Character Action Games Can Co-exist with Soulslikes

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We’re experiencing a resurgence in character action games, with the unveiling of Ninja Gaiden 4, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Tides of Annihilation, and the remastered Onimusha 2. Fans are excited about these titles, but some are eagerly hoping that these classic action games could potentially take over from the Soulslike genre’s popularity. As is often the case with gaming enthusiasts, they seem to struggle with the idea that two dominant genres can peacefully coexist.

It’s thrilling to witness the resurgence of character action games, yet it’s important to remember that this genre did experience a sense of repetitiveness at one time. After the original God of War gained fame, numerous publishers attempted to replicate its formula with varying levels of accomplishment. Some exceptional ones emerged – like X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – but the market became oversaturated with them.

In much the same way, Dark Souls paved the path for the Soulslike genre following the initial release of Demon’s Souls that didn’t gain widespread popularity initially. Soon after, we saw games like Lords of the Fallen and The Surge, among others, being labeled as “Soulslike”. Although fans grew weary of repetitive character action games, they never seemed to tire of the various titles in the Soulslike category.

In spite of numerous imitations in the Soulslike genre, it’s always the exceptional ones that introduce something unique, keeping the games feeling fresh. Hollow Knight demonstrated that this style could successfully transition into 2D, giving us a challenging Metroidvania experience. Lies of P proved that solid mechanics and engaging settings can make up for similar gameplay. Black Myth: Wukong also stands out, enhancing combat mechanics with an aggressive and stylish approach.

Compared to God of War, many action-adventure games that followed seemed to cash in on its popularity, rather than creating something truly innovative. While games like X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Dante’s Inferno managed to breathe new life into the genre, titles such as Conan, Thor: God of Thunder, and Golden Axe: Beast Rider left me feeling uninspired, making the genre feel stale. Even pioneers in the field were struggling to keep up, with the original Ninja Gaiden 3 appearing more like a watered-down version trying to appeal to a broader audience.

Despite a prolonged absence in the limelight, character action games have persisted rather than disappeared altogether. Capcom’s Devil May Cry 5 served as an outstanding sequel, offering fans an unprecedented level of combat within the series. Bayonetta 3 showcased innovative mechanics, although its narrative may not have resonated with everyone. Square Enix also covertly developed character action games; Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy XVI were noticeably influenced by this genre.

It’s fortunate that game developers now understand the importance of taking their time when creating character action games rather than hastily releasing them for a movie tie-in or competing with God of War. With some developers opting for more patience, we anticipate an increase in the number of character action games. These games will share the spotlight with Soulslike titles, catering to distinct niches and fantasies that fans adore. The diversity in these genres promises a rich selection for gamers.

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2025-02-18 18:42