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

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  1. KeyserSose815
    Jul 12, 2013
    3
    What a dreadful console port!! Stay away. I cannot quite comment how good or bad this game would be in the long run, I gave up playing it quite rapidly. The controls are awkward, it's near impossible to use a keyboard and mouse, the gtaphics stuck at 720p standard, despite 1080p being offered (the textures are too low res). The framerate is cappedat 30 (often dips below that, despiteWhat a dreadful console port!! Stay away. I cannot quite comment how good or bad this game would be in the long run, I gave up playing it quite rapidly. The controls are awkward, it's near impossible to use a keyboard and mouse, the gtaphics stuck at 720p standard, despite 1080p being offered (the textures are too low res). The framerate is cappedat 30 (often dips below that, despite largely exceeding specs). Also the camera angles are annoying, you keep dying from stuff you could not see coming (Oh, cool, a giant boulder. I'll remember that the next 75 times I come here). The information messages during loading screens aren't readable because the loading aren't long enough. The voice acting is cringingly poor (the grunting when you take damage sounds like German p*rn) and generally speaking, there isn't much of a story to this game, at least not from the outset. I regret my £5.… Expand
  2. tjgiannhs8es
    Apr 5, 2014
    1
    Is there a worst console port? The keys you are asked to press only suit the xbox controller and you spend half an hour derping over the keyboard trying to learn how to equip a thing. The graphics look bad and there are only FOUR options in the video optimization tab(two of which are the resolution and fullscreen on/off). What a way to treat PC fans.
  3. Batzzel
    Jan 3, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. THIS GAME IS AMAZING! This game have everything, with this game you can be Anger, Happy, Sad, and all at the same time. I Already played 100 hours of this game, and i can't complete it yet (i'm close). Every person who says "this game is bad" is because he hasn't enough skills, i play this game with my Keyboard and I really appreciate this kind of games, 'cause this game is Hard, is a real challenger.… Expand
  4. Neardark
    Jan 16, 2013
    0
    I dont mind if this game is hard, This is one of the reason why I got this game. I play all my games at the hardest difficult always. I don't care about GFWL, the low frame and the outdated graphics, there are solutions for it, This game had the potential to be one of the best PC games of 2012, but the company was so lazy to put a little effort to make this playable. I spent about 10I dont mind if this game is hard, This is one of the reason why I got this game. I play all my games at the hardest difficult always. I don't care about GFWL, the low frame and the outdated graphics, there are solutions for it, This game had the potential to be one of the best PC games of 2012, but the company was so lazy to put a little effort to make this playable. I spent about 10 minutes trying to figure the keys, cause the game use xbox layout (the **** menu is on the END key). You die not because you suck, but because the camera keeps you changing your target between enemies. People are rating this with 10 because they are console players or because they played the game before at console and like it, Come on guys you know that this port does not deserve 10, the developers dont even botther to try make this playable with mouse and keyboard. This game should get a 5 score, but with so many people rating with 10 and defending a bad port game for no reason i will rate this with 0 to balance the score. My advice: Pirate this game from torrent sites and try it for yourself, then if you think developers should get your money for doing nothing with a pc port, feel free… Expand
  5. newprophet
    Mar 27, 2013
    10
    Great game greats people!!!! horror best rpg game. The best game-play I've played. The first game is sunk into the soul. Look forward to Dark Souls 2.
  6. nJoe
    May 7, 2013
    10
    Giving this game a 10 is, for me, dependant on the following three conditions:

    1. Use a gamepad (xbox 360, ps3 controlers are fine). The game does not play well with keyboard and mouse but fantastically with a gamepad. 2. Install dsfix for resolutions beyond 720p and fram rates above 30 fps. This will make the game look quite beautiful. Through this fix you can also disable depth of    Giving this game a 10 is, for me, dependant on the following three conditions:

    1. Use a gamepad (xbox 360, ps3 controlers are fine). The game does not play well with keyboard and mouse but fantastically with a gamepad.

    2. Install dsfix for resolutions beyond 720p and fram rates above 30 fps. This will make the game look quite beautiful. Through this fix you can also disable depth of field, which makes the game look much crisper. (There are excellent instructions included with the fix.)

    3. Install dscfix to improve your pve and pvp experience. Unfortunately the game uses peer-to-peer connections through Games of Windows Live for multiplayer and sometimes it can be very hard to establish connections. With this fix, you can easily connect to anyone with whom you are friends on GfWL.

    Some would argue that a game should be perfect "out of the box", but in this case the developer From Software had a very limited budget with which to port the game to the PC. Hence the lacking graphics features, for instance. Installing the mods is very easy though and it lets you enjoy the game to its fullest. As a gamer I don't mind doing my part to maximize my experience with a game.

    Story
    The game is very sparse in what it lets you know, but you can draw conclusions along the way and there are clues that will let you piece together some of the many curious things you see and hear during your travels through Lordaeron. Should you want to read them, there are excellent online articles that explain the story in detail. There is quite a bit of drama going on, both in the present and in the past.

    Graphics
    Out of the box, the game looks blurry and the frame rate is capped at 30 fps. You can fix this though with the above mentioned mod, dsfix, and once you have, it looks fantastic. All the armor and equipment is extremely well designed with amazing attention to detail. The enivironments are cleverly crafted with excellent atmosphere. At times you will dread even taking a single step forward.

    Sound
    The sound is rather minimalistic, but in a fitting way. Heavier armor makes noise when you run or roll, weapons sound realistic when they hit enemies, shields, walls etc. There is not a lot of music, as the environments speak a lot for themselves, but the boss battles.. well, you'll see.

    Gameplay
    PVE: The game is about knowing what you're up against and a certain amount of skill. So expect a stiff challenge early on. The level design is great because it allows you to explore the world in a non-linear fashion. You may wander off in a direction that sets up against brutal enemies and that is usually a sign that perhaps you should go elsewhere for the time being. There are, however, hints in the game as to where you should go, albeit in loose terms.

    Bosses are well designed for the most part and some of them are very difficult initially. It can take a while to nail down a boss fight, but stay with it because eventually you will figure out what you need to do.

    There is plenty of gear and spells to be had by finding secret places, and getting there is a lot more rewarding if you managed it yourself by way of exploration. One awesome aspect of Dark Souls is the many different paths you can take with your character's development. Do you like to wield fast rapiers, long spears, huge two-handed weapons, or perhaps fist weapons? You can specialize in whatever you like and upgrade your favorite weapons along numerous paths such as lightning, magic, faith, occult, fire and chaos. Then there's magic as well, two different schools (three, kind of, with the expansion which is included in the pc version). Armor comes in tons of variations as well and in the end not too many characters in Dark Souls will ever look the same. Some even follow guides to outfit their characters like favorite characters from other games, such as Castlevania. There is no limit to the amount of awesome builds and ideas you can come up with, and this becomes even more intriguing PVP.

    PVP and Co-op: This is where the game gets really interesting after a while. Initially it can be very annoying, however, as you can get invaded and killed by fellow players. The good thing is you can summon others to help you and you can let them summon you into their playthroughs. Is a boss giving you all you can handle and more? Summon a friendly phantom, bow to it when it appears and go to town on the boss! There will come a time when you realize what areas are prone to invasion and you might even linger there for some good duels. Depending on how you built your character, you will fare well or badly versus certain builds. It's a bit of rock-paper-scissor, but your skill will go a long way and since you can have multiple weapons, shields and spells equipped to change around, you will have a fair bit of flexibility.There is a lot more to PVP and co-operation in Dark Souls but I'll let you find out the rest for yourself.

    There is no space for rounding this off properly. So, GLFH!     … Expand
  7. Nekh
    May 23, 2013
    1
    This had to be one of the worst ports ever, the textures was terrible and the controls were beyond a nightmare. They didn't even bother to remove the console buttons. Press 'A' to read and so on, and 'A' was on 'Q' well in till you got to the menus then it was enter. Controlling the camera with the mouse was jerky and flung about every which way. I hope playing this game with a consoleThis had to be one of the worst ports ever, the textures was terrible and the controls were beyond a nightmare. They didn't even bother to remove the console buttons. Press 'A' to read and so on, and 'A' was on 'Q' well in till you got to the menus then it was enter. Controlling the camera with the mouse was jerky and flung about every which way. I hope playing this game with a console controller is better because keyboard and mouse was just awful.… Expand
  8. TCoop888
    Jul 11, 2013
    2
    This game is good on the basic merits of a game but suffers do to bad porting.any possible enjoyment has been removed from this game by the necessity of using windows live and an xbox controller. This by far the worst pc port of a game i have ever encountered, i had heard about it but to experience the sloppy, inconsistent and at some point just plain idiotic transfer of this game isThis game is good on the basic merits of a game but suffers do to bad porting.any possible enjoyment has been removed from this game by the necessity of using windows live and an xbox controller. This by far the worst pc port of a game i have ever encountered, i had heard about it but to experience the sloppy, inconsistent and at some point just plain idiotic transfer of this game is indescribable. the greatest insult came from the message that said an xbox controller (30$ new by the way) was "strongly recommended". this is a lie. it is flat out required that you have a controller to enjoy this game. The basic control scheme looks as if a child designed it, and not only this but the game is incompatible with any of my other 3 controllers. and i am not willing to pay extra to play a game i already bought. The wors of it was the camera controls, you have the choice of using the j i k and l keys which interferes with combat to no end. or using the mouse which even on my computers lowest setting is more sensitive than a fresh chemical burn. i will not bore you with the graphical issues you have most likely already heard of as these were patched with a mod very quickly (although the fact that a single modder was able to accomplish this in a few hours and the entirety of the from software staff was unable to raises some questions) but this game is just plain insulting to pc players and is essentially a way of the company saying that we don't matter. I do not claim to know what they were thinking but i can say that they have lost me as a customer. i was lucky enough to purchase this game during a steam sale so i did not loose much money, but i can honestly say this game was not worth the 7 dollars i payed. It would have been better spend wadding up into a ball and throwing it at the back of the CEOs head.… Expand
  9. Denbushisan
    Sep 27, 2013
    3
    The first measure of a good game is does it make me want to keep playing it. This game fails that test. I even took heed of the numerous warnings to use a Gamepad, something I've never had to do for any PC game. I made it about 2 hours in, but I had to force myself to do that much, hoping to give it a chance to get better. It didn't.

    I honestly don't know why there are so many gushing    The first measure of a good game is does it make me want to keep playing it. This game fails that test. I even took heed of the numerous warnings to use a Gamepad, something I've never had to do for any PC game. I made it about 2 hours in, but I had to force myself to do that much, hoping to give it a chance to get better. It didn't.

    I honestly don't know why there are so many gushing reviews of this game. Apparently the standards for a console game are a lot lower. If this game had been released exclusively to PC, it would be relegated to obscurity in the shadow of games like Skyrim, which is superior in every way other than being so hard that you die 5 times before getting out of the tutorial. (Which could be a plus or a minus depending on who's asking I suppose.) I tried really hard to like this game, but the graphics (even after the 3rd party mod to unlock the resolution) are lack-luster, the environments are dull and uninspired, the enemies that I encountered are generic. The story is non-existant, and the protagonist has no personality what-so ever to make me want to care about him/her, neither do any of the scarce NPCs I met. The combat was bland and the character movements and animations clumsy.

    This game just feels through and through like something that was lazily thrown together to make some fast cash. Here are some real hallmarks of the laziness of this game. 1. NPC voice overs but static faces. I can't remember the last time I saw a game that did that. If you're not going to at least make their mouths move, don't bother giving voice overs. 2. Every single monster I killed ended up with a ragdoll corpse getting stuck in between my feet and kicked along as I walked. Really? 3. I routinely lined up a power attack on an enemy only to have my character leap diagonally 3 feet to the right of where I was aiming, leaving me vulnerable during the 5 second recovery time. Apparently you HAVE to use target lock if you want your attacks to hit. 4. See any of the reviews that harp on about the pure laziness of the terrible PC port.

    There's no joy in this game, just a dull grind through generic monsters with no real goal or story in evidence. The only positive thing to say about it is that it's "really really challenging". But I for one don't find that appealing in a game when it's to no end except to make you grind from the last save back through the same dull environments and bland fights again and again.

    Don't buy this game. Go re-play Skyrim instead, you'll have way more fun.    … Expand
  10. DeusXCom
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    First impression: console crap, terrible port, bad mouse+keyboard controls etc. After fixing all the port-related problems with DSFix, buying a 360 controller and 500+ hours of gameplay later: the best RPG of this generation and definitely one of the true masterpieces of video gaming history. Beautiful dark fantasy world, captivating atmosphere full of isolation and despair, well-hidden,First impression: console crap, terrible port, bad mouse+keyboard controls etc. After fixing all the port-related problems with DSFix, buying a 360 controller and 500+ hours of gameplay later: the best RPG of this generation and definitely one of the true masterpieces of video gaming history. Beautiful dark fantasy world, captivating atmosphere full of isolation and despair, well-hidden, but complex story, great responsive combat system, unique multiplayer elements and extremely addictive gameplay. Yes, this can be a very challenging piece at your first playthrough, but as you learn from your mistakes and your skill goes through natural progress, you're slowly becoming a master and you will eventually fall in love with this beast. 10/10… Expand
  11. anomander
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    There is no reason not much to write, this is a must play, so in a nutshell. Best game of the last generation and one of the best game in history. Enjoy this refined diamond!!!
  12. CallOfGaming
    May 13, 2014
    2
    Great game, too bad the controls are unplayable. I can't count how many times I used up a valuable potion or exited my inventory because I pressed the wrong key. I didn't got far, not because of the dificulty, but due to the awful control port.
  13. Frontsalat
    May 12, 2014
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First, let me point out a simple question, so that you might get an easier picture of what I'm up to. What exactly is the purpose of a game? Or spoken differently, why do humans play? There's probably tons of information on how to define what a game is, but I'll keep it simple due to character limit. Games are a form of activity done to amuse and/or relax to most times fulfill the simple pleasure of exercising them. Or expressed even more simple...Games are fun!

