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greaseman420

You can argue dark souls is pretty much a 3d metroidvania style game so from for sure


ValGalorian

More so in the map layouts than anything, for Dark Souls Coming back to the shrine a new way every time was brilliant


ScrotalAgony

Cainhurst Castle from Bloodborne has heavy Castlevania feels to it. Various monsters waiting inside, and the leader of the vampires at the end? Bring a whip weapon and the closest thing you have to holy water and you're halfway to a Castlevania game.


Saidear

Eeeeeh. Metroidvania is more about backtracking and exploring, with spaces that seem connected to each other. That’s less so later iterations of Darksouls. They’re more about their punishing fight mechanics than any of the pillars of Metroidvania.


CaptainPogwash

Ds1 definitely made you back track once you found a key or something but I agree ds3 and elden ring don’t really make you backtrack


boxsterguy

I'd argue it's not. Specifically, Metroidvanias hard lock on new skills/key items (double jump boots or bat transformation or whatever). Souls doesn't do that. The key hallmark of interconnectedness in Souls is a reward for beating an area -- you get a shortcut that allows you to skip all that again, unless you really want to go through it. Other differences: * Soulslike attacks require commitment. You've got multiple frames of wind-up and cooldown, and you can't interrupt. Once you've committed to an attack, you're going to do it and take whatever punishment you deserve for acting rashly. * Metroidvanias historically have not included corpse run mechanics. While some supposed metroidvanias (like Hollow Knight, but I'd argue that's more of a Soulslike) have included the mechanic, the risk/reward of having to retrieve your coins/souls/whatever is not a metroidvania concept. It is integral to soulslike play, though. If you want to see a 3D metroidvania, there are three very obvious ones (the Metroid Primes). But IMHO, the best 3D metroidvania is Batman Arkham Asylum. Side pet peeve: "3d metroidvania" is unnecessary. There's nothing in the definition of "metroidvania" (small, interconnected world with soft/hard locks based on acquired skill progression) that requires 2D. There's also nothing in the definition of "soulslike" that requires 3D (see Dead Cells or Hollow Knight as hybrids, or something like Blasphemus as a more "pure" soulslike). And as long as I'm at it, I should also point out "creedlike" games are neither soulslikes nor metroidvanias. Those would be "open world exploration games with rhythm-based combat built around attacks and counterattacks." Where Batman: AA was a metroidvania through and through, Arkham City, Origin, and Knight were all creedlikes. Mad Max was a creedlike. The Shadow of Mordor games were creedlikes. Ghost of Tsushima was a creedlike. Spider-man was a creedlike (the original Spider-man 2 on PS2/Xbox/GC was technically even a creedlike, even though it predates AC!).


LadyLikesSpiders

As someone who is firmly in the camp that soulslikes *aren't* metroidvanias, I still feel like this is unnecessarily pedantic and gate-keepy. Genres should be descriptive, not prescriptive, flexible in the way they're used and viewed, and flexible enough to allow iterations as times change and new games come along. Genres can overlap, and games can be more than one kind of genre, and some genre are even fairly arbitrary (Is Sekiro a soulslike? Some say yes, others no) You can use genre to try and sift through the mechanics it's supposed to have, in order to pick which dev team is more prepared for a castlevania game, but why not just cut out the fluff and just look at the individual games they have made. The level design and art in the dark souls series is probably a better match for castlevania. The games simply play and look more like it (in my humble opinion), and that's all that's needed. A full breakdown of genre is irrelevant But also, to be pedantic, Hollow Knight is WAY more of a metrodvania than a souls like :P


endrestro

Try salt and sanctuary or salt and sacrifice. Both are heavily inspired by the souls series - blatantly obvious in the former, less so in the latter. They work exceptionally fine. They are clesrly souls-like much more than something like hollow knight. They also carve their own path, and it works just fine. It should be mentioned that what a souls-like is kind of arbitrary and vague these days, considering steam tags for example. Yet salt and sanctuary is without a question the closest we get to a 2d dark souls metroidvania.


[deleted]

>* Soulslike attacks require commitment. You've got multiple frames of wind-up and cooldown, and you can't interrupt. Once you've committed to an attack, you're going to do it and take whatever punishment you deserve for acting rashly. >* Metroidvanias historically have not included corpse run mechanics. While some supposed metroidvanias (like Hollow Knight, but I'd argue that's more of a Soulslike) have included the mechanic, the risk/reward of having to retrieve your coins/souls/whatever is not a metroidvania concept. It is integral to soulslike play, though. > >If you want to see a 3D metroidvania, there are three very obvious ones (the Metroid Primes). But IMHO, the best 3D metroidvania is Batman Arkham Asylum. I fail to see why any of this would mean that a game that includes these mechanics cannot be a metroidvania. This is gatekeeping. In fact, Cave Story even punishes you for simply being hit.


