6 recommended rankings for the Soul series. If you can clear everything, you are an advanced gamer.

The Soul series is characterized by its high level of difficulty, so much so that it is often referred to as a “death game.” Even if you are good at action games, the game design is such that you will learn by dying, such as dying while being surrounded by enemies, dying in traps, or dying normally in boss battles.

But just dying isn't fun. You can rest assured that the Soul series has a solid solution. It is designed so that if you find a way to deal with it and have the techniques to implement it, you can successfully clear it. The joy of overcoming strong enemies and obstacles with your own strength. That is the biggest appeal of the Soul series.

“Exploration elements'' that tickle your sense of adventure

The Soul series has vast maps that are seamlessly connected. It's not like you can go to all the places all at once like in an open world, but the world expands more and more by finding items and defeating the bosses protecting the areas.

Also, rare items may be hidden in the fields and dungeons. They are hidden in places that you would never find during normal play, so you will discover something new every time you play. Recommended for those who like exploration games.

“Multiplayer” where you can enjoy everything from cooperation to competition

Another point of the Soul series is that it is compatible with online play. A typical example is the “message'' system. By writing a message on the field, you can convey the message to other players. You can have casual interactions, such as telling them about traps, telling them they're going to hide, or deceiving them with false messages.

Another point is that it supports real-time online multiplayer. The names change depending on the series, but you can enjoy them in a variety of styles, such as “White Spirits'' who aim to clear the stage in cooperation with the player, and “Red Spirits'' who invade the host's world as an enemy. Recommended for those who like cooperative and interpersonal play.

How to choose the Soul series

Select by genealogy

The Souls series can be broadly divided into three genealogies: Demon's Souls, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. The basic systems are similar, but their worldviews are different. There are basically no story connections, so you can play them in any order you like.

demon's souls

“Demon's Souls” is the first installment of the Soul series. As it is an early title, the game balance is a bit rough, but the basic system has already been completed, and its high level of perfection has made it one of the most popular titles in the series.

Like Dark Souls, it features a medieval dark fantasy-like worldview. The online service for the PS3 version ended in 2018, but it's still plenty of fun offline, so we recommend it. In 2020, a remake version of Demon's Souls was released as a launch title for PS5.

dark souls

“Dark Souls'' is the only numbered title in the Soul series. The game system is carried over from Demon's Souls, but the key point is that it is now easier to die, with no penalties when dying and easier replenishment of recovery items. Please note that there is no clear connection between the numberings, so there is no need to play them in order. Recommended for beginners.

bloodborne

Although “Bloodborne'' is not technically part of the Souls series, it is often talked about in the same breath as the series, as it is developed by the same developer, From Software, and has almost the same game system. The worldview is a Gothic horror based on the Victorian era of the 19th century. The theme is “death fighting feeling”, and you can enjoy thrilling battles where you are on the edge of death. The difficulty level is a little higher than other series.

Select by software type

original version

The “original version” allows you to play the game with the same feel as when it was first released. DLC has been distributed in the Souls series except for Demon's Souls, but it is not included in the original version. Recommended for those who just want to enjoy the minimum elements.

complete version

By: rakuten.co.jp

A “complete version” that includes the original version and DLC. The appeal is that it can be purchased cheaper than purchasing content separately. The price has come down since it was first released, and in some cases the price is not much different from the original version. Recommended for those who want to enjoy everything about the Soul series.

Remastered version

“Remastered version” with updated graphics. You can play game software released on old hardware in high resolution. It's also attractive that it's not just a port, as it includes DLC and incorporates new systems. Recommended not only for those who were unable to play previous titles due to hardware issues, but also for those who want to replay a title they have fond memories of.

Recommended ranking of Soul series

1st place DARK SOULS[PS3,PS4,Switch, Xbox One,Windows]

If you want to challenge despair, start here

“DARK SOULS'' is an action RPG released as a PS3 game software in 2011. This is the second work in the series, but as you can see from the change in title from the previous work, the worldview has also been completely renewed. It has an exquisite balance between being neither too difficult nor too easy, and many people call it the best game in the series.

In 2018, a remastered version of “DARK SOULS REMASTERED” was released. In addition to higher resolution graphics, the lighting effects have been improved. Furthermore, the PS4 / Xbox One / Windows version supports a frame rate of 60fps. Movement is now smoother.

The remastered version also has more powerful online elements. Online multiplayer, which was limited to 4 players in the original version, can now be played by up to 6 players. It is also attractive that the downloadable content “ARTORIAS OF THE ABYSS” is also included. For those who are just starting out, we recommend the remastered version.

・DARK SOULS REMASTERED (PS4 version)

・DARK SOULS REMASTERED (Nintendo Switch version)

2nd place Demon's Souls[PS5]

A faithful full remake of the PS3 version.

“Demon's Souls” was released at the same time as PS5. This is a complete remake of the first game in the series of the same name, released in 2009. It is characterized by the involvement of Bluepoint Games, a game development company with a reputation for ported works. While preserving the elements of the original version, minor improvements have been made to make it easier to play.

In this game, you can use almost all the techniques and strategies that were used in the original version. Some bugs have been intentionally left in that do not significantly affect the game's balance. On the other hand, it is also important to note that new elements have been added, such as the addition of a “Fractured World” where the left and right sides of the world are reversed.

The difficulty level is almost the same as the original version, and is one of the easier games in the Soul series. It is designed so that even people who are not good at action RPGs can clear the game by raising the level properly. This game software is recommended not only for those who have never played a death game, but also for those with experience.

