FromSoftware has steadily established a reputation for incredible games littered with unique worlds. While the initial impression of many of these environments, set in worlds that are desolate, dying or brimming with conflict, a deeper dive often reveals much more. FromSoftware worlds, be it Anor Londo or Yharman are full of rich lore, tragic stories and glimmers of hope.
While some games are set in multiple worlds, and some worlds are re-explored in later titles, one of the more interesting aspects of FromSoftware games is how rarely they revisit their established worlds. Building up these gorgeous environments rich of history, stories and lessons and surrounding them with adversity is a FromSoftware special. However, at this stage, with multiple successful titles and fan-favorite regions galore, many feel that retreads to familiar areas could be due. With a lack of clear sequels for some of their most iconic games, it may be time to revisit some of these incredible regions.
While fictional Japan serves as a canvas forSekiro: Shadows Die Twice,is not a ‘world’ in the geographical sense of the word, the entire game is focused in this one region. A region with tons of lore, interesting characters and past tales. Be it the establishment of the Ashina Clan or their struggle with the interior ministry, its clear that there’s a ton of stories to tell in this world.
WithSekirobeing one ofthe most well-received gamesof the last decade, it might be time to revisit it. Whether it be continuing with Wolf’s journey or finding a new protagonist to follow, a return to Sengoku, Japan is overdue. ConsideringSekiro’scombat system was universally acclaimed andthe bosses super fun, a sequel would be highly anticipated.
The world of Boletaria is one only featured once in FromSoftware’s library, and whileDemon Soulshas recently received a remake, that does not qualify as a revisit.
One thing that differentiates Boletaria from other FromSoftware worlds is that it isn’t destined to fail or wither away. While the Old One and his fog have wreaked havoc on the land, and the tragic tale of Allant is a somber reminder of the fallibility of great men, the game can end on a positive note, relatively free of danger and with hopes of a rebuild. Boletaria is one of the earliest worlds From Software created, and it would be interesting to see how their more recent experiences could influence a revisit.
When the ashen one arrives in Lothric, it serves as a remnant of a once bygone and golden kingdom, now reduced to plague and misery. The knights clad in shining armor, the incredible architecture, the paved streets and the grandiose halls - all gone. The ashen one finds the once magnificent kingdom of Lothric in a depressing decline. The region is infected by the pus of man, there are seemingly no citizens left, the once prosperous kingdom of dragon slayers is reduced to demon knights andtwo princes fighting for a vow.
Dark Souls 3was the end of a cycle. It was written to close the chapter on theDark Soulstrilogy. While the Ringed City expansion served as the perfect goodbye, one could always hope for a return. The world of Lothric has a lot left to offer, whether it be its era of prosperity, or its endless entanglement with firelinking, there seems to be enough room there for a retread.
While theworlds of theDark Soulstrilogy are connected, Drangleic offers a different take. Whereas the other two games focus on these larger than life deities and Gods, and how they must link the flame. With both games providing stark reminders of how this neverending cycle consumes everything around them.Dark Souls 2provides a more grounded perspective. Arguably, its primary focus is on how the human kingdoms have to deal with the undead curse.
The world of Drangleic is full of tales of heroism, tragedy and failure. A chance to tread through the grandiose castles and marble clad kingdoms of Drangleic would be a welcome return to a game that is over a decade old and often underlooked.
Bloodborneis nearly a decade old. One of the most iconic games on the PS4, fans are still hoping and expecting a sequel. While the game has some incredible combat, crazy boss fights and a solid weapon system, one of the biggest reasons why fans are still yearning for a sequel is to return tothe self-contained world of Yharnam.
Yharnam is gloomy, haunting, miserable and full of death. Yharnam is also one of the most rich and satisfying worlds to explore and discover. The gothic architecture, the seemingly Lovecraft-ian references and the feeling of a lived-in city fighting within itself makes for an incredible story.Bloodbornewas littered with themes of xenophobia, religious indoctrination, and a city destined for failure. Yharnam was the site for the failings of man, their quest for divinity and their ignorance. This hauntingly beautiful world has so many more stories to tell and one canalways hope for that eventual revisitthat doesn’t seem to be any closer.