    So now let me list what exactly I've experienced when I first started up the game and played through the first 15 minutes: Graphical glitches and issues around almost every corner. Locked 30 FPS and 1024x768 resolution, I can't even remember when I last played a game with such low FPS and resolution. Somewhere around the mid 90's I assume, it almost felt like a dia show. I've got 3 crashes to desktop in less then 10 minutes. I've first tried to play with keyboard and mouse, which you might already have figured by other reviews, wasn't such a good idea, but unfortunately using my gamepad was neither.

    I wasn't capable of redefining keys like I wanted to, which is essential if you're left handed or play with arrow keys. The mouse acted wonky, unsmooth and sometimes completely crazy and there was absolutely nothing I could do to change it, as there where no mouse options. Hello?! No mouse option on a PC game? It doesn't matter if this is a console port, there HAS to be mouse options. And even IF I had the option to change keys/mouse, there still was this unswitchable stupid cursor flying over my monitor. The gamepad wasn't the holy grail everybody proclaimed. Buttons where reversed, the right stick (controlling the camera) had only one axis and the controls where lagging just as much as the mouse, plus it was extremely unprecisse and ~50% of hits where missed.

    Regardless of that experience I've installed the DSFIX, the DSMFIX and numerous texture improving mods. It's the first thing I always do when having a new game to look out for Mods. In 90% of all cases I do this to enhance what is already good, but for DS it's different. You'll need to search for those mods and fixes in order to even be capable of playing it. In no way it's possible to play this game without fixes and mods.

    So, after that 8 hour journey I finally got the game in an acceptable state. I'm playing with mouse and keyboard, which feels much more precise and right. I'm on my monitors maximum resolution 1680x1050. I have extremely vibrant textures, bloom, AA and all the modern graphical gimmicks possible for this game. There's still one thing that itches me though. I have to use different keys for menu navigation if I don't use a controller. Did not found a patch or fix that'd allow me to use arrow keys for controlling my charcter AND controlling the menu. But whatever, I've gone so far to ignore all flaws, as the game finally rewarded me superbly with fun and entertainment...or should I say positively rewarded me until I figured what this game really was about?!

    It happened then after the tutorial forcing me to have a deeper look into the reviews not only around here, but on a various of websites and online game magazines. I should have noticed it early on when fighting this fat demonic Jabba. I'd died 4 times before finally killing it, and ONLY due to a happy coincidence that made fat leged Jabba glitching inside one of the pillars. I've read myself through a miriad of reviews and forum discussions about the difficulty of the game, quickly figuring that there's two sides...the hardcore devoted fanboys, and those, like me, that just like to play a game to have fun, relax and getting some easy entertainment. Easy is the keyword, as the forum discussions almost made me feel like a sinner wanting just to enjoy the game and thus not wasting any time with something that creates frustration and forces me to die 1.000 times in a row.

    With increasing life expereince and age, the urge to prove something has been taken away from me. And even if I'd need to prove something, why would I prove it inside my lonesome gaming cellar where nobody's capable of witnessing? Apart from that, I'm practicing the art of Buhurt and as such would eat everyone inside this game and its players alive, plus I'm 6"2 and have a corresponding penis size.

    So here I am now, having a real jewel of a game not being capable of enjoying due to technical flaws and a sadomasochistic difficulty level, that must expel any ordinary gamer who's just playing games for fun. What's a challenge if the only challenge is to constantly die and repetetively play the same scene over and over again? Learning by dying anyone? So in all respect, I have to give this game three different scores. First score barebone game without mods/fixes, second score game with mods and fixes, third score is the final verdict after figuring the most annoying difficulty level which absolutely destroys everything go0d about this game.

    1: 4
    2: 8.5
    3: 2.5    … Expand
  14. heesoo91
    May 23, 2014
    1
    Created an account just tell you how horrible this game is. I love challenging games, but that's not why this game sucks. The absolute worst port I have ever played. Seems like the developers just wanted more money and put this game on PC with console settings. They highly recommend playing this game on a xbox controller which to me seems pretty ****** stupid. If i wanted to play this gameCreated an account just tell you how horrible this game is. I love challenging games, but that's not why this game sucks. The absolute worst port I have ever played. Seems like the developers just wanted more money and put this game on PC with console settings. They highly recommend playing this game on a xbox controller which to me seems pretty ****** stupid. If i wanted to play this game with xbox controller. Ill buy it for xbox. Horrible company and i will not be buying any other games from them. I wish they actually spent time creating a real port because i really wanted to try this game. ESPECIALLY on a laptop with a limited keyboard, do not buy. For someone who works 10- 12 hours a day like me, i just dont have the time to really sit and grind on this game trying to get past one enemy with controls that dont work. You have been warned; buy at your own risk. Shame on this company for being greedy.… Expand
  15. ivanncrazy
    Aug 19, 2019
    0
    dark souls 1 very outdated game mechanics and copy paste level designe, stupid key mapping for keyboard and mouse menu is unfriendly unplayable
  16. ugi_b
    Jun 26, 2016
    0
    The worst game experience I've ever had. It might be better on console, but it is obvious that no real effort has been made to make it even mildly enjoyable on PC. Unbelievable that it is still available as a PC version, as it can only give the game a bad name. Keyboard and mouse need elaborate mods and fixes (and even then it's not much better), messages for key presses come up withThe worst game experience I've ever had. It might be better on console, but it is obvious that no real effort has been made to make it even mildly enjoyable on PC. Unbelievable that it is still available as a PC version, as it can only give the game a bad name. Keyboard and mouse need elaborate mods and fixes (and even then it's not much better), messages for key presses come up with console buttons and not PC key bindings, menu system is awkward, movement feels clunky and awkward, directional aim is clunky, camera view is slow.… Expand
  17. BladeStrike
    Apr 7, 2013
    6
    Simply put it is overrated. It can be challenging but there are plenty of harder games out there that have difficulty settings. This games difficulty is over-exaggerated greatly. Having played this myself I have to assume it only gained popularity because its not "mainstream". Fight the power, kids..!

    Its not a bad game though, just overrated, and my score of 7 suits it perfectly. I    Simply put it is overrated. It can be challenging but there are plenty of harder games out there that have difficulty settings. This games difficulty is over-exaggerated greatly. Having played this myself I have to assume it only gained popularity because its not "mainstream". Fight the power, kids..!

    Its not a bad game though, just overrated, and my score of 7 suits it perfectly. I didn't have any real problems with this port either.    … Expand
  18. Freez
    Nov 11, 2013
    8
    I heard this is the hardest game ever made, that and demons souls which I never played. Aside from just timing on dodge and parrys this game didn't seem THAT hard to me, it is probably the hardest ive played...no, the most frustrating game ive played only because sometimes checkpoints are an hour away and dieing loses your souls (currency) and if u die again before you reclaim them youI heard this is the hardest game ever made, that and demons souls which I never played. Aside from just timing on dodge and parrys this game didn't seem THAT hard to me, it is probably the hardest ive played...no, the most frustrating game ive played only because sometimes checkpoints are an hour away and dieing loses your souls (currency) and if u die again before you reclaim them you lose them all. Also the reason I give this an 8 for PC is because it was a horrible horrible console port, which you can only fix by googleing DSfix downloading it and throwing it into your data folder, then if comp savy enough to modify the script, which is a piss off, reminds me of Prototype 2 port...Anyways great game, hard as F*ck. If your a veteran hardcore gamer, this games for you, and it will still be challengeing and you will still die ALOT. That's all I gotta say.… Expand
  19. DOSfan
    Sep 26, 2012
    8
    very happy this hit the PC. i had a ps3 for a while, and played the hell out of demons souls.
    after i sold it dark souls came out and i missed the chance to play it.

    the port is pretty crap, but with some of the fan fixes and a controller it's pretty fun.
    really though, this game would have been a 10 with minor fixes to things like framerate and 1080p.
  20. Rennn
    Jun 25, 2013
    10
    I'll keep this short, since it's a simple breakdown.

    The game is amazing. It's possibly the most immersive and fluid gem of our generation. Combat is excellent, the art style is sublime, and the story that exists is told through clever hints that allow the player to discover the world on their own, without being spoon-fed. Dark Souls is one of the best games of all time. Having said    I'll keep this short, since it's a simple breakdown.

    The game is amazing. It's possibly the most immersive and fluid gem of our generation. Combat is excellent, the art style is sublime, and the story that exists is told through clever hints that allow the player to discover the world on their own, without being spoon-fed. Dark Souls is one of the best games of all time.

    Having said that, the PC port is just horrible. Optimization is okay, but unreliable at times. Beyond that, mouse and keyboard controls are totally inane, and the resolution is capped at 720p. HOWEVER, there's a simple mod called DSfix that uncaps the framerate and fixes most of the other issues as well. It's a completely essential mod that turns Dark Souls from a bad port into a pretty decent port.

    Here's the summary:
    If you plan on using DSfix, get this game for the PC now. It's an epic experience and it comes bundled with amazing DLC.
    If you absolutely will not use DSfix for some reason, you're better off saving yourself the trouble and getting a console version.    … Expand
  21. otakon17
    Feb 5, 2014
    8
    An excellent "sequel" to From Softwares "Demon's Souls", Dark Souls is an unforgiving, open world romp through a dark fantasy world. You play as a Dark Sign cursed Undead, doomed to die and come back until eventually you go mad from it. However you are captured and put into the Undead Asylum, where the Undead wait for the end of the world. You however, with some help manage to get out andAn excellent "sequel" to From Softwares "Demon's Souls", Dark Souls is an unforgiving, open world romp through a dark fantasy world. You play as a Dark Sign cursed Undead, doomed to die and come back until eventually you go mad from it. However you are captured and put into the Undead Asylum, where the Undead wait for the end of the world. You however, with some help manage to get out and start out on a quest to discover the true destiny of the Dark Signed cursed Undead. At the beginning you'll be asked to make a character from one of many starting classes, but don't think you'll be regimented to playing a certain way the entire game. The upgrade system is open and allows you(through increasingly steep costs) to upgrade your abilities in any way you see fit. And as you should, for if you die(and you will) to one of the many horrors or pitfalls that litter the land of Lordan, you will lose of the precious 'Souls' needed to upgrade your stats and purchase services from the few sane Undead that remain there. Die a second time on the way to 'Reclaim your power' and those Souls are gone forever.

    The game offers a large challenge in that enemies are fairly aggressive and will chase you for quite some time, along with many of them using group tactics to overwhelm your defenses or just being so much stronger than you that a head-on fight is tantamount to suicide. No, Dark Souls punishes those that treat this like a "hack and slash" game like so many 'action-rpgs' that have come before it. You must consider everything going forward in the world of Dark Souls and every enemy has it's own strengths and weaknesses that you can exploit and look out for.

    Graphically, the game is fairly impressive looking but isn't stellar by any means. However, the art design, along with the weapon, equipment and monster designs are both familiar and alien at the same time. The first dragon you see is nothing like the standard fire-breathing red lizard with wings that is so popular in fiction. However, something like that shows up fairly early and it's not even a boss. The game is dark and I mean that both figuratively and literally. Many areas are so black that you'll need a spell or special item to see more than a foot in front of you and you'll want these to keep you from stumbling into enemies lying in wait. Or pitfalls just begging for someone to step over them into the gaping void.

    The game features a unique multiplayer aspect in the form of 'Invasions', 'Summons' and 'Covenants'. 'Invasions' are just as they sound, another player(with the help of certain items) can invade your game to try and kill you for both Souls and even more precious Humanity(another commodity you need to continue on). However there are balances to keep someone from being constantly invaded by players much further along(usually, I will get back to this). 'Summons' can happen one of two ways, the player can lay down a 'Summon Sign' to offer their services to another player online to defeat a local area boss or if the player is 'Human' instead of 'Hollow' they can summon other players to help them with a local area boss. Finally, 'Covenants' have their own set of rules that influence 'Summons' and 'Invasions'. Some allow you to 'infect' other worlds(players games) with powerful enemies but at the cost of opening the infector to 'Invasion' by up to three people at a time. Another offers numerous chances to 'Invade' other characters if they tarry in a specific area of the game, however there is no upper limit to whom they may invade so the invaders may find they bite off more than they can chew at times. Another 'Covenant' allows you to invade frequent invaders and punish them(i.e. kill them) for their 'Sins'.

    Onto combat and controls, the game offers a wealth of weapons and armor that all affect how you fight. Do you prefer dodging around your foe and harrying them with quick attacks then backing off before they can even face you? Or cladding yourself in the heaviest armor you have and wading into melee with a massive two-handed sword, letting your ability to shrug off lesser blows carry you while you cleave them in twain? Or something in-between? They're all possible and the game rewards experimentation.

