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.

[LoganX]

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...>:)

[Trey_4_life]

Umbasa.

[TopDudeMan]

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_Pliskin]

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

[MmaFan-Qc]

"Sticky white stuff" on my dualshock next Tuesday!

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

^^^^^^
:/

[-Alpha]

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

[Eamon]

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

[Digitaldude]

Pre ordered this bizznitch. Can't wait.

[limewax]

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

[DragonKnight]

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.

[WetN00dle69]

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.......:(

[pixelsword]

@ 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.

[Dacapn]

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.

[TopDudeMan]

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.

[SuperKing]

@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.

[Dacapn]

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

[Tr10wn]

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.

[BrianC6234]

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

[Dacapn]

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.

[zu4G]

YEY Dark Souls a 9.0
Skyrim a 8.5

[zerocrossing]

Dark Souls is looking to be my GOTY! :D

[Prophet-Gamer]

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?

[pr0digyZA]

I don't think they have naming rights.

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

[justGAMES]

SONY OWNS DEMON'S SOULS THAT'S WHY

[sdtarm]

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

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

[Prophet-Gamer]

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_Colombiano]

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-Gamer]

@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

[gnb2003]

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_Colombiano]

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-akaB]

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-Gamer]

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_BLM]

@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?

[Orange]

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.

[Lazy_Sunday]

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

[jessupj]

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!

[YoungKingDoran]

@jessupj

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

[darkziosj]

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

[zeddy]

i only have money for one so im getting skyrim.

[Laika]

cant wait for this

[DevilishSix]

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.

[Getowned]

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!!!

[justGAMES]

exactly lol

[MysticStrummer]

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-akaB]

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 .

[Lionalliance]

Victory!

[peowpeow]

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

[crematory]

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

[DaThreats]

Hmm
complained too punishing haha
Final score review should be a 9.5 if you look based on rating for each category.

[MidnytRain]

Some things are more important than others.

[Getowned]

I can't wait untill Next week X_X well i will probably end up geting it the fallowing monday unless amazon is kind to me and delivers it on the same day with free shiping lol :D

This is what Dark souls would say to us if it could speak.

[LoganX]

Don't forget this:

[bangoskank]

Going to be more like this:

[Getowned]

or this >:D

[Deputydon]

You do realize on preorders amazon offers release day shipping for $.98 right? New games arrive at my house about noon on the release day.

[Getowned]

oh really,have to check that out.

[Mister_G]

Can't wait to die, and die, and then die some more :)

[WetN00dle69]

I believe this is one of the few games where dying is quite fun.

[bangoskank]

Looks to be exceeding my expectations. Will miss the somewhat safe confines of the Nexus and it's wonderfully voiced NPC's though. Can't wait!

[Crystallis]

I will miss the maiden black too..maybe they have someone else in the game with the same voice over power.

[bangoskank]

Yes, her and her theme music were one of the best things in Demon's Souls. I'm sure there will be something or someone equally as awesome in Dark Souls.

[Gamer3000]

amazing score

[Der_Kommandant]

GOTY!

[Getowned]

I hope so this game needs and deserves all the attention it can get but there is alot of tough competition with Uncharted 3,Skyrim,and I have a lot of hope for Batman as well.

[Saleem101]

I can't wait for dark souls this game is epic!!!! Very addictive game one of best rpg ever!!!

[Saleem101]

Xbox guys are in for a treat :)

[jefet21]

get ready to die im happy xbox owners can die too

[Crystallis]

"Soul of the lost withdrawn from its vessel, let strength be grandt so the world might be mended.......so the world might be mended"

I can listen to her all day.

[TheObserver]

"I am here for thee, and thee only~♥."-Maiden in Black

[thornh]

"touch the demon inside of me"

[dillydadally]

I thought I'd love Demon souls but there were two problems with it that are obviously still in here. First, I didn't like the brooding atmosphere everywhere - I felt like I was playing a survival horror game. Like he said, it actually effects your mental well being after a while and I'm not the type of player that likes that. If you do, I understand - just not my thing.

However, I think the other problem is a REAL problem. The so called difficulty of the game is a crock. The game isn't overly difficult. In fact it was just difficult enough. It was, however, ridiculously PUNISHING. In other words, I turn a corner and there's a boulder there was no way for me to know was there and I die. Not my fault since it was my first time and no one wrote a message on the ground. Instead of respawning a little ways back, I have to run through the exact same enemies again and end up losing all my souls - all my progress. This is isn't difficult, it's punishing the player. Why do people like this? I only have so much time to play with other demands, I don't want 90% of it to be redoing what I've already done 40 times! Is it just that they like the ego stroke that they are playing a hard game?

Anyone else have a similar feeling about punishing over difficulty?

I thought I'd add that other than these two things, I thought the game was the most brilliant I'd played in years. Those two issues though nearly ruined the game for me. I just didn't have time to replay long sections.

[Lastlivingsoul]

A lot of times I would have a problem with doing the same thing over and over, but demons souls was an exception...the leveling up system was fantastic and it always felt so satisfying when you finally beat a part that was giving you so much trouble. I'm feeling slightly intimidated by Dark Souls being more difficult, but I honestly can't say I'm looking forward to any game more than this...except for Battlefield 3.

