Tag: From Software

Crunchyroll presents the first look at the biggest video game adaptation to anime so far… and it might not be the last

Video games have always had a very close relationship with anime. The fact that both industries have strong roots in Japan has a lot to do with it, although it is true that it has not always been a particularly fruitful relationship for video games. The number of not particularly interesting anime based on video games is notable. Although it is also inevitable: it has always been seen as an interesting source, but with little substance to dig into. The same happened with Western cinema and television series, something that has changed over time. This includes anime. For a few years now, […]

The video game has always had a very close relationship with anime. That both industries have strong roots in Japan has a lot to do with it, although it is true that it has not always been a particularly fruitful relationship for video games. The number of not particularly interesting anime based on video games is notable. Although it is also inevitable: it has always been seen as an interesting source, but with little substance to dig into.

But the same was true for Western cinema and television series, something that has changed over time. This includes anime. In recent years, it has become much more common to find good anime adaptations of popular video games, or even those that are not so popular. And the latest example is one of the most important video games from From Software, of which we will soon be able to see the first images: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

The path to anime is one full of obstacles

Despite being one of the studio’s most successful games, From Software has not continued the success of the game. It has not released a sequel, has barely made any spinoffs, and has taken more than five years to continue its story. However, it is going to do so.

Crunchyroll will present the first images of the anime adaptation of the video game, Sekiro: No Defeat, on March 16 at South By Southwest, better known as SXSW. And although they have not wanted to reveal everything yet, we do know some very important aspects. For example, it will tell a completely new story compared to the original video game. Or that it will be entirely hand-drawn, not using any 3D or digital technology for it.

In charge of the anime is a relatively new studio, as its foundation dates back to February 2021, called Qzil.la. With only one anime under its umbrella, the currently airing Champignon no Majo, a pleasant and melancholic fantasy romance about a witch with poisonous skin who will gradually open up to the residents of the nearby city to the forest in which she lives. Available on Crunchyroll and although not taking the world by storm, it is proving that they are capable of making a visually appealing and interesting anime, and at the very least, carrying out a project.

Because let’s be frank. Many times the specific study is less important than the specific people involved, especially since anime is dominated by freelance animators rather than in-house workers. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the other data we know: the proper names of the production.

The director will be Kenichi Kutsuna in his debut in the position, although he has held certain responsible positions in previous animes such as Chi’s Sweet Adventure and Magical Destroyers. The script is by Shuta Hasunuma, director and screenwriter, whose most notable works in this role include the script for the movie Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works and the series The Great Passage.

Shuya Hasunuma is in charge of the music, whose debut in anime will be in March with Hana Rokushō ga Akeru Hi ni, but who is a small celebrity in Japan for his exquisite blend of electronic music with found sounds and field recordings, giving his compositions a fresh and very unique style.

What does that mean? It means that it is possible that it has an interesting and well-structured script, that it is very likely to have one of the most interesting soundtracks of the year —if not one of the best, if Hasunuma is able to translate his music to the needs of the images—,  and that the weakest point yet to be seen is in the direction: Kutsuna does not have a great track record and does not have a particularly solid team behind, which raises suspicion that it could be one of those cases where the anime stands out more for the solidity of the exogenous elements than for the image itself.

It is not the only video game anime (upcoming or existing)

Although Sekiro: No Defeat is undoubtedly the release that will make the most headlines in the coming weeks, that doesn’t mean it’s the only video game that will soon make the leap to anime. Because Death Stranding is also about to do so.

Announced for 2026, Death Stranding Mosquito is backed by ABC Animation, one of the most solid studios currently in the anime world. Moreover, the names involved are not exactly people to overlook. Hiroshi Miyamoto has directed several Precure movies, one of the most prestigious and beloved magical girl series in Japan, from which some of the best anime directors of the last decade have emerged. And its screenwriter is Aaron Guzikowski, creator of Raised by Wolves and screenwriter of Prisoners, one of the most reliable screenwriters in Hollywood.

