Dark Souls

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2451 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,188 out of 2451
  2. Mixed: 103 out of 2451
  3. Negative: 160 out of 2451
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  1. Mustrik
    Dec 19, 2016
    10
    A Masterpiece. Replaying it in 2016 and still surprise me. All details, storyline, animations, it's astonishing. Another From Software great game that deserves to be played even by the people who skip it in 2011.
  2. trevor1981
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    This game is good and so challenging. I can't believe I played it for the first time only in 2017 after playing the other Dark Souls. For all those Dark Souls fans who have only PS4, therefore can't play the first Dark Souls. Buy an old console. This game is perfect.
  3. Frostheos
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    This game is a full masterpiece. Not just one of the best games of the year, but one of the best games of all time. With a breath-taking story and background lore, a punishing yet rewarding combat system and overall, a lore that will make you not want to kill your enemy. I'm not exaggerating when I'm saying that Dark Souls' lore and writing is actually better than lot of books and movies.This game is a full masterpiece. Not just one of the best games of the year, but one of the best games of all time. With a breath-taking story and background lore, a punishing yet rewarding combat system and overall, a lore that will make you not want to kill your enemy. I'm not exaggerating when I'm saying that Dark Souls' lore and writing is actually better than lot of books and movies. Definitely an audiovisual masterpiece.… Expand
  4. Steide56
    Aug 28, 2017
    10
    Decidedly the best game I have ever played. Only thing that comes even close is Breath of the Wild. Not only is the gameplay the most addicting thing I have ever played but the game has such a unique melancholic atmosphere and way of telling its story through gameplay and environments, which makes itself a MUST play for everyone who consideres himself a fan of good video games. My hat isDecidedly the best game I have ever played. Only thing that comes even close is Breath of the Wild. Not only is the gameplay the most addicting thing I have ever played but the game has such a unique melancholic atmosphere and way of telling its story through gameplay and environments, which makes itself a MUST play for everyone who consideres himself a fan of good video games. My hat is of to this amazing game… Expand
  5. Mankiniman
    Sep 14, 2016
    10
    Yes, I know. You either love it, hate it, or haven't tried it. If you belong to the latter group, here's what the game is: A battle. It is not relaxing, and it is not for those who give up because they can't beat every boss on their first try. Dark Souls is a masterpiece of a videogame, both in its gameplay, its way of telling a story and it's overall form. It is not just a game where youYes, I know. You either love it, hate it, or haven't tried it. If you belong to the latter group, here's what the game is: A battle. It is not relaxing, and it is not for those who give up because they can't beat every boss on their first try. Dark Souls is a masterpiece of a videogame, both in its gameplay, its way of telling a story and it's overall form. It is not just a game where you sometimes talk and sometimes fight, it's a game where you see things that are wierd or out of place somewhere, and then later see something else out of place somewhere else, but find a connection. It's a game where you look for the overall themes in buildings and the items you find certain places. this game really is a masterpiece in its rightful genre, no less, and it is worth a play.… Expand
  6. Ishi123
    Oct 27, 2016
    10
    My experience with Dark Souls was a difficult one, for sure, as I'm sure it was for many an Undead. My first run through the game took me months to complete. I suffered through the beginning levels, unsure and afraid of what may lie ahead. I died over and over and over again. I put the game down many times, and actually took a hammer to the disc at one point. But in the end, I endured, andMy experience with Dark Souls was a difficult one, for sure, as I'm sure it was for many an Undead. My first run through the game took me months to complete. I suffered through the beginning levels, unsure and afraid of what may lie ahead. I died over and over and over again. I put the game down many times, and actually took a hammer to the disc at one point. But in the end, I endured, and once the game began to open up and I began to hone my skills, that's when Dark Souls took me in and truly made me realize what it was. You hear how it's "hard but fair" all the time, or how it's "rewarding" when you topple a hard boss or obstacle, and that is absolutely true. It feels good to overcome the challenges that this game provides, which are genuinely hard. Not artificially hard, like some other games would replace difficulty with. The game is about honing your skills. It's about learning the enemies and environments. It's about knowing what works and what doesn't. It's about sticking to your guns in the face of defeat to move in at the last moment and claim victory over the odds that seemed so impossible several runs ago. It's a game about being a tiny, helpless thing in the ruins of a once mighty world, piecing together what remains of the shattered world you find yourself captive in. It's about choices. It's about conviction. It's about choosing a path and walking it, no matter where it may take you and no matter how hard the journey may be.

