Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2514 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,867 out of 2514
  2. Mixed: 224 out of 2514
  3. Negative: 423 out of 2514

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. sdspeedy
    Feb 1, 2014
    10
    First off, it must be said that the fixes found on Dark Souls Nexus are a Must. You are able to up the frame rate, add on better textures, and it fixes frame drops. Now, it is a very, very hard game, but if you have the patience or are willing to develop some patience, this game is very rewarding. BEST game I have ever played, sooo good.
  2. reguire
    Apr 5, 2016
    1
    Worst port ever. Even mods can hardly fix this. As a pc gamer, I don't support the use of controllers instead of keyboard+mouse. This is me surpassing the 150 characters limit.
  3. pet-wussy
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Prepare to die edition? more like "prepare your anus for Moby dick edition". Where can i start explaining how bad this game is? Oh i know, lets start with the random basketball mecnahnics... why were they added to this golf game? secondly, everyone is an idiot except for me and Squilliam fancy pants. finally, the whole world can suck my mars bar with there massive fish lips you stupidPrepare to die edition? more like "prepare your anus for Moby dick edition". Where can i start explaining how bad this game is? Oh i know, lets start with the random basketball mecnahnics... why were they added to this golf game? secondly, everyone is an idiot except for me and Squilliam fancy pants. finally, the whole world can suck my mars bar with there massive fish lips you stupid nostril hairs.… Expand
  4. Pr8Dator
    Mar 21, 2014
    10
    First game I ever give a 10/10 to so far on metacritic! This game triumphs in so many areas:

    1. RPG... you do feel like you are playing a character and NPC reponses to you are so varied and customized to your situation that you really feel like you are talking to real people! Even though you never spoke in the game, how the NPCs react to you truly feels like you are having a    First game I ever give a 10/10 to so far on metacritic! This game triumphs in so many areas:

    1. RPG... you do feel like you are playing a character and NPC reponses to you are so varied and customized to your situation that you really feel like you are talking to real people! Even though you never spoke in the game, how the NPCs react to you truly feels like you are having a conversation without the need for any conversation choices!

    2. Graphics... dark and gloomy design along with the music to bring out the mood of despair and desperation... the occassional appearance of other online player's spook truly made the world feel real and alive with horror. This is the first time I feel so engrossed in a game world... the feeling of this world is the complete opposite to the feeling of Divinity series.

    3. Combat... lumberous and frustrating at first but once you get used to it, its extremely realistic to real life combat. I find myself respecting and actually circling for opportunities to attack a simple zombie when I would have graciously rushed hordes of them in other games. The enemies are not generic models that does basically the same things. Every enemy and their variations have their unique combat characteristics and sometimes throw moves that will surprise you!

    4. Replayability... yes, this is one game that makes you replay a certain area tens or even hundreds of times by dying and resurrecting at a bon fire. This may feel frustrating at first but the fact that everytime you go back to the bon fire, you are actually getting better and stronger makes it very satisfying.

    All in all, I am surprised by how awesome this game is and I wonder why I hadn't played it before even though I bought it at a discount a long time ago! MUST TRY!    … Expand
  5. Tittus
    Mar 4, 2014
    10
    Probably the best game I've played in my Xbox 360, and it's now in PC.

    The port has some problems but you have to understand first where did it come from. This game wasn't meant to be never in a PC, but fans loved it so much that they started a collection of signatures just to have it on PC. So From Software heard the people and took the step. Even so, the "technical problems" are so    Probably the best game I've played in my Xbox 360, and it's now in PC.

    The port has some problems but you have to understand first where did it come from. This game wasn't meant to be never in a PC, but fans loved it so much that they started a collection of signatures just to have it on PC. So From Software heard the people and took the step. Even so, the "technical problems" are so small compared with the greatness of this game, that you should be ignoring them soon when you feel inmersed in Lordran. But yes, you better use a X360 or PS3 controller like.

