Dark Souls
News, coverage and analysis tracking Dark Souls across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Mistfall Hunter is more Dark Souls than Arc Raiders, thanks to infusing its extraction shooter structure with RPG vibes
Mistfall Hunter aims to blend the Soulslike genre with extraction shooter mechanics, featuring brutal combat, RPG elements, and PvPvE encounters. While the core loop shows promise, the game currently struggles with a user interface that is described as overwhelming and convoluted, particularly on PlayStation 5. Despite these issues, the developers are working on refining the experience, with a planned release for July 20, 2026.
The Soulslike genre has grown stale after Elden Ring, and only FromSoftware can take it to strange new places
The article argues that the Soulslike genre has become stagnant since Elden Ring, with many developers iterating on FromSoftware's formula without significant innovation. It suggests that only FromSoftware itself can revitalize the genre by taking it in new, unexpected directions, potentially by shifting focus from open-world expansiveness to deeper mechanics or by embracing a more distinct aesthetic like anime.
Former Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida is 'a huge fan' of Bloodborne, says it's 'a complete mystery'…
Former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida expressed his strong desire for Bloodborne and its expansion, The Old Hunters, to receive a PlayStation 5 version or a PC release, calling the lack of action a 'complete mystery'. Yoshida, a self-proclaimed 'huge fan', highlighted the game's popularity and questioned why Sony and FromSoftware haven't capitalized on it, especially given Sony's history of releasing remasters.
Shack Chat: What is your favorite piece of physical video game media?
Shacknews staff members share their favorite pieces of physical video game media, ranging from classic console re-releases and collector's editions to rare cartridges and fightsticks. The discussion highlights the sentimental value and importance of physical media for game preservation and personal memories, especially in an era of increasing digital-only releases and subscription services.
There's a timeline where Dark Souls was a PlayStation exclusive, but Sony lost out on the chance because it wouldn't publish Demon's Souls in North America
Former Sony Interactive Entertainment executive Shuhei Yoshida revealed that Sony declined to publish Demon's Souls in North America, leading FromSoftware to partner with Bandai Namco for Dark Souls. This decision meant Sony missed out on publishing the Souls series, though they later secured Bloodborne. The article analyzes the impact of this publishing decision on the game industry and PlayStation's relationship with FromSoftware.
Vilka är det som jobbar med FZ?
This article introduces the staff behind the Swedish gaming website FZ, describing them as passionate gamers with diverse tastes and strong opinions. It highlights their backgrounds, favorite games, music, films, and books, aiming to connect them with the FZ community.
Don't let this beautifully-drawn action RPG starring two girls trained in Sekiro-style combat get lost in the sea…
Lunarium is a beautifully drawn action RPG with Sekiro-style combat that aims to stand out on Steam. The game features a hand-drawn art style reminiscent of Nier: Automata and Final Fantasy, with gameplay focusing on the synergy between two characters, Ave and Lune. Lunarium is set to release on Steam on July 28.
"I should have listened properly to Miyazaki": Ex PlayStation boss admits giving FromSoftware "the lowest number possible" for physical copies of Demon's Souls after getting stuck in its "demanding" starting area
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida admitted to making a significant mistake with Demon's Souls by underestimating its potential and requesting the lowest possible number of physical copies. This lack of support for FromSoftware's challenging title led Sony to reject signing Dark Souls. Yoshida reflected on his initial difficulty with the game's demanding nature and opaque systems, contrasting it with his later appreciation for the Soulslike genre, even achieving a platinum trophy in Bloodborne.
What developers can learn from this generation of game criticism
This article analyzes the impact of video essays and online game criticism on game developers, contrasting it with traditional reviews and playtesting. While direct, actionable advice is rare, developers find inspiration and insight from creators like Mark Brown, Noah Caldwell-Gervais, and Jacob Geller, influencing their design philosophies and understanding of player experience.
