You've probably heard ramblings on the net about a new pseudo-genre comparing a majority of morbid, challenging games to a Dark Souls theme. One can name a number of games -- indie, mobile, and console -- that fit the title. And while the indie action-RPG Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption definitely bears an uncanny resemblance to the Souls games, it's a unique, refreshing, and creative look into what it means to battle your inner self. 

Possibly inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, Sinner is Dark Star Studio's debut single-player release. The Hong Kong-based developer has produced a sinister and rather sardonically religious concept of gameplay, and what seemed to be an endless supply of grisly bosses kept me awake in the wee hours of the night, trying desperately to get through a single round. 

A Mysterious Venture for Atonement 

The morbid storyline is exactly as it sounds. You play as Adam, a small amnesiac knight that represents the whole of mankind. While he unravels his nightmarish past, he must face each of his seven sins in horrific caricatures. These abhorrent reflections of human evil can only be accessed by sacrificing his stats to gain atonement for his deeds.

Perhaps what bothered me most about the game was the minimal focus on the storyline. Sure, it's an action-based game, but it would have been more enjoyable if the story (which is rather creative) had been produced in a dynamic manner. Instead, we get attractive, monochromatic, manga-style slides and short, vague descriptions of the protagonist's role. 

I appreciate it when a game cuts to the chase, but not when you're left slightly clueless as to the background. Sinner is a simple, straightforward series of major challenges, but it bears a fascinating and dark undertone I would have loved to hear more about. 

Elementary Combat Against an Impossible Feat

The gameplay begins in dreary, bleak scenery reminiscent of a cemetery, with a variety of symbolic tombstones around the perimeter. Two of them are activated from the start -- your pick of who you'd like to face first. I went with Faiz Tilus, or Greed, as a beginner, seeing as it was proximal to my starting point, only to realize my health and stamina were compromised, and I couldn't get a hold of the game at first. To warm my hands to the controls and combat, taking on Levin Undok, or Envy, made the harrowing task a lot simpler. 

To say the battles are challenging is putting it lightly. As there are no practice enemies between bosses to hone your combat skills, each and every one of them requires a unique approach to take down -- and often more than five tries, give or take. As you sacrifice your strengths to each against your will, you need to figure out where -- and how -- to take down the opponent standing before you without compromising what little health, stamina, or items you have.

Some of these bad boys require a distant, thoughtful approach; others require a gradual fatality. It's up to you to decide how you want to put each of the sins down. These bastards also come with customized prowess to make your gameplay hell. Levin Undok, who represents Envy, for example, is a tall and vengeful creature who is relatively easy to take down compared to the others. However, she is accompanied by a twin (exactly like her but with a different, long-range attack), and this particular objective becomes a twofold challenge.

At some points in the game, you will feel as if it's impossible to progress forward. Dark Souls also has this element of perpetual desperation to get through a boss. It's frustrating enough to want to tug your hair out, but with focus and determination, it's a manageable challenge. Like Adam, you should be willing to sacrifice your time and attention to achieve the redemption you deserve. As your protagonist levels down with each enemy, you too humble yourself in the face of justice.

A Harrowing Theme of Desperation and Melancholy

Suffice it to say that the game is beautiful for such a minimalist concept. I played it on my laptop at the lowest possible resolution, and I still found the game environment appropriate to the nature of the game. 

The bosses were grotesque, and their settings daunting but magnificent nonetheless. The creative Del Toro-meets-steampunk design of the Sins is refreshing and honestly unique to the game. It leaves a trademark appearance of each Sin bearing a characteristic representative of its nature, and if that isn't unspoken storytelling in visuals, I don't know what is. 

The game bears just the right shades of dread and sadness, and just the right setting for a theme of purgatory and atonement. The melancholy soundtrack was catchy for some of the opponents, and I only say this because I caught myself humming them in the shower subconsciously. 

Frustrations ...

Restoration of health or usage of weapons is often ridiculously slow. The response times of certain commands usually begin to lag at really bad moments -- you could be inches away from defeating the Devil himself, and you'd falter only because your little man is lying on the ground for a good two minutes without moving. As expected for a new game, naturally, it's not going to be perfect. This can fortunately be prevented by strategically maneuvering your combat to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Another concept I personally found tormenting was the lack of camera flexibility. A majority of games offer 360 spanning, but this feature of a locked-in screen was suffocating at first. As you move around and enter combat, the camera will span by default to suit your senses, and you adjust to it -- but to me, that wasn't enough. It gave me a narrow environment to work with and an odd initial feeling of claustrophobia. I'm a spoiled gamer, I admit.