    This game needs some learning, it's full of mysteries, has infinite possibilities for your character, every weapon has a unique design and move set, and when you combine that with all the spells, armors and other items... well, then you are hooked forever. Because this game is already thrilling, challenging, has one of the very bests scene design I ever seen and it's full of art design and dark stories the first time you play it. But after that, and when you start to fully understand the whole game mechanics, you want more and more. It's a game that you can complete 3, 4... 7 times and you will eventually come back for more. It has an unique multiplayer system and if you enjoy the solo game, you will find that the emotion of being invaded by players, or hunting others in their worlds as a dark spectre adds a lot to the already exciting game wich is Dark Souls.

    I won't say that this is a very difficult game and it's only meant for some players, because that is not true. The game is fair, the game needs some learning process, and once you go through it (and when you are going through it) you enjoy the game more and more. This game just has a bit of "old school" philosophy, and I'm pretty sure that I could name an infinite number of much more difficult and cruel games... it's just that it would be much more easier to pick those games from the early 00s, 90s or 80s maybe. We got used to be guided, and if we are not we can even get frustrated.

    Personally. I love this game so much and I hate it somehow. I love it because of all its greatness. And I hate it because after this game I just compare any other game I play with Dark Souls. And that makes me go back to play it.    … Expand
  6. goCorinthians
    Mar 16, 2014
    10
    Sword and Enemys...perfect mixture. Alike Witcher, Dark Souls is a solid game. A few weeks ago got DS (75% off). Before playing i got always a: Too hard...well really is that hard on begin...but at sometime u will learn that a good pair sword and shield will not influence that much on game.

    Most impórtant is strategy after learning enemies is their modus operandi. After it u can enjoy    Sword and Enemys...perfect mixture. Alike Witcher, Dark Souls is a solid game. A few weeks ago got DS (75% off). Before playing i got always a: Too hard...well really is that hard on begin...but at sometime u will learn that a good pair sword and shield will not influence that much on game.

    Most impórtant is strategy after learning enemies is their modus operandi. After it u can enjoy DS. At very beggining it will die until learn that. So a tip id give...learn then after it kill    … Expand
  7. RAZORCREED7
    Mar 25, 2014
    10
    Really Excellent game.... Something that provides a challenge for a person. it also teaches a person patience and that is key for completing the game.
  8. mrtbonesteak
    Apr 1, 2014
    7
    It's a horrible port and a game specifically made for the restrictions of a console. That being said, in hindsight it was worth all the headaches. It took me a few hours to get this game working properly on a PC with an azerty keyboard. After all that, the controls were still subpar and every gameplay tip was displayed with the controller keys in mind. I still wanted to experience thisIt's a horrible port and a game specifically made for the restrictions of a console. That being said, in hindsight it was worth all the headaches. It took me a few hours to get this game working properly on a PC with an azerty keyboard. After all that, the controls were still subpar and every gameplay tip was displayed with the controller keys in mind. I still wanted to experience this game because of all the good things I heard about it.

    After playing it for a few days, I can safely say that not just the port but also the difficulty of the entire game is vastly overrated. A lot of the difficulty comes down to quirks and limitations of the game mechanics and controls. Weapons hitting walls but no option to stab instead of swing, extremely bad hitboxes especially in some Boss battles, horrible camera angles and so on. Worst of all was the horrific targeting system. No self respecting PC gamer should be forced to use something as dumb and simplifying as an auto targeting system. If I played careful and focused, I rarely died more than once to a Boss mechanic or even a certain area. Atleast for me, a lot of the difficulty was artificial and it all came down to game and console limitations. I would have prefered if they would have added save points right before Boss battles, it's not a challenge to walk back to a Boss everytime you died, it's a waste of time. I have played RPG's that were, with the right difficulty settings, just as hard as this game but didn't have these annoying limitations.

