IGN: Demon's Souls Review

IGN says: "Demon's Souls is not a game for everyone. Actually, I take that back; it's most definitely something everyone should try, but the look, seemingly unforgiving nature and themes might be a bit off-putting. Don't let them be. Every single person that owns a PS3 should at the very least rent this game to see what all the fuss is about, and those that can remember the good ol' days when games taught through the highly effective use of negative reinforcement and a heavy price for not playing it carefully should scoop this up instantly. It's utterly unique among the offerings on any console right now, and absolutely, positively should not be missed."

[Nikuma]

...for one of my all time favorite games. :)

[meepmoopmeep]

i'm loving it so far.

it's pretty damn hard.

but i keep coming back... it's that good

[Jamegohanssj5]

Nice review. Can't wait to get it for X-Mas.

TGSI

[umair_s51]

My god the PS3's on fire.

[Genesis5]

This game is wicked. I love it. Yes I have spent a bit of time dying. It just has such a great ambience to it.

[meepmoopmeep]

yeah, i've been dying tons.

i started a new character again but i'll stick to that one now.

[Shadow Flare]

Sure its not your 360?

[cyberwaffles]

that was a bad, but good joke.

[Transporter47]

if you have a ps3 i recommend it, it is awesome

[duplissi]

damn, this game slipped under my radar, ill have to pick it up sometime.

[JoySticksFTW]

and I haven't even gone in that deep.

Been too busy farming those f'n rolling skellies in 4-1 for some great early xp

[presto717]

But still, I would have given the game a 10 simply because it does what most other games dont do this gen, and it does it well.

I beat the first boss this afternoon and I gotta say this game is so damn rewarding. Every accomplishment makes you feel like you are on top of the world.

Kudos to Atlus.

[DaTruth]

This game is hard to get without a preorder, but I lucked out cause one got returned. Haven't gotten a chance to play it yet.

Maybe tonight I'll pop it in.

[umair_s51]

Bubbles to you...

[beavis4play]

anyways, DS is doing really well in reviews and it should. we kept hearing how hard it is (which is true) but, what has also impressed me is the amount of content in the game! this isn't just a game based solely on fighting (ala NG series....stick, i don't know who told you NG was harder? i think it's hard to compare the 2 games although DS seems to give a MUCH deeper experience with more varied combat. adding to it the fact that you have to worry about losing huge amounts of souls and i'd have to say DS is a more difficult game)

there is so much stuff to use (and apply) for different fighting strategies. the combat is so great......it's not mindless attacking. that will just get you killed. literally, every step could be your last - and as you get more souls - the intensity builds due to the possibility of losing them!!
then there's the bloodstains and ability to leave messages. before i started the game, i thought these features would be cheesy.....but not now! they're useful, innovative features. i can't believe nobody has thought to do this before.
i loved KZ2 and batman:AA. UC2 and ratchet will undoubtedly be fantastic experiences; but, demon souls can hang with these games. the look may not be near as good and the difficulty may put off some people, but it's a very intense game.when your health is dwindling and you have very few healing aids left........those 2,000 souls your carrying start getting heavy! i've found myself taking a step........looking in every direction.......taking a step.......etc...etc....you'll develop the "1000 yard stare" in this game really fast.

sorry to gush so much......this game has left me very impressed.

[JoySticksFTW]

I was talking to a blacksmith in the Nexus and my finger slipped and accidentally smack him in the head.

He got pissed and wanted to fight me! Balled up his fists and everything

I thought "Oh God! Noooo! I can't loose this blacksmith! All this farming for nothing?! I'm gonna have to start over!!! F*******CK!!"

But then I zone out of the Nexus and back in to see if he was still pissed. But he was just sitting there like normal and I could still fix and upgrade my gear.

Oh Thank you, God!

Whewwwww, dodged a big heaping pile of arse-rape and tears right there. My chest is still tight!

And I still can't stop playing! WTF. It's too much fun :D

P.S.I hope this game sells well. It's such an amazing experience.

[calis]

My brother is in the USA at the mo. I asked him to get it for me. I was iffy on getting it because of how hard it would be but I've decided to give it a go.

[presto717]

Bubbles man. That cracked me up soooo bad. Totally made my day.

If you read this,

What class are you? Do you focus on melee or magic? (This question is open to all)

I play as Knight. Melee ftw.

[Lifendz]

but after reading this review I've decided to hold off on 2K and rent Demon's Souls.

My first console was an NES. I remember a time where there were some games you just didn't beat. Top Gun anyone? I remember struggling to get past a part in TMNT for NES when I realized you could just walk over a gap that looked like you had to jump over. The point is I remember a time where games were almost a developer's way of torturing the consumer. And, in some sick way, I kinda miss it.

So I'll give Demon's Souls a shot. Maybe I'll buy it...maybe not. But after all the positive reviews I think I sorta have to at least check it out.

[Arnon]

WOOOO!

My Deluxe Edition from Amazon comes in the mail tomorrow!

:D

[chaosatom]

Talk about two AAA games in one month!

[Sarcasm]

"Talk about two AAA games in one month! "

It's going to be 3. Ratchet & Clank Future ACIT. The final chapter of the future saga.

[JoySticksFTW]

I started as Royal to get past 1-1 quicker, but I'm going towards a Thief build.

Was originally going to go for the strategy guide's Assassin build, but with a low Vitality I get slaughtered if I miss one parry. So I can only imagine what it's going to be like if I intentionally lower my health even more when I eventually get the Clever Rat ring

For those who may not know, the Cleve Rat ring boosts damage output when you only have 30% health or lower left. With the right equipment, it's possible to kill most demons (not bosses) with one or two hits or shots, so I hear. But the trade off is you can get one-shot yourself.