The difference is that it is not a series, it is a movie. And with no release date and no date for when we will know more about it, Death Stranding Mosquito will remain the great unknown of the year. Even if it should be on the radar of any movie enthusiast, whether they are an anime fan or not, due to the involvement of all those involved.

Moreover, video games have increasingly given us better animes. Last year, the adaptations of Gnosia and Nukitashi were a hit among moviegoers and otakus respectively. Before that, the very popular Fate franchise, with animes that always captivate the audience, has continued to have different iterations over the years, all born from a video game: Fate/Stay Night. Even Western licenses, like Cyberpunk, have recently made a splash with animes like the excellent Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

That’s why we need to keep an eye on video game adaptations to anime. Because, as with live-action, the time when they were just a formality to maximize profits has passed. There are reasons to have faith in Sekiro: No Defeat and Death Stranding Mosquito, even if they still have to show us more concrete details about them. Because anime is stronger than ever, at least when it comes to adapting video games.

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It has a 78 on Metacritic, but don't be fooled: this video game will be considered a cult classic that you shouldn't miss in no time

Many games go under the radar of most people, or receive criticism from the public, because they are aimed at a very specific audience. They ask for very specific things from those who are going to play them, and that makes it difficult to adjust expectations. It requires having a particular awareness and vision of what the game wants. And that is not always easy to provide. That’s why many games gain value over time. When more players and a certain distance allow them to be seen in a different light. Because that makes it easier to play them for what they are and not […]

Many games go under the radar of most people, or receive criticism from the public, because they are aimed at a very specific audience. They ask for very specific things from those who will play them, and that makes it difficult to adjust expectations. It requires having a particular awareness and vision of what the game wants. And that is not always easy to provide.

That’s why many games appreciate in value over time. When more players and a certain distance allow us to see them in a different light. Because it makes it easier to play them for what they are and not for what we expect them to be.

Hell Is Us, the new game from Rogue Factor, is in many ways exactly that. From the outside, it may seem like a soulslike heavily inspired by From Software games, with a contemporary style and a particular emphasis on combat. The reality is that the game is something very different from that. Because the audience it seeks is one that comes here not for the combat, but for the exploration and, to a lesser extent, for the quality of the puzzles.

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The Legend of Zelda meets Resident Evil and hack and slash

If we had to describe Hell Is Us in a simple way, we could say it’s like a The Legend of Zelda from SNES or Nintendo 64 with puzzles like those in Resident Evil and the combat of a hack and slash from PlayStation 2. All of this does not mean that it is a game that feels old or that aims to be a tribute to the classics. On the contrary. It is a very fresh and interesting game because it knows where it draws inspiration from and why, making this combination make sense for one very simple reason: it knows its limitations.

The grace of Hell is Us is that we have to navigate very broad levels, semi-open world, where we have no indicators of any kind. Some characters give us hints about what we should do, we can look into the distance to see where there are interesting places to go (or exactly the place we need to go!) and some documents provide us with relevant information, but there are no extradiegetic indicators of any kind. There is neither a map nor an arrow nor a button we can press to indicate where our next objective is. The only way to progress is to interpret the information we have and move forward.

This is always enjoyable because the environments are spacious, but not gigantic. Dense, full of things, but never so vast as to be absurd. So getting lost and not knowing exactly where to go is never a problem. And since puzzles require finding the right object or knowing which symbols go where, exploration and observation are rewarded more than the pure ability to decipher what the game wants from us.

Of civil wars and battles

As the game is based on exploration, it is appreciated that the world to explore is very interesting. And terrifying. Because Hadea, the region we visit, has two defining characteristics: it is in the midst of a civil war and is invaded by strange monsters ravaging everything.

The game does not shy away from the first part of the premise. We will constantly be facing the horrors of war and it will have no problem throwing images at us that are hard to shake off. But it does so in an elegant and appropriate manner for the context, adding to the atmosphere and theme of the game. All while the story follows something more mundane: the search for the truth about the protagonist’s past. Which, of course, has a lot to do with the state of the region and the monsters that inhabit it.

