These days, it can feel like a new Soulslike comes out every other week, and that's not entirely wrong. Ever since dark soulsReleased in 2011, FromSoftware's unique brand of methodical third-person action infused with RPG elements has been imitated in a plethora of games with varying degrees of success. For every Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order who manages to push the genre in exciting new directions is one Lords of the Fallen who copies the mechanics, but doesn't quite understand how or why FromSoftware made them that way. soulstice is the latest in a year full of Soulslikes, and based on the trailers released so far, it looks like it might just be a standout example.
To be released on September 20, 2022, soulstice proudly takes the Soulslike formula but puts its own signature spin on it. although soulstice seems to adopt a similar tone, setting and gameplay style to other Soulslikes, there are some key differences that set it apart, most of which revolve around the combat mechanics of the game, with the player controlling two individual fighters.
Soulstice's soul-like story
While FromSoftware's dark souls series is firmly anchored in the fantasy genre, but is also often influenced by gothic horror. soulstice seems to do the exact same thing. Located in the Holy Kingdom of Keidas, soulsticeThe world has fallen into chaos, with monsters called "Wraiths" coming over from their own world to dominate it. Appearing through a chasm known as the 'Veil', these Wraiths are capable of corrupting the land and possessing its inhabitants, eventually turning them into monsters much like them.
soulstice puts players in the shoes of sister duo Briar and Lute. In an effort to save their world, Lute sacrificed herself so she could be bound to her sister forever. By becoming a Chimera, Briar has kept her human form but gained supernatural powers, while Lute has lost her physical form but helps her sister as a spirit with mystical powers.
From the beginning, soulstice's plot fits well and truly into the Soulslike genre. Themes of grief, loss, power and sacrifice are all common staples of the Souls-esque genre, and they're all good at this soulstice† On top of that, soulstice's art design is very similar to a souls title, with dark, gothic landscapes dominating the trailers, and big, hulking, armored bosses leaping from the tops of cathedrals.
Soulstice's unique take on Soulslike Combat
The real hook of soulstice is the gameplay with two protagonists. According to all the marketing released to date, soulstice lets players control both Briar and Lute at the same time, with Briar employing many of the usual Souls-esque, third-person combat mechanics, while Lute attacks the enemies with her supernatural abilities. Over the course of the game, players can unlock more abilities for both sisters, eventually leading to powers that both sisters use at the same time.
While soulstice definitely belongs to the Soulslike genre, the gameplay strays more towards a hack-and-slash side as opposed to dark souls' more methodical, slow gameplay. As players progress soulstice, they will unlock more weapons and the ability to customize them. These weapons can be swapped on the fly soulstice's fight, even mid-combo. For those looking for a more fast Souls-esque, soulstice is definitely one to keep an eye on.
soulstice is scheduled to release on September 20, 2022 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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