Summary
FromSoftwareadheres to a number of action-RPG tropes, though they are sometimes hard to recognize considering the studio’s obscure and aloof style of game design. In reality, a game likeElden Ringhas more in common with the likes ofMass EffectandSkyrimthan one might initially assume, as it features role-playing staples like side quests and character classes, though in an admittedly distinct way.
Elden Ring,Dark Souls,Bloodborne, andDemon’s Soulsall feature an assortment of character classes for players to choose from, but they serve more as starting points than wholly unique spins on the game. For example, a character can startElden Ringas the Prisoner class, which is a sort of battle-mage archetype, but then choose to lean fully into magic, making themselves more of a mage, or eschew these class roots entirely and invest in a completely different combat style. This distinguishesFromSoftware’s action-RPGs from the likes ofDragon AgeandDragon’s Dogma, where the player’s class has a transformative effect on the overall gameplay experience, sometimes even bleeding into the interactive narrative.
FromSoftware’s Next RPG Should Have a Deeper Class-Story Connection
The Lore of FromSoftware’s Classes Is Underutilized
All the classes inElden Ring,Dark Souls, etc., are paired with distinct lore. For instance, if a player chooses to start as a Sorcerer inDark Souls, then their character will be from the in-game country of Vinheim. Another example of this would be the Hero class inElden Ring: all players of the Hero class are “descended from a Badlands chieftain,” connecting them to the plight of Hoarah Loux in a far more intimate manner.
But these lore elements don’t wind up playing any discernible role in how other characters interact with the protagonist. This can be somewhat questionable, as anElden RingNPC like Nepheli Louxought to recognize a Hero-class character as either her kin or Badlands adversary, or vice versa. Another example of this disconnect would be the Royalty class inDemon’s Souls: NPCs descended from royal bloodlines don’t seem to recognize the player-character’s own royal background, and there are no unique dialog options available on the subject. This is a feature that FromSoftware could play with in a future release.
How Classes Could Matter More in Future FromSoftware Games
It would be interesting, rewarding, and increase replay value if there were some narrative differences based on class in future FromSoftware releases; a player’s chosen class could yield unique NPC interactions, or perhaps even entirely distinct questlines.FromSoftware could deepen its multi-ending traditionthrough such a feature, offering slightly distinct takes on endings or story beats based upon the player’s chosen class.
Naturally, going as far as offering class-based quests would be a lot of work, so perhaps this system could take place in a game with a truncated assortment of classes.
For example, a class whose lore defines the player-character as an outsider could result in NPCs adjusting their behavior, recognizing the player as an other and therefore acting accordingly, perhaps treating them with mistrust or prejudice. Conversely,a class similar toDemon’s Souls' Royaltycould make certain NPCs treat the player with disdain or a groveling sort of respect, depending on their personality.
Games likeBaldur’s Gate 3offer a bevy of different dialog optionsbased on the class that a player chooses, and while FromSoftware wouldn’t have to go that far, it would be interesting to see the studio’s take on this more in-depth approach. FromSoftware often keeps players at arm’s length when it comes to storytelling, so defining the player-character in a more intimate and direct way, based on the player’s starting choices, could have meaningful results.
From Software
Based in Japan, FromSoftware is a development company best known for the Souls series and Armored Core franchise. Other popular games from From Software include Elden Ring, Sekiro, Bloodborne, and the King’s Field series.