I try to snipe or back-stab first, then melee, and use magic as support

[Consoldtobots]

this game is so good I bought 2 copies to play coop with my son and he can't stop talking about it now. Best bosses I've seen in the last 5 years.

[NeoSprtacus]

@1.15

I just did the exact same thing, geez, all I was doing was sitting up and I tapped R2 with my leg and hit the blacksmith. Far too easy for that to happen, I am glad you said it didn't stay or I'd be freakin out too...

[leyego]

i loved the flexibility in DS when it came to choosing weapons.

if u guys got the free time, equip a shield on both hands and run around sheild bashing guys.

on another note. dual weild is over rated.

[ShadowCK]

Don't like IGN's reviews.

GameTrailers are alot more reliable.

[alphakennybody]

too bad this game is ignored by many rpg fans since M2 and DA:origins is coming soon, I can't wait to get my copy of demon's soul.Kinda short on penny's, lost my treasures back on that cursed island.

[IcyJoker187]

Ahhh, Haters owned, Another AAA for the Ps3, Rachet is up next.

[Haloreacharound]

:(

back to the rrod box I guess

[chaosatom]

It's better to play a AAA game on a non-rrod console. :)

[The Killer]

to bad is not going to the 360 direction.

[Defectiv3_Detectiv3]

I just think its funny how this is a brand new review yet it is nowhere on their main page, I can find a link to the Afrika review but not this! Way to support PS3 users IGN.

[Chris Hansen]

[2009]
Killzone 2 (91%)
MLB 09: The Show (90%)
inFamous (85%)
Demon's Souls (90%)
Uncharted 2 (97%)
Ratchet & Clank 6 (??%)

Isn't it just great to own a PlayStation 3?

[The_Devil_Hunter]

Ill tell you Chris it is.

[STICKzophrenic]

You know what's even better? owning PS3 AND Xbox 360.

:-)

Someone here told me Demon's Souls is challenging, but not as challenging as Ninja Gaiden II. I beat NGII, so I'm seriously considering picking up this game, or at least putting it on my Christmas list. I'll have plenty to keep me busy until then with Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, GTAIV:TBoGT and Modern Warfare 2.

Christmas is looking like I'll be getting a couple out of the following: Demon's Souls, Assassin's Creed II, Dragon Age: Origins and God of War Collections.

**EDIT**

Looks like 11 fanboys read my post, and only three true gamers.

:-)

Is this the Gamer Zone or the Open Zone?

[SnuggleBandit]

so i'm missing out on Ballad of gay Tony...whoo hoo!!!

[cyberwaffles]

good one.

[TheBand1t]

Ninja Gaiden II and Demon's Souls are two different kinds of challenging. NG focuses alot on reflexes and quick thinking, Demon's Souls promotes a slower pace and for you to carefully think about what you're gonna do next.

[STICKzophrenic]

The Ballad of Gay Tony looks like it will be awesome. Sorry you're going to miss it. I wish it was on PS3 so that everyone could play it, same as Lost and Damned.

There's also Forza III, but I'm not into racing games that much.

Next year will be awesome with Mass Effect II, Splinter Cell: Conviction, Alan Wake, Halo: Reach, Fable III and probably many others. There weren't a ton of exclusives for 360 this year, but so what? Not every year can be jam packed with great exclusives. It's better that way. I've already spent a lot of money on games this year, and I'm poised to spend a good amount more for the holiday releases.

**EDIT**

@TheBand1t

I know they're different types of challenging, but NGII is probably the most challenging game I've played.

[JonnyBigBoss]

I'm having to skip a few games. That has never happened before...

[TheHater]

Xbox 360 1010
Mass Effect (Getting this)
Fable 3 (getting this)
Another Halo (Depend)
Gears of War 3 <<< We know it coming next year (Hate Gears of War)
Splinter Cell: Conviction (Not a fan)
Alan Wake (Don't interest me)

Compare to
PS3 2010
MAG (getting this)
WKC (getting this)
God of War 3 (getting this)
GT5 (getting this)
Resistance <<< We know it coming (getting this)
Star Ocean: The Last Hope International <<<Meh, but it going to have more content than the xbox 360 version (F this game)
Agent (Don't know enough)
The Agency (getting this)
DC Universe (getting this)
Heavy Rain (getting this)
ModNation Racer (getting this)

I know I left out a lot of games for both the PS3 and Xbox 360, but these are going to be the most hype.

[STICKzophrenic]

I'm not here to compare exclusive lists, I merely made a comment that it's great to own both consoles, and of course a fanboy feels the need to take a jab at what games are releasing for 360 this year. The fact is, if you own both consoles, there's no reason to care what exclusives are coming out because you can get them all if you so choose. I just had to state that there are more games for 360 this year than just Gay Tony and that next year will be great as well, especially if you're a dual console owner.

Play games, not consoles.

[TheHater]

"Play games, not consoles."

Couldn't agree more

[Sarcasm]

It's great to own both consoles and all, but man I'm so glad I have a PS3 for Demon's Souls.

It's already ranking to be one of my top 5 games ever. It's just so rewarding.

And I disagree with the NG2 comparison.

I always say, NG2 is "cheap" not "Challenging." What's so challenging about getting attacked by 5 ninja's with guns while 2 of them are shooting un-dodgeable projectiles at you. It's such a frustrating experience.

DS on the other hand, requires you to think about what you're going to do. Pay attention to the environments. Pay attention to the messages. But you also have to understand the enemies' patterns and attacks. And there's so many different kinds of enemies it keeps things refreshing. And yes you can die often, but every death is the consequence of being impatient, lack of planning etc. It's not the enemies fault. Yes there are some tough enemies, but they can all be defeated.

With that said, I think every single hardcore RPG gamer whether 360 or PS3 or PC should somehow try to play this game. Borrow a PS3, steal one (okay maybe not that), rent a PS3, play at a friend's house, open a PS3 kiosk at walmart and put in Demon's Souls, ANYTHING.

