Every FromSoftware Game (Ranked By Metacritic Score)

When someone is asked what their favorite FromSoftware game is, the answer will no doubt be some Soulslike from the past 15 years. The studio invented the genre and continues to innovate upon it, after all. However, the developer has a long history that stretches past Demon’s Souls’s 2009 release.

Related

Best FromSoftware Game Reveals, Ranked

FromSoftware is famous for its highly anticipated game reveals. These examples were some of the best of the bunch.

While many of the games on this “best of” list are household names, there are still a few gems from before the studio’s ascension to greatness that are worth mentioning. To be fair, it is hard for any of them to hold a candle to the greatness that would come later.

10

The Adventures Of Cookie And Cream

A Unique Action/Adventure Game With Multiplayer

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite Games
My Played Games
My Games Wishlist

The Adventures of Cookie & Cream

Systems

Released

April 30, 2001

Developer(s)

FromSoftware

FromSoftware’s penchant for unique multiplayer implementation stretches back to this 2001 title. Players can either control both of the titular characters themselves, or they can invite a friend to control the other. What’s more, there is even an option for two players to use one controller.

The two characters have to work together to solve certain puzzles, adding a layer of asynchronous gameplay to the co-op. The kid-friendly aesthetic is a far cry from the dreary, dying, medieval towns, castles, and dungeons fans are used to seeing from the studio.

9

Ninja Blade

More Bayonetta Than Dark Souls

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite Games
My Played Games
My Games Wishlist

Ninja Blade

Systems

Released

January 29, 2009

Unlike the action of Soulslikes, Ninja Blade is fast and cinematic. Quick-time events are also a large part of the equation. Though a tired mechanic now, 2009 was the era when almost every game had them. The game is set in the modern day and feels more like a character action game than a Soulslike.

Ninja Blade came out in 2009, the same year as Demon’s Souls. However, this game was exclusive to the Xbox 360 and Windows. As fun as Ninja Blade is, most would agree PlayStation 3 owners got the better FromSoftware game that year.

8

Dark Souls 2

The Only Entry In The Series Not Directed By Hidetaka Miyazaki

When talking about the Dark Souls series, the second entry is often met with a lot of hate. Do not let this give a false impression that the game is bad. Dark Souls 2 is still an incredible RPG, it just lacks the special sheen that makes the rest of the games pop.

The world does not feel as coherent and the combat is not as refined as it should be for the second entry in the game. The bosses are also not as memorable as in the other titles. Mytha, the Baneful Queen is memorable, but only because of the poison pool players fight her in that makes the fight way harder if it is not drained beforehand.

7

Demon’s Souls

The Origins Of Soulslike, But A Little Janky

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite Games
My Played Games
My Games Wishlist

Demon’s Souls

Systems

Released

October 6, 2009

Publisher(s)

Sony Computer Entertainment
, Atlus
, Namco Bandai

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Demon’s Souls came out before FromSoftware had the reputation it has today. As a result, it did not launch up the sales charts, but instead slowly bubbled in popularity as gamers discovered its genius. Compared to what would come later, there are a lot of jank and imbalanced systems at play.

Related

Demon’s Souls Remake: The Best Weapons To Use Early On

The Demon’s Souls remake is just as tough as the original, and then some. These weapons are most useful early on in the game.

There are also a few frustrating boss battles that act more as puzzles than legitimate duels, such as the Dragon God and the Storm King. Coming out in 2009 on the PS3, the technical hiccups and long load times also drag the experience down a bit.

6

Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon

The Return Of An Old Series

After a decade-long hiatus, the Armored Core series came back with a sixth entry. Players did not know whether to expect a return to form of a Soulslike with the titular mechs, or AC for shot. This game is definitely more of the former.

Progression is mission-based and players are encouraged to tinker with their AC or to best prepare for the challenge ahead instead of dedicating themselves to one build. Players earn money with each mission to further improve their ride, and missions can be replayed to grind cash.

5

Dark Souls

Starts The Series Off Right

Few series get off to as strong a start as Dark Souls. All notable aspects of it are present here. It helps that it builds off a lot of systems established in Demon’s Souls. What it adds is significant, however.

The levels being interconnected as one space as opposed to being separated by a hub immediately makes the environment feel more alive and offers more opportunities for exploration. The difficulty, though brutal, also feels more fine-tuned since it is all in the combat instead of obtuse puzzles.

4

Dark Souls 3

Faster Combat And More Builds To Please Every Type Of Gamer

After some small missteps with the second game, Dark Souls 3 jumps right back on track and turns out to be the best in the whole series. Where the prior games have a few bits of rough edges in their presentation and performance, Dark Souls 3 is the most refined and polished example of the genre up until that point.

Combat is faster and the RPG elements are expanded, making the game more appealing to those interested in straightforward combat and those invested in the character-building aspects.

3

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

A More Focused Combat System Eschewing Most RPG Elements

Some aspects of the Soulslike formula are in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, like the use of bonfires and the loss of the in-game currency if the player dies twice without recovering them. Where it differs is the focus on reflexes and recognizing attack patterns over making the perfect build.

Related

10 Soulslike Games More Like Sekiro Than Dark Souls

Although the Dark Souls franchise is a common source of inspiration, Sekiro has also inspired many Soulslikes as well.

This is where Sekiro shines so brightly. The game is potentially harder than most of the other games on this list, but players can also feel confident that the game is giving them everything they need to succeed. They just need to work at it.

2

Bloodborne

One Of The Best PS4 Exclusives

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite Games
My Played Games
My Games Wishlist

Bloodborne

Systems

Released

March 24, 2015

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Instead of a medieval fantasy setting, Bloodborne’s world is a Victorian landscape with a healthy injection of Lovecraftian horror. While players are still open to building their character in a variety of ways, the parry mechanic encourages a more aggressive play style.

This subtle change takes a little while to get used to, especially for longtime fans of the developer. Once it becomes second nature, fights feel more engaging rather than a struggle to wait for the enemy’s moment of vulnerability.

1

Elden Ring

FromSoftware Goes Open-World

By putting the Soulslike formula into an open world, Elden Ring significantly expands upon the gameplay in a myriad of ways. Players are free to explore every nook and cranny almost from the start.

The map lacks waypoints but lets players put down their own markers. The drawing of the map itself also reveals clues to key points in the world. While open fields are plentiful, many dungeons, caves, ruins, and castles still scratch the more conventional FromSoftware itch.

Most games on this list have non-linear maps, but the open world in Elden Ring makes the game more friendly. If a challenge is too overwhelming, leave and come back later once the character is stronger.

More

8 Easiest Games By FromSoftware, Ranked

FromSoftware is known for its punishingly difficult games, but the developer has released a few easier titles in the past.