・Demon's Souls (PS5 version)

3rd place DARK SOULS III[PS4, Xbox One, Windows]

By: darksouls.jp

Dark Souls complete. Culmination of the series

DARK SOULS III is an action RPG released in 2016. It is the third and final installment of the Dark Souls series. This work was developed for current generation consoles, and the scale of the map has been improved. Now you can explore a wider, three-dimensional world than ever before.

The game system is based on the first game, “DARK SOULS,'' and the key point is that it incorporates systems that were popular in the Souls series, such as dual wielding and charged attacks. Furthermore, it introduces “battle techniques'' that allow you to use actions that are specific to weapons, making this a truly culminating title for the series.

In 2017, the all-in-one package “DARK SOULS III THE FIRE FADES EDITION'' containing two DLCs was released. In addition to the main game, new elements such as a new world, weapons, and magic have been added. You can play this game from the beginning, but there are many scenes that will make you grin when you play the previous games, so it is recommended that you play them at the end if possible.

・DARK SOULS III THE FIRE FADES EDITION (PS4 version)

4th place DARK SOULS II[PS3,PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows]

Enhanced online play. For those who like interpersonal/cooperative play

“DARK SOULS II” was released in 2014. The director has changed from the previous work, and while the basic system is the same, it is characterized by a unique arrangement. While the game has become more difficult to play than the previous game, it has been highly praised for its enhanced online elements.

Systems related to online play have increased, such as the “rescue system'' that protects the host from player killers, the “arena'' where fierce warriors hungry for interpersonal play gather, and the “bell guard'' who invades other players' worlds as an enemy character in a specific area. Perfect for those who want to casually enjoy interpersonal and cooperative play.

Also, in 2015, the all-in-one package “DARK SOULS II SCHOLAR OF THE FIRST SIN'' was released. This is a complete version that includes the main story and the DLC trilogy “THE LOST CROWNS”, as well as new elements. The volume is one of the highest in the series, so it is also recommended for those who like the elements of getting involved.

・DARK SOULS II SCHOLAR OF THE FIRST SIN (PS4 version)

5th place Bloodborne[PS4]

High speed action with death

“Bloodborne” is an action RPG released in 2015. This is a game software developed by SCE Japan Studio and From Software, who previously worked on “Demon's Souls'', teaming up once again. The main system is the same as the Soul series. However, the world view is completely new and does not belong to any lineage.

In the Soul series, “defense” using a shield is basically very effective, but in this game there are almost no means of defense. A new “regain'' system has been introduced that allows you to recover your HP if you hit an attack within a certain amount of time even if you receive damage, and the game design is characterized by a game design that gives you an advantage the more you attack. You can enjoy fast-paced battles that focus on melee attacks, long-range attacks with guns, and evasion.

Currently, “Bloodborne The Old Hunters Edition'', which includes the main game and DLC, is on sale. In addition to new areas, weapons and armor being added, it is also important to note that Japanese voices are newly recorded by a gorgeous voice actor team. Although the difficulty level is quite high among the Souls series, it is recommended for those who want to play a more challenging action game.

・Bloodborne PlayStation Hits (PS4 version)

・Bloodborne The Old Hunters Edition (PS4 version)

6th place Demon's Souls[PS3]

The first work in the series and the completed version

Demon's Souls is an action RPG released on PS3 in 2009. This is the first work in the Soul series. It became a huge hit both in Japan and overseas due to its highly difficult game balance that thrilled gamers, and its level of completion that was hard to believe for a new title.

Although it is said to be highly difficult, this is compared to other software at the time, and the difficulty level is low in the Soul series. Even those who are not good at action can clear the game by raising the level of even the seemingly powerful enemies and strengthening their weapons.

In 2018, online services were discontinued. Some online features such as multiplayer and ranking viewing are no longer available. However, you can still enjoy solo play. If you use “PlayStation Now,'' a flat-rate service that allows you to play as many games as you like, you can play on PS4 and Windows PC. If you want to get to know the origins of the Soul series, check it out.

・Demon's Souls (PS3 version)

Extra edition | SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE[PS4, Xbox One, Windows]

Fromm's latest “game of death”

“SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE” is an action-adventure game released in 2019. This is a work created by the development staff of “DARK SOULS'' and “Bloodborne,'' and it is a “death game'' where you have to devise a strategy while repeatedly experiencing game overs.

This work is characterized by strong action elements. Since the Soul series is an action RPG, it is also possible to push yourself harder by raising your level and strengthening your stats. However, SEKIRO's stats basically don't increase unless you defeat the boss, so you have no choice but to cover it up with techniques. If you are not good at action games, you may not be able to clear the game.

Also, it is not available online. It's completely offline, so you can progress at your own pace. In 2019, it won numerous game awards around the world, and its fun is guaranteed. Although it is different from the Soul series, it is recommended as a “death game” from the same manufacturer.

Extra edition｜ELDEN RING[PS4,PS5, Xbox Series X|S,Xbox One,Steam]

By: eldenring.jp

A completely new evolution of Dark Souls.

“ELDEN RING” is a new action RPG scheduled to be released in January 2022. This is a big title created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the development director who worked on “DARK SOULS'' and “Bloodborne,'' and George R.R. Martin, a fantasy author and original author of the foreign drama “Game of Thrones.''

The main character of this work is a “faded person'' who has lost the golden light from his eyes. The story is about a man who sets out on an adventure to become the king of the “land in between” from which he was once exiled. The concept is the classic evolution of the Dark Souls series. You can enjoy hard and challenging action.

In addition to the familiar multiplayer in the series, the asynchronous elements that allow you to loosely connect with other players are still available. On the other hand, there are also elements unique to this work, such as the addition of new actions such as “jumping” and “riding.” If you are interested in the Soul series, please check it out.