I went into Dark Souls expecting it to kick my ass from the get go. I was especially cautious considering the horror stories I've read from many a gamer proclaiming just how difficult and unforgiving this game is.
Oh, make no mistake, it's quite difficult. However, I feel like people overstate this game's difficulty. The game is one of the best examples of a truly challenging and mostly fair experience I've ever encountered. The game's world is dim, grim, brutal, hostile, and nigh-hopeless. It thrusts the player character into the thickets of despair and expects them to wallow through it all just to find a glimmer of hope. But even as hard as it is... the game only really punishes those who do not pay attention or do not use proper caution. One cannot simply run full speed through everything in this game. To minimize frustration, care is needed.
What a wonderful thing it is. Finally a genuinely difficult game that kills people for making stupid mistakes and expects them to learn from them, punishing those who do not. Every small victory attained, whether it's reaching a bonfire, leveling up, upgrading equipment, or killing the game's myriad of (mostly) FANTASTIC bosses feels like a monumental achievement.
The game also has a very non-intrusive storyline, unlike many games I've played. The game does not constantly rip control out of the player's hands only to bore them with a half hour cutscene laden with exposition. The game does not force one to listen to the prattling of NPCs if one does not wish to. The story is there, it is minimal, but it is there for those willing to seek it. Otherwise, the game is remarkably focused on solid gameplay involving perilous combat and exploration of the game's hostile and intimidating settings.
The difficulty curve is constant... I've rarely played any RPG this long with a constant difficulty curve. It's so refreshing to feel consistently challenged with New Game plus' that get harder and harder. The combat is so deep and character builds are so flexible that there's a constant reason to play it again.
This game is essential for anyone looking for a genuinely challenging experience.
A Punishing But Highly Rewarding Experience
I went into Dark Souls expecting it to kick my ass from the get go. I was especially cautious considering the horror stories I've read from many a gamer proclaiming just how difficult and unforgiving this game is.
Oh, make no mistake, it's quite difficult. However, I feel like people overstate this game's difficulty. The game is one of the best examples of a truly challenging and mostly fair experience I've ever encountered. The game's world is dim, grim, brutal, hostile, and nigh-hopeless. It thrusts the player character into the thickets of despair and expects them to wallow through it all just to find a glimmer of hope. But even as hard as it is... the game only really punishes those who do not pay attention or do not use proper caution. One cannot simply run full speed through everything in this game. To minimize frustration, care is needed.
What a wonderful thing it is. Finally a genuinely difficult game that kills people for making stupid mistakes and expects them to learn from them, punishing those who do not. Every small victory attained, whether it's reaching a bonfire, leveling up, upgrading equipment, or killing the game's myriad of (mostly) FANTASTIC bosses feels like a monumental achievement.
The game also has a very non-intrusive storyline, unlike many games I've played. The game does not constantly rip control out of the player's hands only to bore them with a half hour cutscene laden with exposition. The game does not force one to listen to the prattling of NPCs if one does not wish to. The story is there, it is minimal, but it is there for those willing to seek it. Otherwise, the game is remarkably focused on solid gameplay involving perilous combat and exploration of the game's hostile and intimidating settings.
The difficulty curve is constant... I've rarely played any RPG this long with a constant difficulty curve. It's so refreshing to feel consistently challenged with New Game plus' that get harder and harder. The combat is so deep and character builds are so flexible that there's a constant reason to play it again.
This game is essential for anyone looking for a genuinely challenging experience.