It has to be EXPERIENCED. Words alone cannot tell what Demon's Souls is about. After reading the 20 or so Reviews on the game you still don't know DS until you've played it.

/happy rant

[STICKzophrenic]

LMFAO...kid I'm married and I just dropped $200 to take my wife to a concert. Owning both consoles ain't sh*t. Quit crying because your weekly allowance isn't enough to own both consoles and all the games for each.

[WildArmed]

actually DS is alot harder then NG II =/

I dont know why would u even say that.

I love Ninja giande Black (by FAR the hardest ninja gaiden), but DS is still harder.

Anywayz, Its great to be a ps360pc gamer \

btw I feel sorry for anyone that thinks every year a console doesn't have to have nice exclusives.
Exclusives are the reason why i still love gaming.
Most multi plats are generic, and dont take advantage of either console's abilities.

I love exclusives.. my 60 game lib consists of mostly ps3/360 exclusives. With a few multiplats here and there.

[Sayai jin]

@STICKzophrenic - It's nice to see another multi console owner! Yeah, I decided few years ago right before this generation of gaming started that their would be a rich and deep library games and tech released on each console. So I planned on getting all 3 consoles. I have purchased all the current consoles and have had a blast. I do not worry which games are exclusive, because if I want it I can go out and pick it up. I do understand that not everyone can afford to own multiple consoles. People on this site like taking jabs at each other, but man there is too many good games to bicker about. If a person prefers the 360 or a PS3 or Wii that's great, but to take shots or talk crap about another console or it's fan's is a different...well to each there own.

On topic...Great review!!! This game is shaping up to be stellar. Someone above me said it was like Oblivion on crack. I love enjoyed Oblivion so I look forward to this game. Man the only problem I have is that I get behind on games, because still trying to catch up games from lasy holiday season. Hell, sometimes I start to get on track then I will see my MGS4, Fallout, GeOW, etc and start to play those.

Game on...

[Consoldtobots]

@ stickzophrenic

you're getting disagrees because you ARE OFF TOPIC. No one cares that you own both consoles because this isn't a thread about multi-console ownership, so in a sense you are trolling. stick to the topic at hand.

[ceedubya9]

I guarantee you that that is not the reason why he is getting disagrees.

His original response was to Chris Hansen, who stated it was a great time to won a PS3 while listing some PS3 exclusives. Although there is nothing wrong with Chris's post, besides the one mention of DS in his list, you could argue that it was off topic as well, if you want to get technical.

I'd be willing to bet money that if PS3 and PC were mentioned instead of of the 360, the disagrees would be a lot less.

Regardless of that, seeing as how this is a thread for DS, there really should be no mention of the 360, although his intentions were okay.

[The_Devil_Hunter]

I've been overlooking this game ever since they announced it. I might need to change that.

[AllShallPerish]

Same here but i will look into it seems like a really good game.

[Saaking]

Wow, so far 2 AAA exclusives in ONE month. That's more than the failbox has gotten the whole year. R&C are next. Go insomniac!

[Shadow Man]

Forza3 9.4 = Demonsouls 9.4
Halo3 ODST 9.0
GTA IV: The Lost and Damned 9.0

3 AAAs Right there
Now spin Droid

[Queers of War]

What's the metascore of ODST again? Damn straight, it's 84. Not AAA.

What about Demon's Souls? 90 or 91. That's AAA.

If you insist that ODST is AAA, then so is InFamous because it scored higher than it.

Oh and we count full games, not DLCs. Even ODST is a bit of a stretch.

[Brian5247]

HALO ODST: 84%
http://www.metacritic.com/g...

Forza: 93% and has only a handful of reviews. First are always highest.
http://www.metacritic.com/g...

[chrisulloa]

We've got ODST (Not AAA, but awesome game), Halo Wars (Not AAA, but also an awesome game), L4D2 (AAA), Forza 3 (AAA), Episodes from Liberty City (AAA). So I guess it's going to end up being a tie.

You guys got Killzone 2, Uncharted 2, Demon Soul's, and R&C.

So 5 exclusive Xbox games, 4 exclusive PS3 games.

Also, before you PS3tards start saying, "LOL halo warz and ODST iz stupid gaems!" they got an average of 80%+ which a lot of your exclusives can't even pull off.

Oh and our exclusive XBLA games are great.

[Sunny_D]

Fail Shadow... He's talking about metacritic, not just ign's fool.
http://cdn1.knowyourmeme.co...

[Shadow Man]

Learn to read "IGN"

[Queers of War]

You forgot InFamous, which happened to outscore those two so-called fun awesome games you listed.

You're grasping at straws when you list a milked multiplat like L4D2 or DLC like Gay Tony LOL

5 PS3 retail games compared to 3 360 retail games (consisting of one AAA). Checkmate.

Oh, and Shadow Woman, just because IGN says its AAA doesn't mean it's AAA in the end. If that's the case, since IGN gave InFamous a 9.2, it's AAA. You wanna go down that route? That's what I thought.

@ below:

Well enjoy buying a game consisting of DLC then. Probably more of the same crap GTAIV spewed out.

And I never called L4D2 a bad game. I play the first one and I actually enjoy it.

Your retardedness never ceases to amaze me, but then again, you're an xbot. It's expected.

[chrisulloa]

Oh I'm sorry, I forgot inFamous. Don't cry though, Liberty Cities is a standalone game so it's not really a DLC you stupid PS3tard. Calling L4D2 a bad game is like calling Afrika one of the best games of the year. But your ignorance never ceases to amaze me. I'm 99.999999% sure L4D2 and Liberty City stories aren't going to disappoint.

