Well written Rorie!
Dark Souls
Game » consists of 14 releases. Released Sep 22, 2011
A quasi-sequel to From Software's action-RPG Demon's Souls, set in a new universe while retaining most of the basic gameplay and the high level of challenge. It features a less-linear world, a new checkpoint system in the form of bonfires, and the unique Humanity system.
Life's A Bitch, And Then You Die: 45 Hours With Dark Souls
Well the thing that makes this game awesome is that work pays off. unlike ME2 where they put 20-30% more health on the dudes and 10-20% less health on you, but with demons/dark souls they will have the same ammount of health even if you go up some levels.The game sounds great but the thing that gets me is stuff like Gamespot saying "Game Of The Year 2009" and giving this recent version an almost perfect score? How does this as a stand alone product potentially compete with franchises like Mass Effect, Bio Shock and Elder Scrolls if all I'm hearing is that it's really hard, really slow and really rewarding. I'm not criticising, I'm just curious? I can crank the difficulty in ME2 up to Hardcore, play extremely methodically and have a really rewarding experience as a well. Perhaps it's more about how people rush through video games nowadays, not taking in the full experience and so in a game like this they are forced to play like alot of us already do?
The reason why I think its better then all the games you have stated is you can play for so many hours and almost never get tired of the game and the combat feels really good unlike elder scrolls.
For eksample the section of the world I am at now, the regualar enemys are actually the starter bosses of the game. I know that if I get to a high enough level and get the stats in a smart way, I will own those dudes. Because work pays off in this game while in mass effect2 I had almost no reason to even care about the crew and the shooting feelt somewhat off so going for a harder difficulty would almost give me nightmares. So even tryin to hunt for the plat I would not feel the the same way as I do with demon's/dark souls.
And those games are somewaht off becuase dark/demon's souls you are playing it because you want to feel like super-demon-death-god. While with bioshock and mass E you are playing it because of the story, but elder scrolls you playin it for fucking around.
Sorry for the wall of text and bad grammar.
Awesome! I don't fault the regular GB crew for maybe not caring or getting this game save for some curiosity from Vinny, it is the definition of not for everyone, but it was awesome to hear there was a huge fan of the first when I first saw this quick look. I love all the crazy cross over stuff with you guys too.
I still have nightmares about the squid things in the third world from demon's souls. My copy of this just arrived today.... I'm about to dive in.
Thankyou Matt. The QL convinced me that eventually I am going to get this game I'm pretty much thinking of the PS3 version, just has that vibe. If you do see this question Mr. Rorie, please give your opinion on playing this strctly SP without outside contribution or interference. I realize it is a game mechanic, but just how crucial to actually functioning? Thankyou.
Great article!
I made the mistake of buying the strategy guide. Do you have any idea how hard it is to not look in that thing? I've spoiled so much for myself. I just wanted it for NewGame+, I swear!
Oh, psst, Rorie, give the rubbish to Snuggly (formerly known as Sparkly). I was so excited when I found her on my own.
Fabulously written, and informative article Mathew(sp?)! This game is absolutely unique and despite the lack of any quarter whatsoever given the player, is strangely very addictive. Memorable experience is an understatement. And yeah I thought that rubbish must be something worth hanging on to, w/the description being a bit too obvious and hilarious. Apparently useful at some point ;).
Your QL convinced me to try this game, and was extremely entertaining and well done btw. Keep up the great content duder.
@bybeach said:
Thankyou Matt. The QL convinced me that eventually I am going to get this game I'm pretty much thinking of the PS3 version, just has that vibe. If you do see this question Mr. Rorie, please give your opinion on playing this strctly SP without outside contribution or interference. I realize it is a game mechanic, but just how crucial to actually functioning? Thankyou.
You can easily get through the game completely single-player. Well, not "easily," but you never need to be online to beat a boss or anything else. (Although an early boss would've probably been a lot easier with two people.) I've mostly been playing online, but without engaging in PVP or co-op, and it's been really fun.
@Joey2683 said:
@Rorie said:
I didn't know this went up! I have to go get a haircut, but I'll try to answer any questions you guys have when I get back. Just @me and I'll try to go through them later.
I know you haven't played the 360 version, but have you heard any reasons to avoid it versus the PS3 version?
I've heard that it has slightly more framerate issues, but nothing that makes it unplayable. I've also heard that using the trigger buttons for some of the attacks makes it feel slightly less precise, but I rarely use those buttons anyway myself.
