Reviving this thread as we are nearing PC launch and this will surely come back up!
I really don't agree with the last post above me...
- The combat system ISN'T the same. Very much not.
- The healing system... is a healing system, not really something souls has a trademark on, and it has changed a lot from demon's to dark souls to bloodborne
- The leveling system isn't the same, what's similar is the weapon Stat-bonuses system
- The die / respawn mechanic is indeed very similar. And also similar to diablo
- Shrines as checkpoints that respawn level, similar but different
- Weight system? Come on dark souls really didn't invent this, it has to be the most used RPG mechanic ever.
- Level design... I don't think they are that similar. They have a similar objective, maybe, but there's no reason to go find a shiny item since most of the fixed drops are trash
Secondary elements:
- Boss HP is located in that corner for many many games. This is an image from ninja gaiden 2:
- Consumables: some share similarities, many do not and have nothing to do with things of souls. Talisman, salt, etc are rather different mechanics
- Shiny drops for loot are not a souls exclusive
- Fake Chests (Mimics) are a 1977 Dungeons and Dragons creation...
- False Walls are also as old as 2002's Pathfinder, at the very least.
- Status ailments filling up your bar is also not a souls original or exclusive.
---
All that said I continue to think that the key is in the differences, and sometimes the more subtle ones. Currency and XP being separated, for example, is a crucial mechanic as no matter how many times you die you never lose your gold.
I really don't agree with the last post above me...
- The combat system ISN'T the same. Very much not.
- The healing system... is a healing system, not really something souls has a trademark on, and it has changed a lot from demon's to dark souls to bloodborne
- The leveling system isn't the same, what's similar is the weapon Stat-bonuses system
- The die / respawn mechanic is indeed very similar. And also similar to diablo

- Shrines as checkpoints that respawn level, similar but different
- Weight system? Come on dark souls really didn't invent this, it has to be the most used RPG mechanic ever.
- Level design... I don't think they are that similar. They have a similar objective, maybe, but there's no reason to go find a shiny item since most of the fixed drops are trash
Secondary elements:
- Boss HP is located in that corner for many many games. This is an image from ninja gaiden 2:
- Consumables: some share similarities, many do not and have nothing to do with things of souls. Talisman, salt, etc are rather different mechanics
- Shiny drops for loot are not a souls exclusive
- Fake Chests (Mimics) are a 1977 Dungeons and Dragons creation...
- False Walls are also as old as 2002's Pathfinder, at the very least.
- Status ailments filling up your bar is also not a souls original or exclusive.
---
All that said I continue to think that the key is in the differences, and sometimes the more subtle ones. Currency and XP being separated, for example, is a crucial mechanic as no matter how many times you die you never lose your gold.
Fextralife: Gaming News ⚔️ Elden Ring Wiki ⚔️ Monster Hunter Rise Wiki
A gaming blog and wiki network powered by real gamers.
A gaming blog and wiki network powered by real gamers.