[STICKzophrenic]

I'm just happy I'm a true gamer and own PS3 and Xbox 360. I can choose which games I want for both consoles, while you silly fanboys (both sides) argue over which has more exclusives.

It doesn't matter to me because if PS3 is lacking exclusives, I'll get 360's...if 360 is lacking exclusives, I'll get PS3's. If they're both lacking, I'll get multiplats. If they're both in abundance, my wallet cries.

Play games, not consoles.

:-)

[ZBlacktt]

Did I really just read up above someone put Halo3 ODST as a AAA game? O_o.

[nycredude]

This comment need only apply to the hardcore xbox fanboys. I have both consoles so it doesn't matter to me but if I had to choose I swear that I would choose to have Demon's SOuls over all those xbox exclusives combined, it's THAT good to ME! I would recommend buying a ps3 for this game if you like this type of games.

[Mo0eY]

Try in one WEEK Saaking. :D

[PLAYstar]

Gamervision is so full of sh!t giving Demon's Souls a terrible 60. WTF is wrong with them?!

[Arnon]

"93% and has only a handful of reviews. First are always highest."

Lol the lowest scores it has is one 7 and like three 8's. It's not exactly like it's going to get any lower on the Meta charts.

(My deluxe edition of Demon's Souls comes in the mail later today. Woo!)

[MetalGearBear]

where is gamespot's review?

[eagle21]

Gamespot gave it 9/10... :)

[Gago]

is it really that good?

I thought it was gonna be crap.

Might have to play this

[Christopher]

It's great fun. Imagine taking the old 80s games where one death = restart everything again and put it in a great 3d fantasy world with tons of leveling and fun opponents.

Even better? It's great fun to see how everyone else dies, being able to leave hints. I haven't had the chance to join in another person's game, but I'm thinking it will be a blast as well.

Rerolled a noble today just for the heck of it, even though my wanderer never did finish 1-1 :p

[Ravage27]

There has been nothing but positive reviews and feedbacks from those who have played the game, and it is 3rd/4th favourite game this gen.

Demon's Souls does so many things right and just feels extremely unique. A short list of DS best features.

1.Best atmosphere i've experienced this gen(coupled with the constant fear of death, you get this really unique feel as you play)

2.Best online implemented by a RPG hands-down (read the reviews)

3.Immensely satisfying combat (skill and patience is needed)

4.EPIC bossfights(one of the highlights, DS features many INSPIRED boss designs that req. strategy to tackle.Might take u several tries before you plan it right, but trust me, the satisfaction u get after you down those awesome motherf***ers is unbelievable)

5.The replay value is incredible, it will easily consume your life if you allow it to

That should be enough to convince you :) At the end of the day, if you are looking for a fresh breathe of air, and if you are sick of fighting those uninspired lame bosses (e.g.Prototype), pick up Demon's Souls.

[Consoldtobots]

being able to see how others died is actually great comedy as some people make real boneheaded mistakes.

[Sevir04]

9.4, this is just 1 point lower than Uncharted 2, based on IGNs score.. WOW!!! i honestly was expecting a 9 or a high 8, like an 8.7-9 this is a total shocker to me... this game quickly came one radar when i read a preview in game informer, , as the japanese release of the game and vids had me thinking it was a dungeon romp like Oblivion.. and i hated oblivion. when i heard from software was making this game i thought it was gonna suck because the look of it was like oblivion... boy was i wrong, it's nothing like Oblivion, I cant wait to pick this up along with NGS2 and Uncharted 2

[sweettooth]

best reted rbg game this gen

[ryano23277]

RBG Game, can you please explain what RBG is?

Which will answer my main question, what style of game play is this. Too me it looks like the God of War style, but I may be missing something?

[ZeroBlitz]

I'm pretty sure he means RPG. And I wouldn't put it in the same category as God of War (hack and slash action game). It's a real-time action RPG. I think the closest association would be Oblivion? Although the way the two games are structured and played is very different.

[TooTall19]

I see no comparison between god of war and this. Its more like a story lacking Zelda gone super hardcore JRPG that makes dying mean something.

[ryano23277]

no worries, is it an open world style like oblivion & fallout 3

Not coming to Australia until Feb next year. Might have to buy it from the U.S - oh the joys of having a PS3.

[Sarcasm]

Role Building Game?

[Junse]

RBG = REALLY BIG GAME

[Mc187]

sory I couldn't resist.

[Wolf873]

died! This normally doesn't happen to me in any game, or maybe I wasn't putting enough effort. Anyways, it looks solid in terms of visuals, but I don't like the way its handled, I mean R1 and R2 for swinging the sword? Why change something which people are used to for so long: I mean your traditional square or triangle for attacks.

However, I'll try and play it tomorrow for longer period of time, it's just that darn college work takes up too much of my time.

[frostypants]

You are approaching it wrong. Think of it THIS way:

L1/L2 buttons = Your character's left hand
R1/R2 buttons = Your character's right hand

That's why they did it this way, and it makes sense.

The buttons just use the item...it only "swings the sword" if that's what you're carrying in your right hand at the time. You can equip a sword in BOTH hands...meaning the button pressed determines which one you would swing. Hell, technically, you could equip two SHIELDS. Don't know why you would, but you get the point...just making "X" attack would necessitate a more primitive combat system.

Everything is for a reason in this game.

[Darkstorn]

This game really came out of left field - I'm glad it's so well-reviewed. It has the same score as Forza 3, it's a shame so few people actually know about it...
PS3 is dominating!!!

[doa766]

the game is brilliant but it does have a sparse, almost absent story and some small tech issues so I wouldn't give 97 or 98 but 94 is perfect

this is the most fun I had with a game this year, recommended for real gamers only, no cry babies used to games that hold your hand through the story

[Sarcasm]

"but it does have a sparse, almost absent story"

Honestly, I love to have a good story in video games. But for some reason I just don't care in Demon's Souls.