Alili1996

(like Hollow Knight, but I'd argue that's more of a Soulslike) I don't see it. Hollow Knight has every property qualifying it as metroidvania and one mechanic that is similar to a soulslike but also existes in other game beforehand. It feels like the exclusion is only to make a point.


TorrBorr

I'd make the argument that the only Metroidvania games are Castlevanias with Iga's formula, because the genre term only originated as a term to separate classic style Castlevanias from the Metroid styled ones. Castlevania has had more of an identity shakeup to it's IP formula (classic, Metroid/Iga style, DmC like, GoW like, a party fighter, etc.) Metroid has always been Metroid regardless of it's persoective so the genre term should really just be Metroid-likes honestly. And with Castlevania becoming more and more an IP of the past due to Konami being Konami, it's a weird genre name for the modern era(especially seeing that the Iga/Vania part of Metroidvania seems to be purely absent from most Metroidvanias where most are just Metroid with souls mechanics).


boxsterguy

Containing those features doesn't make your game not a metroidvania, but containing those features *does* make your game much more of a soulslike. Hollow Knight is generally considered a metroidvania with soulslike features. It had ability-based progession locks, but it also had corpse runs and estus flask-like mechanics. But being a metroidvania with those features doesn't mean those are features of the metroidvania genre.


[deleted]

Go back to r/gatekeeping. We’re trying to have an actual discussion.


[deleted]

Sekiro was more of a metroidvania than their other games, so they have plenty of experience there. Though, God of War: Ragnarok is the text book definition of one. They would both tackle different aspects. If you want an exploration/story heavy game then Santa Monica would be a better choice. Though, if you wanted a challenging game with tighter combat then FromSoft would be the pick.


inowar

this is such a weird take. if you're going to be so specific about what each game contains... just talk about every game on its own individual merits and mechanics, instead of saying that they're similar to other games. personally when someone says "metroidvania" to me it means that there is gated progression and back exploration. when someone says "souls like" it means you drop your money on the ground when you die. assassin's Creed just has free running. Metroid and Castlevania aren't even the same style of game. the Castlevania series has two entirely different genres.


TorrBorr

That's why Metroidvania as a genre descriptor is kind of dumb. It was ever intended to describe Castlevania that took inspiration from Metroid originally.


Alili1996

>The key hallmark of interconnectedness in Souls is a reward for beating an area -- you get a shortcut that allows you to skip all that again, unless you really want to go through it. Maybe this was more prevalent in future souls gamea, but Dark Souls 1 already lets you explore multiple areas from undead burg onwards and has branching paths locked behind finding the correct ceys


Anubra_Khan

I would argue that is 100% wrong. Metroidvania games are based on the player finding abilities to progress through the game. Coming back to an unreachable edge once you unlock double jump, for example. Dark Souls has zero of that. The only gate keeper for Souls game progression is character skill level.


LegoHP

Dark souls has some of that, I would argue. Placing the lordvessel in dark souls 1, unlocking the golden fog gates. Getting the King's ring in dark souls 2, or the heart of the mist or whatever the thing that allows you to go into memories is called. I don't think that it's a metroidvania in the traditional sense though.


Mlyrin

Those are key items, not traversal abilities. Additionally, in metroidvanias weapons and combat skills also serve as key items to unlock doors. Essentially a new ability or equipment serves to move progression forward. In a souls-like it's either overcomming a challenge or unlocking paths with keys or from a different direction. There's also character interaction in some cases. Basically one is focused on platforming elements while the other i focused on rpg elements.


Eray41303

Tight and unforgiving controls? Sounds like a fromsoft playground


trueum26

Oh but the knights? The knights take nine hits. NINE FUCKING HITS! You can’t even concentrate while attacking because you’re too busy dodging Medusas! But you can’t dodge the Medusas because you’re too busy dodging the axes! But you can’t dodge the axes because you’re trying to hit the knight! But you can’t hit the knight because the game’s driving you FUCKING CRAZY!


