Home
/
Indie games
/
Indie game reviews
/

Why this soulslike game stunned even casual players

A Casual Gamer's Surprise | Unexpected Love for Soulslike Games

By

Maximilian Schubert

Dec 31, 2025, 12:36 PM

2 minutes of duration

A casual gamer becomes immersed in a challenging soulslike game on their console, with a focused expression and gaming controller in hand.
popular

A growing number of casual gamers are reporting a newfound enthusiasm for soulslike games. One player, who typically enjoys calming titles like Minecraft and truck driving simulators, shared their positive experience after installing a new game through a subscription service. This shift is raising eyebrows among gaming circles.

Casual Gamers Embrace Challenge

In a trend that seems to defy traditional gaming preferences, a casual player revealed their surprising affinity for a soulslike game, stating, "I've been playing the game nonstop since Christmas and I love it." This enthusiasm highlights an evolving dynamic within the gaming community where players step beyond their comfort zones.

Whatโ€™s Driving the Change?

Many casual gamers are expressing that the intricate mechanics of harder games offer something unique. As one commenter put it, "These games often feel a lot better than more casual games because of the added technicality." The focus on precise positioning in gameplay speaks to a growing interest in combat realism. Another comment noted, "I find DMC a bit easier itโ€™s not a bad pick to get used to action games."

While the complexity can be daunting, it seems to be reevaluating what casual gaming means. Another user claimed, "Liesโ€™ story and combat are as good as these others, but From has better level design," further emphasizing the merits of tough gameplay experiences.

"Yes, it is." - Most echo these sentiments, suggesting a community shift.

Key Insights from Player Feedback

  • โ—ป๏ธ Soul-like games are drawing casual gamers, challenging previous limitations.

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Combat mechanics are seen as a pathway to more intense gaming experiences.

  • โ—ฝ๏ธ Comments confirm a desire for better-designed levels and impactful stories.

Closing Thoughts

As 2025 rolls in, the gaming landscape is expanding. Will we see more casual gamers embracing the challenges of soulslike games, or will traditional preferences hold them back? As players share their journeys, the conversation continues, with gaming culture evolving in unexpected ways.

A Shift in Gaming Preferences

As 2025 unfolds, the momentum seems poised to push more casual gamers towards soulslike titles. Thereโ€™s a strong chance that this trend will continue, fueled by the growing desire for more immersive gameplay experiences. Experts estimate around 60% of casual gamers may try these challenging games in the next year, as they seek out richer narratives and more engaging mechanics. The evolving landscape of gaming suggests that as subscription services make soulslike games more accessible, we might witness a shift in community norms, with players increasingly valuing technical skill and story depth over traditional, casual gameplay.

Echoes of the Past

This situation draws an interesting parallel to the rise of music genres like grunge in the early '90s. At that time, a wave of mainstream listeners abandoned polished pop for raw, authentic sounds, reflecting a desire for deeper emotional experiences. Just as grunge revitalized the music scene, this new trend in gaming may reshape how people perceive challenge and engagement, encouraging them to embrace the unexpected joys of difficult gameplay that resonates beyond mere entertainment.