FromSoftware is known for creating some of the most iconic and influential action RPGs ever made. The studio's reputation largely revolves around Dark souls, Blood borne, Sekiroand Fire Ring – a collection of games known for creating and defining the soulslike genre. Each game has had a significant influence on the action-RPG and action-adventure genres; yet, 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, plenty of gems still slip through the cracks of attention.
17 hardest from software games, ranked
FromSoftware likes to give players intense, exciting and challenging experiences, and these games are some of the hardest yet.
For gamers looking to delve deeper into the studio's history and discover the lesser-known corners of its catalog, the following games stand out as the most fascinating and underrated.
FromSoftware's most unknown experiment in Mek Action
Metal Wolf Chaos is worth playing for its sheer absurdity alone. To take America back from a rebellious Vice President, the President of the United States climbs into a heavily armed combat mech. The whole experience feels like an action movie parody wrapped in mecha armor.
The humor isn't all the game has to offer though, as the gameplay is great fun thanks to the responsive mechanics, varied missions, and satisfying destruction physics for the time. The game never takes itself seriously, giving it a charm unmatched by other titles in the studio's catalog.
Metal Wolf Chaos' obscurity is largely due to having been a Japanese-exclusive on the original Xbox upon release. But a remastered version of the game, Metal Wolf Chaos XDwas released worldwide in 2019 on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
A forgotten highlight of FromSoftware's Pure Action era
Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
- Released
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December 25, 2003
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Blood, Fantasy Violence
Otogy 2 offers one of FromSoftware's purest action experiences. Released for the original Xbox, the game delivers fast-paced combat, fluid movement, and a mythical aesthetic inspired by Japanese folklore. Players control supernaturally enhanced warriors who cut through demons, spirits and legendary beasts. Combat is heavy yet graceful, making every encounter feel like a choreographed battle.
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Despite its quality, Otogy 2 never achieved mainstream recognition. The original Xbox had a limited audience in Japan, and the game was overshadowed by larger franchises in the West.
Echo Night: Beyond
An atmospheric ghost story without combat
Echo Night: Beyond takes FromSoftware's love of atmospheric storytelling in a completely different direction, most notably by offering an experience without combat. Instead of focusing on action, it's a slow-paced ghost story set on a lunar space station that prioritizes eerie atmosphere over scares.
Although the game was a niche title upon release, it has since gained a cult following for its unique tone and thoughtful storytelling. Among FromSoftware's many experiments is this Echo Night: Beyond remains one of the boldest and most memorable. That the game has a Metascore of 60 but a User Score (at the time of writing) of 8.2 exemplifies the game's place as an underrated gem.
Armored Core: For Answers
Speed, scale and adaptation
Even with the rise of Armor core franchise thanks to the celebrated Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconmany players still overlooked the brilliance of the previous games in the series.
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Armored Core: For Answers is a particular highlight of the long-running franchise. The game lets players fine-tune every aspect of its mech, from its mobility to its weapon loadout, and throws players into missions that offer great variety and engaging combat that requires equal parts sharpshooting and tactical planning. Armored Core: For Answers was the thirteenth entry in the mecha series, and a direct sequel to another Armored Core 4.
King's Field: The Ancient City (King's Field 4)
The highlight of the underrated King's Field series
Among FromSoftware's pre-Souls outputs, King's Field: The Ancient City often cited as the studio's strongest early RPG. And yet the game is so often overlooked today because of how the Souls games have eclipsed everything the studio did before them. King's Field: The Ancient City takes players to a decaying kingdom plagued by a cursed idol, and features the cryptic lore, oppressive atmosphere and rewarding exploration that the studio has become known for.
By chance, King's Field: The Ancient City shares an identical Metascore of 60 with Echo Night: Beyondbut, which is also similar to the survival horror game, has a much higher user score, currently sitting at an impressive 8.5.
Best games to play if you like Fire Ring
Those looking for something as engaging and entertaining as Ring of Fire can turn to some of these games to get their fix.
