Black Souls

Introduction

The “Black Souls” series is an adult-oriented role-playing game (RPG) developed by the Japanese artist Eeny Meeny Miny Moe, also known as Toro Yori Ebi. Known for its dark fantasy themes, intricate storytelling, and challenging mechanics, the game draws inspiration from classic European fairy tales and the works of horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. “Black Souls” offers a unique blend of challenging gameplay, captivating narratives, and mature content, making it an intriguing choice for fans of dark fantasy RPGs.

In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of “Black Souls,” exploring its gameplay mechanics, world-building, critical reception, and availability, while providing a comprehensive overview of why this series stands out in the role-playing game genre.

Game Overview

Black Souls I

Released on April 27, 2017, Black Souls I is the first game in the series. The story takes place in a world inspired by a variety of fairy tales, creating a unique and immersive experience. The player controls a protagonist who is an undead character, navigating through a dark and ominous world full of danger. The game’s design incorporates elements from the “Souls-like” genre, popularized by games like Dark Souls, featuring punishing combat, detailed exploration, and a complex world filled with secrets.

The world-building in Black Souls I is rich and intricate, with characters and locations drawn from familiar fairy tales but twisted into darker versions. The game’s combat is methodical, requiring players to learn from their mistakes and master the game’s mechanics in order to survive.

Black Souls II

Black Souls II, released on November 10, 2018, serves as the sequel to the first game. It builds upon the mechanics and themes established in Black Souls I, introducing new characters, quests, and gameplay elements. Players are taken deeper into the mysterious world of Black Souls, facing more complex enemies and challenges.

This sequel also expands on the mature content present in the first game, offering a deeper and more intense narrative. The sequel is praised for its improved mechanics and more refined combat system, providing a more polished experience while maintaining the challenge that fans of the series expect.

Gameplay Mechanics

Souls-like Elements

A key feature that defines the “Black Souls” series is its Souls-like gameplay. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Dark Souls series, Black Souls offers a tough, unforgiving challenge that demands patience and skill. Players must fight against challenging enemies, including powerful bosses, and manage resources carefully to survive.

Combat is slow and deliberate, with players needing to time their attacks and blocks precisely. The game’s difficulty can be daunting for newcomers, but it is this challenge that makes Black Souls rewarding. Every victory feels earned, as players must carefully explore the world, defeat enemies, and discover hidden secrets in order to progress.

Dark Fantasy Setting

The Dark Fantasy setting of Black Souls is one of the game’s defining features. The world is a blend of various fairy tales, but they are twisted into something darker and more sinister. This reimagining of familiar stories gives the game a unique feel, as players encounter characters and settings that are both familiar and unsettling.

The atmosphere is consistently grim, with an overarching sense of despair that permeates the world. The environments are detailed, and the art style contributes significantly to the eerie and oppressive mood of the game. From dense forests to crumbling castles, Black Souls offers a visual and emotional experience unlike most other RPGs.

Adult Themes

Black Souls is not for the faint of heart. The series features mature content, including dark themes of death, violence, and psychological horror. These elements are woven into the story and gameplay, creating a rich but disturbing experience. While this may not appeal to every player, those who enjoy a mature narrative will find that Black Souls offers something unique in the realm of RPGs.

The mature themes also extend to the character interactions and storylines. As players progress through the game, they will encounter morally ambiguous choices, each with their own consequences. This complexity adds to the game’s depth, making each decision feel significant.

Reception and Reviews

Critical Reception

Since its release, the Black Souls series has garnered attention for its challenging gameplay, deep lore, and mature content. Critics have praised the series for offering a unique twist on the Souls-like genre, with a strong emphasis on exploration and narrative. The game’s challenging mechanics, combined with its dark atmosphere and mature themes, have set it apart from other RPGs.

The Black Souls II sequel has been particularly well-received, with players appreciating the refined mechanics and expanded content. Many players consider it a worthy successor to the original game, continuing the series’ reputation for high difficulty and engaging world-building.

Player Feedback

Player feedback for Black Souls has generally been positive, particularly for fans of Souls-like games. Many players have noted the game’s difficulty, which is both a point of praise and frustration. Fans appreciate the need for careful planning and patience, but newcomers to the genre may find the difficulty overwhelming. The dark fantasy world has also been a major draw, with players enjoying the rich lore and atmospheric design of the environments.

Availability and Purchasing

Platforms

The Black Souls series is available on multiple platforms, primarily for PC. Players can purchase the games through platforms such as DLsite, where they are available for download. The games are also available in English, allowing a wider audience to experience the series.

Purchasing Options

Both Black Souls I and Black Souls II can be purchased through the official websites and authorized retailers like DLsite. Each game is priced at approximately $10.94 USD, making it accessible to a broad audience. For fans of the series, it is recommended to purchase the games directly from the developer’s website to support future releases and updates.

Black Souls for Android

For mobile gaming enthusiasts, Black Souls can also be played on Android devices via an APK download. If you’re looking to enjoy the dark fantasy world and challenging gameplay of Black Souls on your Android phone or tablet, the Black Souls APK offers a convenient way to experience the game on the go.

To use Black Souls APK on your Android device, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Download the APK and OBB files

Step 2. Enable Unknown Sources

Go to Settings > Security or Privacy, then enable the option to install from Unknown Sources.

Step 3. Install the APK

Find the downloaded APK file and open it to start the installation.

Step 4. Extract the OBB file

Use a file manager to locate the OBB file and extract it to the Android/obb folder. Or extract the OBB file using the ZArchiver app.

Step 5. Launch the app

Once the OBB file is successfully extracted, open it and play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Black Souls series stands out in the RPG genre due to its challenging gameplay, unique dark fantasy setting, and mature themes. Fans of the Souls-like genre will appreciate the series’ difficulty and depth, while those who enjoy twisted fairy tales will find much to love in its reimagined world. The series is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are up for the challenge, Black Souls offers a rewarding and immersive experience.

Whether you are a veteran of Souls-like games or a newcomer to the genre, the Black Souls series promises a unique and unforgettable journey into a world of darkness and despair.