Is 'Eternally Regressing Knight' Inspired By Dark Souls?

As someone who's played every 'Dark Souls' game and read 'Eternally Regressing Knight', I can spot some clear parallels that suggest inspiration. Both feature a bleak, punishing world where death is a core mechanic—instead of respawning at bonfires, the knight relives battles until he masters them. The enemy designs share that same grotesque beauty too, with twisted knights and decaying monsters that feel ripped straight from Lordran. The atmosphere nails that oppressive weight where every victory feels earned. But 'Eternally Regressing Knight' adds its own spin by focusing more on the psychological toll of immortality, something 'Dark Souls' only hints at through item lore.

Having analyzed both 'Dark Souls' and 'Eternally Regressing Knight' extensively, I'd argue the inspiration goes deeper than surface-level similarities. The regression mechanic isn't just about difficulty—it mirrors 'Dark Souls'' philosophy of learning through failure. Each cycle in the novel peels back layers of worldbuilding, much like how 'Dark Souls' reveals its story through environmental details and cryptic dialogue.

The knight's progression system feels directly influenced by soul collection too. Instead of leveling up at bonfires, he absorbs memories and skills from fallen foes, creating a similar loop of combat and growth. Even the architecture echoes 'Dark Souls'' interconnected design, with the novel's labyrinthine castle shifting layouts between regressions like a living Anor Londo.

Where it diverges is in stakes. 'Dark Souls' lets you quit; the knight has no choice but to endure. This existential twist makes the suffering more personal. The novel also lacks 'Dark Souls'' multiplayer elements, focusing solely on solitary struggle. For fans of this vibe, I'd recommend 'Berserk'—the manga that inspired 'Dark Souls' itself—or the novel 'Re:Zero', which explores similar time-loop themes with emotional depth.

From a lore hunter's perspective, the connections are delicious. 'Eternally Regressing Knight' borrows 'Dark Souls'' taste for cryptic myths—ancient gods forgotten, kingdoms risen and fallen, all witnessed by an undying protagonist. The knight's armor even decays similarly to 'Dark Souls'' hollowing, his humanity slipping with each regression. Key items mirror 'Dark Souls'' storytelling too; a shattered crown holds memories just like a soul fragment would.

But the novel's magic system feels more alchemical than 'Dark Souls'' pyromancy or miracles. Potions brew from defeated enemies' essence, and runes replace spells with physical inscriptions. The biggest difference? 'Dark Souls' players choose their path; the knight's destiny feels scripted, his regressions inevitable. For those craving more, try the game 'Blasphemous'—its religious horror and punishing combat match the novel's tone perfectly.