For our first month long Game Jam, We're exploring what makes a souls-like. 

Here are a few common characteristics of souls-like games

• Difficult Combat- usually with a dodge roll, and parries
• Dark Medieval Fantasy
• Interconnected Level Design
• Checkpoint - that respawns enemies
• A currency that is lost on death- usually used to level up

But we shouldn't get hung up on the mechanics and systems too much. Mechanics are a tool for communicating your themes and core experience. Instead of viewing this as a checklist of must-include functions of your game, think instead about why those systems are in the game in the first place. What do they do for the experience?

The games will be judged on the following criteria, with gameplay being the primary focus.

• Gameplay - Is the game fun to play? Is the game interesting? Unique? 
• Theme - How well does the game adhere to the theme? Does the game explore the theme in a creative way?
   Themes should be seen as a jumping off point, not a restriction.
• Sound - Does the game sound cool?  Do the audio elements combine with others to enhance the designers "vision"?
• Visuals -  Does the game look good? Do the visuals combine with other elements to enhance the designers "vision"?