Evening Reading - July 20, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including reviews for EA Sports College Football 27 and Backyard Baseball, and updates on Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. It also touches on rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a discussion about favorite Grand Theft Auto games, and Microsoft's agreement to use AMD AI infrastructure.
Weekend Discussion - July 19, 2026
This Weekend Discussion article from Shacknews reflects on various topics including Dark Souls 2, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Super Mario 64. It also features reviews for Denshattack! and The Mermaid Mask, and a look back at Two Point Studios' decade in the industry. The article encourages reader engagement in the Shacknews Chatty comment thread.
University of Silicon Valley is offering gaming scholarships
The University of Silicon Valley is introducing new gaming scholarships, offering up to $15,000 annually to prospective students. These scholarships, divided into 'Legendary' and 'Mastery' tiers, recognize transferable skills like discipline and problem-solving developed through gaming achievements in titles such as Runescape, Dark Souls, and Beat Saber. The program aims to acknowledge completionists and has a history of supporting esports.
When is The Duskbloods Closed Network Test? - start and end dates
FromSoftware's upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, will hold a closed network test from August 21 to August 24, 2026. The test aims to stress-test the network with up to eight players in combat sessions, with specific start and end times provided for different regions.
Evening Reading - July 13, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news items including QuakeCon 2026, Games Done Quick, and updates on games like Palworld and Soulframe. It also touches on the revival of the Turok franchise and mentions the cancellation of an SNK-sponsored stream due to ownership concerns.
Control Issues
This article argues that the control schemes in Dark Souls have negatively impacted the design of other action games, even those outside the Soulslike genre. The unique input methods and responsiveness of Dark Souls are presented as a benchmark that has led to less innovative control designs in subsequent titles.
Legendary former Tekken boss says people don't 'properly evaluate' Hidetaka Miyazaki's…
Former Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada believes Hidetaka Miyazaki's unique career path and FromSoftware's gradual growth are often overlooked in favor of sales figures. Harada highlighted Miyazaki's late entry into game development and the studio's consistent refinement of its craft through titles like Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, leading to the success of Elden Ring. He also noted that Miyazaki's humility about his own skills is a common trait among successful developers.
Stop judging games by their sales figures, says Tekken's Katsuhiro Harada: “That’s exactly what you’d expect from someone who’s never actually developed games"
Katsuhiro Harada, former face of Tekken and current CEO of SNK VS Studio, argues against judging games solely by their sales figures. He highlights Hidetaka Miyazaki's career path, emphasizing how FromSoftware's earlier, less successful titles paved the way for the massive success of the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring. Harada criticizes those who cannot appreciate developer growth and suggests this narrow view is typical of individuals without game development experience.
Dark Souls isn't "an especially difficult game," former Tekken boss says – it's in its world where FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki's "true creativity shines through"
Former Tekken lead Katsuhiro Harada believes Dark Souls' true strength lies not in its difficulty, but in Hidetaka Miyazaki's creative world-building. Harada describes Miyazaki as a unique and serious developer whose obsessive approach to creativity shines through in the intricate worlds of FromSoftware's games, including Dark Souls and Elden Ring.
Fallout 76 developers discuss next-gen update and Super Mutant as a playable race
Fallout 76 developers discussed the game's upcoming next-gen update and the possibility of Super Mutants becoming a playable race. Production Director Bill Lacoste mentioned the technical challenges of updating libraries for PlayStation and Xbox platforms. While player Ghoul was considered, the team is exploring if a Super Mutant race could fill a gameplay niche.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead says the idea turn-based RPGs are "old-school" is "total nonsense," because they're "incredibly satisfying" in a way action games aren't
Guillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, argues that the idea of turn-based RPGs being 'old-school' is 'total nonsense,' stating they offer a unique and incredibly satisfying intellectual reward that action games do not. He contrasts the strategic planning and execution in turn-based combat with the dexterity-focused gameplay of action titles like Devil May Cry, emphasizing the brain-rewarding nature of the former.