    As for negatives, the game on PC as of late has had a flux of cheaters as of this review. People who use certain programs to reduce their Soul Level(your overall power rating, numbering from 1 to over 700) low enough that it allows them to invade anyone, even new players while using things like infinite health or weapons/equipment far more powerful than the first time player is even capable of getting. However they can be avoided by staying Hollow, but this can cut off certain scenarios that allow you to see more scenes or get different items. Another sour note is that even though the game was ported to PC, there are still areas that suffer massive framerate drop but that is more of the engines fault.    … Expand
  22. Vagoth
    May 30, 2014
    10
    When I purchased this port it was nearly unplayable. After six months of occasional stabs at it, buying an Xbox controller, and turning the graphics way down, I finally started to get into Dark Souls, and a few months later I can say it is now one of the greatest games I've ever played. Its world, art, combat system, and game mechanics all transcend its peers. The world of Lordran isWhen I purchased this port it was nearly unplayable. After six months of occasional stabs at it, buying an Xbox controller, and turning the graphics way down, I finally started to get into Dark Souls, and a few months later I can say it is now one of the greatest games I've ever played. Its world, art, combat system, and game mechanics all transcend its peers. The world of Lordran is worth mentioning in particular, because it is Dark Soul's main character. I never imagined a level designer could communicate so much through architecture and geography as was done through Lordran.… Expand
  23. Jacer200
    Apr 20, 2014
    9
    This review is for the fully modded PC version.
    The modded version of this game is an adult RPG masterpiece. This game is the ultimate thinking mans rpg. The game has a great look and feel to it. The combat is tough and best used with a gamepad. The sound and the voice acting are really unique. I would have given the game a 10 if it wasn't for its bizarre and tough to follow story. Don't    This review is for the fully modded PC version.
    The modded version of this game is an adult RPG masterpiece. This game is the ultimate thinking mans rpg. The game has a great look and feel to it. The combat is tough and best used with a gamepad. The sound and the voice acting are really unique. I would have given the game a 10 if it wasn't for its bizarre and tough to follow story. Don't be scared off by the toughness of this game. Follow the path of least resistance and you'll be fine.    … Expand
  24. FarscapeSDC
    Jan 27, 2013
    8
    Having played the original Xbox 360 version of Dark Souls, I find myself feeling just the tiniest bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I was exceedingly happy to finally have my beloved Dark souls on my powerful PC, but the problem with it is despite my Desktop having superior hardware, the bad design choice when "From Software" was porting it over makes me a bit regretful.

    To start    Having played the original Xbox 360 version of Dark Souls, I find myself feeling just the tiniest bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I was exceedingly happy to finally have my beloved Dark souls on my powerful PC, but the problem with it is despite my Desktop having superior hardware, the bad design choice when "From Software" was porting it over makes me a bit regretful.

    To start with, Dark Souls was designed to be a console game, which means that the controls were designed with consoles in mind. The game is almost unplayable on a Keyboard and mouse set-up. If you want to be able to play the game, one must have an Xbox 360 or a PS3 controller plugged into their PC.

    The second main complaint is the awful frame-rate and pathetic resolution. By default, the game is locked at 30 FPS (Max) and 1280x840 resolution. This is utterly unacceptable. Thankfully there is a mod called "DSfix" which allows you to kick the resolution up to a lovely 1900x1300 (although you cannot increase the frame-rate without pissing off Games-For-Windows-Live, which can get you banned from playing the game online)

    My third main complaint is about the game's main demon, one far more frightening than any of the actual in-game demons -- Games For Windows Live (GFWL). The game runs with GFWL taking care of its online component, making the online component worse than playing on Xbox Live or the Playstation Network. Finding players to help you out (Cooperative PVE), or players to invade (PVP) is unreliable at best, and downright awful at worst. If you plan to play the PC version of Dark Souls online, you best have a strong Internet connection and a lot of patience.

    I shall now list my other, less important, complaints.
    - The Dark Souls tutorial worked well... on the console. From Software made the awful oversight of leaving all the in-game prompts in the Xbox 360 format, so anyone who is trying to play with a Keyboard will have no choice but to memorise the controls or learn through trial and error.
    - There are infrequent but very annoying graphical glitches.
    - The game crashes more often than I would expect.

    Despite my complaints, Dark Souls has a lot of good things going for it.

    The game is challenging while never feeling completely unfair. At no point did I feel like the game was just killing me for the hell of it. When you fight a difficult enemy and die, you learn its patterns and its tells, and then you go back and try again, and you succeed, because you have gotten better, which is something few games really do.

    The variety in the enemy design keeps the later stages of the game interesting. As opposed to the same creatures with increased stats, or just more enemies, you actually encounter different enemies with different attacks and different weaknesses.
    "Oh, you've beaten the zombie-warriors? Here's some Zombie-knights! Oh, you've beaten the zombie-knights? Here's some lightning-spitting lizard-men!" the game seems to cry as you transition seamlessly from area to area to encounter completely different atmospheres and enemies.

    The variety in enemies is further reflected in the level design. from abandoned asylums to ruined churches; from a glittering city of the gods to a murky swamp filled with poison-spitting mosquitoes; each area looks and feels different and atmospheric. And the best part? Almost no loading screens! With the exception of when I died, I didn't see a loading screen for the first six hours, which is very impressive. Instead of smaller areas connected by transition-screens, Dark Souls feels mostly like a massive, singular area that loops back in on itself t create shortcuts that you couldn't have anticipated until you reach them.

    Combat is slow and methodical, forcing you to un-learn some of the things other games have taught you. Running in and whaling away at an enemy with your massive cleaver is more likely to get you beaten to death than it is to get you victory. Taking your time and feeling the enemy out is more important than playing aggressively.

    Conclusion

    Dark Souls is still - despite all my complaints - an excellent game. It is challenging, fun, and entertainingly frustrating. However, if you are not willing to put up with the lower frame-rate, having to mod it to get the resolution up, and GFWL wreaking havoc on the online component, then you might want to get the game for Xbox 360 or PS3.    … Expand
  25. Kaniya
    Mar 30, 2013
    9
    I really appreciate how namco bandai answered to that petition signed by pc gamers for the release of this game on this platform. They respected what people demanded and its really respectable to us as well. Dark Souls is a different kind of game where DEATH is part of the gamelpay. You die, you get punished, but u will get better. Dark Souls is a game where players choses their characterI really appreciate how namco bandai answered to that petition signed by pc gamers for the release of this game on this platform. They respected what people demanded and its really respectable to us as well. Dark Souls is a different kind of game where DEATH is part of the gamelpay. You die, you get punished, but u will get better. Dark Souls is a game where players choses their character based on the pre-defined classes and roll into a dark world which every corner of it holds a secret. Dark Souls its a semi open world and for you in order to finish the story must kill every boss in the game. you kill enemeis and gain souls, use souls to upgrade, use the BOSS souls to make weapon, Loot for better armor, try different weaposn and examine the enemies weak points, die and experiements till you learn the mechanism of the game thats the general formula. The world has a lot to explore and it might take you quiet long time to discover its secrets and you might still miss some of it :D this ediiton for the PC is packed with the DLC where the games takes place in another town. So actually you have a longer playthrough than the normal console version. the game roughly takes about 30-50 hours to complete for the first time. Gameplay is really awesome but its needs patience also so if you thing DARK SOULS is a hack and slash game do not go for it at all sadly graphics arent that much to hold up well with other PC titles, the resulations have problems and its just a scale up from 720 and its not a real 1080 if you want to run it on 1080. FPS is more smoother than the console version but its still a 30 FPS locked and sometimes it falls below but it doest hurts the gameplay that much. You also need a xbox controller to enjoy the game finally this game is an awesome experiece where you will feel the joy of victory,… Expand
  26. Leandro36
    Dec 20, 2013
    9
    This game really isn't that hard, but it's still a lot of fun.
    The combat is addicting, the world is big and theres a lot of replay ablity.

    The port sucks though.
  27. Klewer
    May 17, 2014
    9
    Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition
    Average User Score: 7.2
    May 8, 2014 8 Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition ImageI'll be honest with you. This is game is actually one of the best of this generation and offers so many unique aspect lost on modern games. That feeling you get for just achieving something so simple is amazing, lost on so many recent titles. Sadly a would be perfect    Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition
    Average User Score: 7.2
    May 8, 2014
    8
    Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition ImageI'll be honest with you. This is game is actually one of the best of this generation and offers so many unique aspect lost on modern games. That feeling you get for just achieving something so simple is amazing, lost on so many recent titles.

    Sadly a would be perfect experience is ruined by a sloppy port.    … Expand
  28. 911nsidejob
    May 26, 2014
    10
    At first i was told "you won't like it, it's freaking hard" and i have a bad temper so i stayed
    away from this game then i was like "hell, why not" then i was like "How dare you keep me from this masterpiece!" lol with that said...
    This game is everything i wanted in a sword and sorcery adventure game, I like that it doesn't have a set path to follow and bringing back true difficulty    At first i was told "you won't like it, it's freaking hard" and i have a bad temper so i stayed
    away from this game then i was like "hell, why not" then i was like "How dare you keep me from this masterpiece!" lol with that said...

    This game is everything i wanted in a sword and sorcery adventure game, I like that it doesn't have a set path to follow and bringing back true difficulty in gaming that i have not seen sense 1985 /1992 games.
    The graphics are not Directx11 but it still looks very amazing, they did well considering it's a port.
    Game play is solid, after a couple of hours you have it all down so no worries, from speed dodging techniques to tanking it up and going toe to toe you have a lot of choices here.    … Expand
  29. Baraquel
    Jan 1, 2013
    6
    An average game. Can not understand all the highly positiv reviews. The gameplay on Pc isnt very good but after the first hour and an graphic patch its ok and i dont want to complain about it. But the game it self isnt as good as it could be. The first hours of the game are very hard as u expectet sometimes its frustrating to die this often but before u bought the game u knew it. But afterAn average game. Can not understand all the highly positiv reviews. The gameplay on Pc isnt very good but after the first hour and an graphic patch its ok and i dont want to complain about it. But the game it self isnt as good as it could be. The first hours of the game are very hard as u expectet sometimes its frustrating to die this often but before u bought the game u knew it. But after the first 3 bosses the game gets to easy in my oppinion. Enemys get weak and ure Charakter getts too strong. I killed the final boss without losing half my hp.… Expand
  30. Dracalyus
    Jan 29, 2013
    8
    This game has its issues and it is in need of some improvements and yes it is a straight from console to pc port. That aside I still rate this game as a whole amazing. Why? The community released a fix for the internal resolution glitch. "The controls are bad" Buy a controller. Many console to pc ported games need one for the controls not to be horrible. "It doesn't feel like it was meantThis game has its issues and it is in need of some improvements and yes it is a straight from console to pc port. That aside I still rate this game as a whole amazing. Why? The community released a fix for the internal resolution glitch. "The controls are bad" Buy a controller. Many console to pc ported games need one for the controls not to be horrible. "It doesn't feel like it was meant for PC." IT NEVER WAS INTENDED TO BE. From Software admitted in the beginning when they were first developing Dark Souls for Xbox and PS3 they had no intentions of releasing it for PC. They did this to test the waters. To see what the response would be for their series if they released a game to PC and even included the DLC early exclusive to PC. All that aside, I own copies for both PC and Xbox and I still find the PC version better. The xbox couldn't handle certain parts of the game without lagging. My PC being a powerhouse had no trouble. The gameplay is exceptional. The feeling of embracing a challenge again and again just to die and pick yourself back up again, to try and figure out a new way to get past it. The views are just exceptional. The intricate weight factoring and weaponstyle choices. Just everything about this game made me fall in love with it. True it has its faults and it could have been better, but after the sales reception of this game From Software is now more then aware they have a following in PC gaming and is more then likely to release their next addition on a better enhanced version for the PC.… Expand
  31. Nathonas
    Dec 8, 2015
    10
    It's unfortunate that I only found out about this amazing game after first playing Dark Souls 2. Dark Souls is just so unique and refreshing with its difficult, but fun to master gameplay, minimalist storytelling, and amazing atmosphere. Absolute must-play for any RPG fan and easily in my top 3 games ever played.
  32. Garland
    Jun 9, 2013
    9
    Decent game. the whole PVP system is a bit poor due to lag factors but all in all its a good challenging game. Graphics,plot, animations, characters...pretty nicely made. only real downside is the invasion things. people back-stab you from 30 meters in front of you.
  33. niclong
    Jun 7, 2013
    10
    My all time favorite game. Get this game. The game play is great and majority of the kinks in the game can be fixed with mods. Can't wait for Dark Souls 2!!!
  34. Aetohatir
    Nov 29, 2013
    10
    This game must be my new Favorite!
    Even with all the problems with the port, this game is simply stunning, not only to look at (it is beautiful) but also gameplay wise. The death works in this game is brilliant, it forces you to go deeper into the unknown everytime, you ever feel safe but its so much more satisfying if you achive a victory.
    It might take a while intil you finally dive    This game must be my new Favorite!
    Even with all the problems with the port, this game is simply stunning, not only to look at (it is beautiful) but also gameplay wise. The death works in this game is brilliant, it forces you to go deeper into the unknown everytime, you ever feel safe but its so much more satisfying if you achive a victory.
    It might take a while intil you finally dive deep into the game (it took 3 seperate starts for me) you will be locked into it and then there will be no escape!
    If you are a PC gamer that can handle an easy install of a few patches and LOOOOOOOOVE RPG's this game is simply a must have.
    the mere fact that I give this game a 10/10 even though it has so many problems should speak for it self.    … Expand
  35. altF4forCANDY
    Apr 17, 2014
    10
    The PC port is something to laugh at, but that is soon fixed by DSFix, DSCFix and possibly a few texture mods (really not needed though). The lore is fantastic, the locations are fast, the enemies are well designed and tough, and the online-play is absolutely marvellous; and designed to such a great degree. Oh, and make sure to be using a controller - an Xbox one for best results.The PC port is something to laugh at, but that is soon fixed by DSFix, DSCFix and possibly a few texture mods (really not needed though). The lore is fantastic, the locations are fast, the enemies are well designed and tough, and the online-play is absolutely marvellous; and designed to such a great degree. Oh, and make sure to be using a controller - an Xbox one for best results.

