Dark Souls – Review

Genre: RPG (Role-Playing Game)
Developer: From Software
Publisher: From Software, Namco Bandai
System: Playstation 3, Xbox 360
Release Year: 2011
Flushy Awards: Game of the Year 2011, Hottest Babe Nominee (Gwynevere), Character Most Likely to Work for Game-Flush Nominee (Giant Blacksmith) – 2011 Flushies

It is time to die again.  It is time to die a lot again.  Considering the official website is preparetodie.com, there should be no surprises on what you are getting yourself into.  One thing is sure about Demon’s Souls spirtual succesor, you will die and cry just as much.  Some call Dark Souls harder than Demon’s Souls, while others call it the lesser of two evils.

Frustration and blood pressure levels will be at an all time high. If you have played Demon’s Souls, you’ll know what to expect and how to tread: shield up at all times, creeping around corners, suicide runs and a punching bag to get out some anger. For you unfortunate souls who have not played, well, you’ll have to push through. Don’t break your controller, kick the TV or attack the closest human to you.

The feel of the game is similar to Demon’s Souls, but not identical. Demon’s Souls has a very depressing and solitary feel to it, leaving the player in a state of despondency. With Dark Souls, the game keeps to the dark, emotionless setting, you don’t feel as alone.  There are some characters supporting your mission this time around. Between friends and areas like the Firelink Shrine, there is a bit more life to the game. Still, Dark Souls is far some giggles and rainbows.

As far as story goes, most of the story, or lore, lies within NPC interactions, joining covenants and item descriptions.  Unlike the typical JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Games) story-telling presentation, the history of Dark Souls is left for you to discover.  Plenty of precious little gems of information lie in talking to certain characters a second or third time.  Much like Demon’s Souls, one ring can start a piece of history, and a sword can finish it.  Take the time and put the puzzle together.  You’ll find the story is much deeper and fuller than it appears.  This game makes you work for it.  Some might find the journey of unlocking the story rewarding, while others will pull out the last few hairs they have, having lost most of their hair along the course of the game. Either way, the story is there to be discovered.

While the game play is virtually the same, the online play has been changed quite a bit. The covenants add some interesting elements to the invasion process. However, the servers make it harder to find players to co-op with (although real gamers solo the game!), as well as teaming up with friends across the globe.  Sitting around waiting for soul signs or waiting to be summoned isn’t exactly the best way to spend your time in this game. Even worse, invading other players is unbelievably painful. More times than not, you are met with the message saying your invasion failed. Hopefully, From Software will find a way to fix the server issues, but it is unlikely.

Minus a few frame rate issues, the visuals are beautiful.  Hopefully during one of your many runs to recover your lost souls, you can take a look around and enjoy the scenery.  The music, particularly the boss battle in Anor Londo, is fantastic.  Motoi Sakuraba should have gamers throwing roses at his feet for creating a score that makes you want to charge into battle and spit in the face of evil.  Truly, it is video game music at its finest.

Dark Souls is a nail biting, but extremely rewarding, experience. The less you cheese it out (I.e. shooting a drake with arrows while out of its aggro range to take it down), the more rewarding it will be.  There are enough easy games out there that beat themselves for you.  Pick this up, and get ready for the gauntlet.  It is your responsibility and duty as a man…even if you’re a woman.

Story:  4/5
Game Play:  4/5
Graphics:  4/5
Sound:  5/5
Replay Value:  4/5
Overall: 21/25 – The Golden Stool (Outstanding)

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