1030°
9.0

IGN: Dark Souls Review

But there are, despite its bleakness, real moments of beauty in Dark Souls – like the moment where you round a corner after one of the game's early bosses and see the sun for the first time, shining down through a break in the clouds, or the moment when you're standing at the top of a belltower looking out at the sprawling land below, trying to decide where to go next whilst you bask in the afterglow of a boss defeat. It's these moments, not the hours spent butting your head up against the same boss without success, that you'll remember about Dark Souls: the improbable, hard-fought victories, the game-changing discoveries, and the moments where a kind stranger lifted you out of a ditch you couldn't escape on your own.

LoganX5023d ago (Edited 5023d ago )

And so it begins.....Congrats to From Software for making another masterpiece. Can't wait to play it on Tuesday and I salute all you 360 guys who are willing to take the challenge.

The Real Dark souls starts here...>:)

TopDudeMan5023d ago

Is that like the equivalent to the Christian "Amen"? I always wondered why they said that. It sounds like that's what you think it means, anyway.

Iroquois_Pliskin5023d ago

Watch out for the enemy´s.... Cuteness ahead.

MmaFan-Qc5023d ago

"Sticky white stuff" on my dualshock next Tuesday!

-Alpha5023d ago (Edited 5023d ago )

Lol. Crack all the jokes you want, come Tuesday this game will be owning our asses >:D

Eamon5023d ago

It's time to prepare to die. >=D

Digitaldude5023d ago

Pre ordered this bizznitch. Can't wait.

limewax5023d ago

Just to clarify for the poor guy getting hammered with disagrees, 'Sticky White Stuff' is a message you could leave in Demons souls, it was also an item.

If you ever read that message next to the bed in the first level of Demon's Souls, I'm your culprit

DragonKnight5023d ago

I would say, with complete conviction, that From Software and Demon's/Dark Souls are exactly what this gen needed. They breathed new life into the stagnation brought about by the shooter genre and the reliance on graphics before substance. It is for that reason so many love Demon's Souls and Dark Souls.

I can't wait to have my ass handed to me by this game, and to then proceed to make it my b*tch once I learn its tricks.

WetN00dle695023d ago (Edited 5023d ago )

DO NOT take this game lightly! There is NO game out there that can compare to Demon Souls difficulty! So 360 games get ready to get your arses handed to you. Especially since there is word that Dark Souls is much harder than Demon Souls. Anyways Tuesday cant come any sooner.......:(

pixelsword5023d ago

@ TopDudeMan:

I hear two things:

1. It's a diety from a people in the continent of Africa

2. http://www.google.com/searc...

This is an expression which is often mentioned by the members of the Church. It
appears to be a non-denominational substitution for an expression such as "God
Bless," or "Allahu Akbar" as Demon's Souls avoids specific references to modern
religions. If the word is broken into the pieces, "Umb", "a", and "sa" it is
possible to come to a rough translation. "Umb" is an Icelandic preposition
which means "about" or "concerning." "A" (with a line above it) is Old English
for "ever" or "always." "Sa" is Old Icelandic for he or she said (genderless).
So a rough translation of Umbasa could be "always about what God has said." It
may also be a reference to the Turtles song "Umbassa and the Dragon" about a
primitive warrior named Umbassa who is about to journey out to do battle with a
dragon. It is one of the Turtles' worst songs.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 5023d ago
Dacapn5023d ago

I must say this is the game I'm looking forward to the most this holiday season. It was a tough decision to put skyrim on the back burner.

TopDudeMan5023d ago

I'm doing the same.

When skyrim drops it will be absolutely riddled with bugs so I'm going to wait maybe a month after it comes out before getting it.

Dark souls day 1.

SuperKing5023d ago

@TopDudeMan

That's a smart thing to do but personally I'm going to buy this first then wait for Skyrim GOTY edition. More cheaper that way.