A fascinating exercise in self-flagellation, Dark Souls is one of the most unique gameplay experiences you could hope to have in this console generation.
Well, technically Demon's Souls is on of the most unique gameplay experiences you could hope to have in this console generation. Dark Souls is just a sequel/successor/whatever.
@punpun said:
Or a character you rescue from a locked cell might wind up returning to camp and murdering other friendly NPCs while you’re out killing bosses.
...fuck
That was exactly my reaction. Ever since I rescued one particular character I'd been wondering if he was going to be like Yurt from Demon's Souls, since he was giving off an evil vibe. Now after what Rorie said I think I'm going to have to go kill him and hope that he actually was a bad guy and hasn't already caused too much trouble.
Wow, Rorie, awesome read man. I cannot put this game down.
It was very rough in the beginning, and still is, but it is not cheap. Once you start learning some of the tougher enemy's attack patterns and exploit them for a quick Drake Sword combo for 100 souls, it just feels rewarding. The same goes for running through an area I probably shouldn't be in just to grab that shinny item, which winds up being a nice shield and some better armor. I can't put the game down.
My only problem right now is, should I go through the fog to a potential boss fight or keep farming souls a little to level up? I didn't think it would be this fun, as I finally tried Demon's Souls over the summer and liked it, but there is something about this open world format that really feels like you're exploring.
In reference to the title, I have to post my favorite remix of all time.
This is easily one of the best pieces of written content on the site. You're awesome, Rorie, and you did a great job on the Quick Look.
@Anthony: I would say its a Mac Dre or NaS reference... but its really a quote from Don Carpenter, an American novelist.
That would have to be the best gaming journalism/article I have read in about four years and that's not an overstatement. This looks interesting, though I'd get my ass handed to me so I won't buy it new.
@Rorie said:
@Joey2683 said:
@Rorie said:
I didn't know this went up! I have to go get a haircut, but I'll try to answer any questions you guys have when I get back. Just @me and I'll try to go through them later.
I know you haven't played the 360 version, but have you heard any reasons to avoid it versus the PS3 version?
I've heard that it has slightly more framerate issues, but nothing that makes it unplayable. I've also heard that using the trigger buttons for some of the attacks makes it feel slightly less precise, but I rarely use those buttons anyway myself.
For you and anyone else interested in a side-by-side comparison: http://www.lensoftruth.com/head2head-dark-souls-screenshot-comparison/
@afrofools said:
That would have to be the best gaming journalism/article I have read in about four years and that's not an overstatement.
I was thinking the same thing. I love this game so far, and his final paragraph describes my feelings quite accurately. My feelings on the game aside, I will keep an eye out for more stuff written by Rory because of this article. It was very well written.
@WarlordPayne said:
@punpun said:
Or a character you rescue from a locked cell might wind up returning to camp and murdering other friendly NPCs while you’re out killing bosses.
...fuckThat was exactly my reaction. Ever since I rescued one particular character I'd been wondering if he was going to be like Yurt from Demon's Souls, since he was giving off an evil vibe. Now after what Rorie said I think I'm going to have to go kill him and hope that he actually was a bad guy and hasn't already caused too much trouble.
He's not quite like yurt. He only kills one NPC, and you can revive said NPC by completing that traitor's back story, and get some additional loot. Of course, killing him earlier may prevent a frustrating 3 on 1 fight later on.
@Turambar said:
@WarlordPayne said:
@punpun said:
Or a character you rescue from a locked cell might wind up returning to camp and murdering other friendly NPCs while you’re out killing bosses.
...fuckThat was exactly my reaction. Ever since I rescued one particular character I'd been wondering if he was going to be like Yurt from Demon's Souls, since he was giving off an evil vibe. Now after what Rorie said I think I'm going to have to go kill him and hope that he actually was a bad guy and hasn't already caused too much trouble.
He's not quite like yurt. He only kills one NPC, and you can revive said NPC by completing that traitor's back story, and get some additional loot. Of course, killing him earlier may prevent a frustrating 3 on 1 fight later on.
But then you can't get his armor.
@WarlordPayne said:
@punpun said:
Or a character you rescue from a locked cell might wind up returning to camp and murdering other friendly NPCs while you’re out killing bosses.
...fuckThat was exactly my reaction. Ever since I rescued one particular character I'd been wondering if he was going to be like Yurt from Demon's Souls, since he was giving off an evil vibe. Now after what Rorie said I think I'm going to have to go kill him and hope that he actually was a bad guy and hasn't already caused too much trouble.