Speaking of monsters, the combat might be what doesn’t convince a certain part of the audience. Not because it’s bad, which it isn’t, but because it’s relatively simple. With not much variety in either enemies or weapons, it can become a bit repetitive, especially given the game’s length. This shouldn’t be a problem since it’s not the central focus of the game and is well executed, but there will be those who find it an issue.

A future cult title

But if something must be clear, it is that Hell Is Us is one of those games that has all the potential to become a cult game. Surely not immediately, but in a few years.

It’s like playing a classic The Legend of Zelda, but with a much more mature and darker atmosphere and narrative. If we add puzzles in the style of Resident Evil and hack and slash combat, along with its incredible setting, the result is a fascinating game that is also difficult to sell to the general public at first glance. But if all of this sounds good to you, really: Hell Is Us is a game for you. One of those games that will be talked about for a long time in the world of video games.

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YouTuber discovers that Dark Souls 2 could have had the most spectacular boss of the trilogy

Since its release, Dark Souls 2 has generated intense debates among fans of the series. Although many consider it the “worst” game of the trilogy, some critics and players have begun to defend its merits, highlighting the innovative ideas it contains. Recently, YouTuber Zullie the Witch revealed an intriguing detail: a crab boss, which would carry a tower as a shell, was planned for the area of Lost Bastille, but ultimately was not implemented in the final game. This crab boss was not just any creature, but a design that changed the dynamics of battles in the universe of […]

Since its release, Dark Souls 2 has generated intense debates among fans of the series. Although many consider it the “worst” game in the trilogy, some critics and players have begun to defend its merits, highlighting the innovative ideas it contains. Recently, lYouTuber Zullie the Witch revealed an intriguing detail: a crab boss, which would carry a tower as a shell, was planned for the Lost Bastille area, but ultimately was not implemented in the final game.

This crab boss was not an ordinary creature, but a design that changed the dynamics of battles in the Dark Souls universe. According to Zullie, players would have been able to face this peculiar enemy in a large arena, or even enter the tower to attack the crab from behind. This idea, although never realized, is indicative of the fact that Dark Souls 2 housed numerous interesting concepts that were removed, such as its dynamic lighting system, which was surprisingly shown before its release and later reinstated by modders.

An underrated game to reclaim

Moreover, Dark Souls 2 is known for its unique atmosphere and sense of emptiness, evoking a feeling reminiscent of the dungeon crawlers from the PS2 era. In recent years, critics like James Davenport and Lincoln Carpenter have highlighted the depth and injustices faced by the defenders of this title, suggesting that its time of “redemption” has come, although some still resist accepting its value.

Despite the criticism, Dark Souls 2 should not be underestimated. Its legacy is a testament to the ambition and creativity of FromSoftware. Speculations about what this game could have been continue to fuel interest and debate, making Dark Souls 2 a fascinating and complex chapter within the Souls universe.

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This game is a tribute to the games of From Software and is made with a game creation tool from From Software

The world of indie video games has received a significant new addition with the release of Lunacid: Tears of the Moon, a sequel to the acclaimed game Lunacid developed by Kira LLC. This new installment is set thousands of years before the narrative of the original game and has been created using Sword of Moonlight, a game creation tool inspired by FromSoftware’s King’s Field series. This not only provides a nostalgic touch but also allows players to explore a landscape full of secrets and surprises. A game with the best possible price: free Tears of […]

The world of indie video games has received a significant new addition with the release of Lunacid: Tears of the Moon, a sequel to the acclaimed game Lunacid developed by Kira LLC. This new installment is set thousands of years before the narrative of the original game and has been created using Sword of Moonlight, a game creation tool inspired by FromSoftware’s King’s Field series. This not only provides a nostalgic touch but also allows players to explore a landscape full of secrets and surprises.

