The original version of Dark Souls 2 was released on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC in March 2014, to a pretty good reception. However, the edition of the game that I'm looking back to here is the first of the series to make its debut on Microsoft’s shiny new Xbox One (as well as PS4, obviously) - Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin. A suitably doom-laden title for an oppressively difficult game, to be sure, including all of the previously available DLC as well as upgraded visuals, new online features if that was your bag and some slight tweaks to the storyline.
Dark Souls is one of gaming’s most prolific series and certainly one of my favourites. In fact, it has had such a large impact that it's spawned its own subgenre. There are many experiences that mimic that same brutal tactical gameplay, coming under the “Souls-like” genre. While not all capture the same magic, some of them are absolutely excellent, and here are five of the best Xbox alternatives to the mighty Dark Souls.
Immortal Planet has been kicking around the PC (Steam) scene for a good couple of years already, having first arrived back in 2017. And those who have played it have certainly liked what is in place, with hugely positive reviews put in place. Now though it's time for the self-confessed isometric love letter to Dark Souls to arrive on console with a launch on Xbox One, PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
I love the Dark Souls franchise, FromSoftware are one of my favourite developers, and I have sunk hours upon hours into their games. So understand when I tell you it has been extremely difficult to rank these games and put them into some kind of order; it has almost been like choosing between children… each one similar but unique in their own ways as well.
I've got to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Animus - Stand Alone. It is by no means perfect, and the camera is a serious issue that can cause problems, but other than that it’s been a pleasure.
Everyone knows that the two things guaranteed in this life are death and taxes. I'd like to add a third thing to this list: the difficulty of Dark Souls games.
Just when you thought the hardcore action-RPG experience was over after the climax of Dark Souls III, it’s now time to go back to where it all began in the original Dark Souls. Don’t be fooled by the Remastered treatment though, for it’ll still be as unforgiving as it always was.
Can't wait for Dark Souls Remastered? Well, Xbox One and PS4 players will be able to get a little taster of the action ahead of the official release date as Bandai Namco detail the Network Test schedule.Â
It's a 2D platformer which comes with more than a hint of 'Thomas Was Alone' about it. But unlike that delightful little puzzler, Alteric also delivers a difficulty level akin to that of Dark Souls. Do you have what it takes to tackle the obstacles and bosses found within?
So, it’s finally happening. After the end of an era that has seen the beloved Dark Souls series finally come to an end with the completion of the trilogy, it seems the folks over at Bandai Namco have one last hurrah for players, bringing something to fruition that will allow all to enjoy the Dark Souls franchise.