[ryhanon]

"I turn a corner and there's a boulder there was no way for me to know was there and I die."

No way for you to know? Seriously? It sounds like you're talking about the boulder tossed down the stairs at you early in the game, or the flaming one a bit later. These types of things caught me off guard maybe four or five times throughout the *entire game*, and each time it happened it was something I could have easily avoided had I been paying better attention. Those two boulders (and in fact, this is true of most of the traps in the game), are not only both visible before you're within harms way, but there are also subtle hints in the environment surrounding both of them that should help you piece together, if not what's going to happen, at least that there is a trap waiting ahead. I can understand not noticing that kind of thing for a handful of traps here and there, but after you see those sorts of environmental clues you should quickly learn to keep an eye out for them.

The game is not forgiving, and you're right, it punishes you for being careless and sloppy. That's exactly why it's great though. If you slow down and pace yourself, pay attention to your surroundings, you'll be fine. Even if you're entering areas you've never been into before. Move with purpose, but move with caution.

I can't recall a single moment in the game where I died via a trap and, upon reflection, felt like there was no way I could have known. That's why I appreciated the game so much. Yes, it was punishing, but never cheap.

[jessupj]

I completely agree.

There wasn't virtually any occasion in Demon's Souls where I died a cheap death.

The only thing that came close to a cheap death was falling off a cliff when mobs were putting the preasure on and I had to tactfully retreat by stepping backwards. But instead, I tactfully retreated off a 300 ft cliff. Even then, that was my fault.

That's what so great about Demon's Souls; if you died you can be 99% sure it was your own careless fault.

[dillydadally]

You guys make me want to play the game again! I know if I bought this one though I would have the same love/hate relationship with it. I guess it just comes down to me not having the time for a game that's so punishing and requires such commitment (I work 2 jobs).

[Ryo-Hazuki]

Cannot wait!!!

[ThrazN7]

look's great. Also people who say skyrim vs dark souls are very stupid they are both great games but other than that no similarities

[Nappa]

"other than that no similarities"

Hhahahaha I agree the argument is stupid but to say theres no similaries is just dumb vageta.

Demon's Souls
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

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

Same Awesome game but with a different name.basically it's a updated clone pretty much and im saying that like its a good thing...because it is.

[tda-danny]

He said Skyrim vs Dark Souls.

Reading comprehension ftw...

[Armyless]

He said Skyrim vs. Dark Souls ;)

[Saleem101]

Exactly crystallis!!!

[DrFUD]

I'm still not sure how I feel about this.
If you know the history of Demon's Souls it was Sony's idea and partially developed in collaboration with Sony Japan.
Seems mighty weasel FROM changes Demon to Dark and bolts.

[gnb2003]

The idea to make a game similar to King's Field in conjuction with the original developer was Sony's idea. The game concept, however, is very much From Softwares IP.

This game is the spiritual successor to King's Field, a From Software game.

[Saleem101]

The boss fights in demon souls are some of best in gaming history... I was getting my butt handed to me, this game gives you a challenge...I spent so much time cursing up a storm until I learn ways to beat boss fights, it's nothing worst when another high ranking player evades your world and kill you lol...

[JonnyBigBoss]

I was only going to rent this, but I might have to buy it...

[tda-danny]

You will probably have a tough time trying to wrap the game in a weekend...

[dc1]

It would be the shortest.. or longest rental of all time.
DS has a Love/Hate effect on most folks.
Pretty sure Dark S will be the same.

[Saleem101]

Sony screwed pooch on this game they had a chance to buy from software...

[Ch1d0r1]

Nah im so glad they didn't. This game needs to be played by the masses. I'm waiting to see how the 360 community will be accepting it and reviewing it. I feel the 10's coming in.

And after last nights big 24hr marathon from IGN, more will buy it. Specially those on the 360 side that did not know much about DS. On the PS side well its a given we will flock to this game 2x more than the 1st.

[Swiggins]

God I wish I had the cash to buy this D=

It looks SO AWESOME! /)^3^(\

[Nappa]

I feel bad for you :(

I have this game pre-ordered :) but maybe I can make you feel better with a song.

[Swiggins]

I lol'ed

Bubbles to you funny sir.

[Mr402]

I'm fucking ready to die!!!!!!!!

[dc1]

Me too...whether I really want to or not!

[SixShotCop]

This game looks like it will be an absolutely awesome experience. Why oh why is there so many damn games coming out around the same time.

[Tanir]

didnt expect any less, for me the game is a 10/10 tho :P

[Ch1d0r1]

If Kaze (the reviwer), would of experienced the multiplayer like the guys from the IGN 24hr DS marathon did, that perfect 10 would of been a sure bet.

[Bimkoblerutso]

You already own it? Where did you get it?

[Tanir]

lol Bim

no i dont own it, but if demons souls was a 9.5/10 for me then its a no brainer dark souls is a 10/10 for me :P

[Bimkoblerutso]

Oh. Sometimes there are accidental releases and such. I was just curious.