    All these annoying quirks aside, the game is actually pretty solid. Engaging combat mechanics (despite the hitboxes on Bosses), great atmosphere, a very mysterious and hostile environment and some fun RPG elements. If you can ignore all those annoying things and persist till you can atleast manage the crappy controls, it's an addictive game. It can indeed be a frustrating experience, especially with the controls, but it wasn't the (partially artificial) difficulty that stood out to me. It was the engaging world, fun combat and the appeal of slow but steady progress.    … Expand
  9. Saefir
    Apr 24, 2014
    10
    Dear God the port is awful but you know what? If you have a game-pad the horrible port can be set aside as it works just as well as it would on a console (with a few minor issues). Regardless of the terrible port this game is a stunningly beautiful, dark and deeply enticing masterpiece that is a must buy for any RPG fan!
  10. Garfoodle
    Sep 2, 2014
    9
    I mean, besides the god awful PC port, its one of the better games i've played. I came from the land of DkS2 first, so I was at some sort of an advantage. I mean, this one is a lot less linear, a lot more intimidating, and thats good. I mean, there just isn't anything to be said that hasn't been said, but I will say this
    Git this game and GitGudScrub
  11. thederekman
    May 23, 2014
    7
    Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty Empty.
  12. AndreRLZ
    Mar 3, 2017
    9
    Un gioco che ormai si puó dire sia diventato "un classico". Tutti i giocatori dovrebbero provare almeno una volta nella vita Dark Souls, per poter capire di cosa si tratta veramente. É di piú di un gioco, é un'esperienza che va oltre il semplice videogioco standard fatto di comandi semplici, tutorial e percorsi predefiniti. Qui dipende tutto dal giocatore, proprio tutto. Bisogna sempreUn gioco che ormai si puó dire sia diventato "un classico". Tutti i giocatori dovrebbero provare almeno una volta nella vita Dark Souls, per poter capire di cosa si tratta veramente. É di piú di un gioco, é un'esperienza che va oltre il semplice videogioco standard fatto di comandi semplici, tutorial e percorsi predefiniti. Qui dipende tutto dal giocatore, proprio tutto. Bisogna sempre stare attenti a dove si mettono i piedi, a come si usa la spada, occorrono riflessi. É come se il mondo di gioco non fosse stato "creato" da qualcuno perché tu ci possa scorazzare allegramente, é come se avesse una sua anima, come se ci fosse sempre stato , fuori dal gioco, indipendentemente dal giocatore. É un mondo interconnesso, liberamente esplorabile (anche se non del tutto da subito) e sempre affascinante e misterioso. Il senso di sfida superiore a qualsiasi RPG, il senso di ansia superiore a molti horror, il livello artistico e la scelta dei personaggi e delle voci, é tutto cosí ben messo assieme che non é possibile non rimanerne affascinati. Poche musiche buone, tantissime armi meravigliose (ognuna diversa dalle altre) , nemici sempre ben disegnati, boss memorabili e una lore vastissima fanno di questo gioco un capolavoro. Purtroppo il porting su PC fa schifo, letteralmente , e la parte finale del gioco si vede che é stata "fatta in fretta" (alcuni boss poco ispirati), ma rimane un giocone.… Expand
  13. axolotl777
    Jul 1, 2014
    10
    Everything abut the game is amazing, except the port, but that is easy enough to fix with DSfix. A complex and epic fantasy story, a well done combat system that will leave you craving more, and plenty of mods to make the game run and look amazing.
  14. RingK
    Jul 4, 2014
    10
    Best game of its generation, if you like games where you actually have to think about what you're doing . Best combat system ever. Hard to learn, but really rewarding.
  15. Ydun79
    Feb 11, 2019
    10
    An amazing experience. At first it seems very basic but this game's mechanics and lore are as deep as you're willing to find out.
  16. smilzoboboz
    Nov 11, 2015
    7
    The game is definitely good, challenging and with a nice and dark setting, but controls/bugs (only partially fixed with mods) kept me away from this title for a long time.

    When you release a game for PC, players expect to find 2 things, mostly: graphical options and working controls for mouse/keyboard (and eventually a controller too). This game actually lacks both (non-modded    The game is definitely good, challenging and with a nice and dark setting, but controls/bugs (only partially fixed with mods) kept me away from this title for a long time.

    When you release a game for PC, players expect to find 2 things, mostly: graphical options and working controls for mouse/keyboard (and eventually a controller too).
    This game actually lacks both (non-modded mouse-look makes you puke hard after few minutes of gameplay).
    After I switched to v2.0-beta, installed DSFix, DSMfix, KB+M icons and hi-res fonts it still isn't good: I can change graphical options and the mouse-look works "better" but it's definitely not enough to make me enjoy this game with KB+M.
    I know it is clearly stated that an xbox controller is strongly recommended, but again I think that for any PC game, working keyboard + mouse support is mandatory (along with basic graphical quality options). It's a pity we have to get what developers were supposed to do through unofficial mods.

