Resident Evil Meets Dark Souls in Chilling Gameplay for 2026 AAA Launch

If you’re a fan of Resident Evil and Dark Souls, then you might want to check out this new horror game that’s arriving in 2026.

I’m obsessed with Resident Evil and have been since the first game arrived nearly 30 years ago. So, whenever a new game arrives that gives me vibes of Capcom’s iconic survival horror series, you can guarantee it will pique my interest, even a little.

As for Dark Souls, I really like this series, too. However, I seriously need to 'git gud' if I am to appreciate it to its fullest. That being said, when it comes to challenging action RPGs with a chilling gothic setting, it does get much better than what’s crafted by FromSoftware.

In recent years, the horror gaming scene has been on the rise, not just with AAA studios but also within the indie realm. Games such as Visage, Tormented Souls and Crow Country, to name a few, are games I’d highly recommend any day of the week.

Crisol: Theater of Idols

We love horror games

It’s why, despite sharing the same month as The Game Awards, independent award ceremonies such as The Horror Games Awards are swiftly gaining momentum, and for the first time since its inception in 2022, it’s having its first in-person ceremony next month in the UK.

While it’s too early to get a nomination at this year's The Horror Game Awards, the game featured in this article may be in contention to pick up a dong in 2026.

The game in question is called Crisol: Theater of Idols, developed by Vermila Studios and published by Blumhouse Games.

“Crisol: Theater of Idols is a first-person horror/action game set in Hispania, a twisted version of Spain,” reads the synopsis of the game.

“Play as Gabriel, a soldier who uses blood as both weapon and lifeline. Explore the cursed island of Tormentosa, uncover dark secrets, and battle horrifying enemies. Will you survive?”

After watching its gameplay trailers on its dedicated Steam store, I can most certainly see the Resident Evil and Dark Souls comparisons. sPerhaps even a hint of BioShock Infinite.

I’d say it perhaps gives me more Resident Evil Village vibes with its first-person combat perspective, as well as a gothic tone not only provided by the 2021 Capcom game, but also Dark Souls.

What’s more, if Crisol: Theater of Idols looks like it could be your cup of tea, then you might be pleased to know that it currently has a free playable demo available to download now via Steam.

Crisol: Theater of Idols does not have a confirmed release date at the time of writing, but we do know that it’s set to arrive in 2026, not only on PC but also PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.