The Story is well put enough to give us a reason to dive into the game. But the gameplay mechanics severely outweigh the story.

I cant believe I'm praising it so much, but it's just that good to me.

[nycredude]

Sarcasm

I agree with you I am like giddy for this game. It's up there as one of my favorite games of all time.

I remember the first time I tried to beat the red eye knight in 1-1. I had just got the hang of the game and was owning the grunts so I was a little c0cky, then I attacked him. Boy did I get owned! He owned me like 10 times in a row before I realized I couldn't beat him. I started to run from him in the hopes that I could lure him to the stairway on the other side of the castle wall so that I could push him off. Then I remember the first time I saw the dragons. This game just has so much value and gives you so much experiences it's really a gem!

Everyone buy this game you won't regret it!!!

[Tex117]

The story is like the game itself.

It must be earned.

Though I will be the first to admit its not the deepest compelling story line ever crafted by man...Its subtle

[CaptainKratos]

x-mas it is.just got a job interview so yeah....games, here i come.lol.

[bujasem_89]

hey who says this GAME F'n ROCKS

http://www.amazon.com/gp/be...

[DTClown]

Demon's Souls is at both #10 AND #14 on Amazon! If there was only one version available, what would the ranking be? 3?, 2?, 1???

Way to go SONY!

[FwanK]

Dear God...

Sony is showing no mercy

[Kratos_1986]

guys is this game gameplay like warcraft ?

[JonnyBigBoss]

Somewhat. The camera can be controlled and attacks are done with commands. It's a lot more refined and NEW than World of Warcraft. Now, of course this isn't an RPG, but if you enjoyed playing WoW hardcore then this game is a MUST HAVE!

[Myst]

Eh...Not really, if Warcraft was hardened to the bone because of the difficulty, precision taken into account. If anything it reminds me of a harder Oblivion than anything else actually. I'll just say it right now, this game is pretty much like school and studying. How they say you should invest 1~2 hours or so in studying - well. Invest at least like 1~2 hours in beating a level...Sometimes more if you die often.

[JonnyBigBoss]

A potential GOTY candidate. This is arguably the best RPG so far this generation.

[Sarcasm]

I have to agree. IT IS the best western styled true to the core RPG this generation.

The best "Eastern" styled would have to go to Valkyria Chronicles.

Both are must owns for any RPG gamers. They are both unique, and goes against the grain of run of the mill RPG games today.

[Lionsguard]

I remember seeing this game a loooooooong time ago before the Japanese version was even released, I was afraid it was gonna be clunky, awkward controls with stiff animations like Oblivion but boy was I wrong. I'm damn glad I bought this game. Absolutely EPIC.

[Tex117]

I thought the exact same thing. I saw some of the reivews...decided well what the hell...Pre-ordered the Deluxe on Amazon and got it released day.

My thinking was dead wrong. The game is mother effing awesome.

I have never played a game that required so much of a player.

[Chapulin]

can't wait to pick it up.

[doa766]

Halo ODST and the balad of gay tony are EXPANSIONS

they might be much more of what usually understand by expansions but they're not full, brand new games

I have both a PS3 and a 360 I have no predilection but only a moron would say that the 360 has enough good stuff this year to even rival what PS3 has

there hasn't been one single great exclusive for the 360 so far this year, Ninja Blade and Velvet Assassin sucked, Halo Wars was just a spinoff and strategy game even if it was good enough for that genre, and best not to talk about raven squad and section 8 (even if those are no really exclusives)

PS3 has killzone, infamous, demon's souls, uncharted 2 and ratchet and clank. all great

the first left 4 dead was much, much better on PC so I'll be getting the PC version for the sequel as well

I´m not a big fan of racing sims so I only have enough room for one, so between forza 3 and gran turismo, what would someone impartial choose? there´s only one answer and you know it

there hasn't been a game that raised the bar technically on the 360 since gears 2 almost a year ago and from the look of alan wake, splinter cell or mass effect 2 it doesn't look that's going to change anytime soon and I'm starting to wonder if we will ever see a game on 360 with better graphics than gears 2

the 360 had a great start but its running out of gas halfway through the race and you know it

[DTClown]

nailed it.

[crazydrummerlad1]

bein a gamer is too expensive rite now!!! IM definetly gettin this in probly a month or for christmas. i gotta save my money for uc2 then this. AND the dam g27 racing wheel. i need to sell crack or sumtin

[RAM MAGNUMS]

Killzone2
INFAMOUS
MLB 09 The Show
Demon Souls
Uncharted 2
Gran Turismo psp
Motorstorm Artic
NINJA GAIDEN Sigma 2
FAT PRINCESS
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and today's latest Bluray Releases.

Life is Grand: )

[Pirateogta]

And with all that, the PS3 is still in dead last place, 7.5 million units behind the 360 with sales settling back down to normal, and already back below the 360 in the US.

[jhoang]

the ps3 is now out selling the 360 in USA only one week after halo was released.

[sikbeta]

Hard Game for Hardcore Gamers, motion control lovers not allowed

[Homicide]

One of the best games to grace this generation.

[RAM MAGNUMS]

Feast your eyes on 2009's RPG winner!

And if the websites do thier fckn job the way they did for oblivian, fallout 3 &
fable 2 then demon souls is a game of the year canidate.

I'm looking at you G4TV.
This game makes fable 2 look amatuer.