    So, this PC port is still one of the worst ports I have ever played, but after you manage to get it playable modding/tuning graphic and control settings, I can easily say it's a gem, one of the 10 out of 10 that keep yourself playing hours and hours, amazed by atmosphere, story-telling and gameplay.

    In the end I'd say I totally recommend this game to hardcore action-rpg lovers but think twice before buying if you don't have a controller.
    Also, to my linux fellas: the game runs stable with staging wine, no framedrops.    … Expand
  17. gloriouspotato
    Jan 23, 2016
    7
    First thing to say is that DSfix and a controller are pretty much a necessity for this game considering how much of a shoddy port it is. Without this mod and with kb/m, I probably would've rated my Dark Souls experience a 5/10 at best. Even with the fix in place, there are a couple graphical issues such as screen tearing, and performance can become unbearably bad in some segments even withFirst thing to say is that DSfix and a controller are pretty much a necessity for this game considering how much of a shoddy port it is. Without this mod and with kb/m, I probably would've rated my Dark Souls experience a 5/10 at best. Even with the fix in place, there are a couple graphical issues such as screen tearing, and performance can become unbearably bad in some segments even with high-end hardware (Seath the Scaleless boss battle comes to mind). Fortunately, these instances aren't commonplace and I was able to maintain 60fps most of the time.

    With regards to the presentation of the game, I thought the visuals and sound quality were unremarkable, even by 2011 standards. The level design was for the most part quite good, and I did like how interconnected the various areas of the game were. Many reviewers seem to praise the hidden backstory of Dark Souls as if it's some superior form of storytelling. While I do find the idea innovative in a sense, I do wish that the overarching story could be a little more cohesive and less up to interpretation. At best, the player finds small, disconnected snippets of lore from which the wider Dark Souls community have made vast extrapolations in order to produce some semblance of a timeline of events. I'm willing to bet that for most players, had they not consulted a wiki or accessed an online synopsis, they would've been quite lost in terms of the story, and wouldn't know that areas such as the Great Hollow or Ash Lake existed. My point is, while the plot that is deemed 'correct' by online consensus is a decent one, its delivery is too inaccessible.

    The gameplay mechanics are generally pretty solid. Combat system is decent, and there are some exploration and RPG elements. My complaints in this area include the lack of explanation of several mechanics such as rolling speeds, having longer/shorter parrying windows for particular shields, effect of humanity on item discovery and resistances etc. Enemy AI pathfinding also isn't very good, as seen when enemies roll off cliffs or get stuck walking up staircases. There are also a few enemies and bosses that felt 'cheap' in their design, usually due to forcing the camera into awkward angles in enclosed and narrow spaces (eg: Capra Demon, Centipede Demon). The difficulty is something that is often praised though I'm also not sure why this is so. While I don't object to hard games, it's not something I'll give free brownie points for. The game was challenging but not overly so. Like I said, some instances felt cheap, but otherwise with enough patience every obstacle in Dark Souls can be overcome.

    Overall rating - 7.1/10    … Expand
  18. Amfibios
    Aug 18, 2014
    9
    one of the best games i've ever played but maybe not for everyone since there's alot of trial and error and backtracking. still it's very addictive and the atmosphere/combat are amazing.
    the PC port is the worst port i've ever seen but modded it becomes even better than the console versions.
    note: u WILL need a controller to play it or else u're gimping yourself.
  19. Steeldude
    Oct 13, 2014
    8
    A horrible port of a great game. The biggest problem I have with this: I had to download 5 mods for it to work. And even now, the most deaths come from the retarded function that switches locked targets when you just slightly move your mouse ... which you have to use to attack in the first place. Despite the flaws, the game is still way above average as well as a serious challenge.
  20. twistedreal
    Apr 2, 2015
    9
    I would have gave this game a 10 if I didn't have to use a mod to get better graphic settings.

