Customer Reviews

Dark Souls

5 star:		(77)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I own both a PS3 and an Xbox 360 and my personal favorite type of game to play are RPGs, so when Demon's Souls Greatest Hits generated huge buzz upon it's release in 2009, I had to try it. Man, I'm glad I did because the game quickly became one of my all-time favorites. So, when the (sort of) sequel Dark Souls was announced, I knew I had to get it as well. Now, I went with the Xbox 360 version simply because I wanted the achievements for my Xbox gamer score, plus I just prefer Xbox Live over the PS3 Network. Both are great, but I just prefer the Xbox slightly. Now, on to the review...

This game, if given a chance, will consume you. You'll think about it constantly, think of ways to get better and will count the hours until you can play it again. Yes, it's difficult in the beginning. Most RPGs are, but this takes it to ridiculous levels of frustration at times. With that said, if you stick with it and level up I actual think it gets easier. However, some players may think it's too difficult, which is understandable. Everyone's tastes are different and if dying repeatedly and losing valuable souls forever that took you hours to accumulate doesn't sound like fun to you, then don't buy this game. I urge anyone on the fence about this one to rent it first. This is a unique gaming experience and it definitely wont appeal to everyone. I like it because I don't like to lose and when this game crushes my character with ease, I become all the more determined to pick up the controller and try again and achieve victory, because when you finally do, there's no better gaming experience!

Is there are story? Not really. Is it all just difficult combat? For the most part. Then what makes this game so special? The experience, it's the ride man. It's all about starting out with a weak character in the beginning that gets squashed by just about every enemy it comes in contact with, but ending with a powerful character than can take out just about anyone with ease! That's what isn't being said enough about this game in my opinion. Everyone is focusing on how weak you are in the beginning, but trust me, you have the potential to become God like in this! The maximum level you can reach is level 792 (for the record, it will cost you 11,938,030 souls to reach level 792), but just reaching level 100 makes you incredibly powerful. There are an array of amazing weapons you can master that at first are so heavy that you'll literally swing them in slow motion, but once strong enough you can swing them with ease. There are rings like "The Evil Eye" ring (gives you HP from fallen opponents) that give you an advantage over any foe. There's armor like the "Armor of Thorns" you can earn that covers you in spikes so that when you roll into enemies you'll deal out damage to them! You can take ordinary weapons and enchant them with special powers and abilities. I could go on, but simply put this is an RPG and gaming experience you'll never forget... and I haven't even mentioned the online capabilities! In online mode, you can enter other player's games and help them fight demons and be a heroic figure or you can be evil and invade other player's games with the intent to assassinate them and rob them of their items and souls. If you do this, your name can be entered into an online book that will allow others to hunt you down and assassinate you in order to avenge the player you killed. Plus, you can leave messages for other players regarding key moments of the game that either help... or hurt them. It's a fascinating world and experience that I strongly urge everyone to at least try. Don't let all the talk about difficulty keep you away. Yes, it's tough, but it's not impossible or nearly as bad as people make it out to be (in my opinion) in other reviews. I defeated Maser Ninja mode on Ninja Gaiden II and that was a million times more difficult than this. The worst thing that can happen to you in this game is that when you die the first time, you leave a blood stain on the ground in the exact spot where you were killed and however many souls you had on you at the time are now in that blood stain. So, you restart at your last bonfire checkpoint with zero souls. If you want those souls back, you'll have to fight your way back to where your blood stain is located and touch it. This is easier said than done because all the enemies in that location that you previously killed have respawned, so you have to kill everyone again in order to get them back. And if you die again on your way to that blood stain... you can kiss those souls goodbye for good. The most souls I ever lost was in Demon's Souls, I once lost over 150,000. It was a real spirit breaker to say the least! The most I've lost playing this game is a little over 1,500. Souls are important because they're like money in the game. The more you have, the more you can level up, upgrade weapons, buy items, etc.. So, if you can deal with that potential loss, than you can handle this game.

Now, I want to give people that are new to this series some tips in playing this game, if you don't want any spoilers, than stop reading now, but if you want some valuable advice that will save you some potential mistakes early on, then please read...

