amazon Dark Souls reviews
Same predecessor Demon’s Souls, Dark RPG Soul is the 3rd point quite typical with a world full of monsters and things that have a common goal is to finish players as quickly as possible.
Your task is also extremely “traditional” that is used any weapons or anything can collect engineered to destroy demon crowd, defeating the giant bosses. It sounds so simple, but to go from the start to the end, you will have to break up with about 50 to 60 hours plying.
One feature that players soon realize in the world of Dark Souls is killed it happened as “usually”. Death here is very diverse metamorphosis: from poisoning, to be eaten to be assassinated or fell off a cliff …
Death plays a very important role in the game. That is how to draw lessons and continue to move forward on the path of violence except kill demon. So, do not be afraid to try and try again because that’s what makes the moment of victory become ever more splendid.
In his more than 50 hours of play, to help players do not get bored, Fromsoftware decided brought many things “weird” in the game. Indeed, with more than half the time trapped in underground wetlands, you will feel able to do anything to be seen sunlight.
Together with the monsters that are also extremely diverse. That may be the bones lifeless attack you with a sword rust, or animals shapes weird cross between a cat and a crocodile with big white teeth … To be able to survive, but to go forward , the game requires the players a quick judgment and above all know how to learn from experience through each die.
To deal with numerous monsters and changing, the main character will be equipped with plenty of weapons. Gamers will be comfortable in changing the style of fighting by an unlimited number of games can carry items.
You can instantly change from a heavy armor warrior as a thief hidden escape by changing only weapons and armor are wearing. Or even turn itself into a powerful magician or too troublesome allowed if players want to. Please bring any items that you feel what it would be useful in this challenging path.
Online modes occupy a particularly important part in Dark Souls. Players can learn from other players by watching the final moments before their death struck. Or more simply look the way they fight to learn and be creative rather unique tactics of their own.
where can you get a Dark Souls online
Dark Souls – Xbox 360: Buy it now
Dark Souls – Prepare to Die Edition (PS3): Buy it now
Also, would be lacking without mention of multiplayer modes. If only pure play alone, you’ve lost half the value of the game, not to mention the difficulty level will probably increase to about 4 to 5 times.
There are moments in the game that you really will need some help if you do not want to be stuck there forever. Of course, if you do not find anyone to support, the game allows players to summon an NPC. One downside of the multiplayer is when other players involved in your world, they can invade and even assassinated the “landlord”.
Do not let this happen in Demon’s Souls like, Fromsoftware has created a kind of “black list” as the “Book of the Guilty” to list the bad guys such crimes.
Dark Souls has really overcome a range of conventional gaming. It was a challenge, a place for gamers to really feel challenged brains as well as their own skills.
If you’re looking for a place purely for entertainment, this is not something for you. But if you want to try the feeling of “game” pure, go to the Dark Souls
Table of Contents
Introduction
“Dark Souls,” developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game (ARPG) released in September 2011. Known for its challenging gameplay, intricate world design, and atmospheric storytelling, “Dark Souls” has garnered a dedicated fanbase and influenced the gaming industry with its innovative mechanics and deep lore. This review delves into the game’s gameplay mechanics, world-building, narrative, visual design, sound design, and overall impact on the gaming landscape.
Gameplay Mechanics
1. Punishing Difficulty and Skill-Based Combat
“Dark Souls” is renowned for its punishing difficulty that rewards patience, strategy, and precise timing. Combat is deliberate and methodical, requiring players to learn enemy patterns, master weapon techniques, and utilize defensive maneuvers such as blocking, dodging, and parrying. The stamina management system adds a layer of tactical depth, as every action, from attacks to evasions, consumes stamina, forcing players to balance offense with defense in intense encounters.
2. Exploration and Non-linear Level Design
The game features non-linear level design that encourages exploration and discovery. Players traverse interconnected environments filled with shortcuts, hidden passages, and secret areas that reward thorough exploration. The interconnectedness of the world allows for a sense of immersion and continuity, as players uncover new paths, unlock shortcuts, and backtrack to previously inaccessible areas with newfound abilities or knowledge.
3. Character Progression and Customization
“Dark Souls” offers deep character progression and customization options that allow players to tailor their playstyle to suit their preferences. Players can choose from a variety of character classes, each with unique starting attributes and equipment. As they progress, players earn souls—a currency used to level up attributes, acquire new abilities, and enhance weapons and armor. The game’s intricate stat system and diverse equipment choices encourage experimentation and strategic planning.
World-Building and Narrative
1. Atmospheric Setting and Environmental Storytelling
The world of “Dark Souls” is a dark and atmospheric realm known as Lordran, characterized by crumbling ruins, foreboding dungeons, and ancient castles. Environmental storytelling plays a crucial role in revealing the game’s lore and history, with each location offering clues about the world’s tragic past, enigmatic characters, and recurring themes of decay, resurrection, and the cycle of light and dark.