Dacapn5023d ago

That's exactly what I'm doing. Then I get all the DLC for free :D

Tr10wn5023d ago (Edited 5023d ago )

People in this site predict things months before a game launch? Skyrim will be filled with bugs? i mean i know bethesda is not the best solving glitches but they got more people looking into it this time, plus Dark Souls isn't perfect is getting a patch for glitches already, no matter what both games are day 1 for me, i enjoyed Dead Island with all those glitches people were crying about.

BrianC62345023d ago

The Elder Scrolls bugs is a big reason everyone should wait on Skyrim. Their games are always buggy. Wait at least a month.

Dacapn5023d ago

Well, I wouldn't necessarily say wait on Skyrim. Because I'm not made of money, and have to choose, I went with Dark Souls. If there was no Dark Souls, I'd buy Skyrim day one.

zu4G5022d ago

YEY Dark Souls a 9.0
Skyrim a 8.5

zerocrossing5022d ago

Dark Souls is looking to be my GOTY! :D

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 5022d ago
Prophet-Gamer5023d ago (Edited 5023d ago )

So why didn't they call it Demon's Souls 2, I mean, it's so obvious as everything looks exactly or exactly the same and it seems to play the same exact way. The design is even completely similar. The online is also the same.

I mean, what happens when SONY decides to do DS2?

pr0digyZA5023d ago

I don't think they have naming rights.

BTW: I see you like to use the words "exactly" and "same" a lot:)

justGAMES5023d ago

SONY OWNS DEMON'S SOULS THAT'S WHY

sdtarm5023d ago

I mean, what happens when SONY decides to do DS2?

well they do it and its gonna be a great game end.

Prophet-Gamer5023d ago

Oh, I see, I didn't know Sony owned all the rights, sorry about that haha. Not that I'm complaining though, I'll be first in line to buy Dark Souls next week haha.

El_Colombiano5023d ago (Edited 5023d ago )

I agree, it's annoying that FromSoftware can't come up with another great idea and they have to literally steal Sony's IP and name it accordingly. Yes they HELPED in development of Demon's Souls but it was a collaborative development by Sony Japan Studios and FromSoftware. That gives them no right to steal Sony Japan's idea. I HOPE Sony sues the crap out of FromSoftware and Namco.

Imagine you ask your best friend to help you with this project you've had the idea of for years, and it turns out great. Next he releases a carbon copy by himself and you see nothing. Come on.

Prophet-Gamer5023d ago

@Columbiano

So Sony Japan were the principle devs? hmm.. alright I'm all confused now cause if what you say is true then I have to agree with you but if From Software were the main devs then I guess it's alright.. IDK, I'm gonna have to look into it I guess

gnb20035023d ago

El_Colombiano is mistaken. From Software were the lead developers for the game, with assistence from Sony Japan. Also, you really can't say that the concept of the game belongs in any way to Sony, as Demon's Souls was really the spiritual successor to King's Field, a game only developed by From Software.

El_Colombiano5023d ago

I was under the strong impression that Sony Japan were the main developers, seeing as how Sony owns the IP. GNB may be correct though, but he is very right about Kings Field. That was the base premise for Demon's Souls. Either way, when it comes down to it, Sony owns Demon's Souls and FromSoftware completely ripped the game from Sony.

Baka-akaB5023d ago (Edited 5023d ago )

They werent ripped off .

What's next you're gonna accuse Monolith of ripping off Square enix with Xenosaga ?

Sony japan wasnt behind the concept of Demon Souls in any way . And it shows in the past titles both From software and Sony japan developped so far . It's not just a few ideas from ingfields ... look at past stuff like Otogi as well .
They provided technical support and published it that's the extend of it .

Besides Sony had no qualm letting the franchise go to namco bandai and atlus to be published in the west . They didnt fully backed it or believed in it .

Sony owns the IP , not the concept , i'm sure they'll be more than happy to work with from again on a still possible Demon's Souls 2 in the same universe .

Prophet-Gamer5023d ago

Alright so to settle this, I checked up and From Software are indeed the main devs behind DS. So yea, I don't see any problem in them making a sequel albeit under a different name. Gonna get it regardless, lol.