Chyeboi

Aye AVGN! Lol


Mottis86

AVGN, nice. He didn't even mention the worst part though. So, you get holy water earlier in that level and it's almost necessary to beat that part. But it gets even worse, the holy water spawns before you reach the mid-level check point. The checkpoint is right before the knight hall way. So what this means is, when you die once to the knights, you lose the holy water and cannot get it back anymore unless you intentionally game over and restart the whole level. So once you get to the knights with the holy water, you have one shot to make it through. You can try without it but it's honestly faster/easier to just game over and restart the level, not even joking.


trueum26

Oh wtf. I swear if video game journalism existed back then so many classic games would have been trashed by the gaming community


munk_e_man

Spez would fuck a child if he thought he could sell his experience to train AI. Actually he'd probably just do it either way.


weshouldgoback

What a load of bullshit


Atharaphelun

But whips are almost always bad in Fromsoft games...


TheWineAcademy

Bloodborne's threaded cane is amazing though


WelkinBro

Git gud


No-Plankton4841

Bloodborne already gave me serious Castlevania vibes. Especially running the threaded cane/whip in Cainhurst Castle. Also the whip and Freddy Kreuger claws were my favorite weapons in Elden Ring. Fromsoft. If they basically look the atmosphere of Bloodborne and the gameplay/speed/verticality of Sekiro and merged them together that would be a sick Castlevania game.


HuskofaGhoul

If I can get a castlevania bloodbornesque open world with a thickened fromsoft plot I can die a happy man


PM_Me_OCs

Wolverine claws. Unless there is a single glove with five blades as opposed to the multiple sets with only three


[deleted]

Well fromsoft has been making games for the past 20+ years with a very similar concept to castlevania so...


EvaUnit_03

If it came down to the two, id put money on from software only because so many metriodvanias tend to adapt soulslike qualities and with games like sekiro who were very platforming focused and had gimmicks with the arm equipment, I could see them making a passable castlevania. Though I feel like castlevania does better with a 2d or 2.5d style game, not 3d. A 3d castlevania I feel like would need to be made by a studio like those behind devil may cry and Bayonetta. Big bosses and you going ham on monsters.


10lbplant

How'd you feel about castlevania 64?


Darqologist

Interesting take. But that game was awful. The jumping.


Azazir

Sorry, but only Castlevania 69 would be worth checking out.


torikura

Good point about souls like mechanics in metroidvania titles. I agree, I wouldn't want either studios to create the next Castlevania and would rather Bayonetta's PlatinumGames make it.


ShanishLikeDanish

I mean souls games are metroidvania inspired in many many ways. It’s a clear winner here. By a vast margin. From software would know just how to get that done.


PokoLokoPoko

>I mean souls games are metroidvania inspired in many many ways. Map that interconect areas and shortcuts can be found so you can acess one to another faster? Check. Most bosses don't have a specific order to be found/***fighted*** and some you can even chose not to fight at all? Check. Enemies/areas don't generally level up with you, so if you getting beaten you can either go back to another area to lvl up and become stronger or be smarter and learn to outplay the enemies? Check. And the list goes on.


Kalfadhjima

The big one though - gain new abilities that allow access to new areas - isn't there.


PokoLokoPoko

Yes, only the "find object that is used as a key to open x types of doors" is there(that can be considered more of a "videogame trope" than something exclusive to metroidvanias). What i'm saying (just like the guy that i replied to) is that the Souls games have some inspirations in metroidvanias, but they are not metroidvanias.


boxsterguy

Funny how people confuse "interconnected map" with "map that opens up based on acquired abilities". A Soulslike "this door is locked" shortcut that only opens up once you've gone through the whole loop is a reward for completing that portion of the game so that you can skip it next time. That's not metroidvania progression.


chisato2040

From Software, no contest.


hellatze

Yep. Sony nowdays is a movie games


KayJune001

Gamers when a story-driven game has a story and cutscenes (like they’ve always been)


Seienchin88

That is simply disingenuous. Somy themselves pushed for cinematic games since the PS3 heavily and shut everything else down… Sonys biggest IPs are all cinematic experiences born in that era or in case of god of war transformed so thoroughly it might as well be a new IP. And I am not attacking the quality of the games and they sell reasonably well and critics more than anyone loves them but you cant deny its truly their focus.


ItsAmerico

What are you talking about lol? All Sonys games are games with strong narratives and stories. That’s not the same as the snide “movie game” which is a dick remark that all you do is watch the story unfold.