2. Lore and Mythos
“Dark Souls” features a rich and intricate lore that is conveyed through item descriptions, NPC interactions, and cryptic dialogue. The game’s narrative is steeped in mythos and existential themes, exploring concepts of fate, mortality, and the nature of humanity. Players piece together fragments of lore scattered throughout the world, uncovering the stories of fallen kingdoms, legendary heroes, and powerful beings known as Lords and their influence on the fate of Lordran.
Visual Design and Art Direction
1. Gothic Architecture and Dark Fantasy Aesthetic
The visual design of “Dark Souls” embraces a dark fantasy aesthetic characterized by Gothic architecture, intricate detailing, and atmospheric lighting. Locations such as the Undead Burg, Anor Londo, and the Abyss are rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing crumbling stone structures, eerie forests, and haunting vistas that evoke a sense of desolation and grandeur. The game’s art direction reinforces its somber tone and otherworldly atmosphere, immersing players in a visually captivating and immersive world.
2. Character Design and Creature Aesthetics
Characters and creatures in “Dark Souls” are brought to life through striking character design and creature aesthetics that reflect the game’s dark and surreal themes. From grotesque monsters and undead warriors to towering bosses and ethereal beings, each enemy and NPC is meticulously designed with distinctive appearances, animations, and combat abilities. The diversity of character designs enhances gameplay variety and visual storytelling, as players encounter new challenges and adversaries throughout their journey.
Sound Design and Audio Atmosphere
1. Haunting Soundscapes and Environmental Effects
The sound design of “Dark Souls” creates haunting soundscapes and immersive environmental effects that enhance the game’s atmosphere and sense of immersion. Atmospheric sounds such as echoing footsteps, distant cries, and ambient noises contribute to the game’s eerie and foreboding atmosphere, heightening tension and suspense during exploration and combat. Environmental effects such as weather changes, crumbling structures, and roaring flames further immerse players in the perilous world of Lordran.
2. Atmospheric Music and Emotional Resonance
The game’s atmospheric music enhances its emotional resonance and narrative impact, with haunting melodies, melancholic themes, and epic orchestral compositions that underscore key moments and locations. From subdued ambient tracks to intense boss battle themes, the music of “Dark Souls” complements its gameplay dynamics and narrative themes, evoking a range of emotions from despair and solitude to determination and triumph. The atmospheric music contributes to the game’s immersive storytelling and memorable gameplay experiences.
Impact on the Gaming Landscape
1. Influence on Game Design and Difficulty
“Dark Souls” has had a profound influence on game design, particularly in the realm of difficulty and player engagement. The game’s uncompromising challenge and skill-based gameplay have inspired a resurgence of interest in challenging games that prioritize skill mastery, strategic thinking, and player agency. “Souls-like” has become a genre unto itself, with numerous games drawing inspiration from “Dark Souls” mechanics, including stamina management, deliberate combat, and interconnected world design.
2. Cult Following and Community Engagement
The game has garnered a dedicated cult following and active community of players who celebrate its challenging gameplay, deep lore, and atmospheric world design. Online forums, social media groups, and fan communities discuss strategies, share lore interpretations, and create fan art and content inspired by the game. The community-driven aspect of “Dark Souls” fosters camaraderie, collaboration, and shared experiences among players, contributing to its enduring popularity and cultural impact within the gaming community.
Entertainment Value and Replayability
1. Challenging Gameplay and Mastery
“Dark Souls” offers unparalleled entertainment value for players seeking challenging gameplay and mastery of its mechanics. The game’s punishing difficulty, intricate level design, and deep combat system provide endless opportunities for skill improvement, strategic exploration, and experimentation with character builds. Mastery of “Dark Souls” requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes, ensuring that each playthrough offers a uniquely rewarding experience.
2. New Game Plus and Alternative Endings
“Dark Souls” extends its replayability with New Game Plus mode, allowing players to carry over their character progression and face increased difficulty in subsequent playthroughs. Alternative endings and hidden story paths provide additional incentives for exploration and replayability, encouraging players to uncover new narrative threads, discover secret areas, and experience different outcomes based on their choices and actions.
Conclusion
“Dark Souls” stands as a seminal achievement in gaming, blending challenging gameplay, atmospheric world-building, and deep narrative storytelling into a uniquely immersive experience. Its punishing difficulty, intricate level design, and atmospheric presentation have set a new standard for action role-playing games, inspiring a generation of players and developers alike. Whether exploring the depths of Lordran, confronting formidable adversaries, or unraveling the mysteries of its dark and enigmatic lore, “Dark Souls” offers an unforgettable journey through adversity, triumph, and existential reflection.