Elden Ring
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After plenty of time with it, I'm convinced Mortal Shell 2 is an excellent Soulslike, with various overhauls allowing it to realise the vision of the original
Mortal Shell 2 is an excellent Soulslike that builds upon its predecessor with significant overhauls and a confident design. The game features faster combat without a stamina bar, a new Resolve mechanic, and deeper customization through its Shell system. While boss fights are a weak point, the overall experience offers a dense world and engaging moment-to-moment gameplay, making it a strong contender in the genre.
Mortal Shell 2 Accolades Trailer Highlights Strong Critical Acclaim
Cold Symmetry has released an accolades trailer for Mortal Shell 2, highlighting its strong critical reception as a sequel and an excellent Soulslike title. The trailer references positive reviews, including one from this publication, and showcases the game's emphasis on aggressive combat and its mysterious open world, which draws comparisons to Elden Ring.
Mortal Shell 2's first balance patch makes its in-game economy a lot more lenient and nerfs some enemies and bosses for a smoother ride
Developer Cold Symmetry has released the first balance patch for Mortal Shell 2, addressing the in-game economy and enemy difficulty. The patch significantly increases gold drops, reduces the cost of smelting weapons, and refunds spent glimpses on shell maps. Enemy and boss HP values have been reverted to beta levels, with a few exceptions, and several weapons and tarstones received buffs.
Even after Elden Ring exploded, Hidetaka Miyazaki says FromSoftware doesn't make games for anyone: "The motivation is that this is a game I want to see exist"
FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki states the studio creates games based on their own desires rather than targeting specific audiences. Despite Elden Ring's massive success, the studio has released varied titles like Armored Core 6 and multiplayer-focused games such as Elden Ring Nightreign and The Duskbloods, emphasizing that their core motivation remains making games they want to see exist, with a continued focus on single-player content.
I'm a decade-plus FromSoftware sicko, and these are my 5 takeaways from the first Duskbloods gameplay
A long-time FromSoftware fan shares their takeaways from early gameplay footage of The Duskbloods, a new PvPvE game. The game features instanced, run-based gameplay with increasing difficulty and structured objectives, drawing comparisons to Nightreign and Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree. While emphasizing PvP, it offers PvE options and a potential co-op boss finale, with many visual motifs reminiscent of Bloodborne.
7 Cheaper Alternatives For Popular Games
This article highlights several games that offer similar experiences to more expensive, popular titles at a lower price point. It features recommendations like Another Crab's Treasure as a souls-like alternative, Cassette Beasts for Pokemon fans, and The Crew 2 for racing enthusiasts. Other suggestions include RoboCop: Rogue City for FPS campaigns, Neon White as a Doom-like experience, Kena: Bridge of Spirits for action-adventure fans, and The Ascent as a cyberpunk alternative to Cyberpunk 2077.
The Duskbloods will have solos & duos modes
FromSoftware's upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive, The Duskbloods, will feature both solo and duos modes. Players can also contract NPCs to fight alongside them. The game involves 8-player matches where players collect Virtue across three phases, with the final phase narrowing down to a 1v1v1 competition.
Miyazaki suggests FromSoftware is keen to return to single-player games after The Duskbloods and Elden Ring: Nightreign
Hidetaka Miyazaki, president of FromSoftware, indicated the studio is interested in returning to single-player game development after the multiplayer titles The Duskbloods and Elden Ring: Nightreign. He clarified that the focus on multiplayer for these two games was coincidental and not a shift in the company's overall direction, emphasizing that single-player content remains a significant focus. Miyazaki also discussed Nintendo's collaborative role in The Duskbloods, particularly in improving player onboarding.
The Duskbloods doesn't punish death like other FromSoftware games do
The upcoming FromSoftware game, The Duskbloods, will feature a death mechanic that differs significantly from previous titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Instead of losing a currency like Souls or Runes upon death, players can respawn multiple times during the initial phases of 'Dusk Battles'. While death won't result in currency loss, players can still be penalized via 'Sword Virtue' if killed by opposing players in Ritual Cities.