[doa766]

Halo ODST and the balad of gay tony are EXPANSIONS

they might be much more of what usually understand by expansions but they're not full, brand new games

I have both a PS3 and a 360 I have no predilection but only a moron would say that the 360 has enough good stuff this year to even rival what PS3 has

there hasn't been one single great exclusive for the 360 so far this year, Ninja Blade and Velvet Assassin sucked, Halo Wars was just a spinoff and strategy game even if it was good enough for that genre, and best not to talk about raven squad and section 8 (even if those are no really exclusives)

PS3 has killzone, infamous, demon's souls, uncharted 2 and ratchet and clank. all great

the first left 4 dead was much, much better on PC so I'll be getting the PC version for the sequel as well

I´m not a big fan of racing sims so I only have enough room for one, so between forza 3 and gran turismo, what would someone impartial choose? there´s only one answer and you know it

there hasn't been a game that raised the bar technically on the 360 since gears 2 almost a year ago and from the look of alan wake, splinter cell or mass effect 2 it doesn't look that's going to change anytime soon and I'm starting to wonder if we will ever see a game on 360 with better graphics than gears 2

the 360 had a great start but its running out of gas halfway through the race and you know it

[ryano23277]

So Raven Squad was a little iffy.

Thats a shame I was looking at that as something unique. But it don't matter how unique a game is if it don't deliver.

[RAM MAGNUMS]

Wishing demons souls is recognized like oblivian, fable2 & fallout3.
It's quite possible demon souls can win goty.
Only game that stands in it's way is uncharted2 which is why I believe demon souls has the rpg genre locked.

But of course I have that loud voice in my head that says demon souls won't even get a honorable mention or nod come goty time... Because it's exclusive to ps3 & because it may not be casual enough.
But no one is really new to gaming by now right? So I can't define casual anymore.

[Tex117]

I don't know dude...Alot of reviewers really like this game.

Its probably too niche for GOTY, but it will hold a special place on the shelf for many MANY gamers who brave this world.

For others it will be returned or in the trash can.

[DigitalAnalog]

I NEED MY COPY!!!!!

[striped94]

Damn, I don't even have enough money to buy all the PS3 games that are coming out recently. :/

[AnonUser5555]

Is it just me...or did this game come out of NOWHERE?

Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention, but this game wasn't even on my radar. Between GT PSP, Uncharted 2, and being in the middle of NHL 10, Madden 10, Batman: AA, and Beatles: Rock Band...I hadn't even heard of this game.

But then I heard about it. And it's beautiful graphics. And crazy hard gameplay. And now it's on my game shelf. Just haven't started yet...

[Sarcasm]

It's just you.

However, a majority of people brushed it off as a generic RPG when the first few screens and videos were shown, myself included.

But then once the game released in Japan, and user reviews started pouring in. That's when the game slowly started gathering people's attention. And now that it's released in the US, it's getting the attention it deserves and a bunch of high rated scores to boot.

[Miraak82]

its just you man, this game has been on my radar for over a year now ,as much as I wanna play uncharted 2 right now I choose this . I''l just wait till my roommate buys , plays and beat u2 b4 I play it, I'm just having to much fun my Deluxe edition DS at the moment .,.. this game is so great for someone who has been gaming for almost 27 years

[Campy da Camper]

Had to admit I was leery due to all the "difficult" statements thinking it was some cheesy one hit you die stuff. It's not. If you play the game like a gamer and not run in and hack-n-slash in hope of that next checkpoint, you will find HOURS go by when you think it's been 10 minutes. Carrying those souls and knowing if you die you have to fight your way back to your bloodstain to get them REALLY MAKES YOU USE YOUR BRAIN.

This game is awesome and good Lord, look at the rest of the 2009 line up! Great to be a gamer.

[Mr Tretton]

I was not interested in this game, but now I'm going to have to at least rent it. If I like it I'll buy it later as I am just too busy with too much other stuff. But, good review.

[Tex117]

If you rent it, you must devote some major time over the weekend.

You have to get out of 1-1 and start leveling up.

It will probably take you between 3 and 5 hours to do this effectively. And that is if you start off with a class you are comfortable with.

[Guitardr85]

Try not being able to pause...when your girlfriend comes in the room, stands in front of the TV while trying to tell you something important (most likely) and all you can do is make a screaming sound and dive around the side of her so you can see if your character is in fact still alive. Needless to say that you didn't hear a word that she said because you in fact KNOW how hardcore the game actually is!!!

THAT is hardcore!!!

[Tex117]

Ha I laughed, and thats exactly what would happen.

[Myst]

I am so sorry that she did that :(.

Lol.

[Sarcasm]

lmao that happen to me too.

And the position of the TV just so happens where she needs to walk by often. I have to do the head ducking maneuver constantly to make sure I don't get killed.

[Guitardr85]

Me too...the TV is right next to the door so anytime people come in and out they have to walk in front of it, lol!!!

[Tex117]

I know this comment is buried in the 2nd or 3rd page, but this game is awesome.

I tell you though...my biggest feeling of terror came when I got the "A BLACK PHANTOM HAS INVADED". HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!! So I ran back as close to the archstone as I could get so if I lost I could grab my souls.

I battled this mother effer for 15 minutes. It started off as a melee dual, we then realized we were evenly matched and switched to spells.

When I won, I screamed at the TV in triumph! I didn't think I could feel that way about video games anymore because of my age. I was wrong.

[Acidicpack]

I have not yet fought a BLACK PHANTOM and I dread doing so.Just Having to go up the games bosses is bad lol It took me 17 tries to bring down the Tower Knight. I have no clue as to what I will do when having to face off against some one in PVP lol.

[Ravage27]

rofl,that happens quite a bit :D

i have to admit, this game brings out a side of me that i never knew it exist. I can safely say that DS gave me the most unique gaming experience in years

[Acidicpack]

Yes its this good. Now stop reading this and go buy it!!!! Best RPG this gen baby wooot

[Snake Pliskin]

It is a damn WRAP! PS3, regardless of sales, is putting out the best games! Uncharted 2 is GOTY and there is nothing on the crapbox this year or last, or before that, that can compete with Among Thieves. Keep it real PUNKS!

