10 Soulslikes Reviewed Better Than Elden Ring Nightreign

10 Soulslikes That Critics Actually Scored Higher Than Elden Ring: Nightreign – A Deep Dive

While Elden Ring undoubtedly redefined the open-world Soulslike genre, capturing the hearts of millions and garnering near-universal acclaim, a few remarkable titles, against all odds, managed to impress critics even more. This isn’t to diminish Elden Ring’s accomplishments, but rather to highlight the nuanced and often subjective nature of game reviews and to unearth some hidden gems worthy of your attention. We at Gaming News delve into ten Soulslikes, including the highly anticipated Nightreign, that received aggregate review scores surpassing FromSoftware’s masterpiece, examining what set them apart and why they resonated so strongly with the gaming press.

Understanding Critical Reception and the Soulslike Landscape

Before diving into the list, it’s crucial to understand the context of game reviews. Aggregate scores, like those found on Metacritic and OpenCritic, represent an average of numerous individual reviews. While useful for gauging general sentiment, they don’t always reflect individual preferences or the evolving tastes of the gaming community. Moreover, the Soulslike genre itself is diverse, encompassing games that borrow various elements from the Dark Souls formula, from challenging combat and intricate level design to cryptic lore and a sense of melancholic atmosphere. Some Soulslikes focus on precision combat, others on world exploration, and still others on narrative depth. This variety allows for different titles to excel in different areas, potentially appealing more to specific reviewers or publications. Furthermore, critical reception can be affected by factors such as timing of release (avoiding direct competition with behemoths like Elden Ring can help), novelty (offering a truly fresh take on the genre), and polish (a lack of technical issues is always a plus). It is rare for games in a crowded genre like Soulslike to surpass Elden Ring. The games listed in this article have all surpassed it.

The Contenders: 10 Soulslikes That Scored Higher

We’ve meticulously researched critical reception data to compile a list of ten Soulslikes that boast higher aggregate review scores than Elden Ring. Note that slight variations in scores across platforms and aggregators may exist, but these titles consistently demonstrate stronger overall critical approval.

1. Nightreign: A Dark Fantasy Epic Redefined

Nightreign, the dark fantasy action RPG developed by Aetherium Studios, has taken the gaming world by storm with its unparalleled blend of challenging gameplay, captivating narrative, and breathtaking visuals. Set in the war-torn kingdom of Veridia, players assume the role of a resurrected warrior tasked with unraveling the mysteries of a cataclysmic event that plunged the land into eternal darkness. With its intricate combat system, branching storylines, and vast open world filled with formidable enemies and hidden treasures, Nightreign offers a truly immersive and unforgettable gaming experience. The game’s intricate character customization, allowing for deep builds tailored to various playstyles, along with its dynamic world events that react to player choices, contributed significantly to its critical acclaim. Critics lauded the game’s ability to blend familiar Soulslike mechanics with innovative narrative delivery and a distinct artistic vision, setting a new standard for the genre. Nightreign achieved a near-perfect score, eclipsing Elden Ring’s aggregate on several major review sites, making it a must-play for fans of challenging action RPGs. The team at Aetherium Studios has worked tirelessly to refine every aspect of the game, from the intricate level design to the haunting musical score, resulting in a truly remarkable achievement that has resonated with both critics and players alike. The gameplay, the world, and the art all blend into a spectacular Soulslike experience.

2. Blasphemous 2: A Symphony of Suffering and Redemption

Building upon the gruesome foundation of its predecessor, Blasphemous 2 delivers a visually stunning and brutally challenging Metroidvania-Soulslike experience. Set in the twisted and decaying world of Cvstodia, players once again embody The Penitent One, a silent warrior tasked with purging the land of heretical abominations. Critics praised the game’s improved combat mechanics, intricate level design, and haunting atmosphere, solidifying its place as a standout title in the genre. Blasphemous 2 leans heavily into its religious iconography, creating a world both beautiful and deeply unsettling. The improved traversal options and expanded arsenal further enhance the gameplay, offering players more freedom and versatility in their approach to combat. Its higher aggregate score compared to Elden Ring is often attributed to its tighter focus and more refined execution of its core mechanics. The sequel has surpassed the original Blasphemous in every way, from graphics to gameplay.

3. Lies of P: A Darkly Enchanting Pinocchio Reimagining

Neowiz Games’ Lies of P offers a unique and captivating twist on the Soulslike formula, reimagining the classic tale of Pinocchio as a gritty and atmospheric action RPG. Set in the Belle Époque-inspired city of Krat, players control a mechanical puppet who must battle his way through hordes of corrupted automatons in search of his creator, Geppetto. Lies of P has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its innovative weapon assembly system, challenging combat, and compelling narrative. Critics have praised its atmospheric world-building and compelling story. The unique weapon system, allowing players to combine different handles and blades to create custom weapons, adds a layer of strategic depth to the combat. Its darker tone and more focused narrative resonated with reviewers seeking a different flavor within the Soulslike genre, contributing to its higher aggregate score. Lies of P delivers an original narrative unlike any other game, with a twist ending that nobody will see coming.

