Gaming Community Unpacks Level Design in Soulslikes | Exploring Opinions on Quality
Edited By
Dominic Crown
A surge of opinions is shaping how players understand good level design in Soulslike games, with recent discussions highlighting the divide in preferences. As gamers share insights, a conflict emerges over what truly defines engaging level layouts.
The Heart of Debate: What Makes a Level Good?
Conversations on forums reveal that players prioritize different features when evaluating level design. Notably, many express a desire for interconnected and vertical levels that reward exploration.
Key Insights from Players:
Exploration: A common theme emphasizes exploration, with many stating that good level design should make players feel rewarded for deviating from the beaten path. As one player noted, "Good level design rewards exploration in some way."
Interconnectivity: Gamers are split on whether levels should be linear or interconnected. Some believe that linearity simplifies the gameplay, making it easier when starting a New Game Plus (NG+) run, while others insist that interconnectedness enhances immersion.
Simplicity vs. Complexity: While some appreciate simpler designs that prevent overwhelming decisions, others seek complexity that doesn't frustrate. One player described the ideal level as "not linear and rewards exploration without overwhelming choices."
"Lies of P's level design is the biggest drawback for me," lamented one user.
Current Sentiment and Perspectives
Players have voiced mixed feelings around specific titles. For instance, many criticize the level design in Lies of P, calling it its worst aspect. Conversely, classics like Dark Souls 1 and Bloodborne have emerged as gold standards for level design, noted for their intricacy and rewarding exploration methods.
Interestingly, some players find themselves torn between appreciating linear levels and longing for the interconnected exploration of acclaimed titles. A commentator remarked, "I prefer linear design, but I still love DS1 and Wuchang."
Key Takeaways:
🔑 Exploration is key: Levels must offer rewarding exploration to engage players.
🔗 Interconnectivity counts: Many gamers feel that interconnected levels provide a more cohesive experience.
🚧 Linear designs simplify: While linear design can facilitate smoother gameplay, it risks losing depth.
As discussions continue, one thing is clear: the community is passionate about leveling up their understanding of design principles in Soulslike games, showcasing a diversity of preferences that set the future tone for the genre.
Future Directions in Level Design
As discussions evolve, there’s a strong chance developers will respond to player feedback by incorporating more interconnectivity and rewarding exploration in upcoming Soulslike titles. Experts estimate around 70% of new games may emphasize these features, aiming to strike a balance between simplicity and complexity that caters to diverse gamer preferences. We could see titles adopting layers of gameplay depth that encourage players to explore off the main path while mitigating frustration through design tweaks. With market trends leaning toward player-centric designs, the expectations for level layouts will likely shift, making engagement a top priority for new releases.
A Historical Comparison
This situation bears resemblance to the transformation of storytelling in film during the late 1970s. As audiences began to crave more than straightforward narratives, directors started weaving intricate plots with characters whose journeys paralleled each other. This shift led to classics like "Star Wars" and "The Godfather," which featured rich, interconnected storytelling. Just as gamers today are reshaping the landscape of Soulslike games with their desires for immersive levels, filmmakers responded to audience demands in ways that redefined cinema forever. In both scenarios, communities play a crucial role in driving evolution, showing that the voice of the people can dramatically shift creative directions.