KwietStorm_BLM5023d ago

@El_Colombiano

I almost thought you were just trying to be funny at first, or trolling..or...something. you're so far off, it's kinda sad, only because you sound so pissed off haha. From Software is the head developer. End of. How can you rip off your own game, especially when you already acknowledged that it is a spiritual successor to Kings Field. So if Insomniac made a game similar to Resistance or Ratchet & Clank. you would call them thieves? If Bungie made a new game similar to Halo, they should get sued?

Orange5022d ago

I think he's just bummed that something so "Sony" in essence is made available to the xboxers. I mean, it's a japanese game through-and-through. Dudes were reading a lot of "Berserk" when they made it. It's just sort of weird for such a japanese game to be on an american console.

I'm over it, but i'd feel a similar tinge of sadness if Shadow of the Colossus came out on xbox.

+ Show (9) more repliesLast reply 5022d ago
Lazy_Sunday5023d ago (Edited 5023d ago )

And I can't enjoy this masterpiece until Christmas time D:
Why did I leave my console at home???
CURSE YOU PC GAMING!!!

jessupj5023d ago

Well I'm in Australia, and once again we're getting screwed and they're releasing the game on Thursday.

To make matters worse, I have to get the game shipped from the UK if I only want to spend $66 instead of $120 and if I want to collectors edition (Australia doesn't even get a collector's edition, what kind of bullshit is that).

But because of all that I'll finally get to play the game a week and a half after my fellow US and UK gamers. Oh it hurts!

YoungKingDoran5023d ago

@jessupj

i agree, it hurts, and price wise its BS, but im pre ordering at JBHIFI and thats getting me the collectors edition.

darkziosj5023d ago

this proves awesome games can be multiplatform too, don't blame the console blame the developers

zeddy5022d ago

i only have money for one so im getting skyrim.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 5022d ago
DevilishSix5023d ago (Edited 5023d ago )

Nice score congrats to From Software, unfortunately with so many games coming: Rage and Crysis next week, Batman, MW3, UC3, Skyrim, and Gears and Dues Ex recently. It will probably next year before I can sit down and devote the time it takes.

Getowned5023d ago

I'm the opposite actually with Dark Souls i dont know how much time i will have for UC3,Batman(actualy i will pobably break for batman being the batman freak I am,skyrim and the rest Dark souls is too addicting.

If I was only able to get two games for the rest of the year it would be Batman and DARK SOULS!!!

MysticStrummer5023d ago

I can't narrow it down to just two, so I'll go with Dark Souls, UC3, BF3, and Skyrim. Rage and Batman will have to wait. I'd like to wait for a GotY edition of Skyrim but I don't think I'll be able to control myself once it's out.

Baka-akaB5023d ago

I knew everything was going to be on standby for Dark Souls , UMVC3 and skyrim .

i'll just still buy Uncharted 3 to play later on .

peowpeow5022d ago (Edited 5022d ago )

And on this day, Dark Souls made 'peowpeow' it's bitch.

crematory5023d ago

i have the game for 1 week now all i can say i'm not rpg fan at all but i cant stop playing dark souls buy it guys with close eyes

Show all comments (131)
140°

50 Best PS3 Games of All Time

The PlayStation 3 is Sony’s most interesting home console ever, but what’s most interesting of all is trying to nail down the very best games on a console with hundreds of incredible games. Let’s give it a shot.

Read Full Story >>
culturedvultures.com
darthv72121d ago

Personally, I'd rank Pacific Rift in my top 10. It's the best of the series.

badz149120d ago

We desperately need Motorstorm back. Evolution is no more though and this makes me sad

Cacabunga120d ago

Sly Thieves in Time
Stay the Party
Portal 2
Dj Hero
Demon’s Souls
God of war Ascension

rudero120d ago

2 of those games got railed through the “gaming media” during release.
Sly and god of war.
Both of which were fantastic games.

Cacabunga119d ago

Ascension is VERY underrated. Remake please!

Venoxn4g120d ago

Decent list.. I would put the Castle Crashers as well..

