FromSoftware’s Unmatched Legacy

I would argue that the Japanese company FromSoftware makes the best games I’ve ever played, and I’m not alone in this belief. FromSoftware Inc., founded in Tokyo back in 1986 as a business app developer, launched its first game for the PlayStation 1. Titled King’s Field, this 1994 RPG paved the way for two iconic series by FromSoftware: Armored Core and Dark Souls.

What separates FromSoftware from other game developers is that they unapologetically create games that are extremely tough but reasonably so, provided you’re prepared to put in the time to hunt for items that greatly assist in defeating tough bosses or progressing through the game.

There’s no easy mode to be found in any of their titles, nor do I suspect there ever will be. But that’s only part of the appeal. Aside from the Armored Core series being a bit more linear, the company produces open-world games that encourage exploring every corner. Thanks to their fascinating lore, players also spend significant time piecing together sagas and backstories.

The replayability of their games is, in my opinion, unmatched by any other developer. Their lore is beautifully written (including Elden Ring, which was co-written by George R.R. Martin), with more details revealed in subsequent playthroughs. Speaking of playthroughs, FromSoftware employs a New Game Plus system for those wanting to up the ante in difficulty. Players can advance up to NG+7, where the difficulty caps. In a way, FromSoft’s games actually have a hard mode rather than an easy mode!

Because their games are harder than most, speedrunning and no-hit runs have become extremely popular in the gaming community. Their DLCs are also noteworthy, consistently maintaining high quality and expanding their lore further. It’s worth mentioning that the lore in their Souls games can sometimes be vague and not always easy to penetrate. However, I would argue that this enhances the storytelling, allowing players to fill in the blanks with their own interpretations. Several highly successful YouTube channels are dedicated to exploring the lore of FromSoft’s games, with VaatiVidya, boasting over three million subscribers, being by far the most comprehensive and well-researched.

Of course, FromSoft’s success with these titles is largely thanks to the leadership and direction of Hidetaka Miyazaki, without whom it’s hard to imagine the company achieving such success. The level of detail in each title, guided by Miyazaki’s keen eye, is incredible. A perfect example is Elden Ring, where the moment you step into the Lands Between and see its expansive glory is unforgettable.

I first started playing FromSoft titles shortly after Dark Souls 3 came out. Bloodborne (2015) caught my attention. At almost 60 years of age, I’m what you’d call a “mature gamer,” and my taste in games reflects that. My gaming journey began with Red Dead Redemption after seeing its trailer back in 2010—it strongly appealed to me. It was the first game I bought and loved, followed by quite a few duds that felt childish to an old fart like me. Titles like Red Dead, GTA V, and the Batman Arkham series were great, but Bloodborne was the first game to truly scratch that itch.

Although Red Dead Redemption drew me into gaming (and RDR2 improved on that), Bloodborne utterly captivated me. With its Victorian-era Gothic horror theme, I spent weeks mastering its unique weapons and defeating terrifying bosses. The story-driven presentation sold the game’s atmosphere as I wandered—or ran in terror—through Miyazaki’s nail-biting world, collecting hints and items to aid my battles.

The eerie music accompanied me throughout my journey in Bloodborne, culminating in one of the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had. Playing Dark Souls 3 next convinced me that Bloodborne wasn’t a one-hit wonder, and I loved every second of it. I then worked my way through every action RPG by FromSoftware and thoroughly enjoyed the process. I’ve replayed these games countless times and currently have almost 3,000 hours invested in Bloodborne alone. That’s what I call real value for money.

Among all their action RPGs, one stands out for being different in some ways yet retaining enough FromSoft DNA to be recognizable: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It’s arguably one of their toughest games, and many consider it one of the hardest games ever. It’s not for the faint of heart, but defeating it is incredibly rewarding. I’m currently on my ninth playthrough of Sekiro.

The Dark Souls games are no longer niche thanks to the wild success of Elden Ring, which has also inspired a wave of “Souls-like” games. These share strong elements of FromSoftware titles, such as difficult bosses, a large assortment of upgradable weapons, deep lore, and treasure hunting. While these games add variety to the genre, their replayability doesn’t quite match the original FromSoft experience. That doesn’t make them bad—just not on the same level.

From Demon’s Souls to Elden Ring, FromSoftware has gifted us a gaming experience like no other. The value these games offer is unparalleled. If you’ve never had the pleasure of playing one, I strongly urge you to dip your toe in and then take the plunge. Satisfaction guaranteed.