FromSoftware, a Japanese video game company, has been a hot topic in the video game industry for their creation of video games that have redefined what makes a game challenging. But what makes them unique compared to every other video game company in Japan?

From its first entry in the Souls series, “Demon’s Souls,” to now its latest release “Elden Ring,” FromSoftware introduces gameplay that constantly tests the player’s adaptability and skill in recognizing patterns and decision making. This is best utilized through their extensive boss battle designs such as Genichiro Ashina from “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” and the Nameless King from “Dark Souls III.” These boss fights present significant challenges to players, and require creativity and self reflection to find the best way to approach the fight.  The main gameplay aspect is to learn from your mistakes that caused you to die in the first place. Did you mistime your attack? Were you too greedy? Was your stamina very low? The cycle of death is very prominent and can push players to quit out of frustration. I myself have come to points where I just want to set the game aside and take a break. Instead of doing this, however, I just keep pushing forward, trying and trying again until I know for certain that my attack pattern will certainly defeat the boss.

What comes after is the joy and excitement of defeating a boss and getting through a tough level. That’s what makes these types of games fun, separating FromSoftware’s games aside from other action role-playing games. Rarely do people play a game so challenging and seemingly impossible and still beat it.  I was reluctant to play any Souls game myself, thinking it was too much of a challenge, and that I wouldn’t enjoy it. Still, I found myself enamored with it. 

FromSoftware’s key to attracting players? It’s all in the atmosphere. In “Dark Souls,” you have a more medieval setting with large castles and broken gateways mixed with a dark and gloomy environment. In “Sekiro,” players experience the Edo Japan period, with roaring landscapes and samurai guarding large palaces. Enemies that appear in these games are varied and creative:  mythical fiends such as scourge, vampires, ghouls, ogres and more prowl the land. It shows how FromSoftware delicately pays attention to detail to give the player a more unique, immersive experience. I view it as a tribute to various cultures, especially “Sekiro,” as FromSoftware is accustomed to Japanese culture.

Their latest release, “Elden Ring,” has been a massive hit. Going forward, I hope to see the same level of detail and content in future games FromSoftware releases. It may take a few years before the next game, but for the end result, I don’t mind waiting.