Current Events > So a souls-like game just means they are harder in general?

(+) Yeah! (+)

That's what I'm seeing online. I just never understood the term.

I think it also implies some things about the nature of combat and the structure of the game. Like Bayonetta is hard, but it wouldn't be described as a souls-like.

trial and error driven semi open world action rpgs with unforgiving difficulty and reaction based dodge/counter-centric combat

also no story except for like item descriptions or some shit?

to me, they share mechanics or themes with the Soulsbourne series, such as:

• checkpoint system that refills your heals, etc on rest but also respawns enemies
• resources dropped on death, recoverable if you return to them before dying again
• dodge rolls / i-frames
• stamina bar
• unforgiving / no hand holding, but fair (with anything subjective, this is debatable at times)
• difficult bosses

probably more

Renewable healing item, difficult enemies, unforgiving bosses, precise gameplay, reasonable learning curve, checkpoints that heal you and reset the world.

nah. it's nothing to do with difficulty. it's the gameplay loop. the bonfire/checkpoint system and losing your shit when you die but can retrieve. fallen order is a souls like and fairly easy.

The term is used to describe action games (usually rpgs) that require a methodical approach to combat, and isn't overly flashy with it's animations. Usually there is a death penalty where you have the option to recover what you've lost from dying, and healing items are typically limited, which encourages you to play less aggressively and more strategically.

AltyMcAltface posted...

also no story except for like item descriptions or some shit?

Not a requirement. The Nioh games have story, for instance.