Creating a game and seeking input from the community...
Creating a game and seeking input from the community...
As regular players and gamers, we often notice design patterns in games. When someone labels a title as a "soulslike," it’s not just a casual remark—it can shape our expectations. Shouldn’t those terms matter when deciding if a new game feels familiar or fresh? Do keywords like these influence your interest more than you think?
It's a concise way to capture a game's style or rules. Instead of mentioning complex systems, you can just call it "Medroidvania." Or, instead of describing repetitive challenges, say "Roguelike." For me, it feels more like a warning than an appeal. If it fits the genre I enjoy, I might reconsider, but I won't buy it just because it matches a label. Conversely, if it clashes with my tastes, I'll likely skip it entirely. Of course, there are always exceptions—some of my favorites come from genres I usually avoid, just because they're high quality.
That's the issue when you attempt to promote your game from that perspective. Particularly when you're aiming to create something unique that doesn't resemble other titles.
When crafting a unique experience, avoid fitting it into standard genre labels. Yet those labels exist to convey expectations. If a title is labeled soulslike, I’ll form certain expectations based on that tag. But crucially, what works for one person might differ from another’s standards. Here are some traits often linked to the soulslike style: tough difficulty, diverse weaponry with distinct play options, third-person combat mixing melee and ranged magic, stamina management, deep exploration, complex world design, and a narrative that unfolds through items, settings, and character placement. Many soulslikes share these elements, though not all check every box.
Looking at popular examples reveals overlaps and gaps. Some might argue for strict adherence to classic roguelike traits—turn-based action, persistent progress, and minimalist design—but others see value in broader interpretations. The debate highlights how genre definitions can be inconsistent, even for seemingly clear terms like “first-person shooter.”
What matters most is aligning with what resonates personally. That said, relying solely on a list of features risks missing the nuanced preferences that define individual tastes. Genre should serve as a general guide, not a definitive measure of quality.
If you’re drawn to a game, consider its presentation, tone, and what excites you most. It’s worth exploring beyond labels to see if it matches your expectations.
Focusing on the style, this game emphasizes tactical depth and precise player decisions.
I mean exactly that, these broad categories don’t always capture what makes a game unique. If you check it out, you can even apply the same idea to music. Of course, you can mention Drum n Bass, but which subgenre fits? Liquid, Neurofunk, Jungle? For example, my game is a 3D beat emulation. There’s a character that... really dominates everything. But what makes that character stand out is how it handles combat—does it have a special ability to wipe out multiple enemies at once? Can the character use its surroundings effectively in battle? What kind of foes does it encounter? How does the fighting feel—slow and deliberate or quick and chain-based? These details matter because they shape the overall experience. You can’t rely on simple genre labels, since humans naturally group things for practical reasons.
Well, it really surprises me since it feels completely different from what I expect. If it’s a “soulslike” game, why not just play the original? I also don’t really enjoy remakes or remasters for that reason—though they can sometimes work, like the Resident Evil 1 and 2 remakes. It depends on whether the marketing is pushing buzzwords or if it’s genuine interest from the community. If it’s just random people online, it doesn’t stand out much. I’ll probably look into it only if it seems interesting.
It’s about a game where every detail matters, but being too detailed can backfire. It focuses on action or storytelling without getting caught in a narrow label. People might think it fits a certain style, but if it leans too far into one thing, it risks losing its appeal. The key is to avoid over-explaining and let the experience speak for itself—especially since trying to name it can make it feel predictable. If you can skip the genre talk, you stand a better chance of standing out.