Tip #1 - I've read a lot online on Dark Souls forums that people are attacking and killing the first merchant they come across in the game, don't do this! It's kind of easy to do, because he looks like one of your enemies, but don't harm him! He sells some very important and valuable items that are critical to your survival early on in the game. He's located in the Undead Burg, which I highly recommend you start your game in. After the crow cut scene at the end of the tutorial, the crow drops you off at the Firelink Shrine. The path to the Undead Burg is located up a long hill and the entrance is guarded by some undead soldiers, one of which is constantly tossing firebombs at you. Defeat these guys and head inside the tunnel with the undead rat. Kill him, walk down the tunnel and out onto the steps and your at the Undead Burg. You'll find the area to the merchant guarded by two lone undead soldiers both holding spears and shields. They're easy to spot because they're both standing far out on a landing by themselves. Defeat them and then destroy the wooden crates that's guarding the lower level entrance to the merchant. Kill the lone soldier in this room (he's hiding behind furniture... sometimes) and then head into the outdoor room. The undead merchant is sitting on the ground, just talk to him to start buying from him. He has a pretty good bow (don't bother using crossbows, you can't really aim them) and has a large selection of arrows too. Also, he sells firebombs which are very important. Stock up on these to easily kill the large knights you'll find scattered thru out the game (target them, toss a firebomb, back up, repeat... easy). All of the knights have a low level tolerance to fire, so burn them up!

Tip #2 - Never consume special souls! I've also read online where people have consumed the first Fire Keeper Soul they come across, which is early in the game. Don't do it! Instead, head back to the Firelink Shrine bonfire, head down the path next to the man who is sitting close to the bonfire and give the soul to Anastacia of Astora (she's the mute woman in the cell). She will upgrade your Estus Flask to +1. She will also upgrade the flask every time you send here a Fire Keeper Soul, so save them. By upgrading your Flask, each drink will give you more health. All of the unique souls you find in the game can be used to perform an upgrade or can be traded for something really cool, so never consume them. The only souls you should ever consume are the ones you find from dead humans in the game, and those should never be consumed until you're at a bonfire and ready to level up. For example, if you consume a hero's soul as soon as you find it, die and then fail to get your souls back from your blood stain, it's gone for good! So wait to consume them at bonfires only.

Tip #3 - Once you reach the blacksmith in the Undead Parish start upgrading your favorite weapon immediately! You can upgrade most weapons to level +5 using souls and titanite shards. Don't worry, if you haven't got any enemies to drop any titanite shards yet, the blacksmith sells them, and pretty cheap too. Do this asap! It will allow you to kill enemies way quicker than if you kept using standard weapons. To increase weapons past +5, or enchant them, it'll take more powerful stones and items that you'll find later in the game, but if you play Undead and Undead Parish in that order, you can easily reach the blacksmith and can start making +5 weapons. I would also upgrade my armor to as high as it will let you at this part in the game.

I found out about Dark Souls through one of my close friends who is an absolute Demon's Souls fiend. After reading all the previews and checking out the game play footage, I decided to buy this game and give it a try (and yes, I knew about the difficulty going in).

After spending about 10 hours on the game, I eventually decided to trade it in. Contrary to what most people are probably thinking (and before any of you Dark Souls fan boys start bashing me), I didn't trade it in because of the insane difficulty. I traded it in because I am a new father and after playing the game for about 10 hours, I knew I would not have the necessary time and effort needed to complete this epic game. If you are a dedicated gamer like my friend, I salute you. There were plenty of moments in this game that left me with a terrific sense of accomplishment after completing a certain area or defeating a certain boss (asylum demon, gargoyles, taurus demon, etc.), but in the end, this game just wasn't for me.

One word of advice to anyone who is considering purchasing this game and has not done any research on it... DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy this game if you are susceptible to gamer rage, or if you are prone to getting frustrated very easily. This is not the type of game you buy if you want to relax and take your stress away.

PROS

* The level of character customization is ridiculous. There are plenty of classes to choose from and plenty of weapons, armors, spells, rings, etc. to equip on your character throughout the game.