A game with the best possible price: free

Tears of the Moon is completely free on Steam, making it an accessible option for those seeking enriching gaming experiences. However, the game’s soundtrack is available for an additional cost of four dollars. The title features simplified combat mechanics, with no blocking or parrying, which favors gameplay that is more focused on exploration than on extreme difficulty. Additionally, players will not have to worry about character building issues, as stats automatically increase when leveling up.

Despite some technical inconveniences, such as limited keyboard controls and issues with driver support, early players have praised its immersive atmosphere and the sense of discovery reminiscent of classics like Thief and The Legend of Zelda. Although the game lacks a conventional tutorial, a PDF manual is provided to guide new adventurers in this vast underground world.

The nostalgia and simplicity of Tears of the Moon have been well received by critics and players, who highlight its isolating quality and its design that invites experimentation. Undoubtedly, this title stands out as one of the most pleasant surprises of the year in the realm of indie RPGs.

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The creator of Dark Souls talks about his new game and says that his intention is to make his games stop feeling clunky

FromSoftware, the renowned studio behind hits like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, has revealed its next project titled The Duskbloods, which will focus on PvPvE gameplay and will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. In a recent entry on the blog Creator’s Voice, director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared details about this new title, describing it as an evolution in the movement experience compared to the studio’s previous games. A new direction for the studio, The Duskbloods introduces dynamic movement options, such as sprinting, super high jumps, and double jumps, aiming to eliminate the clumsiness associated […]

FromSoftware, the renowned studio behind hits like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, has revealed its upcoming project titled The Duskbloods, which will focus on the PvPvE gameplay mode and will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. In a recent entry on the Creator’s Voice blog, director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared details about this new title, describing it as an evolution in the movement experience compared to the studio’s previous games.

A new direction for the study

The Duskbloods introduce dynamic movement options, such as sprinting, super high jumps, and double jumps, aimed at eliminating the clumsiness associated with platforming mechanics in past installments, like Blighttown in Dark Souls. Miyazaki emphasized that the characters in the game, who are part of a group called Bloodsworn, possess superhuman abilities derived from a special blood, granting them unusual agility.

The cast of characters will be different from previous games, as there will be no complete avatar customization. Instead, the game will feature a dozen predefined characters, each with customizable characteristics. Unlike its previous titles, The Duskbloods will present a novel depth in combat mechanics, as each character will be equipped with ranged attack weapons, which will make a significant difference in gameplay.

Additionally, it is expected that the characters, including a unique elderly figure in the form of a winged mouse, will reflect a cute and Nintendo-like style, a rarity in FromSoftware’s aesthetic. Fans can look forward to an experience that combines the studio’s signature elements with a more accessible and cheerful approach, while still retaining the complexity that has come to define its games.

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Elden Ring will launch on Nintendo Switch 2

During the recent Nintendo Direct, Elden Ring: Tarnished was officially presented, a version of the acclaimed game designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2. This new edition will include all the content from the base game, as well as the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, ensuring that both new players and veterans can enjoy the complete experience. The soulsfashion lives on in this new version of Elden Ring One of the highlighted features of Elden Ring: Tarnished is the new customization options that will be added to the game. Bandai Namco has announced that players will be able to enjoy new armors and […]

During the recent Nintendo Direct, Elden Ring: Tarnished was officially presented, a version of the acclaimed game specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch 2. This new edition will include all the content from the base game, as well as the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, ensuring that both new players and veterans can enjoy the complete experience.

Soulsfashion lives on in this new version of Elden Ring

One of the standout features of Elden Ring: Tarnished is the new customization options that will be added to the game. Bandai Namco has announced that players will be able to enjoy new armor and aesthetic upgrades for the character Torrent, although no new types of weapons have been mentioned. Currently, FromSoftware’s official profile on Twitter has confirmed four new armor sets, generating excitement among the gaming community.

The availability of Elden Ring: Tarnished is expected in 2025, although an exact release date has not yet been confirmed. For those interested in acquiring the Nintendo Switch 2, it was announced that pre-orders will be available one week before the launch in the UK and Germany, with invitation links being sent by Nintendo. This launch model seems to align with the company’s recent business strategies, which aim to maximize access to its new console.

