From Screen to Page: Yen Press’ FromSoftware Collection

Many of us might be familiar with FromSoftware, Inc. games. Or better: Many of us might be familiar with how hard FromSoftware’s games are to clear. If you have also been victimized by the frogs in Dark Souls, please raise your hand. This is a place of acceptance, not shame.

In case you didn’t know, exploring the dark worlds of FromSoftware isn’t limited to video games. There are books too! But don’t be mistaken—we’re not just talking about art books, here, but also the spin-offs that expanded (or made fun of, as you will discover in Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree) on the games’ lore and characters!

If you’re a hard-core gamer like some of our staff, then you should definitely check out these titles. And while they won’t change your maidenless status (my apologies, Elden Ring fans), at least they will provide excellent entertainment for the days ahead.

Now onwards, oh Tarnished one!

Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying

By Shin Yamamoto

Life beyond death...A foolish notion with which to deceive oneself. But what happens when death does not come? Hanbei the Undying has lived longer than most, yet he’s found no sense of purpose along the way—no reason to swing his blade. With a history vaster than most could hope to comprehend, it’s only natural to wonder: Who exactly was he before he met the Wolf? Find out in this must-read tale for fans of FromSoftware’s hit game SEKIRO: Shadows Die Twice!

Why read it? Have you ever wondered what life an NPC leads before meeting the main protagonist? Moreover, what about that classic NPC you meet at the very beginning of the game whose only use is to guide you through the commands? Well, Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying answers just those questions and more, providing a rich backstory to an otherwise overlooked character of the franchise!

Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree

By Nikiichi Tobita

The epic and foreboding world of the award-winning video game Elden Ring gets turned on its head in this absurd comedy adventure! Follow Aseo the Tarnished as he begins his journey through the Lands Between on the long, looong road to becoming the next Elden Lord. What Aseo lacks in strength, speed, intelligence, charisma, skill, experience, intuition, and common sense, he makes up for in...uhhh…

Why read it? FromSoftware games are gritty, gory, and very, very dark. So sometimes, a laugh or two could be just the thing you need to persevere in an otherwise devastating storyline. If you don’t disdain a comedic take on a dark fantasy series but still want the entire art package (and it is gorgeous, we assure you), then this is the release for you!

Elden Ring: Distant Tales Between

By Haruichi

In this brand-new tale from the world of Elden Ring, a tired Roderika has finally made her way to the Roundtable Hold after a harrowing experience, determined to find her purpose. But among its colorful--and intimidating--collection of eccentrics, how will she manage to find a place for herself?

Why read it? If Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree was too comedic but you still want a lighter read, then check out this digital-only release, Elden Ring: Distant Tales Between! This story keeps the allure of a high fantasy world but with a far lighter (and humane) protagonist. 

Dark Souls: Masque of Vindication

By Michael Stackpole

A nameless undead awakens in an ancient crypt, and thus does the journey begin. Drawn mysteriously toward the horizon, he ventures into a land of perils beyond death. A once shining kingdom has been fractured, and mindless Hollows prowl the dark corners. To see it united and restored, the old king must be freed by his get-the youth Balarion. The undead and his companions, surviving champions of the halcyon era, accompany Balaarion on this journey to release his father, battling foes both monstrous and clever. Yet it is not their enemies that give them doubt, it is their quest. Can a world so troubled truly be set right again, or is it fated to vanish into the dark?

Why read it? If you are looking for a book using FromSoftware’s world-building and storytelling but without being too closely related to Dark Souls, then you’ve found it in this title! Moreover, this is the only full-length novel of this bunch, which makes it a great gift for your non-gamer friends!

DARK SOULS: REDEMPTION

By Julien Blondel, (Artist) Shonen

Doomed by a past long forgotten, resolved to save what she once held dear. The flame is lit. A nameless woman wakes. Roused from the tomb by a past she cannot recall, she sets out into a barren, unfamiliar landscape. The protector follows. Bound by oath and honor, he safeguards her against the dangers that draw near with the same ferocity he does the secrets of his past. The Gray Cinders gather in their tower, called by the fire to complete their solemn duty. A colossus, incarnate of death, stirs with the bones beneath the scarred grounds. And a nightmare-scourge of a bygone era-returns to exact its toll. The fate of this land hangs in the balance, as their journey unfolds in this original DARK SOULS story!

Why read it? Highly awaited (Can you believe that we sold out of the early copies of this release at this year’s SDCC in less than 24 hours?) this dark fantasy manga offers the grotesque visuals of the game it’s based on while adding a brand-new narrative. It’s probably the most true-to-game release included in this list, and one we cannot wait to share with you all! 

 

So, Tarnished, what did you think? With Dark Souls: Redemption coming out this month, we thought there was no better time to do a little throwback to our previous FromSoftware releases. Have any of these caught your eye? We always recommend checking out Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree if you’re looking for a…very unique read, but regardless of your pick, you can’t go wrong with any of these extras! FromSoftware truly never misses, and sometimes we wish they did, because there has to be a limit to awesomeness!