Summary
FromSoftwareis at a crossroads.Elden RingandArmored Core 6put capstones on their respective franchises, and, though sequels may well follow, those games served as final statements for FromSoft’s mech and Souls games as they currently stand. Given rumors thatFromSoftwareis working on multiple new titles, it seems certain that whatever comes next will see the developer evolving, rather than simply reprising games that came before. In the wake of indie SoulslikeLunacid’s runaway success, plus the general resurgence of interest in FromSoftware’s back-catalog, now might be the perfect time for the inimitable game developer to finally revisitKing’s Field.
Formed as a business software company in the 1980s, FromSoftware first dipped its toes into gaming with 1994’sKing’s Field—an eerie first-person dungeon-crawl through the depths of a dark-fantasy realm. As early as its first game, FromSoftware made a splash in the industry, withKing’s Field’s quixotic world, punishing combat, and a heavy, oppressive atmosphere making it stand out against its competition.King’s Field’s immediate success led to three sequels and a handful of spiritual successors—most notably, the strange horror-tingedShadow Towergames and the more obscureEternal Ring. For some gamers, these first-person adventures still represent the pure, undistilled FromSoftware experience, without any concessions to game design trends or pretense of accessibility.
In 2018, FromSoftware released afirst-person VR title,Deracine. Described by director Hidetaka Miyazaki as a spiritual successor to Bloodborne,Deracinewas inspired by FromSoftware’sEcho Nightgames, a trilogy of first-person horror adventure games.
Why Now is FromSoftware’s Moment to Reunite With the King’s Field Formula
It’s been over two decades now since the release ofShadow Tower Abyss. In that time, the first person dungeon crawler genre has declined and been reborn. In recent years, a wave of retro-revival indies, fromLunacidtoDevil’s Spire, have paid direct homage to theKing’s FieldandShadow Towergames. But, while games inspired byFromSoftware’s early first-person outingshave carried the torch, it may be time for FromSoftware to light an entirely new bonfire.
FromSoftware Has a Chance To Evolve the Genre
Rather than reveling in nostalgia, FromSoftware has the chance to approach first-person dungeon-crawling with fresh eyes. Rather than seeking to directly emulate past successes,a new FromSoftware dungeon-crawlercould use everything the developer has learned in the twenty years betweenShadow Tower AbyssandElden Ringto build something completely new.
WithElden Ring, FromSoftware perfected theSoulsgames' esoteric puzzles, dense NPC interactions, and abstract questlines. Integrating all of these elements intoa game similar toKing’s Fieldcould allow for a virtual realm that feels more alive than ever. Traps around every corner, methodical slow-paced combat, and a focus on a much expanded magic system—as deep asEternal Ring’s but as intuitive asElden Ring’s—could help set a new FromSoftware dungeon-crawler apart from simply beingDark Soulsin first-person.
Beyond theSoulsseries,Bloodborne’sthemes of perception and madnesshave the potential to be especially effective in first person.Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicecould also be used as inspiration, with that game’s focus on movement and verticality informing a unique approach to level design—light first-person platforming and a more explicitly three-dimensional approach to level design could add serious depth to a first-person dungeon-crawler’s exploration while also further distinguishing it from previous Soulsborne titles.
A First-Person FromSoftware Game Has the Chance to Be More Immersive Than Ever
Beyond updated gameplay, modern graphics could allow FromSoftware to make a game that feels more expansive and detailed than ever before. While there is definitely a charm to the low draw distance of the PS1 and PS2 titles, a first-person game built around a more high-fidelity experience could bring something entirely new to the table. Even in third-person,Dark Souls 2’s Majulareveal is a powerful moment. A similarly well-crafted moment in first-person could be uniquely impressive.
What FromSoftware Has Planned is a Mystery
With nothing announced yet, nobody outside FromSoftware knows for certain what the enigmatic developer is currently working on. While a return to first-person dungeon-crawling isn’t the most likely option for FromSoftware’s next game, rumors that the developer’s next title focuses on an intricate magic system has many fans crossing their fingers that the unannounced title might just be a spiritual successor toFromSoft’s cult-classic PS2 launch title,Eternal Ring.
King’s Field: The Ancient City
WHERE TO PLAY
An accursed idol responsible for the destruction of an ancient race has resurfaced to wreak havoc once again among the kingdoms of man. You must return the idol to the Ancient City to break its curse, but monsters of unspeakable horror haunt the ruins. There is a palpable fear in the air of the Ancient Citv - even the monsters themselves fear the evil that has returned.Treasures beyond imagination await the warrior bold enough to attempt the journey, strong enough to face the minions of death, and wise enough to follow the path that leads to the essence of light! Use your sword arm well to rid the land of a potent curse! Be aware that should the sword fail, you have the magical arts to serve you in your quest. Learn the propertime and place for each or you too shall be counted amongst those lost forever.First-person exploration RPG that immerses you into the 3D rendered world of King’s Field with an all new story and incredible graphics!More than 40 arcas of non-lincar exploration where you seck upgrades for your weapons and armor as well as componcats for magic spells!Unlock the art of using powerful spells, discover items long forgotten in secret areas and Icarn valuable knowledge from characters you mect.More than 100 unique monsters and villains, each with their own arsenal of attacks and defenses, ready to claim their next victim!A plethora of weapons, armor, rings, and more await your discovery and use!