* The unique multi-player experience is second to none. The ability to read messages left by other players helps tremendously, not to mention the fact that you can summon another player to help you defeat a difficult boss.

* The world of Dark Souls is HUGE. There are a ton of areas to explore in this game. The graphics were superb in my opinion. The enemies looked great. And the music was tension-filled during boss battles.

* You really get a sense of accomplishment when you complete a certain area that you've been playing for a while, or you finally defeat a boss that has been giving you problems.

CON

* I would've given Dark Souls 5 stars if not for the fact that you lose all your souls if you die before reaching a bonfire. Yes, you can reclaim your lost souls if you make it back to the place where you died, but you only get one shot at it and the repetition of having to play the same area over and over again just kills it for me after a while. I just felt like it was a layer of difficulty that wasn't needed and doesn't add much to the overall experience of the game. I can deal with the challenging gameplay, the inability to pause the game, the limited number of bonfires, the dying after getting hit 2-3 times, etc. But I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to play an hour or two, collect thousands of souls, then lose it before reaching a save point. This is where "not having the necessary time and effort" comes into play.

So overall, would I recommend Dark Souls to someone? If they have patience, dedication, and are not prone to frustration, then hell yes I would recommend it. But if they are just looking to relax and get away from their everyday lives, then I would steer clear of this game.

Dark Souls is an extremely demanding action RPG that requires a lot of practice and patience to progress. It's brilliant in many ways, it looks great, the combat is fast and responsive, and it will have huge appeal for hard-core gamers. I salute those of you who have the moxie and determination to master this game, but I'm afraid I don't.

After spending nearly eight hours on the first boss in Undead Burg, after doing the research, after grinding for levels and gear, I still can't manage it. I've come close twice (after nearly 20 attempts), but this game is just beyond my skill level. I'm a little older and have never been great at twitch games, so the blame is mostly mine. Just be aware of what kind of gamer you are and what you want out of a game before you harrow your soul with this game. You may end up weeping on the floor trying to unclench your dead fist from the controller. Good luck!

You awaken in a dank cell, and watch as a soul is dropped in from above. Where is this place? An asylum, for those long dead. You venture forth, toward the light. You fight. Why? You cannot remember. The tattered remnants of your hollowed brain cannot pull it forth. How old are you? Who are you? None of it matters. It is said that those who repeatedly go hollow lose their minds. Perhaps you have lost it already.

A crow carries you to the Firelink Shrine, and you continue. Always forward, ever forward. Time is meaningless in this ruined, forsaken place. All you have is a few rusty weapons, and the feeling of unrest in your soul.

You die. Again. But what is death? It too is meaningless. The ancient magics of the bonfire draw your broken body back to it, knitting the bones back together, and you awaken. Undead. Rotting. But alive. If you can call it living... The souls draw your closer, ever pressing you onward. Can you recover the ones you lost? Weariness inside. All is loneliness, despair. Your Estus flasks refill. You try again.

A ghostly shape glows in the distance. It is one of the Others, fighting for his own life in a parallel world. You see him swing at unseen adversaries. Then he runs away, disappearing into the mist.

Here, you see a note scrawled among the broken stones, left by one of the Others. A hint? The meaning is cryptic. Should it be heeded? You press on.

An enormous red dragon flies overhead. You shudder to your bones. Fire issues from its mouth, as it clings to the castle in the distance. It is waiting for you. Watching you. Will you survive?

"Praise the sun," says Solaire of Astoria. The muffled voice startles you. You turn to see the knight, gazing at the sun. "Our fates are entertwined, you and I." Perhaps. You leave him to his madness. All are mad in this place.

A Cracked Red Eye Orb glows in your hand. Dare you use it? Instead, you make a mark on the ground with a white soapstone. It glows with magical power. Soon, you may be transported into another world, there to do battle for more souls. And humanity.

Humanity. You must regain it. It draws you in, even more so than the souls. All is done to regain your humanity. And why do you seek this thing? Is it because you wish to truly live? Or is it so you can finally remain dead?

