FromSoftware is known for creating some of the most iconic and influential action RPGs ever made. A studio's reputation revolves around a lot Dark spirits, blood borne, Sekiroand Alden Ring – A collection of games known for creating and defining the Soulslike genre. Each game has had a significant impact on the action RPG and action-adventure genres; Still, long before the developer became synonymous with challenging combat and interconnected worlds, it spent years experimenting with unusual mechanics, atmospheric design philosophies, and genre hybrids. Even after the Soulslike boom, many gems still slip through the cracks of attention.
Hardest from 17 software games, ranked
FromSoftware enjoys providing players with intense, fun, and challenging experiences, and these games tend to be their most difficult yet.
For players who want to delve deeper into the studio's history and explore the lesser-known corners of its catalog, the following games are some of the most fascinating and underrated.
From the most unhinged use of software in Mech work
Metal Wolf Chaos Worth playing for its sheer silliness alone. To take back the United States from a rebel vice president, the President of the United States rides in a heavily armed battle mech. The whole experience feels like an action movie parody wrapped in mecha armor.
Humor isn't all the game has to offer, though, as the gameplay is great fun thanks to responsive mechanics, varied missions, and satisfying destruction physics for a while. The game never takes itself too seriously, which gives it a charm unmatched by other titles in the studio's catalog.
Metal Wolf Chaos' The ambiguity is largely due to the original Xbox being Japanese-exclusive at release. However, the remastered version of the game, Metal Wolf Chaos XDIt was released worldwide in 2019 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
A forgotten high point of the pure action era of software
Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
- issued
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December 25, 2003
- ESRB
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T for Teens // Blood, fantasy violence
Otogi 2 Provides one of FromSoftware's purest working experiences. Originally released for the Xbox, the game offers fast-paced combat, fluid motion, and a mythical aesthetic inspired by Japanese folklore. Players control supernaturally advanced warriors who slay demons, spirits and mythical beasts. Combat is weighty yet graceful, making each encounter feel like a choreographed battle.
Every 2025 must play a software game
Will FromSoftware's signature approach to the Soulslike formula feel outdated in 2025? Spoiler: not one bit.
Despite its quality, Otogi 2 Never gained mainstream recognition. The original Xbox had a limited audience in Japan, and the game was overshadowed by larger franchises in the West.
Echo Knight: Beyond
An atmospheric ghost story without the combat
Echo Knight: Beyond From takes Software's love of atmospheric storytelling in a completely different direction, notably by offering an experience without any combat. Rather than focusing on action, it's a slow-paced ghost story set on a lunar space station that prefers a spooky atmosphere.
While the game was a niche title upon release, it has since gained a cult following for its unique tone and thoughtful storytelling. Among the many uses of FromSoftware, this Echo Knight: Beyond remains one of the most daring and unforgettable. The game has a metascore of 60 but a user score of 8.2 (at the time of writing) exemplifies the game's place as an underrated gem.
Armored Corps: For the answer
Speed, scale, and optimization
Even with the revival of Armored Corps Thanks for the franchise appreciation Armored Core 6: Fire of the RubiconMany players still overlooked the brilliance of the previous games in the series.
The best of software games, ranked
FromSoftware's long roster of games is full of excellence. From Dark Souls to Armored Core 6 and Nightreign, here's how the best titles rank.
Armored Corps: For the answer is a particular high point in the long-running franchise. The game lets players fine-tune every aspect of their mech, from their mobility to weapon loadouts, and throws players into missions that offer great variety and engaging battles that require equal measures of sharp shooting and strategic planning. Armored Corps: For the answer was the thirteenth entry in the Mecha franchise, and its direct sequel Armored Corps 4.
King's Realm: Ancient City (King's Realm 4)
Highlights of the underrated Kings Field series
Among FromSoftware's pre-Souls output, King's Realm: Ancient City Often cited as the studio's strongest early RPG. And yet, the game is often overlooked today because of how Soul Games eclipsed everything the studio did before them. King's Realm: Ancient City Takes players into a kingdom haunted by a cursed statue, and features cryptic lore, oppressive environments, and the rewarding explorations the studio is known for.
incidentally, King's Realm: Ancient City Shares the same metascore of 60 Echo Knight: BeyondBut, similar to the survival horror game, boasts a very high user score, which currently stands at an impressive 8.5.
Best games to play if you like Alden Ring
Those looking for something as engaging and entertaining as Elden Ring can turn to some of these games to get their fix.