    Overall a fantastic game. Definitely worth getting on the PC.    … Expand
  36. bobbysnobby
    Aug 6, 2013
    9
    Potentially the best game in the last 5 years and rivals the massive titles launched 2007/2008. Most people will be put off on the difficulty of the game but its actually not as hard as people make out, its normally user error that leads to deaths, or people being unwilling to try things and fail. The animations are extremely fluid and weapons have weight and operate fundamentallyPotentially the best game in the last 5 years and rivals the massive titles launched 2007/2008. Most people will be put off on the difficulty of the game but its actually not as hard as people make out, its normally user error that leads to deaths, or people being unwilling to try things and fail. The animations are extremely fluid and weapons have weight and operate fundamentally different leading to varied combat for different user preferences. This game takes a lot of common sense, situational awareness, and a little trial and error. Its a massive story which is filled with depth and ambiguity which is the point of an RPG its not to spoon feed us a story and make us use waist high cover to grind through 20 hours of game play. This is a world, a hostile world, a world filled with love and hate and the story is no different, if you are not willing to take risks or meet the game half way you will have a terrible experience, however, if you do then I promise that this would be one of the only games in your collection you will pick up months and years from now. If you want to button mash and kill everything like a unkillable god then this is not really the game for you, if you like games where you can be in a half-stupor and clear everything this is not the game for your. This is a game for people who like/love a challenge, a rich story which you need to put a lot of work forward to understand. Its for people who like combat which is more "realistic" you approach fights like a human being rather than a video game character, you value your shield more than your sword, you need to find their weaknesses, you need to use your strengths. If next week people were required to reduce every game they own to just 3 titles and those are the only video games they could play, Dark souls would make my list. Having said all of that there are some negatives I personally dont find them very bad but they definitely hold it back from a "perfect" score. Firstly you need a gamepad I wouldn't presume to recommend one in particular, but mouse and keyboard are (to put it kindly) clunky. And many users have a Low resolution problem, which can be fixed very easily using a number of methods.

    Its a tough game, its unforgiving, it may not have the narrative break through of Bioshock, the atmosphere of Shadow of the Colossus, or the game play breakthrough of Super Mario Brothers but this is a game which deserves to be talked about in the same circles as those greats. What it does well it does in spades, and I as a long term gamer for the better half of my life, really respect it when a game is willing to treat me like a thinking adult, and makes me work for something. The struggle bears amazing fruit in this astounding title which will leave you pondering your choices, and what effect they will have on the world. I highly recommend it.    … Expand
  37. Walrob
    Aug 11, 2013
    9
    Dark Souls is an incredible RPG. There's not much more to say about it, the better way of understand is playing it. I must advise, you gonna DIE! A LOT! But, in the end, you gonna love it, 'cause it's a very, very challenging game. I have to say, the PC version is not that good, because of the graphics' issue, the excessively high pc requirements for a good performance in the game and theDark Souls is an incredible RPG. There's not much more to say about it, the better way of understand is playing it. I must advise, you gonna DIE! A LOT! But, in the end, you gonna love it, 'cause it's a very, very challenging game. I have to say, the PC version is not that good, because of the graphics' issue, the excessively high pc requirements for a good performance in the game and the difficult itself. This, if I don't say the bad keyboards/mouse controls. But, even this way, the game is amazing. The gameplay is perfect, the enemies are perfect, the battle-system is quite good. And, as you can see, and as I said, there's not much to say about the game, but there's a lot to play. So, let's prepare ourselves, and let's go die!!… Expand
  38. neigenoire
    Apr 20, 2014
    10
    A lot of the problems of the port are gone! There is a mod that fixes the camera (my biggest issue actually), the resolution and even improves the visuals - the game actually looks better than on consoles. The controls are not bad, really. Yeah, it will take a while to get used to if you're new to the game, but honestly, it's not that bad. The game is perfectly playable with keyboard andA lot of the problems of the port are gone! There is a mod that fixes the camera (my biggest issue actually), the resolution and even improves the visuals - the game actually looks better than on consoles. The controls are not bad, really. Yeah, it will take a while to get used to if you're new to the game, but honestly, it's not that bad. The game is perfectly playable with keyboard and mouse, and I actually prefer it over a controller. If you don't believe me, look up "Dark Souls Mouse Fix". It makes the camera control with the mouse super smooth. In fact, in my personal experience keyboard+mouse controls are more precise that those of controllers.

    As far as the game itself, there is not much to say asides from it being a complete masterpiece. Fun and addictive combat. Mysterious, dark atmosphere, cool environments. And an intriguing storyline, the presentation of which is very, very unique. The game is very challenging, and yeah, some aspects of it can be quite difficult, especially if you're new to the game.

    In short, an amazing, epic journey that you will not easily forget. Getting used to the somewhat untraditional keyboard controls is IMO a small sacrifice for the privilege of experiencing this masterpiece.    … Expand
  39. Malchy
    Dec 1, 2013
    8
    The PC port is downright dreadful. Don't even think about purchasing, if you don't own a controller.

    The game itself is pretty solid, addicting and most of all challenging. It brings back memories of really hardcore oldschool games. Although it can be confusing, overwhelming and sometimes mindlessly frustrating, the feelings you get after each tiny step in progress cannot be put to words.
  40. Sabatasso
    Nov 2, 2013
    8
    The PC port is bad but the mod called DSfix fixes everything. DSfix also enables texture modding possibilities by the way.

    Anyway, the game itself is brilliant! It's easy and hard, simple and complex and fun and boring at the same time! I can't really explain it better than that lol. The combat is simple yet it flows and feels good. You have a ton of things to consider regarding gear    The PC port is bad but the mod called DSfix fixes everything. DSfix also enables texture modding possibilities by the way.

    Anyway, the game itself is brilliant! It's easy and hard, simple and complex and fun and boring at the same time! I can't really explain it better than that lol.

    The combat is simple yet it flows and feels good. You have a ton of things to consider regarding gear that will change combat so much that I't quite amazing how they've manage to balance it. I'd personally love a bit more gear to choose between and possibly a real dual wield combat style.

    The story is great but it isn't forced down your throat so you can kind of choose whether you want to play this as a pure arcade game, an RPG or a mix between the two. The online stuff is also great, but you can choose not to be a part of that by plugging out your internet cable.    … Expand
  41. TheOtherGuy103
    Jan 7, 2014
    8
    After installing the DSfix and hooking up my Xbox controller, I was completely sucked into this world. Like Armored Core, another one of Fromsoft's game series, The game is fairly challenging, but fair.

    Every single one of my deaths were caused by either a mistake or a lack of caution on my part. If I rushed into a room before surveying it, I was punished. If I used the wrong type of    After installing the DSfix and hooking up my Xbox controller, I was completely sucked into this world. Like Armored Core, another one of Fromsoft's game series, The game is fairly challenging, but fair.

    Every single one of my deaths were caused by either a mistake or a lack of caution on my part. If I rushed into a room before surveying it, I was punished. If I used the wrong type of shield in a fight, I was punished. The game does a good job of subtly teaching you its mechanics without posting on-screen hints in the middle of boss battles.

    I also liked how each boss taught me something about the game. The Asylum Demon taught me how to observe my surroundings and how to use them to my advantage, the taurus Demon reinforced that lesson, the Bell Tower Guardians taught me about weak points, etc.

    I will warn new players about the online aspect of the game. In my opinion, it does a perfect job of allowing players to either help each other out, or to ruin each other's days. I fell in love with PVP combat in this game, and even after beating it a few days after release, I am still playing it for its PVP. That said, new players can get turned off by the game fairly easily because of how unexpectedly another (and possibly more experienced) player can invade their world.Another big turn off is the abundance of trainer users that are online.

    One thing to remember about this game is to give it a chance. Dark Souls is an acquired taste, and I guarantee that you will feel very satisfied once you beat it. Fromsoftware has easily become my favourite developer because they try to make their games as satisfying as possible.

    Never give up, and Prepare to Die.    … Expand
  42. PRoxy_oQ
    Nov 19, 2013
    10
    This game has an awful BUT after u install and setup the unofficial patch the game is just great combat RPG lv-up elements, and finally not a game that babysits u and hold your hand... game is full of mini boss and boss fights and most of the game u will feel changed buy ai. Exploration on your own, sudden deaths, and so much depth of what looks like basic RPG is just so immersive.
    I had    This game has an awful BUT after u install and setup the unofficial patch the game is just great combat RPG lv-up elements, and finally not a game that babysits u and hold your hand... game is full of mini boss and boss fights and most of the game u will feel changed buy ai. Exploration on your own, sudden deaths, and so much depth of what looks like basic RPG is just so immersive.
    I had some issues with Big Hat Logain and had to kill last boss whit basic magics but it only made it even more rewarding at the end. Am not sure i even want to talk about awesome mp features of the game 9.9 from me but am not sure how to do it so will give it a 10 :)
    gamepad is a must     … Expand
  43. Johno752
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    I don't understand how people can give this game a zero rating, this is one of the best games ever made, the addon allows 60 fps and greatly improves the texture, provided you install the addon the pc version is much better than the console version, though I'd highly recommend using a controller preferably 360) as the game is not as fun without one.
  44. Pedderlee
    Jan 2, 2014
    9
    To get the bad out of the way: the graphics are appalling and playing with standard PC gear is abysmal. If you want to relax and play this game for 30 mins after your tea, don't bother.

    However, once you're holding a controller in your hands, and you're sitting sit down alone for a day, you realise that none of that matters. This game is exceptional. To start, the combat system is    To get the bad out of the way: the graphics are appalling and playing with standard PC gear is abysmal. If you want to relax and play this game for 30 mins after your tea, don't bother.

    However, once you're holding a controller in your hands, and you're sitting sit down alone for a day, you realise that none of that matters. This game is exceptional.

    To start, the combat system is precise. Dark Souls is near-sadistic in its expectations of you as a gamer. You're expected to be watchful and learn how enemies move, and then formulate exactly how to continue, whether that be with well-timed ripostes and backstabs, tactical luring with bows and throwing knives, or causing devastation by throwing golden spears of holy lightening into your foes heads. No matter the method, you're always one miss-click from seeing 'you died' plastered on the screen (get used to it). Seems unappealing, but It's this difficulty that makes it oh-so rewarding when you do finally reach the next checkpoint, or you finally conquer the boss-demon that you spent the last 50 mins of your life dying to. You did it, not the game 'holding your hand', it was your skill that got you through. It's unlike any game in recent memory in this regard. The bread and butter of any gaming experience is its mechanics, and Dark Souls certainly doesn't disappoint.

    Being terse in regards to the story, as to not give spoilers, it's dark in both it's twisted nature and in the relative subtlety of its presentation. You're not assaulted with cut-scenes and shiny audiologs, no, you 'experience' the story around you, in worlds which, despite the dated graphics, are beautiful in design. You get a 'feel' for the lore without it ever feeling impressed upon. Again, if you don't spend the time 'taking it in', you won't get it.

    One of the backbones of Dark Souls is its online integration. You will be helped by other players and killed by other players, you'll be sharing your victories (like hearing the bell-tower ring when ever another player defeats a certain boss), and you'll be sharing your defeats (pools of blood are laid in your world, containing the ill-fated last moments of others). Your interaction with fellow gamers has enough volume to stop Dark Souls from being lonely, to spur you on when you need it, but yet is cryptic enough not to break the immersion. Don't think for one moment that this game is social media.

    On balance, once you've remedied the problems of the shoddy PC port(buy a controller!), this becomes one of the best games of the last decade. It's dark in it's story-telling, brutal in it's combat and uncompromising in it's approach. It's an adrenaline rush, and a bloody brilliant one at that. Hand-on-heart recommend for the strong of heart gamer.    … Expand
  45. Viandante
    Jan 16, 2014
    9
    This game is beauty.
    The port isn't great, it isn't playable with mouse and keyboard, but this game is the reason why I bought a 360 controller for my pc, and I can say it's worth it.
    Game is hard and punishing, but has a really customizable gameplay: there are several fighting styles, you may farm souls to level up early or just stay at level 1 the whole game, and the game is open    This game is beauty.
    The port isn't great, it isn't playable with mouse and keyboard, but this game is the reason why I bought a 360 controller for my pc, and I can say it's worth it.

    Game is hard and punishing, but has a really customizable gameplay: there are several fighting styles, you may farm souls to level up early or just stay at level 1 the whole game, and the game is open world.