A black phantom invades your world, one of the Others. Desperately you fight him. This time you fail. You awaken at the bonfire again. Next time, you swear to yourself, the invader may not be so lucky.

After many attempts, a black knight finally falls, and the treasure is yours. Carefully you press onward, shield at the ready. Overhead, a bell tolls, harbinger of another adventurer's success. A glimmer of hope awakens within. Perhaps in time, you will do the same. All things are possible, in time.

The world is cold, but the fire is warm. The darkness of the labyrinths is eternal, but you are not afraid. For you know that the sun - though unseen - still shines above. And you will emerge one day to see its light once more. You will succeed, so long as your mind remains strong, your will resolute. And when you do, others in their journey will also pause, listening when they hear the tolling of the bells. For all of us who dare venture forth in this land have learned the truth: Death is not the end. It is only the beginning.

Shed the mortal coil. New life awaits!

Dark Souls is a surprisingly fantastic game that is absolutely not for everyone. Some people are saying that this is a game that is even better than Skyrim will be, and some are saying that is is a terrible game. I believe that it is neither. Or both.

I was not inclined to like Dark Souls, and only picked it up on the insistence of a friend. I had heard about Demon Soul's brutal difficulty level and did not feel like starting a game that had the goal of killing the player over and over again. So against my better judgement I started playing Dark Souls. To my complete and utter shock, I was swept away into a dreary world of death, despair, and hope that produced in me a feeling that I haven't felt since I was a little child playing the original Zeldas for the first time.

Dark Souls's environment is completely awe-inspiring and pulls the player in. The storyline is utterly weak, and all of the enemies are unexplained and largely unknown quantities. However, instead of feeling like a confusing mess as one might expect, instead it produces a sense of wonder. The player doesn't know what fantastic creature is waiting around the corner (and there are brutally challenging enemies around literally every corner). For instance, after pillaging a key from a giant spellcasting butterfly I went into a dark tower where I was confronted by a short little creature with a giant hammer. I was intrigued and ran up to him, and was promptly squished flat in one blow. After about the seventh time of trying to beat him I finally did, and went into a lushly dark and moody forest, where I was promptly slaughtered by a hydra shooting bolts of death at me.

Death is the ranch dressing that Dark Souls pours liberally on this salad of nostalgic wonder. I considered myself a decent game up to this point, but almost every new enemy manages to kill me at some point. It is not possible to die. You WILL die TONS playing this game. But through that death comes perseverance and hope. I thought that I would get super frustrated at the game and that my controller would end up through my TV, but I haven't felt like that. Every death just challenges me to do better. None of the fights seem cheap, just strategic. And you aren't alone on this journey of death and exploration.

The online integration is possibly the most thoughtful and effective that I've ever seen in a game. Players can leave messages for one another either helping or hurting their fellow players (NEVER follow the suggestions to jump off a cliff ;)), and players can be summoned into other worlds to help their fellow players with boss fights. But no meaningful communication is established (no use of mics), and all too soon the player is left to fight alone. But knowing that you are in a community of people who are experiencing the same joys and frustrations at you somehow adds so much more to the mood that the game sets.

I could go on for a long time about what this game means to me in terms of the nostalgic feeling that I used to get as a kid playing games that I've never been able to recapture until now, but suffice it to say that Dark Souls accomplishes everything that it wants to in this game. That being said, what it wants to accomplish will simply not please everyone.

This isn't a game for 'only pro gamers' to prove how great they are. This isn't a game for casual gamers just looking for a fun afternoon. This is a game selling an experience, not bragging rights (although they may come). This is not necessarily 'relaxing' to play, nor is it emotionally taxing. Rather, it is a complete escape into an undefined world that is what you want it to be. You will be beaten bloody and made to come back for more, but in the process you will start to overcome the challenges that killed you before and start to master the death that rules over the whole game. If you don't think you want a game this frustrating and (at times) unfulfilling, then this isn't for you. But I do recommend it to gamers who want to see what the gaming genre is capable of producing. This isn't a masterfully written epic, or a revolutionary system, but it is what games are meant to be, and as such can be extremely satisfying at times. Then you die again and have to take a break before you get too frustrated :)

Overall:

PROS:

Graphics are great, detail is stunning

Sound effects are very well done

The mood that the game creates is intoxicating and addictive

CONS:

Music is at times underwhelming

Game difficulty is brutally difficult and death is assured

This game is not for everyone. But it is for some people. If you're on the fence, I recommend borrowing it or renting it for a bit before committing to the purchase, just to see if it's for you. Hope this helps you make a decision.