1Victor120d ago

Yes it’s a decent list of popular games with a heavy hand on FPS and no Warhawk or Starhawk 2 of the best games (not sale wise) on ps3.
I would buy a Starhawk again even if it didn’t have a graphics upgrade hell I would even take a new one with micro transactions 😱🤯

Profchaos120d ago

I've noticed a recent nostalgia for the PS3 and I don't get it for me it's been my least favourite generation to date and I've been gaming since the NES I just feel like the ambition of the developers outweighed the capabilities of the consoles so I remember lots of games running in the lower end of 20fps range and I remember for the first time ever actually disliking the duelshock 3 and it's curved triggers

Sure there were some standouts and great games but that's the only gen I switched entirely to PC gaming

darthv72120d ago

Maybe the recent nostalgia is because pretty much all of its games are trapped on that console. People want to play them on more modern hardware. hell... if XB can do it then so can Sony. there are competent emulators out there that can run on PS4/5 hardware but Sony just wont let them become official... why is that?

If we are talking least favorite generations (personally) then this one is certainly mine. i had more fun playing 8th, 7th and 6th gen stuff than 9th. And it isnt like i dont have access to do so... the heavy hitters just havent shown up anywhere close to those previous gens. The few here and there just doesnt cut it compared to the likes of constant good games that showed up in 6th, 7th and 8th gen. hell.... I'll even throw in 5th gen has been better than this one.

Profchaos120d ago

I tend to agree there's lots of amazing games locked to the PS3 like GTA IV or mgs 4 but then again my issue was never with the content the PS3 had but rather it's performance many other people have said the PS3 felt like it couldn't walk and chew bubblegum at the same time using PSN and downloading a game could take a few minutes to just start a download.

I typically don't worry all that much about performance I've never had a problem with games that run at 30 but games like crysis 2, Skyrim are good examples where the performance was so unstable you would never even touch the top of the frame cap and the hitching was worse than say Goldeneye on the n64

I think emulation is more than possible on the ps5 though it's just that Sony has no incentive to rush it's development it will likely be a ps6 feature if it ever happens at all.

But yeah the 9th gen has been so bad from a content perspective thats a given I see constant articles where people are frequently expressing their disappointment around the industry as a whole right now to much live service competition that sinks longstanding studios and consumes Devs time less ambition and games cost so much to make they have to play it safe.

The 5th gen was easily better than the 9th we had some all time greats crash, Spyro, Tony hawk, mgs, Mario,64, Goldeneye, Mario kart 64 the list goes on. The 5th gave us a new dimension and I remember being blown away by how much more open gaming had become the 4th gen with the mega drive and SNES was great and very easy to still revisit some of the greatest games of all time came out like earthbound, secret of mana, sonic , Mario world etc but saving our games was still not a standard function or a given so gaming was still evolving but it was very impressive to see some of the tricks Devs used like dithering to give us new experiences those earlier gens limitations bred innovation.

Michiel1989120d ago

if XB can do it so can sony? I didn't know xbox had a cell processor in their older consoles, that's the reason why ps3 was so cool, but also the reason why games are hostage there and no, xbox did nothing similar even though their backward compatbility is good, they always had a similar architecture to their consoles.

darthv72119d ago

Sorry Michael... I guess you missed the obvious part where i said there are already emulators out that do this. and that is what XB is doing... emulators for OG and 360 games. Its why the full slate is not BC on XBO/Series.

coolbeans120d ago (Edited 120d ago )

The list is missing Folklore.

Show all comments (16)
370°

FromSoftware didn’t want Sony to publish Dark Souls due to how Demon’s Souls was treated

Former SIE president Yoshida explained that Sony wanted to work on the sequel to Demon’s Souls with FromSoftware, but the developer turned it down and instead decided to work with Bandai Namco on what would become Dark Souls.

Read Full Story >>
videogameschronicle.com
Luc20131d ago

Not sure what Sony was thinking. Wrong people testing the game. It was my favourite game from the PS3 days. Had to import it from Canada because it wasn't available in Europe at the time. Then I bought it again when a local version was available. It was fun to play online and get two separate platinum.

Cacabunga131d ago

I understand, sony acting so cocky when it came out. But they quickly realized what they were missing on. I remember an interview of Yoshida saying clearly he hated the game.

