I wouldn’t say Metroid and Castlevania merging into the name of a new genre label is quite the same as expecting every game with the word “Soul” in the title to be a souls-like.
Rogue has a similar problem sure, but I don’t think it’s at the point of expecting every game using the word to be a Rogue-like. Recent example 40k: Rogue Trader.
Its a bit odd if a genre can have a monopoly on a word which has been used throughout games involving any magic or mysticism since the 80’s
Welcome to semiotics. You can work with it or struggle through it. There is no third option.
Right cause the same thing didn’t happen to Metroivanias and Rougelikes.
Popular use and association will make souls into the next one of them. Directly in the name or not that is the label that’s sticking.
I wouldn’t say Metroid and Castlevania merging into the name of a new genre label is quite the same as expecting every game with the word “Soul” in the title to be a souls-like.
Rogue has a similar problem sure, but I don’t think it’s at the point of expecting every game using the word to be a Rogue-like. Recent example 40k: Rogue Trader.