Summary
If any developer has the skills needed to create a fabulous in-game atmosphere, it’s the talented team at FromSoftware. From their humble beginnings working on PC business software, all the way to their well-earned reputation as one of the best game developers in the industry. FromSoftware has maximized its efforts when it comes to crafting a unique brandof challenging action RPGswith an alluring presence.
Their commitment to detail, both large and small, is remarkable, as their intricately designed worlds have been some of the most compelling in the industry for years now. Whether it’s the foggy, gothic streets of Yharnam inBloodborneor the deep, underground catacombs of theKing’s Fieldseries, FromSoftware has consistently relied on amazing art direction, as well as equally outstanding sound design, to create a truly mesmerizing atmosphere. These classic titles are ranked based on their art direction, visuals, and sound design, as well as how all of those elements blend together into one package.
Although FromSoftware is well-known today for its brutally difficult third-person action RPGs, their early games were fairly eclectic in nature. Case in point, theEcho Nightgames, a series of first-person horror titles that originated on the PS1. And withthe power of the PS2, FromSoftware used that to bring a next-gen version of the series to life withEcho Night: Beyond, a visually stunning title set on an abandoned moon base.
Echo Night: Beyond features some excellent 3D model work, even for the time, as the dimly lit, narrow corridors feel very similar to the claustrophobic hallways from FromSoftware’sKing’s Field. Its combination of sparse music and creepy sound design works masterfully, as trudging through its dark interiors with only a rapidly increasing heartbeat and footsteps elevates it into the upper echelon of the horror genre’s most forgotten hidden gems.
FromSoftware games often rely on contained areas, ones that shuffle the player from one to the other through linear hallways. WithElden Ring, however, FromSoftware created their very first open-world game and the end result was masterful. Taking place in a realm known as the Lands Between,Elden Ring’smassive, sprawling open world is absolutely incredible. Drawing from classic fantasy and adventure films,Elden Ringeffortlessly recreates the lush vistas seen in those movies and really feels like a painted world come to life.
Its breathtaking open world seems to go on for ages, as the ability to find a new beautiful location within seconds of the other is remarkable. And down below, inside the game’s numerous underground dungeons and caverns, the threat of danger mixed with reward calls back to older FromSoftware games likeKing’s FieldandShadow Tower. The incredible art direction and sound design blend together brilliantly, as traversingElden Ring’shuge worldhas a unique feeling unlike any FromSoftware game.
Taking off fromKing’s Field, FromSoftware used what they learned from the first three games in order to create an entirely new franchise withShadow Tower, a dungeon-crawling actionRPG for the PS1in 1999. Utilizing similar themes and locations,Shadow Towerfeatures the player descending into a dark, dreary underworld equipped with the only weapon capable of eliminating the ones responsible for consuming the city of Zeptar.
Shadow Toweris still one of the most visually appealing PS1 games of all time, as its use of complete darkness in certain areas gives the game a sense of dread and looming paranoia that is akin to something likeSilent Hill. It’s a game unafraid of limitations, and instead, uses the hardware ceiling of the PS1 to its advantage. These days, the retro PS1 style is dominating the indie scene, and the vibes of this wonderful action RPG have contributed in numerous ways.
King’s Fieldwas the firstvideo game that FromSoftware ever created, its development was motivated by the team working on PC games in their downtime. Influenced by Arthurian legend and ancient myths, King’s Field is a first-person dungeon crawler RPG that sees the player explore decrepit tombs and crumbling caverns, using the limited hardware of the PS1 to create something that still looks and feels incredible today.
Considering the rough transition period that some developers had from 2D to 3D, FromSoftware jumping straight into creating a fully 3D-action RPG was impressive.King’s Fieldis dripping with tension and paranoia, as enemies wait around every corner and the game’s droning, minimalist soundscape helps to further unnerve the player.
After being inspired by contemporaries likeIco, Hidetaki Miyazaki joined FromSoftware in 2004 and took over a struggling project inside the company that was attempting to give new life to an older, more difficult style of RPG from years past. That game ended up beingDemon’s Souls, and its slick combination of dark fantasy and Lovecraftian horror was a revelation for the time and is still one of the most intoxicating, alluring action RPGs of all time.
Its rich, complex 3D world is a fabulous creation, one that oscillates between different locations wonderfully. The closed-off, lined balconies of the Prison of Hope are intimidating, while the insidious depths of the Depraved Chasm feel like an oppressive nightmare. Meanwhile, upper Boletaria feels like a traditional fantasy kingdom, albeit one on the verge of madness.Demon’s Soulsis still one of the most atmospheric, well-designed games of its generation, and was the beneficiary of a complete remake on the PS5 by Bluepoint.
Initially conceived as a new entry in theTenchufranchise,Sekiro: Shadows Die Twiceeventually morphed into its own unique IP set inSengoku-era Japan during the 1500s. Its taut, controlled atmosphere is FromSoft operating at an insanely high level, asSekiro’sworlds are filled with excellent lighting and outstanding visual design. The music by composer Yuta Kitamura is fabulous, using authentic instruments in concert with the sound design to create a rich, layered experience.
Traversing maps like Hirata Estate and Ashina Castle with FromSoftware’s trademark attention to detail and world-building is truly incredible, as these multi-level maps are accompanied by stupendous music and direction. It is still one of the best-looking games of the previous generation, as its terrific art direction brings this bloody era of Japanese history to life in spectacular fashion.
Despite the critical success of 2009’sDemon’s Souls, theIP was owned by Sony, which resulted in FromSoftware creating a spiritual successor in 2011. The end result wasDark Souls, one of the most important games of its generation and a game rich in atmosphere, storytelling, and world design. It is a masterclass in how to create a game with a deep story that doesn’t rely on long cutscenes, as its lore unfolds naturally within the game itself.
Dark Soulstakes place in the kingdom of Lordran, a world burdened by fire and death. Right from the opening cutscene,Dark Soulsis clearly a game operating at a high level, as escaping from the Undead Asylum opens up the game’s brilliantly interconnected world. Lordran feels like a fully realized place, and upon arriving at Anor Londo, it’s possible to see just how much effort was put intoDark Souls. Every step inDark Soulsfeels important, and the stunning art direction makes it all possible, as this treasured masterpiece is still worth playing today.
Taking strong influence from theworks of writer HP Lovecraftand classic horror literature,Bloodbornewas developed as a PS4 exclusive and took full advantage of the new hardware. Set in the crumbling city of Yharnam,Bloodborneis built around the themes of madness and fear, which is evidenced in every aspect of its design. Yharnam is on the brink of collapse, and much like the mythos that influenced it, sees the central protagonist as a small part of its cosmic playground.
Bloodborne’sstreets, back alleyways, and underground depths are thick with a dark, oppressive atmosphere. Danger lurks around every corner, and surviving long enough to reach the next lamp post ties even further into the game’s feeling of dread. The music is also a key highlight, making use of a full orchestra and choir, as it drives home just how big the conflict beyond the player is.Bloodborne’sreputation as the ultimate cosmic horror RPG is well-earned, as it uses the Lovecraftian mythos to perfection.