If you aren't sure about this game most certainly rent before you buy. Don't expect a fable, oblivion, or even dragon age like experience because the only relation this game has to any of those is that its in the RPG genre. Dark Souls is truly its own entity emitting beauty, pure sadistic evil, and genius level design in a neat little one disk package. The combat system forces you to think before you fight and is very unforgiving, I understand people don't like this but its what your getting yourself into once you press the start button, yet rewarding at the same time. If you give this game a chance, before you throw your instant gratification attitude at this review, it will surprise you and leave you, well me,wanting more. I personally can't wait to sink my teeth further into the dark world From Software has created.

If you are a huge mainstream gamer (I.E. Halo, CoD, Fable, Dragon Age ect...) and expect to be great at this right off the bat you will be very disappointed to find that you have to actually try to move forward in this game. This is not a game for casual gamers! Rent before you buy....

My opinion: I LOVE DARK SOULS!

I used to play video games in the arcade for $0.25 a shot -- games like "Pac Man", "Galaga", etc. It was understood that you would have to spent a lot of time and money learning the patterns and strategies required to get your name on the board. No one complained. Even when "Dragon's Lair" came out and we paid $1 to see Dirk The Daring become "Dirk The Dead" in about 20 seconds, we didn't get turned off. In fact, we did the opposite. We kept playing, and dying, until we'd mastered the early boards well enough to survive and and get a chance to try some of the harder boards later. Maybe to eventually win?!

Dark Souls is no different, in my opinion, except that it's cloaked in the trappings of a modern cinematic RPG. If you go into it understanding that it is not really a "dark fantasy RPG" a la Dragon Age: Origins, but is in fact a "try-and-die-and-try-again" video game that just happens to have RPG-style statistics and a fancy setting, you'll have a lot of fun.

Strategy articles out there all tell you you'll be doing a lot of "grinding" (playing the same bits over and over to collect experience and power). Sure, you will end up "grinding" a little, but the term "grinding" makes it sound irritating and unpleasant. Well, it's not. In the same way we all played Super Mario Bros. and jumped into pit after pit only to restart the level each time and try again, you will have to practice and perfect your skills in Dark Souls. I prefer to think of it as "mastering" rather than "grinding". You do it to get better at that section, find all the secrets, and figure out the most efficient path, whether that means finding all the hidden coin-spewing bricks or using the fewest Estus Flasks.

If the game is designed well enough, then it will hold your attention as your work through it, trial and error, discovering new aspects and rewards each time. And, as you progress, your experience pays off -- you have indeed become a better player. It's rewarding and satisfying.

Dark Souls is no harder or more brutal than the games we used to pump quarters into as kids, and it is every bit as rewarding and fun. And on top of all that great "gaminess", it's got a wonderfully dark and dreary setting and bleak mysteriousness, and keeps you coming back.

The RPG aspects are well executed. Statistics and inventory management work well (once you figure them out). And combat is...um...frustrating at best in the beginning, but surprisingly enjoyable once you get over the initial learning curve of the techniques and controls. In fact, "grinding" over a short section of weaker foes becomes fun when you realize you're no longer sucking down two or thee Estus Flasks each run. You've gotten better! You have the confidence to venture further now. You'll probably die somewhere not far beyond the section you've mastered, but that's okay, you'll master that area too, and perhaps find another bonfire to check-point your progress.