    Dark Souls is a fascinating journey, that, if you can make it past that beginning hurdle, will absorb you and trap you in a world where your only recourse is to just keep going. Don't stop. Just keep going. The path you've chosen is one you must travel no matter what may lie ahead. Should the whole world turn against you, your only choice is to just keep going. And when you reach your destination, you will look back on the trials and challenges you had overcome, and you will feel very small, but at the same time, VERY powerful. The kind of power that lies in your conviction; your determination. The power to endure and suffer through the darkest of times and the greatest of adversities. The power that says that you will not go quietly; that if you are to go down, you will go down fighting to the last, until your sword is shattered and your vision is blurry. And then you'll fight some more after that.

    Dark Souls is one of those games that can make you think. It's a game that can indeed change a person, should they let it, and show them that there will always be challenges, many great and powerful ones, but none of them are insurmountable.    … Expand
  7. Biopunk
    Feb 2, 2017
    10
    Dark souls is a complete triumph in almost every way. Games like this really push what is possible to do with the medium. As a form of entertainment,as a form of art and as a form of competition. This game is structured like a 3D metroidvania game,with a combat system that Zelda dreamed of having,art direction of a gorgeous fantasy horror,spot-on sound design and storytelling that couldDark souls is a complete triumph in almost every way. Games like this really push what is possible to do with the medium. As a form of entertainment,as a form of art and as a form of competition. This game is structured like a 3D metroidvania game,with a combat system that Zelda dreamed of having,art direction of a gorgeous fantasy horror,spot-on sound design and storytelling that could only function in a video game.There's a lot of lore to be told through the environment and item descriptions,which fit the game's ''dying world'' setting perfectly. The atmosphere is spot-on as well,giving you this constant sense of loneliness that makes the few characters you meet through your journey feel that much warmer and more lovable. Some of the characters you meet are either evil or on the brink of insanity,giving you a sense that this world is not the one to take prisoners. This is just one example of how Dark Souls' gameplay fits the story and atmosphere. It is deliberately slow-paced,forcing you to step into combat slowly and carefully and watching out for traps every time you enter a new area. The combat is very similar to Zelda,except not as dumbed down. There's no mandatory waiting,no items that you absolutely must use to defeat an enemy,just your weapon,your skill and your enemy. When they're holding up a shield,you can kick them,you can push them off a cliff,you can walk to their back,there's so many options.And all of them are presented organically,with no hand-holding whatsoever. The levelling system is also organic,with you having to spend souls(which are basically money) to level up one stat each level. There's no classes,the growth and focus of your character is completely unrestricted. All of this talk of freedom may make this game sound like it doesn't provide much of a challenge,but it absolutely does. We all know the game is hard,but it's not too hard,and the save/checkpoint system never feels like it's out to dick you over.Also,there's no arbitrary backtracking over huge empty maps. You get a fast travel system later in the game and the world is filled to the brim with detail,rather than being just a big blob of nothingness designed only to show off technology(coughubisoftcough)
    Finally,there's multiplayer,which works like this:You can summon another player into your game and you can either duel or go on a co-op prowl. You,of course,need good internet connection or the hit detection will be completely **** But when it works,it works like nothing else you've ever seen.
    This is,what I believe,to be the best game of all time.Go play it.    … Expand
  8. HolloWolfy
    Jan 21, 2017
    10
    This game is really great and its almost feels bad becuz the graphics are really feels kind of outdated, But the gameplay is really great and it have those realy satisfying fluid controls and the "lock" mechanic really adds more fun,And the Soundtrack is really cool and awesome and even memorable,speaking of memorable have i mentioned the bosses?!,the bosses are ABSOLOUTELY PERFECTThis game is really great and its almost feels bad becuz the graphics are really feels kind of outdated, But the gameplay is really great and it have those realy satisfying fluid controls and the "lock" mechanic really adds more fun,And the Soundtrack is really cool and awesome and even memorable,speaking of memorable have i mentioned the bosses?!,the bosses are ABSOLOUTELY PERFECT DESIGNED and memorabel and every boss fight is really addicting BUT hard but thats wath gives the game its special charm And even every boss have his own soundtrack, and have i mentioned the environments?! OH MY FRICKING GOD! The environments are really memorable and sooo unique and great and every SINGLE place have its own creatures Wich are Soo well designed and memorable With terrifieng noises and Really pain in the A'S Abilitys...WATH IM TRYING TO SAY IS BUY THE GODDAMN GAME!....Or buy dark souls 2 or 3 they are so much better XD… Expand
  9. DrDjango
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    the soulsborne games are maybe the best in the gaming history. i love all of them, beginning with demons souls... changed my complete gaming hobby.
  10. Kiatzu
    Dec 10, 2019
    10
