10 Best Soulslike Video Games You Haven't Played

Dark Souls is easily one of the most influential games of recent years. Almost immediately after the game took off back in 2011, game developers have been inspired to create similarly challenging experiences that keep players rollin off ledges again and again.

Characterised largely by action-adventure combat involving dodge and block mechanics, levels broken up by checkpoints that respawn enemies, loss of experience upon death, RPG elements in character building and weapon upgrading, expansive levels full to the brim with secrets, and of course, challenging boss fights with move patterns and one hell of a euphoria from defeating them.

By now, you've probably heard of (and hopefully played) Nioh, The Surge, and Lords of the Fallen, each switching up the genre in their own unique ways. Far eastern, Sci-Fi, story-based Medieval settings, each one took the tried and tested formula and then proceeded to bring even more to the table, resulting in fantastic soulslikes.

For those who are looking for a little more punishment to their gaming palette, behold a collection of lesser-known titles that deserve your attention immediately.

Ashen takes the Dark Souls formula and introduces a flat, simple art style, and a charming addition of completing NPC quests in order to rebuild your home village.

Darkness is not your ally in Ashen, as you will quickly discover. Many caves and dangerous dungeons are pitch black, and you will have to either sacrifice one of your hands to hold out a lantern to illuminate your path, or trudge blindly forwards into the darkness, armed with a shield or two handed weapon.

To assist you on your journey to protect the Ashen, you will build relationships with the people you meet. Every NPC that you assist will prosper as a result, and in turn offer better services for you.

Instead of with the NPC allies, players can choose to explore with other players, in a passive co-op multiplayer style similar to Journey.

It features all the usual tropes from Dark Souls - action RPG combat with a tight dodge-and-punish flow to it, upgradeable weaponry and talismans, a beautiful wonder from exploring the world, and a real sense of accomplishment from conquering its trials.