    This is a great game that took me about 70 hours to beat! I got completely stomped on by the O&S battle more than 30 times and took a lot of week long breaks playing due to how difficult some of the areas are. This game has restored my faith in gaming. This game doesn't hold your hand and    I would have gave this game a 10 if I didn't have to use a mod to get better graphic settings.

    This is a great game that took me about 70 hours to beat! I got completely stomped on by the O&S battle more than 30 times and took a lot of week long breaks playing due to how difficult some of the areas are.

    This game has restored my faith in gaming. This game doesn't hold your hand and doesn't have tons of check points to restart from. You must plan every move carefully to advance.

    If you are a casual gamer who likes to play games for the sake of making progress every time you log in then stay away. This game will test your abilities as a gamer as well as your patience.    … Expand
  21. Loskutorr
    Jan 28, 2015
    9
    PROS:

    - Exploration is great. - Map design is brilliant. - Combat is easy to learn, but hard to master. - Game feels very rewarding after beating tough boss/passage. - Game is fair and does not cheat on you. - Atmosphere is dark, heavy and keep you tense. - GFWL is gone, only Steam is needed. - Challenges can be often beaten by many ways. - Co-op and interesting multiplayer    PROS:

    - Exploration is great.
    - Map design is brilliant.
    - Combat is easy to learn, but hard to master.
    - Game feels very rewarding after beating tough boss/passage.
    - Game is fair and does not cheat on you.
    - Atmosphere is dark, heavy and keep you tense.
    - GFWL is gone, only Steam is needed.
    - Challenges can be often beaten by many ways.
    - Co-op and interesting multiplayer mechanics.
    - Bloodstains of dead players can tell you what killed them.
    - Messages from other player to help you/troll you.
    - Game can be easily played on keyboard and mouse.

    CONS:
    - Game mechanics are not that well explained in game, you should look through a Dark Souls Wiki or a beginners guide.
    - Not very interesting story.
    - No map, you can get lost sometimes.
    - Inventory made for consoles (of course!) and is controlled by keys. (Not a problem after few minutes)

    Easy fixable CONS:
    - Mouse feels a bit weird, but there are fixes to deal with that. (DSMfix)
    - Graphics is outdated, but there are many graphics mods on Dark Souls Nexus.
    - FPS, resolution and other things are easily unlockable/modable by DSfix.

    I bought a XBOX controller before getting this game. I ditched it after couple of hours, when i discovered that game is easier on K+M. In fact controls are changeable for the keyboard and mouse, but not for controller. Dont believe people complaining about controls and graphics. They are lazy retards, they didnt even bother to do 1minute long google search to fix few things. This is one of the best games i have ever played.    … Expand
  22. Mearehear
    Dec 27, 2014
    8
    A game that unforgivingly punishes you for your mistakes, with death never far away even against the most lowly of ingame characters. There is none of that fetch quest back and forth nonsense here as seen in the likes of Skyrim, just a deep dark, surprisingly interconnected, world for you to lose yourself, stripped back of all the gimmicks used in many other games. Frustration will giveA game that unforgivingly punishes you for your mistakes, with death never far away even against the most lowly of ingame characters. There is none of that fetch quest back and forth nonsense here as seen in the likes of Skyrim, just a deep dark, surprisingly interconnected, world for you to lose yourself, stripped back of all the gimmicks used in many other games. Frustration will give way to a rewarding feeling of achievement, as you learn your way and progress.… Expand
  23. Cornfalcon
    Feb 23, 2015
    9
    Probably one of the most console-like games I've ever played on a PC. This definitely starts with an annoying controller setup. Jumping in this game is silly. The gameplay and story line, on the other hand, are rivaled by few. You really have to pay attention for it, though. The bosses seem different, but most are stab-in-butt-until-victory sorts. Few bosses are different andProbably one of the most console-like games I've ever played on a PC. This definitely starts with an annoying controller setup. Jumping in this game is silly. The gameplay and story line, on the other hand, are rivaled by few. You really have to pay attention for it, though. The bosses seem different, but most are stab-in-butt-until-victory sorts. Few bosses are different and parrying is oddly calculated, making what seems like great timing turn out as instant death.
    I do enjoy this game, though, having played over 150 hours in the game, so some part of it might be captivating. There are numerous ways to play the game, including well-developed classes which are better balanced than many other games.    … Expand
  24. Cech
    May 16, 2017
    8
    Главная фишка dark`а: НЕопциональный хардкор и я это одобряю, но есть множество игр сложнее геймплейно, чем эта: как слешер тот же ведьмак даст больше челленджа. Дарк Соулс на фоне других игр в плане сложности слабоват.