    One of the most frustating and rewarding games ever made. Based on Demon Souls this game built it's own genre. Git gud.
  11. ViniciusBrito
    Jun 30, 2018
    10
    Dark Souls is a game from 2011 that recently had his remastered version. This game is simply amazing, the world building was phenomenal. The story is about a war that existed between dragons and Lords that are liked to the first flame that is totally connected with life and death, and you need to keep going with the situation, choosing a final with your taste. A lot of the story is told byDark Souls is a game from 2011 that recently had his remastered version. This game is simply amazing, the world building was phenomenal. The story is about a war that existed between dragons and Lords that are liked to the first flame that is totally connected with life and death, and you need to keep going with the situation, choosing a final with your taste. A lot of the story is told by the npc's, some are told by secret places, scrolls and stuff, there is many and many npc's, some are reliable, and everything are told by the point of view of the npc, wich can make them say wrong things. The story is very interpretative, and each one will have a different perspective. A lot of npc's have a quest, and some of them are just remarkable, memorable, emotional and full of actions with nice dialogues.
    They build dark souls in a way that the whole world is connected in a style that is gorgeous, you advance around the place, far away of a checkpoin, wich is a bonfair, and further then you find a door that was locked before or a elevator that brings you right back to that bonfire, and it happens all the time, a lot of shortcuts that when you get to it, are so nice.
    The diversity of places is another highpoint of this game, it have a lot of different ambiences that are very carefully done with very little details that really makes the difference, the scenarios go from lava, forests, kingdoms, ice places.. and all of these are great and very different from the other one, it's unique. All the enemies that we may find in those places are different as well, some of them coincide but a lot make sense and in every place there is some enemies that are just there, are all very well done.
    The bosses are another great aspect of the game, they all look dope, some are dragons, some knights, magicians, it does varies a lot, all it's most likely that you will die for the most of them some times until you figure their move set and star predicting and figuring how to not get damaged, wich is the most functional way to defeat it, and that it's very nice.
    There is a very big variation of weapons to use, it have heavy weapons, fast ones, long range, magical, and in all of these there are a lot o choose and test. It enables you to complete the game more than one time in a completely different way, how a character that use magic and swords play it is completely different, and that replay thing in this game is magnificent. Not just weapons, but the suit sets that are in the game are also very interesting, there is a lot of them, you can choose one from the most style one or the one with better stats, or that will give you some extra abillity, will boost some aspect.
    The multiplayer of this game is very creative and different, you have a sign that you acquire during in the game, it is a sign, there is 2 of them, the yellow and the red one, the yellow is for co op and the red is for pvp. Putting your sign in some place will make that sign appear in other worlds from other players, and it will show up for them some time, they may summon you, and then you will be there until the boss of the are got beaten or you die, then you will go back to your world with some extra souls and humanity. Humanity have a important aspect both in story and in gameplay, to summon players or get invaded you need to use a humanity to not be a hollow anymore. In the lore, there are the cursed ones, that never dies, becoming a hollow, in hollow stage the person is weakened, and the humanities make them become humans again, and because of that some people got mad because the necessitie of power.
    The gamplay is wonderful, the gain and lost of xp are the souls, that also work as coins to buy stuff, the combat and moves are stiff, making some hard time when fighting someone, the camera isn't all bad, but in close quarters it can make a hard time as well. The administration of stamina is essential if you want to keep it up with the game. There gestures that you learn from npc's, that can be a way of "chat" in the multiplayer. There is no map and no pause, wich is pretty good. Many traps are trying to get you, there is the possibilite to write things in the ground for other players to read, giving advices, fakes or reals.
    There is convenants in the game as well, with characters that adore some god or lord, those characters will be able to give you something, while you pass level with them, and for do it so you will need the covenant items, wich are gain with pvp in the covenant or drop. If you betray the covenant you will be haunted, by pve and pvp by people from the covenant.
    The soundtrack is phenomenal it doesn't just illustrate the moment, but also put some epic tone in it, it is at least giant.
    The lore is an unbelievable thing for this game, it almos doesn't have cutscenes, but if you can get the right informantions in the game, you shall see how great and big it is.
    This is definely one of the best games that i have ever played.    … Expand
  12. thomaddox4
    Sep 21, 2017
    10
    Ignore everyone talking about difficulty. That isn't the point of Dark Souls, and people overhype the difficulty tremendously. Dark Souls is a challenging game that you must adapt to and be careful and patient with, nothing more.