[robotnik]

I imported it from yesasia and was very very good, I'm surprised with this score however.

[i_zamorak_i]

great GAME!!!!!!!!!!!

[Halo3 MLG Pro]

I freaking want this game.

[CherryLu-Chan]

A huge chunk of yesterday was taken up looking at reviews, message board feedback and trying to find a decent UK price for the game [eventually settling on Videogameplus].

I can't remember the last time a game crashed into seemingly out of nowhere and took people so much by surprise - and into turn filled folks with such enjoyment. Especially within the gamers for whom it isn't about consoles, but *games*

No video review from IGN though? Real shame.

My favourite review was this one from Classic Game Room. Funny and snarky, without the reviewer being totally up his own arse .. and he once again was in raptures about the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[gamejediben]

And suddenly the days of Sony's dominance are returning! The AAAs just keep on coming and by this time next year, Sony will have the vast majority of AAA exclusive games on the market.

I can't believe PS3 has been out for almost 3 years and we haven't seen a Final Fantasy, Gran Turismo, God of War, Twisted Metal, Kingdom Hearts, Team Ico game or Tekken (although that's coming soon). Sony has consistently outsold the Xbox 360 in the same time frame without all of those key franchises.

They have mostly relied on NEW IPs like Infamous, Heavenly Sword, Demon's Souls, and others. I am starting to believe that Sony may be invincible. I mean where would the Xbox 360 have been without Forza or Halo?

...EXACTLY

[OrganicMachine]

on RPGs, I'm a big FPS and RTS gamer.. RPG is foreign for me.. but I kinda broke through my bubble and played and loved the Witcher and Mass effect. now I have oblivion and Fallout 3, both I haven't beaten yet and lost interest, which is bad.

I might play this one.. I though Diablo II was hard.. this one sounds harder...

[amiga-man]

wow, i have never imported a game before, but this game looks too much fun, this and uncharted 2 should make the wait for heavy rain a little more bearable.

[IVYvsTAKI]

So glad I have this game! Bought it today before work, came home and played a little bit, but have to work again in a few hours... Can't wait to just sit and play it for a few HOURS before I put it down. Keep hearing nothing but good sh!t about this game and I'm sure it's all true, just can't wait to experience it myself!

Again, so glad I have this game!

[WIIIS1]

I just want to make the observation that there is hardly a sign of bashing of this game review from 360 gamers. Unlike the situation on the Forza threads.

[Halo3 MLG Pro]

True. Even tho they swear their are. I'm still waiting for Sarcasm to give me the link from yesterday. Oh well, just shows the maturity level of both sides.

Anyway, this game is my number 1 choice for the ps3 this year with Uncharted 2 coming in a close second. I love hardcore games. Sure would love to have this one on the 360 so I can rack up them achievement points. Yeah I like achievements :p

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

SHUT UP ABOUT THE SCORES!!!

Who cares what score a game gets?

A good game is a good game.

Super Mario Galaxy. Good game.

Shadow of the Colossus. Better game.

Which one has a higher score on Metacritic?

That's right...the one that's not as good.

[DarkCowMoo]

For start, I'm a 360 owner.

Now to the main subject, I have heard about this game since the Asian release (few of my friends bought it since the PS3 has no region lock+ the game was released in English). This game is fantastic and I really recommend people to buy it. I, personally, love the punishing difficulty since it's very rewarding. However, this game is NOT for the casual gamer.

[saimcheeda]

another great exclusive for the ps3!

[gameraxis]

Having an absolute BLAST with this game... its been a while since i played a game like this, but yet its hard to compare any other game to it.

The online interactions are BRILLIANT, and the game is hard, but it really forces you to be cleverand TAKE YOUR TIME, ASSES THE SITUATION..

Example: a dragon burns the length of a bridge once you walk onto it, and there are goodies on that bridge that u don't have time to get before u get burnt to a crisp, so i found myself counting the seconds it takes for the dragon to swoop around for another pass,(10 sec)so i got to one of the goodies before 5 sec, turned around and booked it to the safe zone, rinse and repeat one at a time, then some more goodies we're closer to the second half of the bridge, so i took the underground passage, came up for air at the next tower thing, and ran that half of the bridge... i felt so clever, THAT'S the rewarding experience they're talking about... after a few hours, you really get whats going on with this game, and u start mastering things that feel SOO GOOD, because u really have a lot to loose, ya know?

I feel just in saying, IF YOU LIKE ACTION RPS'S, this is NOT A GAME TO OVERLOOK...it truly is INGENUOUS. and it has awesome combat mechanics and weapons,(it actually feels like ur cutting down ur foes, unlike most action rpg's, yay for hit detection)

[CherryLu-Chan]

It's intricacies like that which truly have my appetite whetted for the game. It's going to be another week until it gets here, but i'm really excited for it.

I like that your life counts for something, rather than dying being just some mild inconvenience along the way.

Anyone think that this could take Game Of The Year, or do you think the fact that it won't appeal to your mainstream audience might harm it's chances?

[gameraxis]

i only say no because the people voting will pick a mainstream / popular game ie. Uncharted 2 or MW2. That said i would say its definitely a runner up or nominee, I'm only a few hours in out of what i hear is a 100 + hour experience, but i wish there was more awesome cg cut scenes, and MAYBE a more involved story (basically because the ones that are in the game so far have been spectacular)and i guess we always want more of the good we experience

[Bits-N-Kibbles]

F* THAT! I ran for my life to the next cover and prayed to the Nexus that I was still alive.

[ambientFLIER]

So, are you guys ok with IGN now? You know, since they've put aside their bias for an hour to rate a ps3 game highly, and all?

[sak500]

Heheh one can imagine if the score would hve been a point lower the droids would have come in shouting end of iGN and MS consipiracies.