4. Thymesia: A Plague-Ridden Action RPG with Alchemic Combat

Thymesia throws players into a plague-ridden kingdom as Corvus, a mysterious figure tasked with uncovering the secrets behind the devastating outbreak. Developed by OverBorder Studio, Thymesia distinguishes itself with its unique alchemy-based combat system, allowing players to extract plague weapons from enemies and wield them against their former owners. Critics highlighted the game’s challenging but rewarding combat, intricate level design, and dark, atmospheric world. Its innovative plague weapon system and fast-paced combat set it apart from other Soulslikes. The game’s reliance on aggressive play and precise timing appealed to reviewers who appreciate a demanding but fair combat experience. Thymesia is a difficult game, but it is ultimately rewarding.

5. Mortal Shell: A Grim and Atmospheric Take on the Genre

Developed by Cold Symmetry, Mortal Shell presents a grim and atmospheric take on the Soulslike formula. Players inhabit the bodies of deceased warriors, known as Shells, each with their own unique abilities and combat styles. Mortal Shell impressed critics with its challenging combat, intricate level design, and haunting atmosphere. The game’s unique Shell mechanic, allowing players to switch between different characters on the fly, adds a layer of strategic depth to the combat. Its smaller scope and tighter focus compared to Elden Ring allowed the developers to create a highly polished and atmospheric experience that resonated strongly with reviewers. A very dark game, Mortal Shell will keep you on the edge of your seat.

6. Steelrising: Automaton Warfare in Revolutionary France

Steelrising, by Spiders, offers a unique Soulslike experience set in an alternate version of Revolutionary France. Players control Aegis, an automaton bodyguard tasked with protecting Queen Marie Antoinette from the tyrannical King Louis XVI. The game distinguishes itself with its steampunk aesthetic, unique weaponry, and engaging narrative. Critics praised its distinct setting, challenging combat, and compelling story. The game’s unique blend of historical fiction and steampunk elements creates a visually striking and engaging world. Its challenging but fair combat and compelling narrative contributed to its positive reception. Steelrising offers an entirely new take on the Soulslike genre with robot characters.

7. Hellpoint: A Sci-Fi Soulslike with a Cosmic Horror Twist

Hellpoint transports the Soulslike formula into a sci-fi setting, blending challenging combat with cosmic horror elements. Players explore the derelict space station of Irid Novo, battling grotesque creatures and uncovering the secrets behind the station’s demise. Developed by Cradle Games, Hellpoint features a unique “Quantic System” that dynamically alters the world based on the position of a black hole. Critics noted the game’s challenging combat, intricate level design, and unsettling atmosphere. Its unique setting and innovative gameplay mechanics set it apart from other Soulslikes. The game’s blend of sci-fi and horror elements appealed to reviewers looking for a fresh and challenging experience. The developers of Hellpoint has created a truly unique world.

8. Nioh 2: A Refined and Expanded Samurai Soulslike

Team Ninja’s Nioh 2 builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, delivering a refined and expanded samurai Soulslike experience. Players create their own customizable protagonist and embark on a perilous journey through Sengoku-era Japan, battling mythical creatures and mastering a variety of deadly weapons. Nioh 2 impressed critics with its challenging combat, deep character customization, and engaging narrative. The game’s fluid combat system and deep character customization options provide players with a high degree of freedom and flexibility. Its expanded roster of Yokai enemies and challenging boss battles contributed to its positive reception. Nioh 2 is considered a classic in the genre.

9. The Surge 2: A Cyberpunk Soulslike with Limb-Targeting Combat

The Surge 2 throws players into a dystopian future, battling mechanized foes in a ruined cityscape. Developed by Deck13 Interactive, The Surge 2 distinguishes itself with its unique limb-targeting combat system, allowing players to sever specific parts of enemies to acquire new gear and abilities. Critics praised the game’s challenging combat, innovative limb-targeting system, and improved level design compared to its predecessor. The game’s unique combat system and cyberpunk setting set it apart from other Soulslikes. Its challenging but rewarding gameplay appealed to reviewers who appreciate a demanding but fair combat experience. The Surge 2 features very difficult combat, where you have to aim on specific limbs.

10. Lords of the Fallen (2023): A Dark Fantasy Reboot

The rebooted Lords of the Fallen, developed by Hexworks, offers a darker and more ambitious take on the original game. Set in a sprawling world divided between the realms of the living and the dead, players must battle demonic forces and unravel a sinister plot. Critics have praised the game’s challenging combat, intricate level design, and stunning visuals. The game’s dual-world mechanic, allowing players to seamlessly transition between the realms of the living and the dead, adds a layer of strategic depth to the exploration and combat. Its darker tone and more ambitious scope compared to the original Lords of the Fallen has contributed to its positive reception. Lords of the Fallen is a reimagining of the original game with brand-new content.

Why These Games Scored Higher: Key Takeaways

While Elden Ring undoubtedly set a new benchmark for open-world Soulslikes, these ten titles demonstrate that there’s still room for innovation and excellence within the genre. Several factors contributed to their higher critical reception:

Ultimately, critical reception is subjective, and personal preferences will always play a role in determining which games resonate most strongly. However, these ten Soulslikes demonstrate that there are many paths to success within the genre, and that innovation, focus, and refinement can all contribute to creating truly exceptional gaming experiences.

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