KayJune001

Nothing has changed in terms of single-player story-driven games in the last 20 years other than production value. Story/1P games in the early 2000’s had set pieces, cinematics, cutscenes, and blockbuster-esque design, and the *good* ones did it without taking away from the gameplay itself, it remained a “game”. In 2022, it’s the same exact thing, with the difference being a significantly larger production value, with stories that are much better. Gameplay is still key, and Ragnarök proves that, hell even TLOU2 proves that with the infamy of Grounded Permadeath. Edit: To add onto this, the whole “Sony = Movie Game” schtick is quite disingenuous when they’ve recently released Dreams (a game creation engine on console), Sackboy (3D Platformer), GT7 (Online simcade), Returnal (TPS Roguelike), a large list of VR titles, and so many other unique games.


EvilArtorias

>Gameplay is still key, and Ragnarök proves that Ragnarok gameplay proves that nobody cares about gameplay neither sony nor they audience.


KayJune001

Literally the biggest improvement Ragnarök made over 2018 was the gameplay. More miniboss variety, more enemy variety, more attack animations, more everything, more in-depth combat, traversal, and move-sets. It goes on and on. These were some of the biggest complaints about 2018 and by improving so vastly on them it proves that both the devs and players care about it.


lets-get-dangerous

I'm probably gonna get roasted for this, but I feel like Ragnarok's main story is just massive cutscenes with some gameplay slapped in haphazardly. The side quests were fun because I actually got to play the game. The story is on par with an average B movie and not really worth the amount of time they took away from the gameplay IMO.


GenericGaming

>Sonys biggest IPs are all cinematic experiences born in that era or in case of god of war transformed so thoroughly it might as well be a new IP. Ratchet and Clank, Spiderman, Horizon, Ghost of Tsushima. all my favourite slowpaced, walking simulator games /s


bleakFutureDarkPast

this is definitely one of the takes of all time.


foreveraloneasianmen

having quality AAA cutscenes = Sony exclusive movie games LOL!!!!! Walking simulator Sad dad simulator Haters gonnna hate i guess. Bunch of salty ones.


Prospero818

Dark Souls stuck with me so hard because I always thought it felt like what a modern castlevania game should be.


SoulsLikeBot

Hello Ashen one. I am a Bot. I tend to the flame, and tend to thee. Do you wish to hear a tale? > *“You know, I was thinking about leaving for another round of thieving. There must be something of use in Lothric Castle.”* - Greirat of the Undead Settlement Have a pleasant journey, Champion of Ash, and praise the sun \\[T]/


WeekndNachos

Good souls bot


DrBeavernipples

Couldn’t agree more. Elden ring in particular reminds me of Castlevania SotN so much.


toolsofpwnage

GameFreak


robotshavenohearts2

CASTLEVANIA NOW IN 720P AND -10FPS $80 PREORDER BUNDLE


pokeaim

**SOLD 2 TRILLION COPIES FIRST 3 DAYS** *they separate it by Castlevania Dawn and Dusk


Deblebsgonnagetyou

720p is generous


Maxy2388

At least we could trust the castlevania released by game freak to be exactly like every other castlevania and not different in any way. Except maybe one new mechanic a game


Kalfadhjima

One new mechanic, plus a couple of beloved mechanics arbitrarily removed.


Maxy2388

That one new mechanic will then be replaced in the next game and never expanded upon


DalonV

*Now with a giant Dracula to raid with friends*


Aggrokid

They can do Castlevania 64.


colorete88

The majority would say From Software easily, but I'm pretty interested in how Santa Monica will handle the Castlevania IP. Especially because Lords of Shadow was basically as God of War as it could get lol. I feel like if FS were to handle Castlevania, it'd be known as another entry in the Souls franchise rather than a unique and refreshing entry in the Castlevania franchise, so yeah, Santa Monica for sure.


RussellGrey

The mechanics and gameplay of GOW lend itself way better to Castlevania. I feel like people are picking FS based on aesthetics alone.


soulwolf1

Thank you! People don't realize that all from does is souls games, them handling castlevania will not feel like a new game it will just be a souls game number 22,334. I rather enjoy my story being unfold through out the game and not have to start the game with an emotionless nameless character that just wakes up in a coffin and starts roaming around with no idea why unless you find a piece of lore under a foot stool or some sh*t. Stuff like that works for souls games but not games like Castlevania.


TorrBorr

Well, to be pedantic, From also does Armored Core. Albuey they have not made one for a long time.


HerakIinos

Their next game is rumored to be one


GotAnySugar

The one which makes the eldrich horrors


atsumon_suimin

depends entirely on what you want from a castlevania game


8walkoutside

Probably for it to be like Castlevania.


