Often regarded as one of the greatest games in existence, Dark Souls has a lot to offer. Since its release in 2011, it has amassed global laud and a loyal fanbase that has brought FromSoftware the fame it enjoys so fondly. Dark Souls sparked a monumental movement in the world of gaming, and we will eternally be grateful for it.
One question bothering many fans is whether Dark Souls checks out as a JRPG. This can be tough to crack since Dark Souls does many things in a signature way that other games can only try and mimic. So, is Dark Souls a JRPG or not? After much thought, we have concluded what others will agree with.
Dark Souls is a fantastic game series that deserves every ounce of the love and recognition it receives. Our final answer is, no, Dark Souls is not a JRPG in the traditional sense. Sure, it has the J and the RPG elements in it, but classifying it in the same category as something like Dragon Quest or Persona feels off. If anything, Dark Souls leans heavily toward the ARPG end of the spectrum based on gameplay and game-feel alone.
Still not satisfied with the answer and have two new questions instead? Not to worry, fellow Dark Souls enthusiast. There is a reason why we did not end the guide just there. Keep reading ahead to learn all you need to know about Dark Souls and how tightly it clings to the JRPG tag. Without further ado, let us get right to it!
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Does Dark Souls Qualify As a JRPG?
We should let you know right now that this debate has no final answer. People will always cling to the belief that they want to. However, some facts could help refresh your opinions on the matter, like pre-existing content in the medium and tropes that seem to be set in stone over the years.
We will let you figure this one out yourself. Let’s get right to it!
What is a JRPG?
The only smart thing to do is clue you in on what JRPGs are before we make our claims. Japanese Role-Playing Games, commonly known as JRPGs, have gained worldwide recognition as a distinctive video game genre that originated in Japan.
This category of games is distinguished by several unique features that contribute to its popularity, including turn-based combat, linear storytelling, and intricate character development.
JRPGs are a much-adored genre of video games offering immersive gameplay, intriguing narratives, and unforgettable characters. While they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they continue to possess a devoted following of fans who appreciate their distinct qualities and captivating worlds.
The Dark Souls Series
The Dark Souls game series has solidified its position as a masterwork in the video game industry, renowned for its unforgiving gameplay, labyrinthine level design, and haunting lore. Developed by FromSoftware, Dark Souls has captivated the hearts of gamers worldwide, offering an immersive and unique experience that has elevated the action-RPG genre to unprecedented heights.
Dark Souls transports players into a bleak and merciless world, where they assume the role of a chosen undead tasked with fulfilling a prophecy to rekindle the fading flame that sustains the realm.
The game’s unrelenting enemies, treacherous environments, and excruciating difficulty demand that players endure an endless cycle of death and rebirth, honing their skills with each defeat to emerge victorious against seemingly insurmountable odds ultimately.
As players venture deeper into the world of Dark Souls, they unravel a tangled and intricate lore, unearthing the tales of the diverse characters and factions that populate the realm.
The game’s reputation as one of the most grueling and challenging series of all time has sparked a dedicated fan base that reveres its dark and twisted allure, cementing its status as a monumental work of art in the gaming industry.
Whether Dark Souls qualifies as a JRPG has been a topic of debate among players in recent times. While the game does possess the “J” for Japanese and “RPG” for a role-playing game, the genre tends to be associated with certain distinguishing features that may or may not be present in Dark Souls.
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Typical Trends in Japanese RPGs
Japanese Role-Playing Games, or JRPGs, have gained a massive following for their exceptional features and immersive gameplay. We owe that to their distinctive features found across many traditional JRPGs.
One of the most prominent characteristics of JRPGs is their turn-based combat system. Players must tactfully select actions for their characters during battles, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and resource management.
JRPGs also boast engaging storylines, taking players on epic adventures through imaginative worlds and encountering diverse allies and foes. The storyline is often linear, but some games provide multiple endings and branching paths, allowing players to make choices that impact the game’s outcome.
Character development is another crucial aspect of JRPGs, with intricate leveling and customization systems that enable players to earn experience points and level up their characters. Players can unlock new abilities and upgrade their stats as they progress, shaping their characters’ growth and development.
JRPGs are renowned for offering a unique gameplay experience emphasizing storytelling, character development, and turn-based combat. With their captivating plotlines and unforgettable characters, these games have won the hearts of gamers worldwide.
Differentiating Factors of Dark Souls
From the previous discussion, Dark Souls stands out as a game that defies the conventions of a typical JRPG. The game’s unique features and departures from the norm have been a source of controversy and discussion among players.
