Eldest Souls
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Eldest Souls Trailers
Eldest Souls - Gameplay Launch Trailer (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC)
Eldest Souls - PAX Teaser Trailer
Eldest Souls - E3 Gameplay trailer
Critic Reviews for Eldest Souls
While it wears its obvious influences on its sleeve, Eldest Souls is an incredibly satisfying boss rush that still manages to set itself apart.
Eldest Souls is one of the most beautiful indie games out there but the hurdle to get into it is far too high. The skill points handed out to upgrade your character do little to help while there is no room to learn the mechanics. The notorious Souls difficulty is only amplified in the boss-rush genre, which makes this a near-impossible entry-level game. For anyone who enjoys Dark Souls’ most difficult segments emphatically because of the challenge, Eldest Souls has a lot to love. But that’s just it - Eldest Souls is one for the die-hard fans and no one else.
Eldest Souls' punishing difficulty may turn off some, but this entertaining and rewarding combat system made me look forward to every titanic face-off
Without the unique interpretation and translation of combat, Fallen Flag should already take comfort in the knowledge that their crafted series of boss fights are at least visually and mechanically-attractive enough to warrant a punishing trudge through to the credits screen.
Eldest Souls is not a game for the faint of heart. It is a brutal boss rush challenge that will push you to your limit. But its "one more try" hook is seriously addicting.
As a game Eldest Souls does not hide the fact it is a tough game but it is trying to outshine in a genre that has had better examples, and better bosses over the years. Eldest Souls is by no means a bad game but it does rely on players having luck on their side a little bit too much, and that can make it a frustrating experience rather than a fun or engaging one.
This is why I don't think it's really apt to say that Eldest Souls is a Souls-like game (though what defines a souls-like game is really not a debate that I'd like to get into). Rather, I think it's a boss-rush game with Souls-like aesthetics because, in terms of gameplay, the only real similarity with the Dark Souls franchise is the fact that it's a difficult game with a stamina bar, boss fights, and a focus on dodge mechanics. Consequently, it's also why I feel if you're looking for a game similar to the Soulsborne games, Eldest Souls may not be your cup of tea. But hey, if you're a fan of boss rush hack-and-slash games, why not give it a try?
For the Dark Souls fan who sees every From Software game as a validation of the “git gud” mentality, Eldest Souls will probably scratch a persistent itch. For everyone else, especially those who appreciate Souls-like games for their journeys and not their boss destinations, Eldest Souls may seem too focused on doing one thing, no matter how well it succeeds. Eldest Souls is designed around frustration and challenge, and if that’s your idea of a good time, then this game is for you.
