A challenging JRPG with dark, fairy-tale exploration
BLACK SOULS is a challenging adventure RPG that blends the demanding difficulty and open-world exploration of a Souls-like experience with classic Japanese role-playing game mechanics. You awaken as a nameless undead in the desolate, mist-shrouded Lost Empire, where survival is precarious and danger lurks behind every corner.
The game’s dark atmosphere and punishing loop of death and rebirth are reminiscent of titles like Darkest Dungeon or Salt and Sanctuary. Unlike those contemporaries, however, BLACK SOULS offers a mix of modern exploration and vintage JRPG fighting. It features a traditional, turn-based Active-Time Battle (ATB) system and a Symbol Encounter mechanic.
In BLACK SOULS, players navigate the Lost Empire without the hand-holding often found in linear RPGs. After selecting an initial class, the choices you make determine your path and growth, lending the game immense replayability. Death is not the end, but it's a stepping stone toward uncovering the world’s secrets and avoiding the "darkest of ends" mentioned in the game’s lore. This system makes every failure feel immediately meaningful.
Grim world, open path
Combat is handled through a tense Active-Time Battle system, where quick decisions are essential to exploit enemy weaknesses and manage your resources. A Symbol Encounter system means you can see enemies on the map before initiating a fight. Adding to the replayability, the game features 21 heroines based on classic fairy tales like Alice in Wonderland and Snow White, each with their own twisted story arc to discover.
The branching narrative is a core strength. The game boasts multiple endings that depend entirely on the player’s discoveries and interactions with the unique cast of characters. The story delves deep into the kingdom’s lore, detailing the war and the monstrous effects of the mist. However, the unforgiving nature of this world is reflected in the punishing difficulty, which can deter new RPG players seeking a gentler experience.
A rewarding darkness
BLACK SOULS is a bold and ambitious indie RPG that successfully fuses challenging exploration and a punishing atmosphere with satisfying classic turn-based combat. Its narrative depth, immense freedom of choice, and engaging heroine-collecting mechanic make it a compelling experience for seasoned RPG fans looking for a dark fantasy twist. While its high difficulty presents a substantial barrier to entry, the overall package offers a memorable and replayable journey.
Pros
- Open-ended exploration
- Death does not result in Game Over
- Tense battle mechanics
- 21 unique fairy-tale heroines
Cons
- Punishing difficulty