    Buy this game if you miss the good old days, where games weren't pay2win or designed for people who don't want to think, just win.    … Expand
  46. janne808
    Apr 26, 2014
    8
    Although a semi-decent console port on PC, the stellar game design still pulls it through. Probably got away with it for being a small cult game initially. One of my all-time favourite.
  47. Look444
    Mar 13, 2016
    10
    It lost a few interesting things that Demon's Souls had but imo this is the best game FromSoft has developed til today (Dark Souls 3 not released yet). It has an interesting interconnected world with very different areas. It has a deppressing but interesting hidden ish lore. And most important of all, the gameplay is engaging and fun. You already know everything else about this game.
  48. nilsy
    Nov 25, 2015
    1
    This is not a good port from a console to PC game, its not halfway good its one of the worst ive seen.
    It did not feel like they spent half the time needed to make the controls work for a PC user and considering the difficulty in this game this is a to me like the 8th deadly sin:
    Though shalt not make a bad port from console to PC or you will burn in hell for all eternity. They didnt    This is not a good port from a console to PC game, its not halfway good its one of the worst ive seen.
    It did not feel like they spent half the time needed to make the controls work for a PC user and considering the difficulty in this game this is a to me like the 8th deadly sin:
    Though shalt not make a bad port from console to PC or you will burn in hell for all eternity.

    They didnt actually try to make a good PC game in my opinion just a quick money grasp, lets see who will buy the game based on its strong console game reputation.

    This gets a 1 there may be a few extreme case games that are actually worse but i cant think of any i remember the name of but im sure ive played some.    … Expand
  49. Squerol
    Sep 4, 2014
    10
    Get gamepad controller, DSfix (to tweak performance and quality) and DSCfix (for better connection with friend-list players and either non-friend with DSCfix installed), so you are ready to go (it will be long)...

    Dark Souls is just perfectly done old-school Action-RPG, not affected with latest games "innovations" (sarkasm). #Great world (not kilometers long, dull, empty world, its    Get gamepad controller, DSfix (to tweak performance and quality) and DSCfix (for better connection with friend-list players and either non-friend with DSCfix installed), so you are ready to go (it will be long)...

    Dark Souls is just perfectly done old-school Action-RPG, not affected with latest games "innovations" (sarkasm).
    #Great world (not kilometers long, dull, empty world, its some sort of open, just great designed, where everything fits with everything , with atmosphere around, interconnected areas which makes exploration awesome, very interesting locations, no chances to boring around),
    #Greatly done, deep combat, especially boss fights and PvP, near every weapon have diffirent movesets, here are comboses, blocks, counters, rolls, jumping attacks, challenging enemies, everything what makes combat superior, need to play some more time it out to know what I'm talkin about, only backstabbs are some sort of cheap feature,
    #Character development - earned souls are like expierience points and some sort of cash, raising attributes is well done, there are plenty of them, which every of them have affect on our gameplay, inventory managment is great too, lot of customization and good upgrade weapons/armors system, And there are no best equipment, it all depends how are you playing and how do you use things to make yourself complete...
    #World lore and characters - who goes deep in game, knows what Im talking about,
    #Game design - art design of game is just excellent... Everything in game is not generic, is just well crafted, detailed as hell, world locations, enemies, bosses (awesome), items, evetything around looks like hand made masterpiece, From Software earned applaus again here,
    #Sound effects - good, which fits to game, einvorment SFX, and soundtrack, which some tracks here are again some memorable masterpiece (Four Kings theme, Golem/Stray theme, Gwyn theme),
    #Gameplay/Atmosphere - game plays excellent and long, well done controls if played on gamepad ( well, its console port), combat, exploration, suiting yourself with better things, discovering deep world around and rich game mechanics, nothing more to tell ;), no chances to gets bored, atmosphere of game is thick as hell,
    #Online interactions - well there are messages leaving system, PvP and Co-operation system, and other miscelanous things, that shows other players egsistence, Well there are flaws and bad things, but about bad later. PvP and Co-op are great additions which makes gameplay more and more awesome, combat system is just great for PvP (tons of people just made characters for PvP only). On beggining it can be overhelming, but after some hours spended here it will be superior expierience.... And there are a lot of various covenants, which have affect on how we will interact online.
    #Artorias of the Abyss DLC content - fullfilment to the core game, great quality addition, best bosses from the game here,

    Bad things
    #Port quality - issues can be fixed with DSfix tool, mentioned above,
    #Online play quality - one big mess here, annoying GFWL system, all time lags (you must all time think some seconds forward, forseeing alot), not depending a lot on our connection quality, damn bad players pairing, most of time invasion/summoning failed communicates, often disconnections, it makes online playing only for players with some patience, I didnt ever saw worse than that online playing system on my eyes, check it out to get qucikly annoyed....

    So final - game is overall masterpiece. From Software made near perfect game, made for gamers, not just for commercials (sadly, Dark Souls 2 gone to wrong way...) Game that you need to play, if you like action-RPG (well mixed, lot of action), with great depth in its, a lot of memorable things there, 10/10 note fully desreved. Issues to bad port quality can be easily fixed, so I dont take that on final opinion. One of the best games made ever. That's not a lie people, play it by yourselfs. Worth buying without any hestitations, and its very cheap to buy in this time.    … Expand
  50. khronlk
    Sep 16, 2014
    10
    The game itself is amazing, graphics are pretty nice, the flow of the map and game run very nice and the lore is pretty damn cool if you look it up. The controls is what people seem to have the biggest issue with and yeah it's not as smooth as a lot of games but you can use a controller or download a mod to fix things up.

    At first I wasn't a fan of the game in the 30 minutes I took to    The game itself is amazing, graphics are pretty nice, the flow of the map and game run very nice and the lore is pretty damn cool if you look it up. The controls is what people seem to have the biggest issue with and yeah it's not as smooth as a lot of games but you can use a controller or download a mod to fix things up.

    At first I wasn't a fan of the game in the 30 minutes I took to try it, seemed difficult and the controls did get to me but after giving this game a second chance and installing a mouse mod to help I really came to love the game. I have beat it twice now and am on my third run through, I always find myself looking up more lore about the game because it is so interesting. I would give the game overall a 9 out of 10 but I am giving it a 10 here to offset the stupid reviews here giving it a 0 for no reason but them being to dumb to comprehend anything about this game.

    Buy this game if you like a good challenge and wanna try something new.    … Expand
  51. Centrey
    Sep 17, 2014
    9
    A beautiful game. A game, so rich in lore and pristine storytelling, surely people can get past the PC port issue. The enchanting music, interesting characters and unique game-play make this one of the greatest games of all times. When a game almost makes me tear up after killing a hostile boss, you know that it's pretty amazing. The Daughters of Chaos story makes me feel things I neverA beautiful game. A game, so rich in lore and pristine storytelling, surely people can get past the PC port issue. The enchanting music, interesting characters and unique game-play make this one of the greatest games of all times. When a game almost makes me tear up after killing a hostile boss, you know that it's pretty amazing. The Daughters of Chaos story makes me feel things I never thought a game could make me feel. But unfortunately it does have faults so that is why it is only a 9.… Expand
  52. FrenchToast
    Oct 13, 2014
    9
    Poorly designed port but can be fixed easily by downloading dsfix and placing it in your DS folder. Game all but requires a controller but I prefer controllers so I won't knock it for that.
  53. Belydrith
    Oct 14, 2014
    9
    Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is everything an RPG Fan seeking for a little more challenge could ever hope for. This is hands down one of the hardest AAA games in the last 10 years, but having excellent gameplay that requires alot of dedication and time to master.
    The story, while not easily understood by the average player, isn't actually too bad - if you take the time to read item    Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is everything an RPG Fan seeking for a little more challenge could ever hope for. This is hands down one of the hardest AAA games in the last 10 years, but having excellent gameplay that requires alot of dedication and time to master.
    The story, while not easily understood by the average player, isn't actually too bad - if you take the time to read item descriptions, listen to the more than often mad NPCs and keep adding new pieces to this story puzzle.

    Only downsides are:
    - weak graphics & technical execution ( INSTALL DSFIX!!! IT TAKES LESS THAN 5 MINUTES AND WILL MAKE THE GAME ALOT MORE ENJOYABLE!!!)
    - unplayable keyboard controls (you definitely want a gamepad for this)
    - Online features not working as intended, mainly due to Games for Windows Live ( Thanks, Microsoft.)

    But all of those points (except the online thing sadly) can be easily fixed and once solved, provide a unique gaming "experience". Yes I did just use the word experience. Dark Souls is literally a journey of emotions, from depression to unlimited joy. Just don't give up on it.    … Expand
  54. LifeHistory
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    This was my first Souls game. I had really hard time at first and kind of hated it a bit because of the difficulty and the new mechanics that I had to learn. From Software brought a whole new genre to us and it was very refreshing and satisfying. It has nice world design and the fun of exploring is made in a right way and the feeling when you slaughter you enemies is fantastic

    If you    This was my first Souls game. I had really hard time at first and kind of hated it a bit because of the difficulty and the new mechanics that I had to learn. From Software brought a whole new genre to us and it was very refreshing and satisfying. It has nice world design and the fun of exploring is made in a right way and the feeling when you slaughter you enemies is fantastic

    If you don't have the discipline of dying too many times at a game then move on because this is nothing for you. You will get angry and you will scream and swear at some point but that's also whats makes it fun.

    Good idea with cool gameplay and once you play it you will remember it for the rest of your life. I've played every soul game and even bloodborne. DS2 has more place in my heart than any other soul game for some mystic reason...    … Expand
  55. Twade
    Apr 16, 2015
    10
    Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is the PC port of the legendary spiritual successor to Demon Souls. It is a punishingly difficult game designed to make you think instead of rush. Don't try to play it without a game pad, the keyboard controls are famously unintelligent in their layout. Also, take the Master Key at the start. Just a hint. You need to use the beta edition on steam to getDark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is the PC port of the legendary spiritual successor to Demon Souls. It is a punishingly difficult game designed to make you think instead of rush. Don't try to play it without a game pad, the keyboard controls are famously unintelligent in their layout. Also, take the Master Key at the start. Just a hint. You need to use the beta edition on steam to get rid of the former Games for Windows Live overlay, which will cause problems with saves and achievements if not handled properly. The environment, the game play, and the community all come together to make one of the best games of the decade.… Expand
  56. DianaWinters
    May 1, 2015
    10
    I feel that this game is one of the best that I've ever played. I did not find the controls complicated, despite using a keyboard and mouse. I do not see the problem that other people seem to have.
    If you're one of those people that have a huge issue with the graphics, feel free to download the graphics fix, but it was hardly a problem for me.
  57. ShadowU
    Dec 2, 2015
    10
    Dark Souls is the hands down the best game of the previous generation and will remain the best game of this decade. It just offers unparalleled gameplay and a story that's beyond anything we've had in RPGs so far.

    The people complaining about the port are just silly. Yes, it's a bad port, but you only need a controller and 2 minutes of your life to install a mod that fixes everything.
  58. JeromeLey
    Mar 28, 2017
    10
    Hands down the best game i've ever played. No sentence could describe the combination of dread, excitement, and awe that I felt every time I go through a fog gate and see a boss for the first time.
  59. ultrasoft
    Jul 28, 2016
    10
    Love it. Might be my favourite game ever.

    Yeah, the port is dodgy. Download the mods, get a controller, and prepare to give a few hundred hours to this amazing game. It's such a unique experience, with a strange world crammed with character, atmosphere, and creativity. What's very interesting to me, and I don't think I've experienced this with a game before, is how the    Love it. Might be my favourite game ever.

    Yeah, the port is dodgy. Download the mods, get a controller, and prepare to give a few hundred hours to this amazing game.

    It's such a unique experience, with a strange world crammed with character, atmosphere, and creativity.

    What's very interesting to me, and I don't think I've experienced this with a game before, is how the consciousness that you develop when playing Dark Souls leaks into the rest of your life, and you find yourself examining reality with a different mindset. That's pretty amazing. I guess YMMV

    A challenging, magical, life changing game for me.    … Expand
  60. vitucovigo
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. PC port is bad, but with DSFIX is perfect. Controller highly recommended.
    The world is beautiful and really well connected. That connexions between areas are just crazy. It's awesome. The combat system is fantastic, the lore is dark and hard to find out without reading object descriptions. The bosses are incredible. The difficulty is well implemented. You must    This game is a masterpiece. PC port is bad, but with DSFIX is perfect. Controller highly recommended.
    The world is beautiful and really well connected. That connexions between areas are just crazy. It's awesome. The combat system is fantastic, the lore is dark and hard to find out without reading object descriptions. The bosses are incredible. The difficulty is well implemented. You must try this game out.    … Expand
  61. Lunatikculture
    Feb 20, 2018
    10
    One of the best games of all time for me. Simple mechanics that turn into a deep gameplay experience. Hard but rewarding. Complex and misterious story.
  62. Jucarock
    Apr 28, 2018
    10
    Dark Souls is a giant landmark in video game industry. It started with Demon Souls. The difficult, battle system, the learning curve, level design, online experience. I played with mouse and keyboard and i have to say that initially you will suffer with the "lock target" system (not if you play with controller), but Dark Souls is for the strong souls and you die and die and learn from it.Dark Souls is a giant landmark in video game industry. It started with Demon Souls. The difficult, battle system, the learning curve, level design, online experience. I played with mouse and keyboard and i have to say that initially you will suffer with the "lock target" system (not if you play with controller), but Dark Souls is for the strong souls and you die and die and learn from it. At the moment of this review, three Dark Souls already have been released and my opinion is If you want to start playing, start from this game because of graphics (2 and 3 are better and you can find it a little ugly if you start from 2 or 3 and come to this) and the next games will be less punitive since you have trained a lot in this game. Dark Souls is It's an incredible experience since you play knowing that you will have enough difficulty and will have to overcome the anger to advance in the game.… Expand
  63. Wivers
    Apr 28, 2019
    7
    Je suis assez déçu, au vu de sa notoriété je m’attendais à mieux. En deux mots : certain combats peuvent être difficile mais surtout le jeu est TRES laborieux.