[ginsunuva]

Microsoft didn't see Demon's Souls coming as an AAA game. So they didn't have enough time to mail the money to IGN before reviewing it.

[Mc187]

..........

[doa766]

"I just want to make the observation that there is hardly a sign of bashing of this game review from 360 gamers. Unlike the situation on the Forza threads."

that's because the the developers of this game haven't gone on and on on how much their game is better than the competition and how it's the only real game of genre this gen, about how nothing comes close, etc, like the Forza3 devs have done many times since E3

[doa766]

"I tell you though...my biggest feeling of terror came when I got the "A BLACK PHANTOM HAS INVADED". HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!! So I ran back as close to the archstone as I could get so if I lost I could grab my souls."

that's so funny, on my first play through the first time a black phamton invaded my game was on the worst possible time, I was scared sh1tless, because I didn't have any herbs, I was out of magic and had a sh1tload of souls, but I got to the portal in time, after that I managed to kill a couple of black phamtons bastards, it probably happens around 9 or 10 times on each play through but that was on the asian import so I couldn't say on the US version

this might be a bit of a spoiler but it's very good to know in advance:

when you get to the final boss of the third world (the creepy prison) the guy won't fight you, instead he summons a black phamton to fight for him, the problem is that the other player will probably have an almost unlimited number of herbs for health, so if you manage to beat him it will take a long time and you will need to use most your herbs, if you turn off the online connection for that fight the guy summons a generic character who's very fast and pretty hard to beat but more like a regular boss, also it might be that the phamton summoned has a much higher level than you and it could be impossible for you to win, you should try once with online but if the guys kills you after 20 minutes of staying alive with herbs (that you don't get back after you die) then you should turn the online off to try again

[Sikct9a]

Im in love with this game. Go knights!

[Silentmerc3nary]

lol
I've never even heard of this game until I clicked on that review. Looks cool though.

[kewlkat007]

which is why I now have to pick it up...

Caution, I do not think its for everyone.

[Relientk77]

im still debating on getting this game

[Bits-N-Kibbles]

I am not a RPG gamer. I play nothing but shooters and GoW it seems like, and this game will get you hooked after you put in some good time to get the hang of it and the experience. Because you can die so easily, and the consequences are so great, it makes everything seem like it's a life or death situation. And when you get to something big or a boss, your adrenaline kicks in and you feel like your life in the game is your own.

[VanHalen]

Really love the look of this game, just not sure if i would have the patience of keep dying and having to start all over all the time. Never been a fan much of rpgs, except zelda of course. What puts this game above the rest. Is there alot of action? I love action adventure games, but not spending too much time building up my character. It does look like an awesome world with very cool looking characters.

[Shortstop]

The fact that it's simply different compared to the games that are released today. And you don't always have to die. If you play smart, you can avoid dying, and really, that's what the game is about: not dying.

[Morituri]

Spent some time with it last night from 11pm to 3am. Bleary eyed @ work, but I haven't felt so excited about a game in a long time. I'm still on 1-1 & I don't even mind dying. I want to explore every nook & cranny of every level.

[Darkfiber]

Great review, glad Sam reviewed this instead of someone else. Amazing game, 3 days straight of playing and it's probably already my new favourite game of all time. I'm going to be playing this for a lonnnnnnnng time.

[rubixCubos]

Seeing as IGN is a more casual gamer site, I'd expected them to give this a lower mark.

Kudos to them for recognizing how utterly refreshing a game like Demon's Souls is on the market.

MGS4
LBP
Demon's Souls

Good time to be a prospective PS3 Slim buyer.

[GamerMan]

If anyone remembers playing that it has a similar feel to the game, except it's third person view with much more options but overall the penalties and the what's around this corner and how do I survive this is all there. The multi-class system is there. On top of that it also has a ICO/SotC feel to it with the worlds and their ambiance.

A very fun game and I hope that noone misses out due to the Death penalties as they are minor compared to the fun of battles, just don't be like me and forgetting after dying that they are all back and running back to where you died .. lmao

[EVILDEAD360]

I absolutely used to looooove the original and the sequel to Kings Field. I have always been a From Software kind of guy. I always used to tell people that Kings Field is the first console game to even attempts first person RPGs. Alot of people believe it was Oblivion. I was just in Gamestop talking about how KF would get ripped off in reviews for being so slow. But, I truly loved plodding through every inch of those games.

I literally just picked up my reserved copy of Demon Souls (w/ the soundtrack cd) and can't wait to jump into this what is the spiritual successor to the KF series.

I hate that I will have to split my time between this and Uncharted 2 this tuesday, but at least I have all weekend to get my @ss kicked by the massive difficulty everyone kkeep talking about.

Evil

[GamerMan]

I totally could not remember who published King's Field but I totally kept rocking that game all the time because the rewards were always good for the effort but yes it was a plod :)... now it makes much more sense that King's Field was published by From Software... that in turn makes me like this game that much more and must be why I felt right at home with this game.. They really did a good job with what the Playstation had and giving you a really good RPG.

Thanks for clarifying that and as you said this is definitely a spiritual successor to those games.

Yes I will also be floating my time between Demon's Souls and Uncharted 2 games and then more towards the end of the month.. Where will I find the time.. :)

[sikbeta]

Very Good

[Mc187]

125 comments and no fighting each other in any of them.

A good game like this brings all gamers together even if you don't have a PS3.

[adlt]

It's satisfying my want for Monster Hunter on the PS3. Which is very, very hard to do. This game is worth EVERY penny and I suggest everyone at least tries it. I would say buy, but it might be too hard for some people.

[Bits-N-Kibbles]

Just bought the game and played last night for like... hmmm... 4 hours. Parrying and dodging are key.

Reminds me a little of Shadow of the Colossus.