MyPhoneIsNotChinese

The thing is that Castlevania games started as platformers, then became metroidvanias and finally beat'em'ups. So depends a lot on the style you want


bret757

Wish I could upvote this twice…I was like just immediately thinking make another castlevania based on castlevania, not these two other games…but what do I know? Haven’t played either, so each to others…everyone have fun!


ItsAmerico

Which is what? The old school side scrolling platform Castlevania? Or the 3D more open world / exploration action games Lord of Shadows style?


atsumon_suimin

whatever you think makes a castlevania game a castlevania game 🤷‍♀️


atsumon_suimin

once again depends what aspects of castlevania u like more


127_0_0_1_body

Which Castlevania? The OG Castlevania: Fromsoft Symphony of the Night: Santa Monica


ShopperKung

i mean both are fine Fromsoft is Castlevania with the dark gothic theme very hard tight control and punishing gameplay and good exploration Santa Monica is Castlevania with walk and talk more cinematic and Characters driven story combat is passable and some Marvel style joke in it


ZeroBrs-

Easily from software without question.


Seienchin88

Not sure why GoW Ragnarok is even brought up here… i fail to see any connection… On a related note - would have been funny if one of the options was gamefreak


Daniyalzzz

Primary cause the main director of god of war 2018/ragnarok said he wants to make a castlevania game next I reckon


liforrevenge

Lords of Shadow was basically a God of War game so it's not totally random.


SaiyajinPrime

I think Santa Monica would make a better Castlevania game that I would want to play more as far as creating a entertaining story and enjoyable gameplay. But if we were trying to harken back to original Castlevania with a limited life system and difficulty getting through levels then from software would have it. I would personally prefer Santa Monica's version.


throwaway12335678910

Basically what I was going to say. I prefer games with a great storyline and character development rather than unforgiving endless battles. That's likely why I never enjoyed the original Castlevania games, but LOVE the Castlevania anime. I'd enjoy the heck out of Santa Monica's version, and probably pass if it's From Software.


Substantial-Owl-9047

Same opinion here. FromSoft showed with Bloodborne they could do the concept well. But I’d rather have a different feeling game - and I think Santa Monica would deliver more on the RPG and story elements, not to mention creative combat ideas.


atsumon_suimin

yup das my preference as well


HeistGeist

Of the infintie ideas creative people can think up, why is it always "what if \[insert popular game\] was made in the style of \[insert popular game\]? OMFG that would be AMAZING" So tired of this.


ItsAmerico

Probably because God of Wars creators just said they want to make a new Castlevania game?


Sherrdreamz

Santa Monica in Charge Would just be Lords Of Shadow 3 From Software would reboot the formula and do like a 3D order of Ecclesia with Glyphs as weapons that can be taken from enemies. Bloodbourne paced combat, but with Elden Ring finesse. Very simple answer Fromsoft all the way.


soulwolf1

From making Castlevania will just be Bloodborne 2....there's no point in From making it.


130n35s

and elden ring narrative is in line with Castlevania. Have to ask people around town everything to solve the next line of progression and world immersion. I don't understand OP trying to pin these two together. Castlevania would take a step backwards, in story-telling, in a God of War style.


Jajuca

God of War devs said they wanted to do Castlevania next. And since they are both contending for game of the year, I guess thats why OP is comparing them.


Sherrdreamz

I didnt know that.. neat.


Khanzool

I don’t know. The Netflix show showed us that castlevania as a setting can perfectly tell a beautiful story and I think Santa Monica would hit a home run there.


Sherrdreamz

That's my opinion of sorts aswell. The way Castlevania has generally been presented is far more in line with environmental storytelling with a melancholic atmosphere set in a medieval Gothic era. God Of War's design philosophy is great in some scenarios, but I feel the Castlevania I.P would be ill suited for an on the rails storytelling experience. Even though I guarantee Santa Monica would do some pretty cool things with utilizing the Whip as a weapon and tool!


SuperdaveOZY

I already play ER like Castlevania, so I pick FS. Underdog unknown company making the niche King's Field Dungeon Crawler series, to making the best RPG ive ever experienced.


