Innovative and popular games often find themselves imitated, creating what are essentially subgenres based on their gameplay mechanics in the process. This has happened with Nintendo’sThe Legend of Zeldafranchise, which has inspired countlessZeldaclones over the years, and it’s also happened with FromSoftware’sDark Soulsgames as well, with many similar games being described as Soulslike.
There are legions of fans who hold bothThe Legend of ZeldaandDark Soulsin high regard, so it’s no surprise that developers have tried to marry concepts from the two franchises together. These attempts have had mixed results, but it would be hard to find a game that blendsZeldaandDark Soulstogether better thanDeath’s Door, arecently-released indie game from developer Acid Nervethat has earned widespread critical acclaim.
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Death’s Doorreviews have been highly positivesince the game’s launch on July 20, and for good reason. It plays like an old-school,Link to the Past-styleZeldagame for the most part, but blends that gameplay with elements that one would associate with theDark Soulsseries. The result is the perfect combination of the two franchises, and a game that should appeal greatly to bothZeldaandDark Soulsfans alike.
Why Zelda Fans Should Play Death’s Door
Death’s Dooruses a isometric camera, but it still essentially plays like a top-downZeldasimilar toA Link to the Past. And likeZeldagames,Death’s Doorhas players collecting upgrades, finding new tools, completing puzzles, and conquering dungeons. The basic gameplay loop is practically identical toZelda, with players able to freely explore the overworld but finding certain areas inaccessible until they’ve acquired new equipment.
Anyone that enjoysZelda’s sense of exploration or progression will likely come away very impressed byDeath’s Door, which manages to nail the classicZeldaformula. It’s easilyone of the betterZeldaclonescurrently available, and so fans of Nintendo’s franchise shouldn’t think twice about picking it up.
Why Dark Souls Fans Should Play Death’s Door
Aesthetically,Death’s Doorisn’t really likeThe Legend of Zeldaat all. While Nintendo has explored darker themes in itsZeldagames, it has mostly stuck to a colorful, fantasy art style.Death’s Dooruses somber, dark tones, as players take on the role of a reaper crow whose purpose is to reap souls for the afterlife. In terms of art style,Death’s Doordefinitely has a lot more in common withDark Soulsthan it doesZelda.
Death’s Dooralso feels more like aDark Soulsgame when it comes to its boss fights. The boss battles aren’t so difficult that players will find themselves rage quitting, but they are far more challenging than the battles in mostZeldagames.Death’s Doorupgrades can be used to make these boss fights a little easier, but there’s still a healthy challenge to be found here that seems to be inspired by the wayDark Soulshandles its boss battles.
Not to mention that players are literally collecting souls inDeath’s Doorthat are then used to purchase upgrades, just like theDark Soulsseries. One way thatDeath’s Doordiffers fromDark Souls, though, is that players don’t have to worry about losing their souls if they die. It’s far more forgiving, while still providing a decent challenge with its bosses if players are looking for something to test their skills.
Zeldafan orDark Soulsfan, there’s a lot to like aboutDeath’s Door. It’s one of the highest-rated games of 2021 for good reason, so fans of these kinds of games shouldn’t miss out.
Death’s Dooris out now for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