    Чем ещё игра у меня не в почёте? Так это тем, что если убрать карту из любой игры - она станет хардкорной, да и во многом более хардкорной, чем ДС Боссы 40% боссов    Главная фишка dark`а: НЕопциональный хардкор и я это одобряю, но есть множество игр сложнее геймплейно, чем эта: как слешер тот же ведьмак даст больше челленджа. Дарк Соулс на фоне других игр в плане сложности слабоват.

    Чем ещё игра у меня не в почёте? Так это тем, что если убрать карту из любой игры - она станет хардкорной, да и во многом более хардкорной, чем ДС

    Боссы
    40% боссов убил с первой попытки, на одного босса ушло 11-18 попыток, на "шикарное" "Ложе", что не является боссом ушло около 10 попыток, на остальных ушло до 5 траев, чаще всего вторая и третья были удачными (Оргазм от победы испытал за всё прохождение 1 раз, в остальном было "каменное лицо")

    Локации
    Мне больше всего понравился лес, а меньше всего анусы подземелий в которых ничего не видно. Проще говоря, неплохо, но можно и лучше

    Персонажи
    Колоритные NPC и забавные враги, я влюблён в людей-грибочков, из-за которых я когда-то купил эту игру

    Игра меня научила
    Многих эта игра чему-то научила, точнее научила не совершать ошибки. Бред. Все ваши ошибки в этой игре можно пофиксить фармом. Уверен, что никто не выполнил "фёрст левел ран". Игра учит основам "Защиты древних" выфарми - победи

    Графика
    Каки мамонта, особенно для 2012 года, а сейчас то - УХ!

    Сюжет
    Его нет, просто забейте. Если вы уверены в том, что он есть - вы ретард

    Отмечу слова своего коллеги о том, что многие путают термины хардкорность и нудность, да, нудности тут больше, чем нужно, а появление телепорта между кострами в последней трети игры (и то не на все костры) - абсурд, телепорт должен был быть изначально.

    Возможно обзор будет дополняться мыслями, на момент релиза игра могла тянуть на 7/10, сейчас это твёрдая 5

    Жаль, что игра отказывалась работать тогда, когда я её купил из-за гейсфорвиндовса и не только. Игра не хотела работать как на вин7, так и на вин8.1, и как здорово, что вышла 10ка, на которой всё работает

    Всеми руками рекомендую в этом жанре не следующую часть соулс, а Lords of the Fallen

    UPD. Через нескоько месяцев я понимаю, что от игры осталось очень хорошее послевкусие, так что повышу оценку до 6.5/10

    UPD2. Без стороннего вмешательства в файлы игры и скачивания оных - неиграбельный кусок кала

    7.5/10    … Expand
  25. Stephen729
    May 2, 2015
    10
    after playing dark souls series, all the other games just seems silly now. When you have been playing dark souls for a few hundred hours, the AI and combat of the other action games just seems to be boring and unrealistic now.
  26. styku91
    May 19, 2015
    7
    First of all, if not the quality of the port, the game would get a strong 8 or even 9/10.
    There is practically no storytelling in the game, you are figuring out the plot out of the events and very laconic conversations. However, I find the lore of the Dark Souls world very appealing, even if not being proper cRPG (story-wise).
    On PC, the legendary difficulty of this game is mostly caused    First of all, if not the quality of the port, the game would get a strong 8 or even 9/10.
    There is practically no storytelling in the game, you are figuring out the plot out of the events and very laconic conversations. However, I find the lore of the Dark Souls world very appealing, even if not being proper cRPG (story-wise).
    On PC, the legendary difficulty of this game is mostly caused by a very poor port. The game is practically unplayable with keyboard and mouse. Don't even start it without proper controller. Things like constantly displaying windows cursor or capped frame rate are minor issues, but the keyboard/mouse support is ridiculous.
    However the game still managed to rip 40 hours of my life.    … Expand
  27. pavvlad
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    One of the best rpg and dark fantasy game with big world where every new location different from previous - so many characters and so many storylines... Creaters of this game is geniuses. This applies to all chapters of ds.
  28. Nuker
    Jun 27, 2015
    9
    - Good: Gameplay, Exploration, Character progression, Boss fights, Atmosphere/Mood, Demanding

    - Mixed: Setting, Story

    - Bad: terrible mouse/keyboard controls, overall bad PC port.

