It’s safe to say that we won’t seeDark Souls 4in 2020. Development companyFromSoftwareis focused on games likeElden Ring,and it’s too soon. We don’t know what to expect from the nextDark Soulsinstallment if it ever releases. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director ofDark Souls,Demon Souls,saidDark Souls 3is his last game.He did, however, open the discussion for passing the directing torch to someone else.
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At this point, we can only speculate if there will be aDark Souls 4. The esteemedDark Soulsseries has produced some of the best action role-playing games in history, yet another sequel might not be the best idea. Let’s go down the list. Here are five reasons why we needDark Souls 4(and five why we don’t).
10FromSoftware Is Working On New Projects (Don’t Need It)
Dark Souls 4might not be the most anticipated game from developer FromSoftware. With the recent release ofSekiro: Shadows Die Twiceand the upcomingElden Ring, it looks as if From Software is looking to build on the subgenre with new games.
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WhetherElden RingandDark Soulswill share the same universe has yet to be seen. For now, we can take comfort in knowing that FromSoftware is learning fromDark Souls 3, regardless of ifDark Souls 4releases.
9A Lackluster Conclusion To The Trilogy (Need It)
Although many will disagree, one opinion suggests thatDark Souls 3was the most disappointing game in the trilogy. This polarizing game was too easy for seasoned and newDark Soulsplayers. FromSoftware was misguided in their efforts.Dark Soulsis fun because of its unforgiving gameplay.Dark Souls 3was also criticized for being too short and for failing to distinguish itself. Weneed another sequel to make up forDark Souls 3’s shortcomings.
8We Have NG+ And PVP (Don’t Need It)
New Game+ andplayer versus playerare two components of theDark Soulsseries with tremendous replay value. Whether you’re a fan of the unforgiving player versus player combat of the firstDark Soulsor prefer the freedom of movement of theDark Souls 2andDark Souls 3, there is much to admire. Die-hard Souls players have spent countless hours grinding New Game+ and player versus player. They are two aspects ofDark Soulsthat have yet to grow stale.
7New Weapons (Need It)
Dark Soulsis one of our favorite action role-playing games because of its various weapons, among other reasons.The amount of weapons contained in the game is staggering.Weapons are abundant, but enormous detail went into their specifications and appearance.
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At face value, it’s a medieval game. However, with magic imbued weapons, it takes anenchanting spin on the medieval setting.Who could forget weapons like the Ringed Knight Paired Greatswords, Fume Ultra Greatsword, or Lothric Knight Sword?Dark Souls 4would benefit from new weapons, and we know FromSoftware would surpass expectations.
6The Soulsborne Subgenre Is Flooded With Games (Don’t Need It)
This straightforward reason suggests that the Soulsborne subgenre contains too many games. PuttingDark SoulsandBloodborneaside, there are other games likeSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nioh, The Surge, Remnant: From the Ashes, Dead Cells, Hollow Knight, and more. Souls-like games are continually releasing, which is whyDark Souls 4is unnecessary.
5Better Manouveribilty (Need It)
Anytime you form an opinion aboutDark Souls, there will be a group of people who strongly disagree. Whether you agree or not, it could be said that the firstDark Soulsgame is worse because of its restrictive movements.Dark Souls 3introduced more freedom of motion. The trend is heading towards more free-flow movements, which is whyDark Souls 4could address this gameplay mechanic.
4The Story Is Becoming Confusing (Don’t Need It)
The convoluted plot ofDark Soulsis becoming needlessly complicated. When a game series runs too long, the story can become a jumbled mess. It raises questions like if the series takes place in chronological order and how plot points tie-in. Don’t feel alone if you have trouble understandingDark Souls. You play as a different character in eachDark Soulsgame, which makes it even more confusing.
3A New Story (Need It)
Dark Souls 4could be a reboot for the franchise, much like games such asGod of War,Metroid Prime, andTomb Raider. IfDark Souls 4does launch as a reboot for the series, this will likely happen years down the road.
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Not enough time has passed, andDark Souls 3is still fresh in our minds. To see a new story would be too soon. Furthermore, reboots fundamentally change gameplay, which is why it’s not the right time for a spiritual successor.
2It Could Disappoint (Don’t Need It)
Will the Soulsborne subgenre ever grow stale? At the moment, we are anticipating the next Souls-like game to get our Soulsborne fix. Is it possible thatDark Souls 4could be an utter disaster? The developers ofDark Souls 4won’t be able to change much without upsetting their fan base. Perhaps we should leave the series as a trilogy, to avoid the chance that the next sequel disappoints.
1New Boss Fights (Need It)
As a series renowned for itsgrueling boss fights,Dark Soulswouldn’t be the same without them. Studying colossal foes' moves as they inflict massive damage is overwhelming for most players. Be prepared to die numerous times when playingDark Souls.
AlbeitDark Soulsboss fights have replayability, it’s a series that would benefit from new bosses. We would also like to see old bosses return to new settings with original move sets. Pontiff Sulyvahn, Knight Artorias, and the Great Grey Wolf Sif should return. How about Ornstein and Smough? Let’s not do that again.