FromSoftware Isn't Done With Single-Player Games, Miyazaki Reassures
FromSoftware's Hidetaka Miyazaki has reassured fans that the company remains committed to developing single-player games, despite recent multiplayer titles. This statement comes amidst discussions about the studio's future game development direction.
Hidetaka Miyazaki says The Duskbloods is full of ideas FromSoftware couldn't fit into Dark Souls or Demon's…
FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed that ideas not used in Demon's Souls and the Dark Souls series are being incorporated into the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods. The action RPG will leverage unique online and multiplayer elements, with some customization options catering to players who prefer a less intense PvP experience.
FromSoftware explains why The Duskbloods is Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive
FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki explained that The Duskbloods will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 due to a positive and forward-thinking collaboration with Nintendo. He highlighted Nintendo's strengths in player onboarding and tutorial design as key factors in the decision, contrasting it with FromSoftware's typical approach. The game is also set to receive gameplay leaks and will launch after Elden Ring on the platform.
Nintendo Download - August 20, 2026 - NintendoFuse
This week's Nintendo Download features the upcoming release of Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, which includes the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28. Also highlighted are Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and various in-game events and sales on the Nintendo eShop.
The Duskbloods began development in 2021 on the original Nintendo Switch
FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed that development on The Duskbloods began in 2021, running concurrently with Elden Ring. The game was initially planned for the original Nintendo Switch but encountered hardware limitations, which were resolved with the development of the Nintendo Switch 2.
What is The Duskbloods? From Software’s Switch 2 Exclusive Explained
The Duskbloods is a new PvPvE game from FromSoftware, described as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Matches involve up to eight players competing over 30 minutes to earn 'Virtue' by killing enemies and completing objectives, with players being culled over several rounds until three remain for a final arena battle. The gameplay mechanics draw comparisons to Elden Ring and Bloodborne, featuring similar combat but with enhanced player mobility and a unique Sigil customization system inspired by tabletop RPGs.
Hidetaka Miyazaki On The Duskbloods: “Maybe PvPvE Wasn’t The Best Way To Refer To It”
Hidetaka Miyazaki, president of FromSoftware, discusses the vampire-themed multiplayer game The Duskbloods, admitting the initial 'PvPvE' label might have been confusing. He elaborates on the game's design, inspirations from vampire literature and board games, and the unique Sigil system intended to create player drama. Miyazaki also touches on character design, drawing parallels to Ultraman for the character Zork, and the importance of balancing gameplay and narrative elements.
I’ve Never Played Anything Like The Duskbloods, And I Cannot Wait To Play More
A preview of FromSoftware's upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, reveals a unique PvPvE experience that blends competitive multiplayer with objective-based PvE elements. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki describes the game as a 'festival' with a focus on player-driven 'drama' through a new 'Sigil' system, aiming to upend expectations for the studio.
Miyazaki Says The Duskbloods Reveal Probably Gave Fans The Wrong Impression
Hidetaka Miyazaki, director at FromSoftware, stated that the initial reveal of The Duskbloods as a PvPvE title may have misled players into thinking it was an extraction shooter. He clarified that the game's focus is on its Sigil and Event systems, and the Virtue system, which create drama between players but are not solely focused on PvP combat. The game also features PvE elements inspired by FromSoftware's previous titles.
The Duskbloods Has Some George R.R. Martin In Its Blood
FromSoftware's upcoming game, The Duskbloods, draws inspiration from vampire literature and tabletop games, with author George R.R. Martin's work serving as a notable influence on its lore and aesthetic. While Martin did not have a direct role in The Duskbloods, his contributions to Elden Ring and his own vampire fiction like Fevre Dream have indirectly shaped the game's development.
The Duskbloods gameplay footage leaks ahead of network test, showing off slick aerial combat, buttery smooth movement options, and a dude turning into a dinosaur
Gameplay footage for FromSoftware's upcoming multiplayer title, The Duskbloods, has leaked online ahead of its network test. The leaked clips showcase fast-paced aerial combat, smooth movement options, and unique character transformations, including one that turns a character into a dinosaur. While some players expressed excitement for the PvP aspects, others noted their preference for FromSoftware's more traditional single-player experiences.
