HoYoverse’s Nodusfall might look like Elden Ring, but there’s a promising dark fantasy action game here that took me by surprise
HoYoverse is introducing Nodosfall, a dark fantasy action game that marks a significant departure from the publisher’s typical vibrant, anime-influenced aesthetic. The upcoming title draws visual inspiration from FromSoftware’s Elden Ring, featuring mysterious magic, vicious monsters, and a grittier tone rather than the colorful worlds the studio is known for.
The game received hands-on previews at Gamescom, where it demonstrated potential to establish its own identity beyond surface-level Elden Ring comparisons. The preview experience consisted of two boss battles played cooperatively in groups of four. While the group-based structure initially raised some concerns from the previewer, the gameplay experience suggested Nodosfall could differentiate itself within the dark fantasy action genre.
This venture into mature dark fantasy represents a notable strategic shift for HoYoverse, moving away from the bright colors, cute creatures, and anime aesthetics that define its existing portfolio. Early reception indicates the developer may successfully translate its design expertise into a fresh genre for the publisher.