Final Thoughts 

Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption was a self-explanatory title I enjoyed pulling through. With balancing work and school, the therapeutic distraction of challenging combat was a blessing on the mind. It's a beautifully morbid game with a touch of medieval fantasy and folklore. 

If you're a Dark Souls or Shadow of Colossus fan, or even a newbie looking for a new taste of the genre, you can pick up Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption on Steam, Xbox One, or PS4 on April 25th of this year.  

The second and final DLC for Dark Souls III is coming up fast, releasing on March 28. This is the last piece of content for one of the most groundbreaking RPG video games ever created. And it definitely makes all of its fans extremely sad, as it was one of a kind experience.

But don’t get upset too quickly. There are some great games out there that can bring back all the memories, and maybe you will even find something that can fill the void left when The Ringed City credits roll.

Here we present you with eleven Dark Souls-esque titles that are already available for purchase, or will be released sometime this year. You've probably of some of them, but hopefully others will actually be able to surprise you.

Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

• Developer: Capcom
• Release Date: May 22, 2012
• Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Dragon’s Dogma is a much faster and slightly easier game than Dark Souls. However, the enemies have a static level -- and if you come along a boss that isn’t suitable to your level, then you and your assistants will be devastated.

Another distinct feature of Dragon’s Dogma is the ability to climb up on top of giant bosses, which isn’t possible in the Dark Souls games. In general, combat system is the same skill-wise, but stylistically it looks more like a hack-and-slash game. If you enjoy that, then you will love Dragon’s Dogma.

Nioh

• Developer: Team Ninja
• Release Date: February 7, 2017
• Platforms: PS4

This latest RPG title from Team Ninja, the creator of the famous Ninja Gaiden series, is a great game -- and it actually stands on its own, even without all the comparisons to Dark Souls. Many players have stated that boss fights in Nioh are much harder, and at some points almost impossible.

On top of that, Nioh is a much longer venture than any of the Souls games -- clocking in just over a hundred hours of gameplay. If you like long and challenging games, then Nioh should be your number one alternative to Dark Souls.

Memory Of Eldurim

• Developer: Liminal Games
• Release Date: February 8, 2014
• Platforms: PC

This hybrid of Dark Souls and Skyrim is still in Early Access, and has been for almost three years now. And why is that? Because the team behind this ambitious project consists of only three (very talented) men.

The developers are constantly updating the game and communicating with their fans. So the work is going on consistently, although fairly slowly. New items, weapons, and terrains are being added every few months -- so if you want to play something like that, then be sure to check it out on Steam.

Abyss Odyssey

• Developer: ACE Team
• Release Date: July 15, 2014
• Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360

Imagine a Dark Souls game in the setting of Castlevania -- that’s Abyss Odyssey. This game's skill-based combat system is as hard as it gets, and the bosses are merciless. Although primarily a rogue adventure, it also contains some RPG elements, such as item stats and skills.

Another component that makes it a Souls-like game is the vague story-telling, which is a trademark of the Souls series at this point. Here this device is used really well, and creates a well-rounded sense of mystery.

The Surge

• Developer: Deck13 Interactive
• Release Date: May 16, 2017
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Could you imagine the events of Dark Souls taking place in the future? Well, the same developer that gave us Lords of the Fallen will be releasing that sort of peculiar spin on the Souls games a bit later this year.

This is really something interesting. And if you do get tired of the same setting and weapons, then the new exoskeleton and firearms should reinvigorate your excitement for action RPGs. As the lead designer of the game said:

"People thought of the game as more of a clone, but we didn't think of it that way. We want to add to the genre this time. We want to put [out] something that has never been seen before."

Eitr

• Developer: Eneme Entertainment
• Release Date: TBA 2017
• Platforms: PC, PS4

Eitr is heavily influenced by the Souls and Bloodborne games. Due to the isometric POV it also hints at the Diablo series, but that may be completely coincidental. Everything else from the combat system to leveling up will be something you’ve definitely seen before, so the game will instantly feel familiar.

Even the health potion refilling is executed at the campfires, just like the Estus Flask system in the Souls games. The last and probably a slightly controversial feature of Eitr is the possibility of overleveling your hero. This problem was solved in the later Souls games, but it looks like the creators of Eitr decided it would work well in their own game.

