Solateria proves Soulslikes can have difficulty options and still be challenging

I made a big mistake shortly after starting Solateria, a parry-based Metroidvania with Dark Souls-like elements (if you’ll forgive the label spewing) from Studio Doodal that launched in March. In the first hour, Solateria seems gentle, even forgiving. Only a small handful of enemies haunt each pathway, and the trek between rest points is comparatively short. Then a rock giant smashed me into the ground before I had a chance to react. I mistook Solateria‘s gentle learning curve and approachable design for ease, as if it were a Soulslike for newbies. It isn’t just that, but it can be if you need it to be. And that flexibility is part of what makes it special.