Untitled Lesson

Learning Objective

I Can explain how the souls game genre has
shaped the video game industry.

DO NOW!

List ANY information you might know about souls
games or the souls-like genre.

What is a souls game?

Souls games are a type of fantasy action game that were
developed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, and the video game company he
directs, FromSoftware. These games typically have stunning
graphics, difficult to learn combat, challenging boss fights, in depth
stories/in game lore, and many more characteristics that make
these games unique. The first souls game was “Demon Souls”
released in 2009, since then the franchise has grown at a large
rate.

A gameplay screenshot from one of FromSoftware games, “Elden Ring,” Showing off
its stunning graphics and art.

A gameplay screenshot from FromSoftware’s “Bloodborne,” showcasing its intricately
designed map and in-game world.

Why are these games important to video
game history?

The souls games are important to video game history because they have
completely revolutionized the gaming industry. These games have inspired
many different games, leading to the creation of an entire new genre of
video games called “Souls-like” games. These “Souls-like” games are
games that take some, or even a lot of noticeable inspiration from the souls
games. These games can range from 2d games with simple cartoonish art
styles, 3d games with intense and darker art styles, or even bright and
colorful games that look almost childish. The souls games have inspired a
wide of variety of games, completely revolutionizing the industry.

What are some examples of these
“Souls-like” games?”

One example of these games is “Hollow knight.” A 2D fantasy action game with a cartoon-like art
style, where you are exploring an overtaken kingdom. “Hollow Knight” is souls-like because of the
combat, that is inspired by souls games. Another souls-like game is “Lies of P” a dark fantasy
action game that takes place in the same world as pinocchio. “Lies of P” is a souls-like for a variety
of reasons. It takes inspiration from not only the combat, but also the art style and the in-game
world. One more Souls-like game is “Valheim.” “Valheim” is open world survival game, inspired by
norse-mythology. Unlike the souls games, it has a bright and vibrant art style, but it takes direct
inspiration from the intricate and hard to learn combat system. These are just a few examples of
Souls-like games, and this shows that the Miyazaki’s Souls games inspired and let to the creation
of a wide variety of different games.

Show before you go!

Why are souls games important to video game
history?