Without mincing words, FromSoftware’sDark Soulsis one of the most influential games of the modern era. Though it took inspiration from the likes of Metroidvanias,The Legend of Zelda, andBerserkitself,FromSoftware’sDark Soulsserieshas gone on to influence a whole new subgenre of action-RPGs called Soulslikes. These titles borrowDark Souls' interconnected level design, its stamina and combat mechanics, and its obtuse approach to storytelling. But many Soulslikes actually take more inspiration fromDark Souls' younger sibling,Bloodborne.
Released back in March 2015,Bloodbornemarked a new evolutionary step for FromSoftware and its usualSoulsformula. WhileBloodbornecertainly uses theSoulsformula as a backbone, it introduces its own fair share of mechanics and systems, along with introducing players to a more Lovecraft-inspired world with more Gothic visuals and more supernatural enemies. And while theDark Soulstrilogy has certainly influenced many Soulslikes, a few have been more taken withBloodborne.
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Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Not necessarily everyone’s first choice when they think of a Soulslike,Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Ordercertainly is one, with methodical combat, punishing enemies, and an interconnected level design alsoinspired by Metroidvanias. Though it may seem like a bit of a reach,Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderseems a little more inspired byBloodbornethan FromSoftware’s most iconic series. The sheer speed of combat inJedi: Fallen Orderfeels much more akin toBloodbornethanDark Souls, especially with the combat encouraging players to parry at every opportunity.Jedi: Fallen Order’s enemies are also partial to using an unblockable, high-damaging move every few seconds, which certainly feels like something ripped straight out ofBloodborne’s book of bosses.
Hollow Knight
Possibly the most beloved Soulslike of all time, no list is complete without2017’sHollow Knight. Once again borrowing from Metroidvanias,Hollow Knight’s world design seems a lot closer toBloodbornethanDark Souls. The general appearance of Hallownest and its various nooks and crannies has that eerie sense of foreboding that’s present throughoutBloodborne, and its cobble streets, lampposts, and wagon system all feel reminiscent ofBloodborne’s Victorian-inspired design. At times, exploring Hallownest can feel just as unsettling as walking the streets of Yarnham, with crazed monsters and beasts lurking around every corner, even if they are a little cuter inHollow Knight.
Salt and Sanctuary/ Salt and Sacrifice
First released in 2016,Salt and Sanctuaryjust oozesBloodborneright from the get go.Salt and Sanctuarytakes inspiration fromBloodborne’s world design just asHollow Knightdoes, but it cranks it up to 11. The whole game takes place in a Gothic city, with underground sewers, manor hallways, and cobblestone streets all feeling wonderfully authentic toBloodborne’s menacing tone. On top of that,Salt and Sanctuary’s boss and enemy designalso reeks ofBloodborne, with plenty of shadowy beasts and lifeless husks to cleave through. In May 2022, a sequel calledSalt and Sacrificereleased. This sequel carried over the same dark and gloomy atmosphere of its predecessor, but also added a ton of new bosses to fight, including a handful that feel right at home withBloodborne’s beastly pantheon.
Lies of P
It may not be out just yet, butLies of Pmay just be the most overt Bloodbornelikeon this list. Telling a fresh take on Pinocchio,Lies of Phas players slicing their way through the fictional European city of Krat. With plenty of Steampunk influences,Lies of Plooks practically identical toBloodbornein terms of visual design, albeit a little bit shinier and cleaner in places. Everything from the character design to the enemy models to the streets themselves look as though they’ve been lovingly inspired byBloodborne, and hopefullyLies of Pplays just as well.