    Alors y’a des trucs cool bien sur : l’ambiance, les combats exigeants, le design des ennemis… la violence ! C’est toujours cool de découvrir les environnements pour la première fois. Mais malgré toutes ses qualités, c’est trop    Je suis assez déçu, au vu de sa notoriété je m’attendais à mieux. En deux mots : certain combats peuvent être difficile mais surtout le jeu est TRES laborieux.

    Alors y’a des trucs cool bien sur : l’ambiance, les combats exigeants, le design des ennemis… la violence ! C’est toujours cool de découvrir les environnements pour la première fois. Mais malgré toutes ses qualités, c’est trop long : la duré de vie est rallongée artificiellement par la « difficulté » et autres choix douteux (voir merdique) de game design.

    Cote Technique :
    - faut faire des manipulations sous windows pour avoir du 60 fps. Et en plus on est obligé d’enlever l’antialiasing pour ca… wtf ? Ce n’est pas un petit détail ! Je vois beaucoup d’évaluations qui parlent de portage raté, et ca doit être une des raisons. Mais heureusement que y’a la communauté qui fait le boulot a la place du studio…

    - Ce jeu n’a PAS DE PAUSE. WOW, alors ca c’est du design de merde ! Votre femme vous appelle pour quelque chose ? Mieux vaut pas qu’il y ait d’ennemis dans les parages, ou c’est elle qui va devenir le votre ! Coup de téléphone ? Envie de pisser ? On sonne à la porte ? Le chat a vomi sur vos genoux ? Le bébé pleur ? Imaginez un jeune parent jouer a ce jeu… la galère que ce serait!

    - Interface menu perfectible.

    -Les contrôles aussi

    - système de sauvegarde qui fait chier plus qu’autres chose.

    - la camera qui fait chier régulièrement

    - Le jeu n’est pas clair sur beaucoup de mécaniques et le manuel n’apporte pas assez d’indications. Quand on joue pour la première fois on bite rien. Obligé d’aller voir un wiki bordel. storytelling quasi-inexistant. Combien de joueurs ont tout pigé seulement en jouant au jeu ?

    - le perso reste parfois bloqué dans les montés (escaliers/rampe) et cours sur place, c’est TRES pénible.

    LE point noir pour moi : Ce n’est pas si difficile, c’est surtout laborieux ! . Ma principale critique porte sur la façon dont le jeu vous fait parcourir de NOMBREUSES fois le même chemin, notamment celui entre le bonfire et un boss balèze. . Pour un combat de 2-3 min qui vous intéresse, vous devez perdre 5-10 min par tentative… Difficile de faire moins intéressant.
    Pourquoi ne pas avoir mis un point de sauvegarde juste avant le bosse ? Pas même un bonfire, juste une quicksave ?
    Ca ne créer pas de la difficulté mais seulement de la frustration et beaucoup de temps perdu.
    Et donc, la solution ? Tu cours ! Puisque ces combats sont inutiles, mieux vaut les éviter. Tu zigzags entre les monstres jusqu’au bosse comme si tu faisais un speedrun. Ca transforme ces 5-10 min en 3. Ces 3 min sont toujours aussi chiantes mais au moins c’est un peu plus court. Paradoxe du golf : le but est de jouer le moins possible.
    Heureusement que j’ai un deuxième écran ou je pouvais regarder netflix pendant ces périodes de sprint… Parce qu’on s’y fait bien chier !

    Le jeu n’est pas du tout débutant-friendly. De manière générale on ne sait pas toujours ou on doit aller. J’ai facilement perdu plusieurs heures à cause de ca, et ca participe au problème du rythme.

    aspect multijoueur: bofbof (pas assez de caractères pour élaborer )

    Deuxième point noir : un problème conceptuel que j’ai avec d’autres jeux : l’expérience infinie.
    contre la difficulté : farmer ! Le dilemme que pose le jeu est le suivant : est-ce que vous préférer perdre du temps à parcourir plusieurs fois le chemin entre un challenge bien corsé et un bonfire, ou vaut-il mieux perdre du temps à farmer d’abord?
    Et comme on le sait tous, « farmer » c’est le cancer du rpg. xp infini = challenge déséquilibré. +

    Finalement je ne sais pas si c’était vraiment utile que le jeu soit aussi punitif. Qu’on retire juste l’humanité a la mort, ca me semble être une motivation suffisante pour retourner la chercher. Mais toute l’xp ? C’est vraiment juste pour faire chier et ralentir la progression du joueur. C’est un système à la con. Ils auraient pu faire perdre un pourcentage, et ca aurait évité aux joueurs d’aller farmer pour compenser. Le rythme du jeu en aurait été amélioré.    … Expand
  64. p0x0rz
    Aug 28, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest games of our generation. As for those complaining about the PC port, let me quote the Eurogamer review for you:

    "In general, the arguments are wearying and all that needs to be said is this: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition does not come with the technical options you would expect from a well-engineered PC game, because it's a port of a console game, and that's    One of the greatest games of our generation. As for those complaining about the PC port, let me quote the Eurogamer review for you:

    "In general, the arguments are wearying and all that needs to be said is this: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition does not come with the technical options you would expect from a well-engineered PC game, because it's a port of a console game, and that's all From Software ever promised to deliver. Anyone who passes up Dark Souls for this reason is cutting off their nose to spite their neckbeard of a face."

    If you pass up Dark Souls because you have to patch it to unlock it's resolution or because you might want a gamepad, you're denying yourself one of the best gaming experiences in years for easily overcome technical reasons. That's like skipping an amazingly cooked dinner because you have to drive to a friends house to eat it.    … Expand
  65. koroshiya_ichi
    Aug 28, 2012
    10
    Game of the decade.

    The port isn't bad per se, rather, it's a 1:1 conversion from the console version but it requires a gamepad. Resolution-lock can be easily disabled, and the resulting upscale shows a game which looks better than the likes of Skyrim and Mass Effect, despite being made on a far smaller budget and originally developed for consoles, not PC. As for the game itself,    Game of the decade.

    The port isn't bad per se, rather, it's a 1:1 conversion from the console version but it requires a gamepad. Resolution-lock can be easily disabled, and the resulting upscale shows a game which looks better than the likes of Skyrim and Mass Effect, despite being made on a far smaller budget and originally developed for consoles, not PC.

    As for the game itself, tight combat, immense replay value, deep gameplay mechanics, once again, best game of the past 10 years.    … Expand
  66. Un0va
    Aug 3, 2013
    9
    While I did have major gripes about the PC version earlier they proved to be easily fixed with DSfix. Even with the problems this port has I still feel it deserves the highest praise just because the game is so incredible. The two warnings I have are that the game is very bad at explaining itself I didn't know what poise was, for example, a major facet of the game, and you have to look itWhile I did have major gripes about the PC version earlier they proved to be easily fixed with DSfix. Even with the problems this port has I still feel it deserves the highest praise just because the game is so incredible. The two warnings I have are that the game is very bad at explaining itself I didn't know what poise was, for example, a major facet of the game, and you have to look it up to learn. The other is that it exists to fill a very specific niche. If it fills that for you, then there is no finer game this generation. The game is a game of skill, not luck while it is renowned for its difficulty once you learn the ins and outs of combat it quickly becomes much better, though still challenging. For a game ported straight from consoles it looks wonderful. The boss battles are tense and exciting and will often destroy you, but even then are still fun. with the flaws it has I feel that it excels at everything it does and deserves incredible praise. I could go on about how incredible Dark Souls is, but the basis is, you should play this game. It deserves it and so do you.… Expand
  67. Onix24
    Aug 27, 2012
    10
    Forget the porting problem. It's all fixable... If you can see past the technicall issues you have one of the best games ever made. Download DS fix from Dante and plug in the controller and you will see, that its not that bad of a port if you use this fix and a controller. If you are looking for a challenge and rewarding very good fighting system, then this is the game for you. Bosse's areForget the porting problem. It's all fixable... If you can see past the technicall issues you have one of the best games ever made. Download DS fix from Dante and plug in the controller and you will see, that its not that bad of a port if you use this fix and a controller. If you are looking for a challenge and rewarding very good fighting system, then this is the game for you. Bosse's are just amazingly done and the souls concept of the game really adds an interesting gameplay. If you die you're gonna want to get the souls back and you probably will die alot as the title say's :). I love that there are still some deep adult rpg's and not just hack and slash **** Diablo 3 can eat Dark Souls dust... I really urge you not to listen to the whining that it's a bad port. The game itself with the fix and an xbox controller is just amazing. Really recommend it!… Expand
  68. Groknatarz
    Aug 26, 2012
    10
    Maybe the graphics are outdated and the controls with the keyboard sucks, but if you play Dark Souls with a gamepad, the atmosphere, the story, the secrets, the monster, the difficulty, the playtime, the game depth will kick your ass and let you hate and love this game. Your heart will remember this fantastic game.

    You want a game which you'll remember in ten years? Then play Dark Souls    Maybe the graphics are outdated and the controls with the keyboard sucks, but if you play Dark Souls with a gamepad, the atmosphere, the story, the secrets, the monster, the difficulty, the playtime, the game depth will kick your ass and let you hate and love this game. Your heart will remember this fantastic game.

    You want a game which you'll remember in ten years? Then play Dark Souls - one of the best RPG of all time.    … Expand
  69. RichyRoo
    Aug 26, 2012
    10
    Okay it isn't the best of ports, but this is still a fantastic game. The key port issue for me was the resolution and this has now been corrected. A unique, compelling experience. Highly recommend.
  70. Anotherandomnes
    Aug 27, 2012
    10
    First, I'm not giving this port a 10 to offset low scores. That's what I actually think the port deserves. It doesn't have many graphical options (though it has more than Darksiders 2 or Rage), but honestly the game is so easy to run you won't need many options. My GTX 460 768MB and 3.2Ghz Phenom II max it easily and keep it above the cap at all times. The 30fps cap, btw, is way smootherFirst, I'm not giving this port a 10 to offset low scores. That's what I actually think the port deserves. It doesn't have many graphical options (though it has more than Darksiders 2 or Rage), but honestly the game is so easy to run you won't need many options. My GTX 460 768MB and 3.2Ghz Phenom II max it easily and keep it above the cap at all times. The 30fps cap, btw, is way smoother than any 330fps cap I've ever seen. Borderlands at 30fps hurts my eyes, whereas a stable 30 in Dark Souls is smoother than a stable 60 in most games. It was made to run at 30 fps, the animations were recorded at 30 fps, and the cap is totally stable. It doesn't create minor inconsistancies like capping with Fraps (or any 3rd party program), so it's way smoother.

    On graphics, at 720p this looks better than Skyrim on ultra at 1080p. If you download the simple resolution uncapper mod (it installs in literally 4 seconds), Dark Souls has amazing graphics. They're truly gorgeous at 1080p; dynamic rays radiate from the sun, the water flows and ripples around your legs with full mesh reflections, baked ambient occlusion makes the landscape look great, and the textures are ultra HD. The people saying they're low quality textures are forgetting that the game is forcing what looks like awful trilinear texture filtering by default. Switch to at least 8x Anisotropic in your video card drivers, and these textures are amazing. The game is optimized amazingly; a 9800 will give you PS3 performance, while my 460 blows it away completely. Anything higher just adds more room for forced SSAO through your drivers, and graphics mods.

    On my 460 with the modded resolution uncapper allowing true 1080p instead of the fake effect that's in by default, Dark Souls looks comparable to The Witcher 2 and runs better. I'm not joking, this is just amazing. That one simple mod changes everything. To people who say you can't rate a game for mods, what about Skyrim? Without mods Skyrim's barely playable on the PC with the imprecise UI and heavy-handed aim assist.

    People who say this is not optimized are no doubt looking at their graphics card as the culprit, but because it saves and loads constantly you need a strong cpu rather than a strong graphics card. This is why some people are getting low framerates with 660's; if you have an Intel Pentium at 2.3 Ghz your graphics card doesn't matter. A dual core i3 at at least 2.5Ghz should handle it fine, but my Phenom II at 3.2Ghz is above and beyond. An i5 at 3.0Ghz or an i7 at almost any speed would be above what you need. I rated Skyrim well, because of mods, and I rate Dark Souls well partially because of that one resolution uncapper. It's so simple and easy to install there's absolutely no reason not to have it.
    I will say that you NEED a gamepad to play this. The keys can be rebound (contrary to what some people posted here without even bothering to check), but mouse controls just aren't meant for this game. I love my gaming mouse for shooters and precision, but a gamepad just works way better in Dark Souls. You can use most PC gamepads and all 360 controllers. PS3 controllers also work great if you download a program like Motion Joy to allow your PS3 controller to work with a PC.