    Great game after some mods, also u need gamepad because this game is unplayable with mouse/keyboard.
  29. Rangaman
    Aug 21, 2017
    10
    Quite simply, a masterpiece in game design and atmosphere that may have its flaws, but those flaws are more than made up for by the rest of the game. A game that mixes great ARPG combat with seamless Castlevania-esque design and an overwhelmingly melancholic and depressing tone. Also, it's rather difficult.

    It's worth mentioning that this isn't a great PC port. A 30 FPS cap and 360    Quite simply, a masterpiece in game design and atmosphere that may have its flaws, but those flaws are more than made up for by the rest of the game. A game that mixes great ARPG combat with seamless Castlevania-esque design and an overwhelmingly melancholic and depressing tone. Also, it's rather difficult.

    It's worth mentioning that this isn't a great PC port. A 30 FPS cap and 360 controller prompts suggest the port was rushed, and the options for graphics are "you can change the resolution and the anti-aliasing I guess". It's nothing mods can't fix, but it is annoying. I'm also told the KB+M controls are crap, but I prefer controllers for...basically any game that isn't a Tactical RPG or FPS, so I wouldn't know about that.    … Expand
  30. posthuman
    Sep 7, 2015
    9
    I played the game with xbox 360 controller and it's perfect. The one-on-one combat is the best you can find. The monsters are varied and although they are not often the smartest, they are really challenging to play. The weapon upgrade system is great, and it mostly stays away from the common RPG problem: by the time you get a powerful weapon, you most probably do not need it anymore. InI played the game with xbox 360 controller and it's perfect. The one-on-one combat is the best you can find. The monsters are varied and although they are not often the smartest, they are really challenging to play. The weapon upgrade system is great, and it mostly stays away from the common RPG problem: by the time you get a powerful weapon, you most probably do not need it anymore. In Dark Souls enemies re-spawn each time you rest at the bonfire, so you get to use the most powerful weapons on weakest opponents.

    I love how game forces you to change approach for new enemies you encounter. You cannot simply grab the mightiest weapon and kill everything. Different enemies require different tactics. For that reason, you might want to fully upgrade 4-5 weapons (regular, fire, divine, ranged, magic) and armor types (heavy set to sustain mighty blows or light but resistant to curse, poison and magic). The game also has a nice balance between might and magic.

    The only problem I found is that some things are obscured and hidden, and you have to watch for clues in the environment and listen to what NPCs talk about. If you don't have the Internet and actively search for stuff in the game, there's a high chance you would miss some of the adventure.

    The best RPG in the last five years. I spend around 150 hours before completing it.    … Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best PC Game of 2012
10
#10 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
20
#20 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 42
  3. Negative: 1 out of 42
  1. PC Master (Greece)
    Feb 6, 2013
    72
    The irony is that the PC version could have been much better than the PS3/360 ones, with higher resolutions to make the textures look better, a cornucopia of mods and/or an active (in theory at least) community. But FROM ruined it all (with the assistance of Games for Windows Live). It’s a shame really, if we at least had just a decent port (or a better infrastructure for a less appalling multiplayer mode), Dark Souls could have been one of the best RPG for the PC. [November 2012]
  2. GameFocus
    Nov 19, 2012
    80
    Not often do you see a game that is equally rewarding as it is frustrating; and it's not because the game is unfair.
    Read full review
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 29, 2012
    80
    Dark Souls returns the hardcore elements back to action RPGs – heavy focus on uncompromising fight mechanics and absolute freedom in hero profiling. The price of this game is not for everyone. [Oct 2012]
See all critic reviews »