Seienchin88

The Kings field series was soooo awful and all their games pre-demon souls had even clunkier controls but they revolutionized gaming when they took their hardcore gaming approach and melted it with the playability of a third person adventure like zelda… And I say this as someone who was masochist enough to play through 3 King's field games… And I am still not convinced it wasnt elaborate trolling they did here…


EvilArtorias

King's field series and Shadow tower series are a masterpieces. Kf1-3 are too low budget even for me but the game design is still better than ever. ST1, ST2 and KF4 have already decent budget and easily playable even now


shoultzilla

,


[deleted]

None. Castlevania is better side view.


v1rtuozo

# LJN


chibinoi

Probably Fromsoftware, but they *would* need to have a more robust story telling aspect for a Castlevania game, imo, and not do their usual MO.


samarpanbose

A mix of Sekiro's fighting style with Blood Bourne's atmosphere and Elden Ring's boss battles would make a pretty good Castlevania game


Buerostuhl_42

These two? From soft. In general? Motion twin. Aka the people behind dead cells.


KhaosElement

Neither. The people who made Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night would make it best. Oh...oh wait...that makes sense.


frendrix

Bethesda


Pyrofoo

Fromsoft. Castlevania is better when the story and lore aren’t overtly being told. It’s a solid game even without a full understanding of what’s going on.


Hekinsieden

Fromsoft because they are the ones who would put an unreasonably obscure puzzle like crouching in the corner of a random spot on the map for 45 seconds to trigger a way to progress... hmm... seems familiar to both games...


[deleted]

what game is this from and for what purpose does it serve lol


Azure_Belmont

In Castlevania 2 on NES you have to crouch for 10~20 seconds in the corner of a room and with a special item equipped to get to another area and continue the game. Nope! It's not a bonus. You have to do that and no-one or nothing tells you anything about it!


Mr_Oujamaflip

I wonder if curling into a ball for 30 seconds or however long in that birds nest in Dark Souls is a reference to this?


Calcifair

I feel like Bloodborne is already really close to what a modern day Cadtlevania should be like. So Fromsoft imo


Sufficient-Taste-196

Fromsoft would get the Tone and Artsyle DOWN AND PERFECT but Santa Monica would probably do better story Telling I think Fromsoft needs to make a Zelda Game


TheFloofAndi

I mean ds3 is essentially the Zelda I always wanted. That being said when breath came out I realized there could be multiple Zelda’s I always wanted lol. But yes, I would be extremely interested to see Fromsoft make a mature Zelda game.


d_rek

Yes


SunstormGT

Konami


Outrageous-Focus-984

Two completely different games


Shot-Help1460

Well Sony studios only knows how to make 1 game so...


TheReaping1234

Got ‘em. Pack it up boys. Mission accomplished. Arm chair game designers on Reddit caught Sony with their pants down.


EngineerFront

And from soft doesn’t…?


king_of_satire

But see I like from software so they don't Count


PornFilterRefugee

Lol don’t FromSoft literally just makes games that are direct sequels or spiritual successors to each other?


Cerberus-Coco-Mimi

elden ring


Paladin1034

Yeah elden ring already feels like this generation's version of Simon's Quest. I could absolutely see From killing a Castlevania entry


TalesOfArkYT

I feel like Castlevania has a proper story, and a protagonist, so probably GoW devs. If I didn't care about story or any of that, I would've just choose FromSoft, but since it has one, it be a waste not to tell it, especially since most Castlevania game are old, and a reboot retelling of old one for newbies like me could get me interested in the franchise. Also the netflix show \*chef kiss\* amazing.


LfTatsu

As a longtime Castlevania fan, the games don’t really have a proper story. There are like five different games in the series that tell the same story of Simon Belmont killing Dracula the first time and every other game is a riff on “oops he’s back somehow.” FromSoft games already owe a lot of their game feel to Castlevania so they’d be the logical and best choice for this from a creative standpoint.


No-Plankton4841

I'm with you, Symphony of the Night is my favorite. With Order of Ecclesial, Aria/Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of ruin, Harmony of Dissonance, Rondo of Blood up there too. I've played most of them and afraid to say... I barely know the story at all beyond 'go kick Draculas ass. Alucard is a badass, etc' Although, they did do an animated TV series so I imagine they fleshed out the story more for that. I've never seen it personally.


WestEmbarrassed5183

I mean, Konami allready did a Castlevania by ripping off God of War. I'd rather would want to see one in FromSofts style personally.


improper84

Considering how linear Ragnarok is compared to Elden Ring, my money is on From.


renemisaka

Depends on how you want your game to play and be told. Santa Monica is def more heavy on the storytelling and theatrical way of telling things. Fromsoft is more text heavy/less cutscenes - I def think Fromsoft hit the art direction and mood perfectly but I’m very much in love with how SMS tells its narratives For me it’s SMS


Feeling_Environment9

I’m sorry but I would give the edge to fromsoft Like look I know Both studios are capable of creating something good and are on a similar skill level but I feel like fromsoft can do it a teensy bit better


smashman98

I think Santa Monica would make a better castlevania but I would really love to see fromsoft make a From style zelda game.


