers a slower-paced experience compared to the fast-action Souls games. The series is known for its challenging difficulty and intricate level design, which would later influence From Software’s approach to open-world exploration and atmospheric storytelling.
Notable Titles: King’s Field (1994), King’s Field II (1995), and King’s Field IV (2003) are essential titles for understanding the evolution of From Software’s design philosophy.
3. Lost Kingdoms Series
Overview: The Lost Kingdoms series, which began in 2002 on the Nintendo GameCube, deviates significantly from the Souls formula. These action RPGs focus on card-based mechanics and real-time combat.
Game play: Players collect and use cards to summon monsters and cast spells during combat. The series blends traditional REG elements with a unique card system, offering a different kind of strategic depth and combat experience.
Notable Titles: Lost Kingdoms (2002) and Lost Kingdoms II (2003) are the primary entries in the series, showcasing From Software’s experimentation with card-based game play.
4. Demon’s Souls (2009)
Overview: While Demon’s Souls is often considered the origin of the Souls-like genre, it was a significant departure from From Software’s earlier works. Released for the PlayStation 3, the game introduced many of the core mechanics that would define the Souls genre.
Game play: Featuring a dark, atmospheric world and challenging combat, Demon’s Souls set the stage for the studio’s future success. The game’s intricate level design and punishing difficulty became hallmarks of the genre.
Notable Aspects: The 2009 release is crucial in understanding From Software’s evolution, bridging the gap between their earlier works and the acclaimed Souls series.
5. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
Overview: Although Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice shares some similarities with the Souls games, it represents a distinct departure in terms of setting and game play. Set in a re imagined Senghor period Japan, the game blends historical and fantastical elements.
Game play: Unlike traditional Souls games, Sekiro focuses on precise swordplay and stealth. The game features a more linear structure and a strong emphasis on parrying and posture-based combat, distinguishing it from the more open-ended Souls games.
Notable Aspects: Selkirk earned acclaim for its innovative combat system and rich, immersive world, demonstrating From Software’s ability to craft compelling experiences outside their usual framework.
Conclusion
From Software’s portfolio extends well beyond the acclaimed Souls games. Their non-Souls titles, such as the Armoured Core series, King’s Field, Lost Kingdoms, and Selkirk, offer a diverse array of game play experiences. These games showcase the studio’s versatility and creative range, providing insights into their evolution and the broader scope of their game design expertise. Whether through mech combat, card-based mechanics, or historical fantasy, From Software’s lesser-known works are a testament to their innovation and adaptability in the gaming industry.
