Ah, the 'Souls-like'. A genre that, since its inception with 2009's Demon's Souls, has become synonymous with punishing difficulty. It's a tough nut to crack, no doubt about it, but the sheer elation of finally felling a formidable foe after endless attempts? That's a high that few other genres can match. It's no wonder, then, that it boasts such a dedicated cult following. With that in mind, this week's Game Recommendation dives into the latest Souls-like titles released from last year to the present, specifically those that have earned a 'Very Positive' rating or higher on Steam.

Launched in March last year,AI Limitis an action RPG set in an apocalyptic world overrun by monsters due to a mysterious substance known as 'Raw Liquid'. Its grim atmosphere is juxtaposed with eye-catching anime-style graphics, securing a 'Very Positive' Steam user review score (35,376 participants, 92% positive). While it certainly packs the signature Souls-like punch, it notably ditches a stamina system, making it a more accessible entry point for newcomers.

Players step into the shoes of 'Arisa', an android referred to as a 'Cavalryman', tasked with restoring a ruined city. The core combat revolves around freely combining various weapons and 'Sols' (special abilities). The ability to seamlessly switch between parrying and dodging in real-time based on the flow of battle offers a high degree of action freedom. While some have noted the field difficulty can be higher than boss encounters, the satisfying combat feel, powered by each weapon's unique skills and well-timed parries, is a significant draw.

Grime 2follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, a Metroidvania action game lauded for its unique artwork, releasing this past April. This new installment boasts a larger world map and a more diverse array of bosses compared to the original. Steam user reviews are sitting at a 'Very Positive' (1,518 participants, 86% positive).

Players embody a formless being, absorbing surrounding enemies to grow stronger as they explore a mystical land. Its standout feature is the 'Molding' system, which allows you to absorb enemies and turn them into your own weapons. Defeated foes can be transformed into projectiles or even summoned as allies, leading to a variety of unique offensive capabilities. The satisfying parry mechanics remain, and the sheer joy of crafting your own build by combining over 50 types of weapons and armour with more than 40 distinct abilities is quite compelling.

Released in March 2026,Homura Himeis an action RPG chronicling the adventures of an exorcist girl and her assistant in a world where humans and yokai coexist. Its anime-style graphics and well-developed character narratives have garnered positive attention, earning it a 'Very Positive' Steam user review score (2,064 participants, 90% positive).

What truly stands out is its blend of Souls-like difficulty with the exhilarating action reminiscent of hack-and-slash titles, further enhanced by bullet-hell shooter elements. Boss battles unleash a barrage of flashy, grand 3D bullet patterns that can be overwhelming at first. However, the parry window is quite generous, allowing anyone to enjoy stylish combat once they get a feel for the game's tempo.

Launched in April of this year,Crimson Oathis a dark fantasy action RPG depicting the journey of a saviour on a continent ravaged by power struggles. Despite some rough edges in translation and certain animations, its solid combat fundamentals have been praised, leading to a 'Very Positive' Steam user review (597 participants, 84% positive).

Its most defining characteristic is its parry-focused combat, reminiscent of Sekiro. Accurately reading enemy attacks and dangerous patterns, then effectively mixing evasion and counter-attacks, creates an intense psychological battle. The game also offers the fun of strategically employing weapon skills, items, and abilities to overcome bosses. A significant advantage is the sheer amount of content packed into its modest ₩16,000 price point.

Released in April last year,Dolls Nestis a mecha action RPG where you play as a mechanical girl uncovering the secrets of a massive factory world. It blends the hefty mecha combat reminiscent of Armored Core with 'bishoujo' elements, achieving a 'Very Positive' Steam user review score (2,306 participants, 88% positive). Much like Crimson Oath mentioned earlier, it boasts a substantial open world and numerous hidden elements, offering great value for its affordable price.

Players assemble their own mechs by combining countless parts, then pilot them to traverse the open world. From heavily armoured mechs specializing in close-quarters combat to highly mobile, long-range assault units, a wide array of customisations are possible. The thrill of conquering powerful bosses scattered across different regions and carving out new territory is immense, and the varied random events encountered during exploration further enhance immersion.