It’s normal for any new Soulsborne games to be compared to other games in the subgenre, especially those coming out of FromSoftware.Thymesiais an upcoming game that seems to draw equal parts fromBloodborneandDevil May Cry. Many fans are excited about the game as a kind of panacea while waiting for a PC port ofBloodborne, and it’s likely going to draw some comparison to FromSoftware’s upcomingElden Ring, butThymesiahas a few key ways it can stand out from the big game.
Comparinggames likeThymesiaandBloodborneis fair, as the subgenre was built on the success of FromSoftware’s games and has become one of the most popular forms of action-RPGs on the market today.Thymesia’s first big way to shine againstElden Ringis in how it handles its atmosphere.Elden Ringis presenting more like a AAA open-world game with each new reveal.Thymesia,on the other hand, seems to be a more claustrophobic experience in-line withBloodborne. Leaning into that atmosphere with its aesthetic could help make it a unique experience.
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Thymesia Should Embrace What Makes It Different
Focusing on fleshing out the smaller locations inThymesiawith bits of lore and character could help the game make a bigger impact compared to the open field ofElden Ring. This approach would largely be borrowing from FromSoftware’s formula, but if used in new ways (like maybe being more direct with the story) this could distinguishThymesia. That and embracing the more traditionalhorror elements that seem at work inThymesia. After all, the ambiguous nature of FromSoftware’s storytelling is engaging, but hard to emulate.
Charting its own direction in the space will be key forThymesia. One facet it seems to be taking a diversion from the Soulsborne formula is with its combat. The methodical and generally slow combat ofDark Soulsstands in stark contrast with the fast-paced action seen so far inThymesia. While the game’sBloodborneinfluences are upfront, it also has a flair to its combat in what’s been shown that feels more likeDevil May Cry. The combat inElden Ringseems like a natural evolution of theDark Soulsapproach, butThymesiacould be a radical departure.
Bringing in more style and speed to combat will be a balancing act forThymesia. Difficulty is a crucial factor in the Soulsborne formula, and making enemies commensurate in skill to the player will be key. It’s easy to just increase the damage enemies can give and take, butThymesiaseems to be taking another page fromDevil May Cryin that regard. Mixing up enemy types in interesting ways, and giving them abilities that directly counter those of the player, is pulled off expertly inDMC5.That approach seems the routeThymesiaand its plague weapon systemare taking.
Thymesiais in a unique position, albeit a challenging one.Elden Ringis an incredibly anticipated game for many fans. FromSoftware releases are always a big deal in the subgenre it pioneered, soThymesiawill be up against the hype. This is exacerbated byElden Ringcoming to PC. However, embracing what it’s doing differently more than trying to appeal to fans of the classic formula could helpThymesiastand out againstElden Ringand other titles in the space.
Thymesiais set to release on PC on August 06, 2025.
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