    Aside from the port, the game itself is top-notch. Dark Souls is a perfect 10 in gameplay, style, lore, and just about everything else. I saved that for the PS3 review page, so I'm not going to fully cover it. It just has everything you could possibly want. Dark Souls has120+ hours of gameplay without touching New Game+ or the awesome online (btw, the online is now totally lag free if you have a decent internet connection). If you walk in snow, you leave footprints. You can dual wield or single-hand any weapon on the fly, and the dodging is superb and fluid. Capes flow in the wind, ambient sound effects and intense dark fantasy music add atmosphere, and nearly every clutter item can be shattered into individual boards and shards. A spindly chair or vases can be rolled through and crushed, while a heavy oaken table may require a full dive or an attack to break, but it all breaks dynamically. This makes the combat visceral and intense, and means that you have zero annoyances while dodging and diving around. The animations on all the unique enemies are amazing and sinuous, the art style is perfectly dark, and it's all skill. People say it's cheap because you're just as weak as the standard enemies you're fighting, but all that really means is you need more skill. The game is totally seamless, and virtually never loads once you start it up. It's so immersive it's breathtaking, and the spells, bows, and melee are all just fun and really smooth and responsive to use. The game lets you roam with quite a bit of freedom, and if you can see something you can walk to it eventually.

    The new DLC is also great. It's all as high-quality as the best moments from the base game, so it's just peerless.    … Expand
  71. Yoooooooooooooo
    Aug 27, 2012
    10
    If you love Real games, get on here and make your voice heard. The game runs fine well enough on my rig and I could tell right away that it is indeed something special. Use a controller - get one for twenty bucks if you need to (I'm using a Logitech in the PS3 controller style), you are good to go. It Does take time to get used to the camera and controls - don't expect instantIf you love Real games, get on here and make your voice heard. The game runs fine well enough on my rig and I could tell right away that it is indeed something special. Use a controller - get one for twenty bucks if you need to (I'm using a Logitech in the PS3 controller style), you are good to go. It Does take time to get used to the camera and controls - don't expect instant gratification, like everyone is saying this is a real game not a hand-holder. FromSoftware deserves a ten for enduring the pain of porting this to the PC for us. Hurray!… Expand
  72. Pirate_Who
    Sep 1, 2012
    3
    I heard using the keyboard for this port was nearly impossible, so I used my X360 gamepad. I still found the controls to be to clunky and very poor for combat. I found the graphics to be terrible even with the resolution fix. The item menu was also terrible to navigate though even with a gamepad. I feel this game has a lot of potential that was wasted due to a lack of refinement of theI heard using the keyboard for this port was nearly impossible, so I used my X360 gamepad. I still found the controls to be to clunky and very poor for combat. I found the graphics to be terrible even with the resolution fix. The item menu was also terrible to navigate though even with a gamepad. I feel this game has a lot of potential that was wasted due to a lack of refinement of the game mechanics and controls. Not to mention there is no way to pause even when navigating menus. Also let me emphasize "Prepare to Die Edition" really means just that. The poor controls and game mechanics make this a real grind fest that takes extreme patience.… Expand
  73. Lako
    Sep 8, 2012
    3
    How can people complain about the controls and graphics and then give it a 10? I bet half the people here are console gamers defending their title. Notice how short the reviews are on the reviews with a score of 10.
    Pros...
    Costs less than the console version and comes with a DLC. A challenging game with an interesting story. Cons... Internal resolution locked at 720p. Almost    How can people complain about the controls and graphics and then give it a 10? I bet half the people here are console gamers defending their title. Notice how short the reviews are on the reviews with a score of 10.
    Pros...
    Costs less than the console version and comes with a DLC.
    A challenging game with an interesting story.
    Cons...
    Internal resolution locked at 720p.
    Almost complete lack of graphical settings.
    Having to sign into Windows Live. I'm already signed into Steam.
    The game still displays 360 controls on the screen when there is no controller plugged in.
    The KB&M controls are very hard to use.
    The default controller/keyboard mapping is terrible.
    The game play is really slow and clunky.
    The graphics are really cheap, like flat lo-res images being used as backgrounds(not talking about sky).    … Expand
  74. Galnospoke
    Aug 28, 2012
    0
    100% mistake. Terrible port. We have AD 2012 and max 30 FPS?! No resolution?! Lags on fast computer?! What the f*ck! And bad camera, only MS Pad supported, Windows Live system. Piece of junk!
  75. Breostag
    Aug 27, 2012
    10
    Once you've installed the fixes made my the community members, this game is a true jewel. If possible, you might want to play with a gamepad for your own comfort, although mouse and keyboard is also a viable option. The game itself has a rich atmosphere, interesting NPCs, glorious combat which is very realistic and rewarding. This is a MUST BUY for any gamer out there.
  76. rockmosh
    Sep 2, 2012
    10
    First of all, if you don't have a control pad, go get one, don't attempt to play it on keyboard and mouse because you will end up whining like all the other kids giving 0's to this game. This game might not be the best port, but it IS the best RPG in many years. Its completely playable on PC and I would even say I liked it more than on console.
    Pseudo-"reviewers" giving this a 0 because    First of all, if you don't have a control pad, go get one, don't attempt to play it on keyboard and mouse because you will end up whining like all the other kids giving 0's to this game. This game might not be the best port, but it IS the best RPG in many years. Its completely playable on PC and I would even say I liked it more than on console.
    Pseudo-"reviewers" giving this a 0 because of the difficulty are just pathetic, the game is hard but not unfair. You have to learn how to play, the learning curve might be steep but with a bit of a brain and patience you will get and you'll realize why people love this game. And when I say patience, I don't only mean patience learning, but patience controlling your character, I've died countless times for being overconfident.
    If you love RPG's you should really play Dark Souls, the world is one of the best I've seen. All the areas are connected in ways so smart that is obvious how much thought was put into the map. Unlike Skyrim's world, there are no fillers between areas here, no walking for "kilometers" to get from one place to the other.
    The PvP is complex and intense. You have to actually be smart to try it.
    All in all, this is a game every RPG lover should try. Like Demons' Souls, this is a unique experience unlike any other game.    … Expand
  77. Jackiel
    Aug 24, 2012
    7
    The game is definitely worth playing, but sadly it's a really lazy port to the PC platform. The camera control is horrendous whether you are using the keyboard or mouse. If you are using mouse, the camera just jitters around which makes you miss your normal attacks sometimes, or even lead you to drop in a dead pit. If you use the keyboard, well it feels more smooth, just like when you areThe game is definitely worth playing, but sadly it's a really lazy port to the PC platform. The camera control is horrendous whether you are using the keyboard or mouse. If you are using mouse, the camera just jitters around which makes you miss your normal attacks sometimes, or even lead you to drop in a dead pit. If you use the keyboard, well it feels more smooth, just like when you are using analog sticks, but then it's too slow to sway the camera to a correct angle to do anything (console players can probably be good at this, but as a pure PC gamer, I simply can't stand it). Movement control wise, it feels a lot better than the camera, but still suffers from random problems, such as sometimes my character would just execute some actions which I completely did not order him to do so, like random rolls, random jump attacks, random stab towards a completely reversed direction, but I do not know if it is the game or is it just me not being used to this controlling scheme. Besides the control problems and several other port problems, the game itself is actually quite amazing, and definitely one of the most challenging yet rewarding games these years. The art style and the graphic rendering just completely fits with the setting and the tone of the world, and the combat system is also very complicated and worth exploiting, plus intelligent level design and enemy AI configurations, with those HUUUUGE epic bosses, so overall, it's a great game, but badly ported.… Expand
  78. DrChocolate
    Aug 30, 2012
    10
    One of my recent favourites. I bought this when it came out on the PS3 and I could not wait to get this edition.
    A lot of the frame rate issues were fixed, content was added, PvP was improved-- overall, for 40$ this is a steal.
  79. astorias
    Sep 3, 2012
    10
    Awesome game, not the best port but with the small fix the game looks stunning! There is no going back to console version after the fix. The only complain is locked 30fps. Controls are as good as in console version (nobody should play with keyboard these kind of games anyway). Hopefully From Software continues support PC but I highly doubt it after these new games who rage when there is aAwesome game, not the best port but with the small fix the game looks stunning! There is no going back to console version after the fix. The only complain is locked 30fps. Controls are as good as in console version (nobody should play with keyboard these kind of games anyway). Hopefully From Software continues support PC but I highly doubt it after these new games who rage when there is a slight problems.

    All in all, very solid port. No crashes or freezes, fps drops rarely (no Blightown issues anymore). Works
    better than most of the other PC games what I have played. The best PC game at the moment with SSF4 AE 2012 and RE5. Must have!    … Expand
  80. rattlehaed
    Aug 26, 2012
    5
    Terrible port, the graphics are abysmal, using the mouse for camera control is not smooth at all, and the instructions for the game use xbox 360 controller buttons, WHY!?
  81. TheHuNTeR
    Aug 28, 2012
    9
    A word of warning: This game is a straight port to PC and I highly recommend using a gamepad (preferably an Xbox360 pad). The internal resolution of this game is capped at 1024x720 and the frames are capped at 30 as well (Not a big deal since this is an RPG). There does happen to be a fix from a modder going by the handle Durante. Just google DSFix for Dark Souls. Anyways, onto the review.A word of warning: This game is a straight port to PC and I highly recommend using a gamepad (preferably an Xbox360 pad). The internal resolution of this game is capped at 1024x720 and the frames are capped at 30 as well (Not a big deal since this is an RPG). There does happen to be a fix from a modder going by the handle Durante. Just google DSFix for Dark Souls. Anyways, onto the review. The game is gorgeous in the sense that the art style fits this unforgiving game so well. It's dark, gloomy, and hangs towards a more gritty and realistic rendition of medieval European times. The enemies are intimidating, especially the stronger ones, and the bosses even more so. And this all ties together with the difficulty of this game. This isn't an accessible RPG. At all. You will die a lot. This game needs to be taken slow, and strategies need to be thought out. This may seem like a hack n' slash but trust me, it isn't. Strategies come down to the actual gear and stat builds of your characters and how you want to play the game. You can be a quick and nibble thief, a long range master of the bow, a sorcerer, a tanky knight that can withstand a beating, or even a melee caster focusing on fire-based DPS. It all comes down to your play style and how you'll utilize it against the merciless foes in this game.… Expand
  82. Sevair
    Sep 30, 2012
    2
    Simply put, the game's port was so abysmal that I couldn't play it. Controls make no sense and the camera moves 'wrong'. Anyone who hasn't already formed an affectionate bond with this tittle via some console, stay away from the PC version. Stay far, far, far away.
  83. Masterhummel
    Aug 24, 2012
    9
    Well, i was also a little bit disapointed by the stright port. But to be fair, From Software communicated it months ago: Get a controller. Now i'm playing the game with the resolution fix and my ps3 controller and i have to say it really, really looks amazing and runs pretty stable. However, i have a nvidia card. Ati user maybe experience other circumstances.
  84. Diswin
    Oct 3, 2012
    0
    It seems FromSoftware really hates PC users. There are a few good ports from modern consoles, but DS:PtDE definitely is worst of the worst. I want my money back. I'll buy PS3-version.
  85. Kanti
    Aug 28, 2012
    10
    I'm shocked by all the negative feedback this game as been getting. Sure, it's obviously a port, no surprise there, but it's completely playable with keyboard alone, and the keys are completely rebindable. Bottom line, this is an amazing game, and despite the relatively minor issues it has, I feel it fully deserves a 10 out of 10 based on the quality of the gameplay.
  86. getsomepie
    Aug 25, 2012
    9
    The game is amazing and very, very playable. The graphics/framerate "issue" is not a problem to me.

    My only gripe is that you have to use a controller to play the game.
  87. YelowDragon4
    Aug 26, 2012
    10
    For some games like Ghost Recon Future Soldier or Prototype 2 I was complaining about crappy-ass port, but not for this game!People asked developers for port despite the developers have not much experience on pc programing I just want to play this game on my PC so far the experience and atmosphere is great
  88. DeckardPain
    Aug 27, 2012
    10
    DO NOT listen to people complaining about graphics being sub par. There was a graphics 'patch' form a 3rd party 23 minutes after the game was released. Some googling can find it in less than a minute, these people who are complaining about graphics should stop writing reviews if they can't use google to find the patch. Just like the other Souls game, this one is amazing. The new content isDO NOT listen to people complaining about graphics being sub par. There was a graphics 'patch' form a 3rd party 23 minutes after the game was released. Some googling can find it in less than a minute, these people who are complaining about graphics should stop writing reviews if they can't use google to find the patch. Just like the other Souls game, this one is amazing. The new content is challenging, and the new zones are quite large and have lots of items to scavenge. Upon completion, just like the other Souls games, it leaves you wanting more. The Prepare to Die edition now also comes with 1v1, 2v2, and 4 player FFA deathmatch style arenas. It may force you to use games for windows live, which I thought was going to be a downside, but it really isn't that bad. Don't let that be a breaking point on your decision.

    The resolution + frame rate fix can be found by googling "metaclassofnilblog" and downloading the files. It is fully explained how to install it in the readme, and it is literally as simple as dragging and dropping 2 files, no overwriting files either. If the other people reviewing this game can't manage that, they shouldn't be reviewing games on this site.    … Expand
  89. Invictus2104
    Aug 25, 2012
    8
    The PC port isn't amazing, but the game itself is. I easily found a mod to make it look massively better (hooray PC!). I would recommend using a 360 pad rather than mouse and keyboard, since the keyboard controls seem very convoluted even when looking at them (fully rebind-able at least).

