Hard-core gamers seeking a challenging RPG experience will find stimulating comfort in Dark Souls, a follow-up to From Software’s and Namco Bandai’s Demon’s Souls, which was released in 2009. Casual and routine gamers on the other hand, well – they may not adapt to Darks Souls’ gaming style so easily, and are likely to dislike and abandon the experience. Does this mean that the difficulty found within make it a horrible game?
Let’s begin by saying that Dark Souls is a well-built package. It’s a title designed with great gaming and entertainment value. It is a third-person action packed RPG with a very dark theme. The environments that Dark Souls creates are filled with evil and the undead, and gamers will be fighting for their lives from the get-go. Its dark visual tones that are enhanced with sounds that invoke dread are as ferocious as its battles and enemies are within. Its visuals are stunning, and the vast open-world allows for seemingly endless exploration, adventure, and action. What separates Dark Souls from the bulk of titles in the genre, however, is the self-indulgent style of gameplay it puts upon its players – players actually need to put forth great effort to win in an environment that can be highly unforgiving.
Playing a game of Dark Souls is an adventure in itself – that is to say, gamers have to show a great amount of strategy, skill, and patience to understand and appreciate what the game offers. By all accounts and compared to many other titles, in a sense the overall experience could be considered a form of extreme video gaming. For example, Dark Souls doesn’t follow basic game formulas by featuring hand-holding assistance during play. While the title could be considered difficult for such reasons, the difficulty truly lies in the game’s ability to challenge the player to investigate, understand, and become better through trial and error. Because of this implementation, play can often be repeatedly frustrating, with numerous attempts required – yet highly rewarding when something is ultimately accomplished. This is the purpose of a challenging game.
While the game puts itself out in the open for players to discover and experience everything on their own, fortunately there is some help to be found in a variety of ways. Multiple save points (which will be much needed) can be found throughout as there is no safe-haven for travelers to stay. Blood Stains – a ghostly and unique glimpse at a previous player’s last few moments of life can prove to be helpful by helping gamers determine what not to do. Dark Souls also has strength in its own player co-op and community. By teaming and sharing tips with other players, parts of the game can become – at least – a little bit easier.