Dark Souls is a great "video game". It's not a cinematic RPG driven by the myriad interweaving plot-lines of countless NPCs. If that's what you're looking for, try something from the Dragon Age franchise or wait for Skyrim. If you're interested in a classic game-feel, an awesome setting, difficult resource management, and exploring a vast, mysterious world, you'll enjoy Dark Souls. And hey, it won't cost you a quarter* every time die either! (*See below

(*NOTE: You'll probably die well more than 240 times, which is how many plays the $60 price would get you in an arcade. And you'll probably die at least 10 times every hour or so. If you think of it that way, after the first 20 or so hours of this 60+ hour game, you're essentially playing for free!)

There are simply not enough words in the English alphabet to describe how great Dark Souls is. Dark Souls is one of the only RPGs this generation that makes game play it's focus. While there are a few hiccups with frame rate and actions being implemented by your avatar, controls are snappy. Everything in this game is extremely calculated. From enemy placement to attack animations and item placement. This is the single most engrossing title of 2011.

Others will say Dark Souls does not have a story. A story does exist within this game but it must be looked for and pieced together. There is no heavy exposition and the story will not be explained to you. There are clues to the world within item descriptions and conversations with NPCs. What's so intriguing about this world and story is that it's an open ended question. There's enough story here to keep you interested but not enough to bore with details or to cause contradictions. Dark Souls does not need to explain itself. This is so refreshing considering most RPGs these days have either a lengthy codex or characters that will speak about any topic.

Some will call this game difficult or unfair. I found this game extremely refreshing and rewarding. Enemy types are varied and have recognizable attack patterns. With enough patience and resolve, you should not have a problem winning most encounters. The game is punishing but there is no other game that I can think of outside of Multiplayer realms that have the same sense of accomplishment of Dark Souls.

Dark Souls is an emotional roller coaster of a game. Prepare to feel dread when exploring a new area. Prepare to curse at Gargoyles, Skeletons, Demons and Invaders. Prepare to lose your humanity. Prepare to Die. Welcome to Dark Souls. You will love it here.

I would like to start off by saying, I am a huge fan of the elder scrolls series and anyone comparing this to Skyrim is ridiculous because they are two totally different games.

yes, this game is hard. when you start off, it's almost unattractive in its difficulty. HOWEVER, should you choose to LEARN from your deaths (plural, obviously) , then you will find a completely immersive game with such sinister beauty and challenge that you will often find yourself daydreaming of dark souls and the masochist inside of you will be begging for another go.

it's more than likely that anyone saying this game is terrible and gave it 1 or 2 stars probably hasn't got past the Asylum Demon (first boss). if you find yourself unsure of whether to buy this game, rent it first. the first hour of the game is a slap in the face. it will challenge you & punish you for your mistakes. but should you continue on with your quest you will find no other game can rival the feeling of reward & EARNED success. Dark Souls is beautiful, gripping, rewarding & obviously hard. but it's the perfect blend of ingredients and has made its way to one of my favorite and most memorable games of all time.

I've never dreaded playing a game yet thinking of nothing BUT playing a game like Dark Souls. It is hands down one of the most intense gaming experiences ever. It punishes you for even the slightest mistake but is amazingly gratifying when you succeed. And succeed doesn't just involve the major bosses. Defeating minor ones make you fist pump like Tiger Woods after the Masters. Also, I've never had to "study" before playing. The Dark Souls Wiki page and YouTube walkthrough (I recommend Media Cows... Tom is funny and thorough) are favorites on my computer, iPhone, and iPad. If all this sounds like too much, then you're right. But this game is absolutely like no other I've played. Graphics are beautiful. Cutscenes are spectacular. Fight mechanics are a little weird but become intuitive with prolonged play... and you will play for many many hours. Many folks want to compare it to Skyrim. Don't. They are completely different games. Other than being fantasy based RPG, there is virtually no similarity.

Anyone with a heart condition should NOT play this game. There are times where my heart is pounding in my chest. So, why do I hate it? Because I can't stop playing it. It becomes an obsession. An addiction if you will. BF3, Skyrim, and AC: Revelations are all gathering dust. And I LOVE those games.

So, if you love challenges, this is your game. If you love spectacular fantasy graphics, buy this. If you get frustrated easily, stay away! On the other hand, you get so used to dying that it becomes almost therapeutic. My gaming patience has actually improved.