Forget Elden Ring, this hit dungeon-crawler was inspired by the Fromsoftware RPGs that everyone's forgotten
Dec. 3, 2023A KingsFieldLike with excellent user reviews
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Following Dark Souls’ controller-breaking impact, countless Soulsbornelikes emerged from the shadows looking to contend withFromsoftware’s super-tough formula. Now, one indie game is instead paying homage to the studio’s forgotten gems.
Lunacid released earlier this year - on October 31 - and is heavily inspired by Fromsoft’s 1994 dungeon-crawler King’s Field and 1998’s Shadow Tower. (It’s a KingsTowerLike!) As such, you’ll be doing the usual first-person sword-swinging, spell-slinging, and cautious exploring.
Lunacid’s retro throwback and surreal world seem to have been a treat for fans of the genre, as it currently holds a “Very Positive” rating based on over 4,700 Steam user reviews. Many reviews shout out the impactful character progression, the charming writing, and the alien fantasy world.
Reviews are definitely impressive, but they make sense considering Lunacid’s year-long tenure in early access. Upon hitting 1.0, developer Kira added new enemies, levels, weapons, spells, and endings to the game. (Also, shrimp, for some reason.) However, 1.0 isn’t the end for this world since “there’s a prequel also in the works,” according to a recent developerblog post. More good throwbacks in the pipeline, hopefully.
Fromsoftware itself is far removed from those dungeon-crawling roots. The studio is now working on Elden Ring’s first expansion, called Shadow of the Erdtree, anddevelopment is reportedly “progressing well,” even if it’s still a “little ways off.”
Do you enjoy modern Fromsoft homages more? Check out the10 best games like Dark Souls.
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Kaan freelances for various websites including Rock Paper Shotgun, Eurogamer, and this one, Gamesradar. He particularly enjoys writing about spooky indies, throwback RPGs, and anything that’s vaguely silly. Also has an English Literature and Film Studies degree that he’ll soon forget.
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