If you want to know one way or the other, the man in the golden armor is named Knight Lautrec of Carim. I'm sure you can find a wiki about him if you Google it.
@gla55jAw said:
@Turambar said:
@WarlordPayne said:
@punpun said:
Or a character you rescue from a locked cell might wind up returning to camp and murdering other friendly NPCs while you’re out killing bosses.
...fuckThat was exactly my reaction. Ever since I rescued one particular character I'd been wondering if he was going to be like Yurt from Demon's Souls, since he was giving off an evil vibe. Now after what Rorie said I think I'm going to have to go kill him and hope that he actually was a bad guy and hasn't already caused too much trouble.
He's not quite like yurt. He only kills one NPC, and you can revive said NPC by completing that traitor's back story, and get some additional loot. Of course, killing him earlier may prevent a frustrating 3 on 1 fight later on.
But then you can't get his armor.
Do you mean when you finish his plot, or if you kill him preemptively?
@Turambar said:
@gla55jAw said:
@Turambar said:
@WarlordPayne said:
@punpun said:
Or a character you rescue from a locked cell might wind up returning to camp and murdering other friendly NPCs while you’re out killing bosses.
...fuckThat was exactly my reaction. Ever since I rescued one particular character I'd been wondering if he was going to be like Yurt from Demon's Souls, since he was giving off an evil vibe. Now after what Rorie said I think I'm going to have to go kill him and hope that he actually was a bad guy and hasn't already caused too much trouble.
He's not quite like yurt. He only kills one NPC, and you can revive said NPC by completing that traitor's back story, and get some additional loot. Of course, killing him earlier may prevent a frustrating 3 on 1 fight later on.
But then you can't get his armor.
Do you mean when you finish his plot, or if you kill him preemptively?
If you kill him before he kill's the NPC, you will get a ring and that's it. I looked up some info on him when I ran into him in the Church, because everything about him seemed...off. If you don't free him he escapes and kills the NPC anyway and you don't get the initial reward from him. Anyways, apparently if you fight him later on with his 2 buddies, when you go back to the revived NPC, his armor will be lying on the ground for you to pick up.
@rorie excellent write-up; I think you pretty much captured how I feel about the game to a tee. The only other thing that I compare it to is the loose-yet-accurate feel of the character and how much it reminds me of the Team Ico games, which is a sublime thing indeed.
GOTY in my opinion and From Software should be commended for making a game that makes discovery and experimentation a focus. Playing Rage in between sessions of this and I can tell you that there is no comparison to the feeling you get playing Dark Souls. Rage just feels soulless no pun intended.
@MagusMaleficus said:
@Rorie said:
@Joey2683 said:
@Rorie said:
I didn't know this went up! I have to go get a haircut, but I'll try to answer any questions you guys have when I get back. Just @me and I'll try to go through them later.
I know you haven't played the 360 version, but have you heard any reasons to avoid it versus the PS3 version?
I've heard that it has slightly more framerate issues, but nothing that makes it unplayable. I've also heard that using the trigger buttons for some of the attacks makes it feel slightly less precise, but I rarely use those buttons anyway myself.
For you and anyone else interested in a side-by-side comparison: http://www.lensoftruth.com/head2head-dark-souls-screenshot-comparison/
Looks very similar other than the PS3 contrast was turned up a bit higher than the XBox 360 version.
Great write-up!
You still kill enemies and collect their souls, which are used both as currency and as a means to increase your level; you still lose all the souls you’ve gained if you die and are forced to march through a horde of resurrected enemies to reach your corpse, and if you fail to make it back, all the currency you’ve earned, sometimes representing hours of grinding, is permanently destroyed. Two strikes, and you’re out, in essence.
Losing hours of grinding? I guess that's when you get a really high level because I have never lost more than 10 or 20 minutes of souls. Until now I have been fine by hitting a nearby bonfire or merchant after a dangerous encounter and just spend those souls on levels or arrows/firebombs/..
@tlj101010 said:
@afrofools said:
That would have to be the best gaming journalism/article I have read in about four years and that's not an overstatement.
I was thinking the same thing. I love this game so far, and his final paragraph describes my feelings quite accurately. My feelings on the game aside, I will keep an eye out for more stuff written by Rory because of this article. It was very well written.
Rorie - he's not just all about puppies and hand touching.
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