Every year the PC Gaming Show delivers a range of announcements separate from PlayStation, Xbox, and other publishers. One such game debuted this year is Soulstice from Italy-based Reply Game Studios. Soulstice is a Souls-like that leans toward Devil May Cry's faster and more intricate action. Soulstice is set to release in 2022 on PC and next-gen consoles, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Soulstice's announcement trailer delivers what fans of the Souls-like subgenre should want: A dark fantasy style and setting, mature gameplay and atmosphere, hints at robust lore, dangerous encounters, as well as larger-than-life enemies and bosses. Reply Game Studios makes no apologies about making a game so directly inspired by From Software, acknowledging that Soulstice's atmosphere takes a lot from the Dark Souls games.

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However, Soulstice also makes clear it deviates from the Souls formula with regards to gameplay. Instead of the methodical, tactical action of Souls-likes, Soulstice is "completely a hack-and-slash game" inspired by Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and Nier. Combat is also a much broader focus in Soulstice compared to a typical Souls game, with "70%" of gameplay dedicated to action and the remaining 30% used for exploration and interacting with the world of Soulstice.

While there are hints at Soulstice's atmospheric lore in the game's announcement trailer, like in the opening sequence with the stained glass window, it isn't directly touched on. Instead, Reply Game Studios addresses it on Soulstice's website. Soulstice is based in the Holy Kingdom of Keidas, where Wraiths attack the living from their home on the other side of the Veil. The players take on the role of a Chimera, a two-souled warrior, to defend humanity from Wraiths.

On top of the lore is a story about two sisters. Briar and Lute have been reborn as a Chimera, with Lute sacrificing her body to join her soul with Lute. Joined, Briar and Lute are tasked by the Order to reclaim a city from the Wraiths. However, they'll apparently find that the Order isn't all they were led to believe. Exactly how in-depth Soulstice's story turns out to be remains to be seen, but Reply Game Studios does note that the main character has a voice actor.

In tandem with Soulstice's Dark Souls and Devil May Cry inspirations, Reply Game Studios also wants to pull from the team's own experiences. Soulstice takes on a more "European style" due to its Italian roots. While the game's anime influences are apparent, Reply Games Studios says Solstice is something only it can provide.

Soulstice releases in 2022 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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Source: PC Gamer