However, this deviation from convention has undoubtedly contributed to Dark Souls’ originality and enduring popularity.
Real-Time Combat
To begin the discussion on whether Dark Souls is a JRPG, it is essential to address one of the game’s most significant departures from traditional JRPGs: the combat system. Unlike the turn-based combat mechanics prevalent in most JRPGs, Dark Souls’ combat is real-time and non-turn-based, which sets it apart from the norm.
Because the combat in Dark Souls is not turn-based, it is significantly more difficult and unforgiving. The combat in Dark Souls is widely regarded as exceptionally challenging, with erratic and difficult-to-defeat enemies. The game’s combat mechanics are rhythmic, requiring players to learn the timing and flow of attacks, blocks, and parries to succeed.
Despite this departure from the turn-based combat mechanics of most JRPGs, Dark Souls’ combat system is an essential part of what makes the game unique and memorable. Its challenging, unforgiving nature has contributed to the game’s reputation as one of the most difficult and rewarding RPGs ever.
Therefore, while Dark Souls’ combat system differs significantly from traditional JRPGs, its exceptional design and difficulty make it a standout in the gaming world, setting it apart as a game that defies traditional genre classifications.
Non-Linear Storytelling
Miyazaki, the creator of the Dark Souls series, has earned a well-deserved reputation as a master of his craft. His exceptional skill in crafting narrative excellence and lore is evident in every game developed by FromSoftware that he has been involved in.
Miyazaki’s ability to create immersive and intricate worlds filled with depth is nothing short of remarkable. His works are a testament to his creativity and dedication to storytelling, and it is no surprise that fans of the Dark Souls series have spent countless hours exploring the lore of the game’s universe.
It is here that we should note how traditional JRPGs feature a linear mode of storytelling where the players get little to do on their own. It’s important to mention that traditional JRPGs tend to follow a linear narrative where players have limited autonomy.
Dragon Quest XI serves as a good example, as it involves completing objectives in a sequential manner, with the story unfolding conventionally – starting at the beginning, moving through the middle, and concluding at the end.
The midpoint of that equation is where Dark Souls diverges. The narrative aptitude of Miyazaki and FromSoftware is apparent, given that the primary story accounts for only a quarter of the overall story.
Unraveling the full extent of the game’s lore and comprehending the intricacies of its world necessitates interacting with entirely voluntary non-playable characters, replaying the game multiple times, scrutinizing item descriptions, and engaging in further study. While this approach may require considerable effort, the payoff is consistently worth it, as Dark Souls thrives on it.
The liberty in storytelling that Dark Souls offers is undoubtedly one of the most notable elements differentiating it from conventional JRPGs. The game lacks a defined structure; instead, players must assemble the narrative pieces themselves.
World Design
Although we are fond of JRPGs, their execution of an open-world design leaves much to be desired. Some exceptions exist, like the magnificent Dragon Quest VIII, but the majority of JRPGs fall short in creating expansive worlds.
This deficiency is primarily due to the genre’s tendency to prioritize straightforward objective completion and linear story progression. World exploration takes a backseat as more of a bonus than a vital component.
Conversely, the world serves as the lifeblood of the Dark Souls series, housing the majority of the game’s story and setting its tone. Dark Souls is a semi-to-fully open-world game, with the primary storyline being just one aspect of the gameplay. This aspect is where Dark Souls distinguishes itself from traditional JRPGs and aligns more with action RPGs such as The Witcher.
The emphasis on the game world rather than the characters further cement Dark Souls’ divergence from traditional Japanese role-playing games.
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Blank Characters
One of the appealing aspects of JRPGs is the endearing cast of characters celebrating after vanquishing a formidable monster, followed by a nice cup of tea. Although this may not be the most accurate portrayal of JRPGs, it is undeniable that much of the games’ charm stems from a lively cast of characters and their contributions to the storyline.
Moreover, players may even have the opportunity to engage in romantic relationships with certain characters as the game progresses and they grow closer.
In contrast, Dark Souls presents an entirely blank and customizable player character, remaining silent throughout the game, save for the audible grunts of agony as the warrior meets a grisly demise for the umpteenth time.
It would be unjust to categorize Dark Souls as a JRPG, as it omits one of the key elements of traditional JRPGs.
Tone
Some JRPGs hide their dark and twisted stories behind bright colors and quirky humor. I mean, it usually starts with a quest to find a missing cat or something, but before you know it, you’re battling a god-like being that’s been wreaking havoc for eons. It’s all in good fun, right?
