As one of the earlier "Soulslike" action RPGs, comparisons between Lords of the Fallen and FromSoftware's seminal works like Dark Souls and Bloodborne are common when analyzing the gameplay. While inspired by the punishing yet rewarding pedigree of the Souls series, Lords of the Fallen both emulates some core design philosophies yet also diverges in key areas.

Similarities in Combat and Difficulty

Like Dark Souls, Lords of the Fallen focuses on challenging tactical melee combat demanding precision and timing. Players must study enemy attack patterns and carefully manage stamina reserves while looking for openings to strike without being punished. As in Souls games, recklessness and impatience are severely punished.

The high difficulty and unforgiving nature of battles are also aligned with Soulsborne lineage. Death results in loss of currency and respawning foes, keeping tension high. Lords aims to capture that same grueling but rewarding sense of overcoming daunting odds through skill.

Divergences in World Design

However, one key critique from reviews like IGN's is Lords of the Fallen's more linear world lacking the interwoven shortcuts and loops that make Souls games so engaging. While Souls worlds feel naturally flowing and encourage exploration, Lords funnels players along a singular path from arena to arena.

The inability to revisit earlier areas also contributes to the game feeling less dynamic. Once an area is cleared, it cannot be accessed again. This subtracts some replay value compared to Souls games' more open-ended structures.

Different Approach to Lore

Lords of the Fallen vigor takes a distinctly different approach to storytelling and lore as well. Rather than Soulsborne's environmental and implicit style, Lords conveys its narrative in a more overt, cinematic fashion.

Some players criticize this as being less mysterious while others appreciate the additional clarity. Ultimately it comes down to preference for direct narrative versus interpretive lore.

Faster, More Combo-Focused Combat

Compared to the methodical pacing of Souls combat, Lords of the Fallen emphasizes chaining rapid combos and quick consecutive strikes. The protagonist Harkyn feels more acrobatic and energetic in his attacks than the slower windups of Souls characters.

Stamina burn is also much faster, preventing endless spamming of attacks. This promotes more committed combos rather than tentative safely-spaced pokes. Managing aggressive sequences is crucial to mastering Lords' faster flow.

Bosses as Spectacles

Another divergence is the greater scale and spectacle behind some Lords of the Fallen boss fights. While Souls bosses feel grounded in the world, Lords skews more fantastical and overtly "epic" at times.

Clashes with gargantuan demons and supernatural creatures evoke an almost fighting game style. Reactionary "boss fight" design takes precedence over Soulsborne's more humanoid duels.

In the end, while owing much inspiration to FromSoftware's seminal works, Lords of the Fallen forges its own identity with several unique strengths. Its boss battles and combo-centric real time combat help differentiate Lords as more than just a Souls imitation.