It is important to mention that all the new features of Elden Ring: Tarnished will be available on all platforms, which means that users on other consoles will not be excluded from the innovations that will be introduced. Meanwhile, the announcement slipped in among other important news from the Direct, but it has managed to capture the attention of the series’ fans, eager for any updates related to this universe.

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From Software announces an exclusive game for Nintendo Switch 2 and it is not what we expected

The world of video games has been shaken by the announcement of a new title from FromSoftware, titled The Duskbloods, which was revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. This development is surprising not only for being an addition to Nintendo’s library but also for its focus on a more robust multiplayer experience, an unexpected twist for a studio known for its narrative-driven and individual experience. From Software embarks on another peculiar multiplayer adventure The Duskbloods stands out as a PvPvE action game that supports up to eight players, marking a […]

The world of video games has been shaken by the announcement of a new title from FromSoftware, titled The Duskbloods, which was revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. This development is surprising not only for being an addition to Nintendo’s library but also for its focus on a more robust multiplayer experience, an unexpected twist for a studio known for its narrative-driven and individual experience approach.

From Software embarks on another peculiar multiplayer adventure

The Duskbloods stands out as a PvPvE action game that supports up to eight players, marking a significant evolution in the studio’s direction towards multiplayer. Unlike previous titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, where multiplayer was an optional feature, this new IP is designed from the ground up to offer a collective experience, breaking down the barriers between single-player and shared gameplay.

Although at first glance it may evoke the aesthetics of Bloodborne, FromSoftware assures that The Duskbloods is a completely new concept. This shift in focus follows the trend initiated with Elden Ring, as well as the friend project Nightreign, a game that had already explored new multiplayer dynamics, albeit with a limited number of participants. This suggests that FromSoftware is committed to expanding its universe through cooperative and competitive gaming experiences.

With the industry increasingly leaning towards multiplayer-focused titles, FromSoftware’s new game could signify a radical shift in its creative strategy. Although fans may have some reservations about this new approach, expectations are high. FromSoftware’s evolution towards multiplayer could redefine the way their experiences are enjoyed, and many will be watching closely how this new chapter in their history unfolds.

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The DLC for Lies of P promises to be as long as full games

Since its launch in 2023, Lies of P has surprised the gaming community, solidifying Round8 Studio’s position in the competitive soulslike genre, traditionally dominated by FromSoftware. This action RPG, which reimagines the classic tale of Pinocchio, has been acclaimed by critics and players alike, bringing with it a dark atmosphere and intense combat that have captured the imagination of many. A DLC that promises many hours of fun. Recently, it was announced that the highly anticipated DLC, titled Overture, is scheduled to be released this summer. In a presentation during the latest State of Play, it […]

Since its release in 2023, Lies of P has surprised the gaming community, solidifying Round8 Studio’s position in the competitive soulslike genre, traditionally dominated by FromSoftware. This action RPG, which reimagines the classic tale of Pinocchio, has been acclaimed by critics and players alike, bringing with it a dark atmosphere and intense combat that have captured the imagination of many.

A DLC that promises many hours of fun.

Recently, it was announced that the highly anticipated DLC, titled Overture, is scheduled to be released this summer. During a presentation at the latest State of Play, a first look was given at some of the new bosses, weapons, and environments that will be available in this expansion. According to the game director, Jiwon Choi, Overture will offer between 15 and 20 hours of additional content for those who are already veterans of the title.

Overture will not only expand the narrative of Lies of P, but it will also serve as an interconnected prequel to the original story. Choi emphasized that this expansion aims to complete the experience of the base game, a challenge that the team faced with dedication. “Developing the expansion was a joint effort to choose the best content,” Choi mentioned, highlighting the importance of maintaining high quality across all the material offered.