Most JRPGs have a lighthearted tone, often accompanied by bright colors, cheerful music, and quirky humor. While these games may touch upon serious and weighty topics such as mortality, loss, and the nature of existence, the overall atmosphere is usually one of adventure, exploration, and growth.
That being said, a few JRPGs delve into darker territory. Titles like Valkyrie Profile and Parasite Eve tackle mature themes and subject matter such as death, sacrifice, and the fragility of life. These games often deal with difficult concepts and issues inappropriate for younger audiences.
However, despite these heavier themes, the actual depiction of violence, gore, and suffering in JRPGs is often relatively tame. The focus is more on the story and characters rather than gratuitous violence or shock value. As a result, the overall tone of most JRPGs remains relatively light and upbeat, even when dealing with darker subject matter.
In contrast, Dark Souls sets itself apart from traditional JRPGs with its graphic violence and dark themes that are expertly woven into the gameplay experience. From the grotesque designs of enemies to the heartbreaking stories of despair and loss that lurk around every corner, the game’s gritty tone is a far cry from the typically light-hearted and whimsical atmosphere of most JRPGs.
Moreover, JRPGs tend to divide their gameplay experience into two separate modes – exploration and combat – with the exploration segments focused on providing players with a fun and carefree experience.
In contrast, the combat segments are more serious and intense. In contrast, Dark Souls blends both exploration and combat seamlessly into one long, arduous journey, where players are constantly tested and challenged at every turn.
In this way, Dark Souls offers a unique gaming experience that is unmatched by most JRPGs. While traditional JRPGs provide players with an escape from reality and a chance to embark on a grand adventure with lovable characters, Dark Souls forces players to confront the harsh realities of a world plagued by darkness and decay, where survival is the only goal and even the smallest mistake can lead to a swift and brutal death.
“True” JRPGs
After discussing the differences between Dark Souls and traditional RPGs at length, we would like to provide some concrete examples to support our arguments. There are many titles that come to mind when discussing true JRPGs. Here are a few popular examples to start with.
- Final Fantasy series: This long-running series has been around since the 1980s. Each game in the series features a different cast of characters but shares similar themes such as magic, technology, and epic battles.
- Dragon Quest series: This is another long-running series that began in the 1980s. It is known for its colorful graphics and simple, yet engaging gameplay.
- Chrono Trigger: This game was released in 1995 and is often regarded as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. It features time travel, memorable characters, and a unique battle system.
- Persona series: This series began in the 1990s and is known for its blend of JRPG gameplay and social simulation elements. The games often deal with mature themes such as identity, mortality, and mental illness.
- Suikoden series: This series began in the 1990s and is known for its large cast of characters and complex political storylines. The games often deal with themes such as war, corruption, and betrayal.
Verdict
Now that we have all of the points in front of us, it is time to make a final statement.
No, Dark Souls isn’t a typical JRPG. It might seem confusing, but just because a game is a Japanese RPG doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a JRPG. Dark Souls has too many elements that differentiate it from traditional JRPGs.
The diverse gameplay and unique features of Dark Souls have contributed to the evolution of the gaming industry. The game’s launch and subsequent global recognition marked a significant turning point in the industry, prompting other game developers to experiment with new ideas and move away from clichéd RPG tropes.
Over the past decade, the gaming market has seen a surge in games that have come into their own with their distinct identity and innovative gameplay mechanics. This diversity is something to be celebrated, as it has brought a new level of creativity and excitement to the world of gaming.
In conclusion, it wouldn’t be accurate to label Dark Souls as a JRPG, as it has evolved into its unique genre that deserves recognition. To do so would deny the significant efforts of FromSoftware in developing the game’s mechanics and story, which sets it apart from traditional JRPGs.
Therefore, it’s more appropriate to consider Dark Souls as an ARPG (action role-playing game) with some shared elements with JRPGs. Regardless of labels and genres, the Dark Souls series is undoubtedly a standout in the gaming world, and its impact on the industry cannot be understated.
Conclusion
That concludes today’s guide, where we took a look at whether Dark Souls qualifies as a JRPG or not. It is important to note that Dark Souls marked the start of a revolution in video games, and its success can largely be accredited to its quality of being different.
Whether it is a traditional JRPG or not, there is much fun to be had as you traverse through might and ruin as a lone Ashen One.
We hope our guide helped you learn more about whether Dark Souls is a JRPG. If it did, be sure to leave a comment down below and let us know. Your feedback is much appreciated. Good luck with your future Dark Souls adventures, Ashen One!