    This is a 9 or 10 if they fix a lot of the issues from porting it, like the low graphical fidelity    The PC port isn't amazing, but the game itself is. I easily found a mod to make it look massively better (hooray PC!). I would recommend using a 360 pad rather than mouse and keyboard, since the keyboard controls seem very convoluted even when looking at them (fully rebind-able at least).

    This is a 9 or 10 if they fix a lot of the issues from porting it, like the low graphical fidelity overall compared to what it should be for a gaming PC.    … Expand
  90. mrmursu
    Aug 26, 2012
    10
    Exactly the same GREAT game as it was on consoles, with better frame rate, sharper graphics and new content. Easily one of the best games in recent years, like it was on consoles. Being somehow old school and refreshing at the same time this game gives tons of excitement if u are willing to learn it. The port it weak, but not even near as pathetic that GTAIV was. It has and console-likeExactly the same GREAT game as it was on consoles, with better frame rate, sharper graphics and new content. Easily one of the best games in recent years, like it was on consoles. Being somehow old school and refreshing at the same time this game gives tons of excitement if u are willing to learn it. The port it weak, but not even near as pathetic that GTAIV was. It has and console-like shoddy graphics and locked frame rates, but it also runs on ancient machines..so the trade of is at least fair in my opinion. Thanks to Durante the low resolution was fixed before the official launch and it's pretty good looking with the fix. It's not perfect, but still great enough for 10 compared to modern "blockbuster" games that were quite disappointing everyone (i.e. Skyrim, Diablo 3 etc.).

    All-in-all:
    If u are on graphics and/or "everything should be easy" gamer (a real pansy) this is not for u, but if u like a great challenge with lots of replay value and hidden things to find. This is one of the best games u can buy. Definitely worth every coin from your wallet.. Easily in my all-time top 3.    … Expand
  91. umad
    Aug 29, 2012
    3
    What makes this game hard are the god awful controls. Mind you I'm using an xbox controller, dont even think of playing this game with a keyboard & mouse. Just pressing the attack button slightly will make your character attack leaving you vulnerable. if you press any button while swinging, even just a tap the character will execute that action after the swing, so if you make just oneWhat makes this game hard are the god awful controls. Mind you I'm using an xbox controller, dont even think of playing this game with a keyboard & mouse. Just pressing the attack button slightly will make your character attack leaving you vulnerable. if you press any button while swinging, even just a tap the character will execute that action after the swing, so if you make just one wrong tap you're probably dead. I don't know who designed the menu system but it is horrendous , at first you'll have no clue what you're doing, after getting used to it dropping weapons , sorting, everything is just tedious. Exiting the menu is a pain, you have to exit the main window, then press B to exit it completely, if you forget to turn it off PREPARE TO DIE in battle cause you can't attack if the menu wasn't exited completely. The upgrade system is just confusing, they probably wanted to look complicated to make it seem it has depth, but really all it is, is just get the required items, and use souls to upgrade a weapon. It could of been done much more simpler.
    The developers were right to name the game "prepare to die", cause you'll be seeing the words "YOU DIED" 70% of the time while playing. Found a new area to explore? well PREPARE TO DIE cause most likely the stronger enemies there will kill you instantly. Finally the english is awful, it reminds you of the badly translated games from the NES days. Every NPC in the game you meet are ... weirdos... they all do a creepy laugh after everything they say WTF? it all adds to the frusturation. The only thing good about this game are the graphics (Only if you tweak it with an unofficial patch), the weapons/armor look pretty, and the scenery is nice, but the rest is just a pain, and the only reason you'll be playing this game is to beat it and get done with.    … Expand
  92. wandervon
    Sep 9, 2012
    1
    Fanboys are all over this game, and you may be wondering how people can be so divided, but let me give you a rundown of an average Dark Souls gaming session, minus all the talk about the technical problems with this (very poor) port of a console game.

    You enter the game, you fight enemies that lob off 1/3 of your HP with a single light attack even when you are wearing heavy armor, you    Fanboys are all over this game, and you may be wondering how people can be so divided, but let me give you a rundown of an average Dark Souls gaming session, minus all the talk about the technical problems with this (very poor) port of a console game.

    You enter the game, you fight enemies that lob off 1/3 of your HP with a single light attack even when you are wearing heavy armor, you can't dodge worth a crap because your character is slow clumsy and slow, your attacks have terrible response times because its so loldifficult, you get to a boss, you die, lose all your exp, and have to run back.

    You do this over and over, gaining no levels because you lose all your EXP on bosses, until you finally get so fed up you look up a youtube video of the boss fight/read a guide. You then feel a sense of accomplishment because you beat a boss that you shouldn't have been able to beat because the game does not ask that you be intelligent, all it asks is that you have a TON of free time to die 257 per boss until you beat it.

    This game's difficulty is completely artificial. Instead of actually challenging you, it consistently wins using cheap stun locks to keep you unable to attack, you get chain combo'd to the same unable to attack effect, you get pushed off a cliff (this game is filled with cliffs everywhere by the way), or in your attempt to explore you are not rewarded, but penalized by being confronted with an enemy 10000x stronger than you who 1 shots you and you lose all your exp and have to spend 30 minutes running back trying to get it, only to aggro that enemy again and die once more.

    And that's before the poorly designed boss encounters, which consist soley of dying, running back, and frantically trying new things until you figure out the single zelda-ish trick to actually beating the stupid thing. The farther you get into the game, the more ludicrous damage bosses do until it gets to the point where you are simply 1-hit-killed by anything on the screen, as well as bosses themselves, regardless of what armor you are wearing.

    After the 47593475938479 run back from a boss, through the same group of heavily placed enemies, you will finally realize that this game is only out to challenge your patience, and nothing else.    … Expand
  93. Vercinger
    Jan 1, 2013
    0
    Obligatory 0 for using Games for Windows Live. An unforgivable offence, as GfWL is Microsoft's attempt to kill PC gaming in favor of the Xbox. There might be something playable under the DRM, but I'd have to pirate it to find out.
  94. TheHonestGuy
    Aug 29, 2012
    10
    One thing must be clear. This is a bare-bones, bad port, straight from the consoles. Expect mediocre graphics and looks. However - with the fantastic gametweaks made by Durantee over at NeoGaf, you can play this game while enjoying it in insane detail. The gameplay is good either way - as long as you invest into a Xbox 360-controller. Why? Because, they haven't even tried to make the gameOne thing must be clear. This is a bare-bones, bad port, straight from the consoles. Expect mediocre graphics and looks. However - with the fantastic gametweaks made by Durantee over at NeoGaf, you can play this game while enjoying it in insane detail. The gameplay is good either way - as long as you invest into a Xbox 360-controller. Why? Because, they haven't even tried to make the game friendly for the average PC-gamer. But once you get the update(s) from NeoGaf, and use the Xbox-controller - MAN, what a ride it is. A highly unforgiving experience - but for a reason. If you die, you probably only have yourself to blame. This means there is a steep and long way to go here. The controlls are easy to figure out, but hard to master. The story is magnificent, if you are into thinking by your own, interperating and so on. The enviroments are superb, they have been designed stunningly - as well is the musical part of the game. The last boss of the game has one of the most harrowing, haunting and beautiful songs I've ever heard. It fits like a glove. And that's really the thing about this game. It just.. Works. And it works very well, at that. Yes, From Software has really screwed both the community and everyone alike. Yes, the port should not be sold at 40$ with all those technical limitations. But with Durantee's update(s), it is almost forgiven. If you could pay 20$ for the game, and donate the other 20$ to Durantee, that'd be great. Sadly, it all goes to a developer that has yet to make a comment about why a random guy fixes a large part of the game in 23 minutes (and a week of framework), and why they couldn't do it in a year.

    All in all - Dark Souls is a wonderful addition to any gamer's library. Trust me on this.    … Expand
  95. Rizenz
    Aug 31, 2012
    10
    Despite a very bad transition to keyboard and mouse, this game is the same perfect game console gamers learned to cherish for the past year, and while i was one of them back then, i still get a fresh new feeling playing the Prepare to Die Edition. Apart from the fps lock, 'd say this is a perfect game of the genre.
  96. hxf
    Sep 3, 2012
    10
    Dark souls: PtD is a tremendous game. Unfortunately the terrible port hurts it a lot. but a great modder has at least freed the resolution restrictions. now if only the mouse controls where playable at all. (use a xbox 360 controller)
  97. Carnifex
    Aug 25, 2012
    9
    Action RPG's are a dime a dozen these days. Most tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to what they will toss at you. The developers don't want to alienate customers by making a game that might be *gasp* too challenging. Dark Souls brings the challenge in spades but does it without feeling unfair or overly cheap. You'll get punished. then adapt, and actually feel like you haveAction RPG's are a dime a dozen these days. Most tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to what they will toss at you. The developers don't want to alienate customers by making a game that might be *gasp* too challenging. Dark Souls brings the challenge in spades but does it without feeling unfair or overly cheap. You'll get punished. then adapt, and actually feel like you have achieved something. Unlike most games which reward you for accomplishing next to nothing. It's gameplay is Dark Souls' greatest strength, in how it ties everything together (much like a fighting game) with logical solutions so that you always know you can overcome whatever challenges you are facing, no matter how difficult. I wish more developers focused on gameplay first and everything else second. --- Technically speaking the game performs very well, however, this is a straight from console "no frills" PC port. It was a game that wasn't supposed to be on the PC after all, and the way the port was handled does show signs of inexperience and hesitation on the part of the publisher/developer to give PC support. The game must be played with a controller, m+kb support is limited as was stated by the developers months ..ahem ..months ago. Also the resolution is set way too low but there is already a fix for that and I'm sure more tweaks to come (gotta love the PC modding community). People want to label the game as a "bad port" but honestly this is still the best version available as far as performance is concerned. --- Darks Souls is all about stellar gameplay and a high degree of challenge. I'm not sure this game is for eveyone and will be a pretty easy target for critics and trolls, but for me who normally likes things sleek and shiny, Dark Souls is one hell of a rough gem.… Expand
  98. Chesanita
    Aug 25, 2012
    10
    This game is great, graphics problems already solved with 3 hotfixes and controls with keyboard/mouse are OK, it just takes little time to get used, so i dont regret for the money ive spend.
  99. Species
    Aug 25, 2012
    9
    i dont understand people which rate this game low due to worst keyboard mouse control ever. It suck and it is fact. Bad graphics? Not the edge of technology but playable. I tell you Mount and Blade is bad graphics not this one. The main thing is that there are no glitches freezes and so on what usually people call bad port. it works fine. It is great game indeed. And be honest - you lowi dont understand people which rate this game low due to worst keyboard mouse control ever. It suck and it is fact. Bad graphics? Not the edge of technology but playable. I tell you Mount and Blade is bad graphics not this one. The main thing is that there are no glitches freezes and so on what usually people call bad port. it works fine. It is great game indeed. And be honest - you low rate this game not cause of port, you do it cause you dont like it overall :) but as always this game doesnt care… Expand
  100. NOAHOXP2
    Aug 28, 2012
    10
    This game is simply a masterpiece, there's nothing else to it. The gameplay is challenging and not boring you in all situations, and it will punish you, no matter how good you think you are. If you're too focused on graphics and high FPS, this game doesn't have it. The art style is amazing, however, and with a simple download of a graphics fix you can make the game look even better. IThis game is simply a masterpiece, there's nothing else to it. The gameplay is challenging and not boring you in all situations, and it will punish you, no matter how good you think you are. If you're too focused on graphics and high FPS, this game doesn't have it. The art style is amazing, however, and with a simple download of a graphics fix you can make the game look even better. I don't mind having to download something else to have a better looking game, because I'm focused on gameplay, for the most part. Another great thing about this game is the amount of detail put into it. I'm not just talking about graphically, but I'll get to that in a second. In the story! Oh wait, you didn't know there was one? Well that's another great thing about Dark Souls, if you're not going to try and look for a story or try and do your best, you're not going to like it. While I am not necessarily the super hardcore crowd of gaming, although this game will appeal to them too, I am somewhere in the middle. However, this has to be my favorite game I've ever played. There is no game that gives me so much satisfaction of killing a boss, finding new items and trying them out, upgrading weapons, and even... breaking boxes! This game has it all. The difference between Dark Souls difficulty and games harder than Dark Souls, is in Dark Souls you will only die if it's your fault. Trying to run past all the enemies and they catch up to you and kill you? Your fault. Not healing before going into the last hit to kill a boss and dying? Your fault. You can NEVER blame the game for your mistakes, unless you have some kind of strange physical condition. There is also a CRAZY amount of detail put into the graphics and art style, especially armor and weapons. I can't explain it, so I recommend you try it out for yourself. My only complaint is the keyboard and mouse controls. I'm using my PS3 controller with motionjoy, and if you do something similar or use an xbox 360 controller you won't have any trouble learning the controls. The keyboard and mouse controls, which I've dabbled in briefly, simply isn't for a game like this. I still think if you are strict about KB+M controls, to get this game, because you are missing out on a real gem if you don't. Once you're hooked, you're hooked, and you won't be able to put it down for months, possibly years, wouldn't be suprised. Thanks for reading, and don't forget to pick up one of the most challenging, rewarding, and best games of gaming history.… Expand
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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

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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.
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  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]
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