Still a little...confusing that people would already have scores set up for games they haven't played, but I honestly wasn't trying to bait you.

[SpinalRemains138]

Raiders/Pats then Dark Souls on Tuesday!

What a week baby!

GOTY for sure! Woohoo!

[sickbird]

Bought Demon's Souls put several hours into but i sucked and couldn't get passed the second boss and gave up..

[SpinalRemains138]

You should have summoned other players for help.

We all had some trouble at first. It was a tough game. Don't believe all the emotionally damaged children who swear it wasn't hard.

Supposedly, this one's harder!

[sickbird]

dont tempt me ill end up buying this one too haha

[karl]

u know... i bought demon souls and just left it there too root for months..

i couldnt get past the first world and i just lost interest after all the frustration

a few months later i pick it up again.. and suddenly i got it.. i understood how to play the game how to fight and to have patiente.. and i finish it

best game i played this gen..

give it a try.. if u just study your enemy and are patient im sure u will finish the game

[Goeres]

Did the same..

[Ron Zook]

I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS HOLY CRAP!

[VvKILLAGOOSEvV]

Between this and Rage on Tuesday, I will be kept busy till Batman Arkham City, and then BF3, and then Uncharted 3, and then Skyrim, and then and then and then, NO MORE AND THEN! Dude wheres my wallet?

[additup28]

Wow. Its been a while sInce I have applauded an ign review but those words are exactly how I feel about demons souls. Can't wait for my collectors edition to come in this tues.

[floetry101]

Yeah I gotta say, this is one of the most complete and intelligently written reviews IGN have dropped in some time.

[feeler103]

I can handle this game easily *spawn with party at begining of level, lightning bolt strike us and kill all of us* :(

[InTheLab]

So there's a boss that has a ranged Scraping Spear-like attack....oh s***....

I wonder if there will be a player controlled boss like the Old Monk boss fight???

[GamerPS360]

I am gonna be soooo busy with this and BF3.

[WetN00dle69]

Something tells me that the 360 peeps arent ready for this kind of difficult game. Who wants to bet that by the following week Gamestop will be riddled with traded copies of Dark Souls.

[AO1JMM]

So many games to get this year...

Rage
Dark Souls
Skyrim
BF3
Halo CE remake
UC3
Skyward sword

[Kishin]

im only getting one and it's Dark Souls, Skyrim next year when it's GOTY with all the expansions.

[SSultan]

Very good point!

[Snowii]

if i get my hand on that game i will die like no noob died before

[nix]

Demon's Souls nearly killed my social life. oh... i would dread to pick this up. Sadly, i like dying. a lot.

[Who]

I never played Demon Souls, but I'm pretty hyped for this game. I enjoy RPG's but this looks to be very 'punishing' to say the least. I want to get into this game, but I fear I'll get pissed/annoyed after dying over and over, and never want to play it again. lol. I still get nightmares of "YOU DIED.." from RE1 lmao. Still, I might get this one or wait for Batman.

[beavis4play]

here's something that nobody is talking about - i'm thrilled they've changed the gameplay so people can't depend on magic as much. i got so tired of players entering my game to fight and all they tried to do was spam magic at me. if you enter another players game to brawl - at least have the "stones" to use weapons....don't take the cowardly way out and use magic.

[beavis4play]

oh look - a disagree. must be a weenie who can only stay alive with magic.

[taijutsu363]

Damn i feel bad for you 360ers man ya dont know what your in for! Literally, i watched IGN playing it on Xbox and they didnt know what the heck they were doing! Wasting their magic on regular monsters, calling the regular monsters like the Giant Rat a boss?!! And when Boss comes running around not trying to attack! Like come onnnnnnnnnn!!

[Kishin]

can't wait to get this game!

[Jason143]

cant wait for all the noobs to slip onto my back stab. they are gonna have one hell of a learning curve

[SSultan]

Wow I didn't expect N4G to behave this well. What happened to the 360 bashing? I honestly think those 360 bashers used to own 360s and bashed the PS3 during the "ps3 has no gaems" era. Cause the current PS3 community has a lot more idiots while the 360 steadily declined in idiots. Haha. Glad the game looks great on the 360. The 360 community is in for a real treat.

[chadachada123]

Hey, is there any way to remove those junk reviews for some other game on that section of reviews for Dark Souls? It says that the average for this game is a 7.-something when it should be 9/10 with the two reviews up right now..

[Reaper9937]

Guys u don't have to die hundreds of times on Demon's Souls or Dark Souls, why is everybody on this discussion expecting to be totally slaughtered, personally I try not to die, makes things more interesting.

The first time I finished DS I only died four times and one was falling off the stairs in 3-2. Some very good advise for making DS a bit easier to stomach, use a spear and shield as early as possible, Winged spear [can be obtained in 1-2] took me threw 3 playthroughs with little trouble...*block and attack at the same time - pure magic*

[Dragonlord112]

Dark Souls Take my soul AM READY TO DIE!!!!!!!

[SAE]

it looks fun , if i had money i would bought it , the developers deserve it ...