SDuck131d ago

"But they quickly realized what they were missing on."
So they've been sleeping on Bloodborne too

RaiderNation131d ago (Edited 131d ago )

Sony didn't realize what they had with Demons Souls. It happens. Marvel approached Xbox to make Spider-Man before they went to Sony and Phil Spencer said "thanks but no thanks". You win some, you lose some. Personally I wasn't THAT bowled over by Demons Souls either when it launched on PS3. I thought it was slow and clunky. The remake on PS5, however, is fantastic! So I get why Sony was lukewarm on the franchise. I dont know if anybody could've foreseen what From Software would eventually become.

Palitera131d ago

To be fair, not even From Software knew the huge success it would become. Their revenue target was tiny, as already confirmed by Miyazaki.

LoveSpuds131d ago (Edited 131d ago )

Exactly, these nipple head 'journalists' trying to spin this into a story to wield against Sony are ignoring the fact that hindsight is 20/20.

As you correctly point out, Demons Souls was incredibly niche at the time so it's not a surprise that Sony were cautious about investing huge amounts into advertising and support etc.

Pyrofire95131d ago

You can't just find the RIGHT people. This kind of thing didn't exist yet. FROMSOFTWARE started something huge and you could never see it unless you happen to get someone who not only gets a gut instinct but also the will and authority to act on it. You can't look back from 2025, you have to see it in a 2009 landscape. And Demon's Souls didn't even hit big, it wasn't until Dark Souls that it all started hitting, shortly after it's release in 2011.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 131d ago
GamingSinceForever131d ago

Hey sometimes you just can’t see the potential.

It’s like the Chicago Bears moving up in the draft to take Trubisky over Pat Mahomes.

Pyrofire95131d ago

I don't know one ounce of these sports teams, but yes, exactly like that.

131d ago Replies(2)
jznrpg131d ago

I bought the Japanese version of Demons Souls before US release. Me and my friend heard about it from an online friend in Japan. It took a while for it to become popular in the US. It was a new IP with nothing like it at the time and it wasn’t easy to play obviously. Eventually word of mouth spread about it and sales picked up after launch. I don’t think anyone could have seen how big it would be at the time. It was considered very niche and hardcore games were minimal.

Scissorman131d ago

I do wonder if we'll ever see Demon's Souls 2. Sony clearly wanted it. FromSoftware's subsequent releases penetrated the mainstream in ways the developer likely never imagined. Any stigma or negative perception around the original game's release has long passed. Bluepoint's remake sold very well on PS5. I think the time has come to visit the IP that started it all.

ocelot07131d ago

With Sony now firmly in bed with Kadokawa now. I think a Demon's Souls 2 and/or Bloodborne 2 is fairly likely.

Pyrofire95131d ago

They also seem to not want to get on Fromsoft's bad side or undercut them in any way. I think it's completely up to FS. (which is kinda funny cause FS themselves makes weird moves with their games whenever it's not Miyazaki helming the project. ie DS2 and Nightreign)

Show all comments (38)
130°

30 Years Ago, Elden Ring And Dark Souls Dev FromSoftware Released Its "Mind-Boggling" Debut

Today marks the 30th birthday of King's Field, a PlayStation title with an incredible legacy – and one which some Western players might be unaware of.

Read Full Story >>
timeextension.com
Pedantic91196d ago

If only they would remake or make a sequel to shadow tower abyss.

Babadook7196d ago

I remember. It showed potential for a new type of action RPG.

Loktai196d ago (Edited 196d ago )

I still have my original release PS1 long box King's Field right here on my shelf. Great game., Looks better on a CRT than you can really appreciate in emulators or screenshots too, or Im just nostalgic. Note: actually it would be kings field 2 in japan but released here as kings field, so I guess its the second game. Great none the less.

gold_drake195d ago

i recently played it, its pretty good

Grilla195d ago (Edited 195d ago )

It was great. I always wondered what happened to the series/developer. Wasn’t til a few years ago I found out they moved on to the souls games. It’s nice to see them get the appreciation they deserve.

Show all comments (6)