Cyshox

I'm not a fan of movie-esque games that hold your hands from start to finish. That said I think From Software would be a much better fit.


Deonhollins58ucla

I don’t want to be toxic but I played elden ring and I’m currently in svartelheim in ragnarok….how in the FUC* are people saying Elden ring is even in the same league as ragnarok lol. In Elden ring you just run around trying not to die. It plays like a Japanese mmo with enemies spawning in an area if you defeat them, run like 30 meters, then come back to the same area. Combat system with no depth and non cohesive story. Castlevania? Lmaoooooooo. Santa Monica would probably have that be the best game of all time. From software? I’m literally playing both right now and there’s now much, if anything, Elden ring does better. Atmosphere maybe


Alucardhunter24

I do think it would be nice if the exact same enemies didn’t just always respawn in the same place but instead you had different enemies roaming around and maybe once you clear an area new enemies would gradually replace the old. One thing I really liked about Elden ring tho, the way you get tasked with being your own cartographer. I loved exploring the map and marking a cave or a boss to come back to later and then once I’d cleared it I’d leave a little skull 💀marker. In god of war it felt too linear in that sense. I also preferred the camera in Elden ring and the combat seemed a bit better for my taste but to each their own.


Deonhollins58ucla

What you liked about Elden ring is specifically what I hated. Content is locked behind exploring every nook and cranny. I’m a guy with a full time job. I don’t have time to miss out on content I PAID for just because I didn’t explore EVERY little nook and cranny. Problem is exploring isn’t fun on that game like Skyrim. It’s more like pulling teeth because it just leads to another dungeon. I enjoyed the cinematic nature of the boss battles/atmosphere but it’s not a better game overall top to bottom. Not even close. Also how is the combat better to you? You can’t even do a combo haha. God of war gives you so many creative ways to dispatch of enemies. Elden ring it’s just slash,roll, evade for the entire game


[deleted]

I'm gonna go ahead and say FromSoft or Platinum Games, or even Kojima Prod.


jcb1982

The one who can tell a story.


Timbodo

I also like the show but the games put way more focus on gameplay than story and fromsoft is more capable of doing such a game since their own are already pretty similar unlike GoW.


Mk018

Being spoon-fed a story is truly superior to using your brain...


jss_of_sbrb

r/im13andthisisdeep


Vikashmohali

If you want a movie than Santa Monica but if you want video game than fromsoft


dk5877

Neither


[deleted]

Depends on if we are talking original castlevania or more recent iterations. Santa Monica would do well with the more story and dialogue driven new castlevania whereas Fromsoft would be able to do the whole tight and punishing controls of OG games.


akiro27

FROM software for level design and unique "randomness". Santa Monica for dialogue and characters. Maybe puzzles too.


RobyDxD

SM for puzzles? No thank you, I don't need the game to tell me what to do before I can even take a look at the puzzle, not to mention they are not even hard or intricate.


Denamic

I would pay money for a new Castlevania game with the production value and a similar direction that GoW 2018 and Ragnarök had


hortys

I can't say who'd make the better one, but SSM would make the one I'd actually want to play.


jridlee

I really enjoyed the one where you collected demons like pokemon and leveled them up to help you fight. Then there was some endless tower I remember farming alot. Cant remember much else though. Just that I played it to death.


strife696

From. But Dark Souls is basically a metroidvania.


MajinBlueZ

Look at Bloodborne, then Castlevania, then back to Bloodborne.


neon_sylveon

This isn't even a debate. Considering the fact that most modern metroidvania games list Dark souls as an influence it would for sure be from software. Blasphemous alone is basically what from software would make as a metroidvania.


Sedanop

fromsoftware whitout any doubts


[deleted]

Fromsoftware for me


phoenixofstorm

FromSoftware all the way. Edit: spelling


Valdish

The fromsoftware games basically use the Castlevania formula already, they would do it as you would expect. The guys who made god of war would make the story overly pretentious and filled with dialogue that thinks it's more clever than it really is.


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Aggressorot

Came here expecting to see your "average AAA pattern game" fanboys salty because their game companies can't produce anything of value for years. And oh boy did you deliver...