An interesting aspect is that Overture will not be related to the final scene of the base game, which has led to speculation about the possibility of a sequel. According to Choi, many elements that were not included in Lies of P will be developed in this expansion, which could open new narrative avenues for future projects. Players will be able to access this DLC once they complete chapter 9, allowing a journey to the past in the unsettling city of Krat, before it falls into chaos.

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Bloodborne doesn't have a remaster, but the community has a mod that could very well be one

On March 10, the tenth anniversary of the acclaimed action and horror title, Bloodborne, was celebrated, without Sony announcing any significant celebration or update, which has left many fans disappointed. Although the company has included the game in its promotional material, it has not shown any signs of wanting to develop a remaster or remake, creating a sense of neglect among the community. The community has done the closest we will see to a remaster of Bloodborne In response to this lack of official support, modders have taken the initiative to revive and improve […]

On March 10th, the tenth anniversary of the acclaimed action and horror title, Bloodborne, was celebrated, without Sony announcing any significant celebration or update, which has left many fans disappointed. Although the company has included the game in its promotional material, it has not shown any signs of wanting to develop a remaster or remake, creating a sense of neglect among the community.

The community has made the closest thing we will see to a Bloodborne remaster

In response to this lack of official support, modders have taken the initiative to revive and enhance the gaming experience for PC users. One of the most notable creations is Bloodborne Enhanced, available on NexusMods. This modification not only optimizes gameplay but also introduces new features that significantly expand the game’s content, allowing players to activate new lamps, reface bosses, and enjoy a self-replenishing system that eliminates the need to farm for items.

The community has enthusiastically embraced these initiatives from the modders, praising the care and dedication they have put into creating additional content. The mod page has attracted a large number of positive comments, indicating that many players are eager to explore these new experiences in Yharnam. With additional tools, weapons, blood gems, and the option to quickly access bosses, “Bloodborne Enhanced” is shaping up to be a unique way to relive a classic from FromSoftware.

Despite rumors about possible updates to the game files, which led to speculation about a remaster, nothing official has been announced to date. The situation has left many fans with a mix of hope and disappointment as they wait for Sony to acknowledge the importance of Bloodborne in its catalog. For example, by making Bloodborne in Minecraft.

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The developers of Expedition 33 confirm a very peculiar inspiration: Sekiro

The game Expedition 33 is captivating JRPG lovers by paying homage to classics like Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this modern title blends elements of traditional turn-based RPG gameplay with more dynamic components, inspired by From Software titles like Sekiro. François Meurisse, producer and co-founder of the studio, has emphasized that their goal is to recreate the nostalgia of past experiences in an environment that feels both familiar and innovative. Inspired by JRPGs, but with a vein of action The defense system of […]

The game Expedition 33 is captivating JRPG lovers by paying homage to classics like Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this modern title blends traditional turn-based RPG gameplay elements with more dynamic components, inspired by From Software titles like Sekiro. François Meurisse, producer and co-founder of the studio, has emphasized that their goal is to recreate the nostalgia of past experiences in an environment that feels both familiar and innovative.

Inspired by JRPGs, but with an action vein

The defense system of Expedition 33 introduces a rhythm mechanic that adds a real-time component and requires player skills, something that resembles the complexity of boss encounters in From Software games. During a demonstration, the enemy attack patterns revealed the difficulty that players can expect, which contrasts with the more accessible approaches of other JRPGs.

Additionally, the game incorporates a unique combat system that combines turns and action, allowing the special abilities of the characters to synergize, which is based on the action points mechanic, a nod to deckbuilding games. This particularity stands out as an innovative element that can attract both veterans of the genre and new players looking for a challenge.

Visually, Expedition 33 deviates from the typical stylized graphics of Japanese JRPGs. Instead, it draws inspiration from Belle Époque art and Art Deco, creating a style that stands out for its originality and avoids anime conventions. Meurisse has emphasized that the desire from the beginning has been to forge a unique identity in the game’s art.

With Expedition 33, the developers seem to have the ambition to learn from the best while seeking a prominent place in the legacy of JRPGs.

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