Ashen

• Developer: Aurora44
• Release Date: TBA 2017
• Platforms: PC, Xbox One

Ashen has been in development since 2014, and it should be out by the end of this year. The world of Ashen strongly resembles the setting of the Undead Burg, but is much more open and wide.

The protagonist of Ashen is a lonely adventurer who seeks his way home, and he must fight his way through hordes of monsters to get there. The combat is pretty much the same as in Dark Souls, where stamina plays a huge role and it is easy to get killed.

If there is one new game that looks and plays like the first Dark Souls, then it’s definitely Ashen.

Below

• Developer: Capybara Games
• Release Date: TBA 2017
• Platforms: PC, Xbox One

Since the announcement of Below in 2013, it has been proclaimed as the indie successor to the Souls games. The visual style of the game makes the Wanderer feel really small and unimportant in the vast world around him.

The game doesn’t tell you what to do at any point of the story, but it strongly encourages exploration based on intuition -- which is also a huge part of the Souls series in general. With the scarce amounts of items and weapons, Below will really make people feel the unforgiving touch of despair.

Salt and Sanctuary

• Developer: Ska Studios
• Release Date: March 15, 2016
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS Vita

This little game is nothing else but Dark Souls in 2D format. Death is a huge part of the game, so don’t get mad when you see the dreaded message on your screen -- just hit the replay button and die once more.

From a certain perspective, Salt and Sanctuary is even harder than the Souls games because it is restricted by two dimensions -- whereas in Dark Souls you could utilize the 3D environment to your benefit. But all in all, it’s just as much fun, and will definitely make you salty.

Shrouded in Sanity

• Developer: Steve Gal
• Release Date: May 27, 2016
• Platforms: PC, PS4

If you can’t afford Salt and Sanctuary, then there is Shrouded in Sanity -- another 2D Dark Souls clone that is really cheap on Steam. Except that most of the action takes place inside a haunted mansion instead of the open world.

Another slight drawback of the game is that it is made specifically for wide screens. So if you are a rare owner of a 4:3 monitor, then the game will look skewed to you. But other than that, it’s full of scares and excellent gameplay.

Titan Souls

• Developer: Acid Nerve
• Release Date: April 14, 2015
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS Vita

This one is for those who want some insane levels of difficulty. Don’t let the cute graphic design of Titan Souls deceive you, as this is one of the most daring games you will ever play.

You are given only one chance to hit your target. If you don’t manage to hit it right -- you die and everything starts over again. Sounds familiar? Probably...but at least in Dark Souls you had some HP and an Estus Flask.

---

In any case, there will be plenty more Dark Souls clones in the future, and we’re pretty sure they’ll even have the chance to trump the original series, but that is the topic for a whole new discussion. Until then, these upcoming and already released games should be enough to get you by. 

Did we miss any games in this list? Got other Souls-like titles that you love to play and think other fans would too? Share in the comments below!

"Never cover a classic, iconic song" is an unwritten rule that has existed for musical artists since the inception of mass media. If this rule is broken, results often range from a cheap imitation to total disaster. In general, the same rule can (and should) be applied to other media such as film and video games. Could you imagine a modern remake of Citizen Kane, directed by Steven Spielberg? The thought alone is enough to make Orson Welles rise from the grave and write a strongly-worded letter in protest.

Nonetheless, Sony has tossed the rule book out the window with its long-delayed title Nioh, which has taken countless shapes since its original announcement in 2004, finally settling on a blatant imitation of Dark Souls just in time for Nioh's February 2017 release. Evidently, Sony seeks to fill the hole that the Souls series will leave behind after its finale next year -- but can they truly replace this monumental series?

The short answer is "probably not." So far, Nioh gameplay trailers remind me of the disastrous Dark Souls II, which was directed by two FromSoftware no-names in lieu of renowned Souls wizard Hidetaka Miyazaki. The overwhelming sentiment that I felt during Dark Souls II was that it feels like some dude tried to make a Souls game and ultimately failed at rebottling the magic that made the series great in the first place. 

Nioh appears to follow suit, replacing the trademark Souls lore with the Sengoku period of Japanese history, full of demons and samurai. Onimusha, anyone?

To be fair, Nioh developer, Team Ninja -- the same folks responsible for Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive -- seems to have injected their newest title with some of their trademark gameplay. Action is faster and more hectic than any Souls game, including Bloodborne, which some gamers might appreciate.