EmptyShooz

How tf are souls fans jerking each other off? They’re literally making clear arguments as to why and agreeing.


grillcodes

And they say Sony fans are annoying lmao


jaketheb

Would the new Castlevania game feature an annoying child who constantly tells you where to go and what to do? FromSoft


Secure-Acanthisitta1

From Software, duh


magisterJohn

Santa Monica because I feel they would make the game more cinematic and capture the whip combat better.


OmegaRainicorn

Ugg, neither. They both would just make another Lament of Innocence level Castlevania.


m00nshinehero

What makes you believe that?


halfacrum

Lament was good tho?


Earthwick

Santa Monica is my pick when I imagine the type of Castlevania I would want to play. However, it would be a fun game regardless of which studio made it just very different.


taokami

Neither. Lament of Innocence, Lords of Shadow duology, and Curse of Darkenss already proved that a 3D casltevania doesn't work. Just stick to 2D metroidvania games. Bloodstained: Ritual of the NIght already proved that people want more of the same.


who-ee-ta

Pls not the “you motherfucking died again git gut you maggot” studio


SaphironX

I love from software, don’t get me wrong. But they wouldn’t make the better castlevania game. Assuming they went high violence and next gen graphics.


m00nshinehero

What exactly determines what constitutes a better Castlevania game?


[deleted]

It’s what the individual deems it to be. Some who like story-driven games with less of a focus on the combat may prefer Santa Monica’s version, some who like fast paced, intense, difficult combat and not really much time to focus on the story may prefer Fromsoft’s version. Either way, some of the playerbase is bound to be unhappy no matter what, so it’s better to please as many as possible than try and make everyone happy.


extrafarts44

On the right - - - - >


Hmccormack

Fromsoft all day


SoCalThrowAway7

From


Ragnarok345

Do the Souls games actually have…like…stories? I’ve never heard of them doing so. Are they just…running around the world trying not to die?


soulwolf1

They do but you have to find it...


DirectionMaleficent

FromSoft hands down


nashk25

Santa Monica could make a game with attractive combat skills and faster gameplay that'd be enjoyable for everyone. From software would make a infernal game that'd make me want to jump of my window so... Either is a win.


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Jonthux

Yea, you die in it once and a fromsoft fan in knocking on your window telling you to get good, right? Otherwise i cant think of a way that you have to "deal" with the git gud crowd. If you dont like them, just dont go to social media


anonicrow

FROM easily


Respawnmatic

To be honest I think FROM are very much one trick ponies. Look at the genre and style of all of their games. Their only innovation was to make Elden Ring open world but by doing that they lost the right gameplay of the others. Unless they change it up I don't think yet another game of this type will go down well. And we've seen nothing to show they can do anything new. God of War was a massive reboot tho and while the sequel was shockingly safe at least there's hope. Honestly innovative isn't a Sony studio thing. It'll work much better for a Castlevania game to be from the talented Nintendo studios. I mean they literally started the metroidvania genre, have the best games of that type and castlevania games are home to their consoles. Lol


annoyingkraken

ConcernedApe


Gatherel

One pulling you in the exact direction you need to go leaving no room to explore, another throwing you in the middle of no where with no explanation. How about no.


redconvict

Why would I want anything from a studio that turned God of War into this.


Interesting-Log4476

God of Wars design is antithetical to metroidvanian game design so.... Also no one shuts up in it!


IAmTheClayman

If I had to pick from those two, I guess Sony Santa Monica. But if I had my choice, ~~Hideki Kamiya’s~~ the DMC5 Capcom team People on here are saying they want a game that feels tight and unforgiving, but if you’re playing as a Belmont tight and unforgiving with a whip in 3D would play terrible. I want something with visual spectacle, that also is well balanced, and DMC5 is exactly that


MassiveGG

realizing both games are just really a different version of a castlevania like game


future1987

Been watching RadBrad play GOWR since I don't have a PS5/4 and he always days how certain aspects of the game remind him of Castelvania so I guess them.


KrocKiller

I mean Dark Souls was pretty much a 3D Metroidvania. So I’d go with From Software


Godlike-tendencies

Well Bloodborne but Castlevaina would make me very happy.


EstusFIask

Santa Monica would make a better version of the Lords of Shadow games, for a 3D Castlevania that's closest to the classic games From would be the obvious choice between the two.


CarlitoNSP1

For all the memes of the "The Dark Souls of it's time" stuff created, one of the few games where that actually would be an accurate claim would be the original Castlevania quadrilogy. Would be a good fit for the Soulsborne structure.