Online Play
We also like the way the online play is set up. Instead of playing directly with other players you are all sort of playing in parallel universes, but can call them into your game if you need help with a boss fight or something. You can also invade other games if you want to P/K and be a jerk, as well as leave messages for other players - either helpful or giving bad advice, your choice. There is no player chat, or player list, so you don't usually know who you are playing with. You see other players running around your game world in ghost form (you're playing in parallel universes rather than in the same game world), and can see bloodstains on the ground from when other players die (and watch the last few seconds of their life ... it is kind of funny to see the many dumb ways people die in this game), but you aren't really playing together. It gives the game a sense of community and fun like you're all slogging through this horrible world together, but without having to listen to squeaky voiced 12-year olds swearing at you. Getting extra health items because another nearby player kindled a fire, or hearing the ringing of bells when another player rings one, is very cool and uniquely satisfying.
The game is meant to be played online, even if you only ever rarely actually interact with other players. It is just more interesting to be able to see what other players are doing. If you can't, or don't want to play online, many boss fights also let you summon friendly NPCs in the game to help you fight, which fill the same role as asking other human players to help.
Tips
Namco BandaiWe do have some advice that will help you get through the early part of the game. First, go up, not down at Firelink Shrine. Down just leads to pain. Second, don't kill NPCs. Sure, some of them might cough up a good item or weapon or something, but they are all important either right now (don't kill merchants! you need that stuff!) or they play a role later on, so don't kill them. Third, get a bow ASAP. Taking out enemies from a distance is always a good thing. You can also get enemies to come into the open one at a time by hitting them with an arrow, which is much better than rushing into a room and getting overwhelmed. Fourth, use your shield. Blocking will save your life, even against dragon's fire. Fifth, learn to roll and dodge. Even better than blocking, roll out of the way of incoming attacks. It takes a lot less stamina to roll than to block a heavy attack from an enemy. This gives you an opening to actually make an attack instead of just getting staggered and being helpless. Sixth, don't be afraid to die. When you die you keep all of the items you picked up, but you lose your souls unless you go back to the spot you die (before dying again) to recover them. Sometimes the risk of rushing past an enemy to grab an item is worth dying for since that item might make it easier to get past that part again later on. Dying is a natural part of the game, and the way you learn. Don't get frustrated by it.
Graphics Visually, Dark Souls is a nice looking game overall. It isn't a game that wows you with super smooth geometry and great detailed textures - the game has kind of a gritty, grimy, chunky look to it, really - but it impresses with detailed characters, great looking bosses and enemies, interesting design, and some great lighting. Each area of the game is distinct and looks great in its own way. There is some slowdown, particularly in a lower area with a lot of water, but for the most part the framerate is solid.
Sound
The sound is great for the most part. The NPCs you come across all sound either crazy or dead tired - both of which are perfectly understandable in a world as horrible as Dark Souls exists in. The music is great. Sound effects for clashing swords and shields, and shrieks and roars of enemies are outstanding.
Bottom Line
Namco BandaiFor all the things we liked, and didn't like, and a million others we don't have the space to mention, we have really enjoyed Dark Souls. It is brutal and punishing and difficult, but it is also satisfying and wonderful. It is a game that you'll lay awake at night thinking about how you'll pass a difficult area or what path you should take or what you should spend your souls (the game's currency) on - seriously, I've spent at least two nights in the week I've been playing the game thinking way too much about it. It is a game where you'll unexpectedly and frustratingly die, and you'll rage quit and throw your controller down only to come back an hour later and do it all again (and usually succeed). It is a game where reading about the horrors of what's to come ahead of you (annoying poison rats, frogs that curse you and take away half your health bar, giant zombie dragons, impossibly difficult bosses ...) makes you not want to play, but you always come back. Partly because you want to see how horrible the next room or boss really is, but also because deep down you want to test yourself and see how good you really are.
And, ultimately, it is a game that I can't recommend enough. It is a little clunky, difficult, and too vague on important details, but it is also amazingly satisfying and fun and well worth playing. I will say this, though - rent first if you never played Demon's Souls and don't know what to expect, and then buy after you've given it a try and know you won't regret paying full MSRP for it.
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our
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