For others, however, these characteristics could make for a less realistic, undeniably "video gamey" experience. Indeed, this was forgivable with the aging Ninja Gaiden series - but in the age of realistic grit and lifelike environments, Nioh stands out. Whether this is a good or bad thing remains to be seen, but I'm pessimistic.

Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but it never creates the highest form of gaming. Unfortunately, Team Ninja didn't get the memo. After watching a few minutes of Nioh gameplay, it's rather shocking how many elements were lifted from FromSoftware's hallmark series. From the in-game menu and "soul" currency to well-timed rolls around formidable enemies, the borrowed qualities seem to outweigh the original ones.

The most tragic aspect of Nioh is that it will always be compared to Dark Souls. Then again, with all of its similarities, it brought the comparison upon itself. Here's hoping that we're all pleasantly surprised in February.

What's your opinion on Nioh and Souls-like games in general? Let us know in the comments! 

"Never cover a classic, iconic song" is an unwritten rule that has existed for musical artists since the inception of mass media. If this rule is broken, results often range from a cheap imitation to total disaster. In general, the same rule can (and should) be applied to other media such as film and video games. Could you imagine a modern remake of Citizen Kane, directed by Steven Spielberg? The thought alone is enough to make Orson Welles rise from the grave and write a strongly-worded letter in protest.

Nonetheless, Sony has tossed the rule book out the window with its long-delayed title Nioh, which has taken countless shapes since its original announcement in 2004, finally settling on a blatant imitation of Dark Souls just in time for Nioh's February 2017 release. Evidently, Sony seeks to fill the hole that the Souls series will leave behind after its finale next year -- but can they truly replace this monumental series?

The short answer is "probably not." So far, Nioh gameplay trailers remind me of the disastrous Dark Souls II, which was directed by two FromSoftware no-names in lieu of renowned Souls wizard Hidetaka Miyazaki. The overwhelming sentiment that I felt during Dark Souls II was that it feels like some dude tried to make a Souls game and ultimately failed at rebottling the magic that made the series great in the first place. 

Nioh appears to follow suit, replacing the trademark Souls lore with the Sengoku period of Japanese history, full of demons and samurai. Onimusha, anyone?

To be fair, Nioh developer, Team Ninja -- the same folks responsible for Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive -- seems to have injected their newest title with some of their trademark gameplay. Action is faster and more hectic than any Souls game, including Bloodborne, which some gamers might appreciate.

For others, however, these characteristics could make for a less realistic, undeniably "video gamey" experience. Indeed, this was forgivable with the aging Ninja Gaiden series - but in the age of realistic grit and lifelike environments, Nioh stands out. Whether this is a good or bad thing remains to be seen, but I'm pessimistic.

Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but it never creates the highest form of gaming. Unfortunately, Team Ninja didn't get the memo. After watching a few minutes of Nioh gameplay, it's rather shocking how many elements were lifted from FromSoftware's hallmark series. From the in-game menu and "soul" currency to well-timed rolls around formidable enemies, the borrowed qualities seem to outweigh the original ones.

The most tragic aspect of Nioh is that it will always be compared to Dark Souls. Then again, with all of its similarities, it brought the comparison upon itself. Here's hoping that we're all pleasantly surprised in February.

What's your opinion on Nioh and Souls-like games in general? Let us know in the comments! 

FromSoftware announced in an interview that it has three games in the works. In addition, Bloodborne might possibly be getting a new release, according to Hidetaka Miyazaki, game director of the company. 

In the interview, Miyazaki stated they were planning three new games for development, and one of them would be a dark-fantasy -- very reminiscent of Dark Souls -- but taken from a different angle. With Bloodborne's overall glowing reviews, many gamers believe this might be a subtle hint for a second installment in the franchise. A new game should prove to be a good move for company, especially considering the amazing response to the first. But this is only speculation for the time being.

The second game in the pipeline might be a reboot, but it also might be a new game with concepts taken from previous franchises - they really are being vague. Some gamers believe this might be a teaser for Armored Core as Miyazaki has always showed an interest in mecha-type games. However he did rule out fantasy and mecha-type games for the three titles -- so at this point it's also just speculation.

The final game was said to be a 'bit weird' and will be something the company has never tried before. This is always promising in companies, although it might fall flat. Trying new things and pushing boundaries has never been a fruitless endeavor.

For the time being very little is known about the three games, but they look promising, and give us something to look forward to.