Soulslikeshave become a popular subgenre of action-RPGs thanks to titles likeDark SoulsandElden Ring. The company most notable for this genre isFromSoftware, which has served as inspiration for dozens of other developers as the genre has evolved.Elden Ringwas a huge step forward by introducing an open-world element with plenty of exploration, butFromSoftwaretranslating a Soulslike into the realm of VR could elevate the genre onto a whole new stage.
The rise of VR gaming has created an entirely new way for players to immerse themselves, and developers have had to get creative with the ways they translate genres into VR. Some titles likeFallout 4 VRandThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim VRare direct conversions from the original games to their VR counterparts. However, others take a less straightforward approach, working within the limitations of current VR technology to try and replicate a similar experience. If FromSoftware were to make VR Soulslike, it would likely have as difficult time developing something as players would have getting through it.
RELATED:Two PS VR2 Games Show Why Sony’s VR Strategy is Great
How FromSoftware Could Pull Off a VR Soulslike
FromSoftware already has experience creating a VR game, as it releasedDeracine for PlayStation VR in 2018. While not a Soulslike,Deracinetells a compelling story in the form of a mystery adventure game wherein the player must uncover the secrets of a small boarding school by interacting with vignettes of characters. This slower-paced, narrative-driven game seems like a departure from the rest of FromSoftware’s library, but it could serve as the foundation for a Soulslike on a VR platform.
The toughest part of translating action-oriented games into VR is dealing with the limitations of player movement using a VR headset. A game likeDoom VFRstruggles to capture the same fast-paced gameplay ofDoom Eternalbecause the player is limited to movement within a small area in their real-world location. As a result,Doom VFRdoesn’t feel like a true translation of the series into VR, but a different experience entirely. With an emphasis on precise movement and properly spacing enemies during combat, a Soulslike would likely suffer from the same issues.
Another issue with translating the Soulslike formula to VR is dealing with a sense of scale.Elden Ringtook the Soulslike formula and created a vast open world for players to explore. While titles likeFallout 4 VRalso feature large open worlds, spending hours exploring is much more difficult in VR given many players experience eye strain and headaches after using a headset for too long. A Soulslike VR game would need to streamline the experience, focusing only on the core aspects of gameplay to create a digestible loop that still features the level of challenge that Soulslikes are notorious for.
While it seems like creating a Soulslike in VR would be an uphill battle, the ever-shifting technology around the medium is improving, meaning it could soon allow thekey aspects of a Soulsliketo be replicated in the VR space. Given how much FromSoftware has already pushed the genre, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the studio tackle a game like this with the polish and craftsmanship it has come to be known for.Deracinemay have just been FromSoft’s way of testing the waters, acting as a stepping stone for introducing VR fans to the signature Soulslikeformula thatFromSoftwarecontinues to perfect once the technology has developed further.
