Hollow Knightcaptured the hearts of fans all over the world when it released in 2017, and the fact that the buzz surrounding this title is still strong to this day is a testament to just how brilliant the Metroidvania really is. In fact, one of the major reasons whyHollow Knighthas garnered so much attention is that it’s also a Soulslike.
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Hollow Knight’s gameplay is just as gripping as anything inDark Souls– if not more so– but there are plenty of Soulslikes that outdo the 2017 indie. So, when one talks about the best Soulslikes to have ever released,Hollow Knightis definitely a part of this conversation… along with five other titles that may just be better than this amazing game.
10BEST SOULSLIKE: Infectious Charm
The first thing that most people will notice aboutHollow Knightis its deceptively charming art style. The insects in the world ofHollow Knightare anything but scary, and almost make players feel warm and cozy… until they’ve been beaten within an inch of their life, that is.
9BETTER TITLE: Blasphemous
A Metroidvania Soulslike that has perhaps one of the most intriguing settings on this list,Blasphemousis easily one of the more enjoyable games for anyone who’sinterested in theSoulsgames.
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One of the biggest selling points ofBlasphemousis its setting, which is as interesting as can be, lifting heavily from Spanish folklore. The religious motifs and allegories present make for a truly entertaining experience indeed.
8BEST SOULSLIKE: Combat Never Gets Old
Hollow Knighthas some truly engaging combat that makes players feel a well-deserved sense of accomplishment whenever they manage to deal with a seemingly impossible threat. The combat system is incredibly tight, and players who fall in battle do so truly out of their own mistakes, and not because of any dirty tricks the game might be pulling on them.
7BETTER TITLE: Salt & Sanctuary
When it comes to a Metroidvania title that truly feels like a Soulslike, nothing comes close to the gameplay ofSalt & Sanctuary. It’s a brilliant title that truly channels everything that madeDark Soulssuch a massive hit, converting these mechanics to work in a 2D format that feels as natural — and challenging — as it can be.
6BEST SOULSLIKE: Characters Are The Heart Of The Game
The charm ofHollow Knightis something that has already been discussed in detail, and this charm is what makes most of the characters inHollow Knightfeel as fleshed out and endearing as can be. Interacting with any of the numerous NPCs present all across the world ofHollow Knightis always a highlight of the game, and adds moments of levity to an experience that is generally quite nerve-wracking.
Dead Cellshas never gotten the credit it deserves, but’s an incredibly fast paced game with some of the best combat in the genre. On its own merit,Dead Cellsis a roguelike unlike any other and a must-play for anyone even remotely interested in 2D Soulslikes.
4BEST SOULSLIKE: Expansive Exploration
Most good Metroidvanias thrive on satisfying players out of the mere act of exploration itself, andHollow Knightis no exception to this golden rule. Exploring every nook and cranny of this intriguing world is a marvelous experience and something that no self-respecting fan of good Metroidvanias should miss out on.
3BETTER TITLE: Mortal Shell
One of the more recent Soulslikes to have come out is also considered by many to beone of the greatest Soulslikes as well, which is a testament to the sheer quality present inMortal Shell.
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Players who wish to enjoy a game that elicits the same feelings one experienced while playingDark Soulswill find it in their best interests togive this game a shot. After all, the exploration, combat, and lore ofMortal Shellhit the same notes as From Software’s masterpiece.
2BEST SOULSLIKE: A One-Of-A-Kind Experience
From the world design to the boss fight and atmosphere, there’s no game quite likeHollow Knight. The Metroidvania has left an impact on the gaming industry in a mere short years, influencing indies everywhere to step up their game while also masterfully blending Soulslike mechanics into a dense Metroidvania setting.Hollow Knightappeals to fans of RPGs, action games, and large scale adventures alike. It’s a game unlike any other.
1BETTER TITLE: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
There’s no denying thatSekiro: Shadows Die Twiceis the definitive game to play for anyone who wants to scratch theirSoulsborneitch. The deflection mechanic, stealth, ninja tools, anda host of other combat moveshave contributed toSekirobeing perhapsthe most dynamic From Software game around, with entire combat scenarios completely altered at the drop of a hat with the player’s actions.
NEXT:5 Ways Bloodborne Is The Best Dark Souls Spinoff (& 5 It’s Sekiro)