    That said, the game itself is a masterpiece. It isn't weak in any area: story is presented in the form of lore that you uncover for yourself and can ignore if    Ignore everyone talking about difficulty. That isn't the point of Dark Souls, and people overhype the difficulty tremendously. Dark Souls is a challenging game that you must adapt to and be careful and patient with, nothing more.

    That said, the game itself is a masterpiece. It isn't weak in any area: story is presented in the form of lore that you uncover for yourself and can ignore if you want to, atmosphere is absolutely incredible with incredible sound design and immsersion, music is great and graphics hold up just fine even today, combat is fun even if it isn't 100% polished, and most significant of all is the world design. Dark Souls has the world design of a metroidvania, with shortcuts to unlock and a highly interconnected world that blows your mind as you explore and uncover it. And believe me, you will want to explore every inch of it. The world design, originality of lore, and atmosphere is what sets this game apart from all the others in the series, and what makes it by far the best ARPG FromSoft has ever made, and one of the best and most influential games ever made.    … Expand
  13. darkkunglao789
    Jan 21, 2018
    10
    perfect game
    there is 2 games that really influenced me
    1.legend of zelda ocarina of time 2.dark souls the way that from software designed the game is perfect.i like how different location squeezed in one map with a special complexity that makes it the game that it never will be repeat. fighting system is based on zelda series fighting system but better,more efficient and harder. a    perfect game
    there is 2 games that really influenced me
    1.legend of zelda ocarina of time
    2.dark souls
    the way that from software designed the game is perfect.i like how different location squeezed in one map with a special complexity that makes it the game that it never will be repeat.
    fighting system is based on zelda series fighting system but better,more efficient and harder.
    a little problem in animations but its not professional that we decide to add it as a problem.
    good visual effects and acceptable graphic.
    amazing weapons and souls instead of money or exp.
    i recommend this game for pro gamers    … Expand
  14. Ryuail
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    This game is the Dark Souls of FromSoftware titles.

    Jokes aside, Dark Souls is the absolute pinnacle of the zenith of environmental storytelling. Nothing even comes close, not even its own sequels.
  15. Gugul
    Aug 1, 2018
    10
    A thing that annoys me, is that in Rotten Tomatoes the critics are understanding a movie for what it is, but in metacritic things are different because all of the critics talk about how good a game is, not its artistical value and that is what i want to do today

    Dark Souls high points are how it estructurates its story, its onirical and almost like a poem The God who saw its world    A thing that annoys me, is that in Rotten Tomatoes the critics are understanding a movie for what it is, but in metacritic things are different because all of the critics talk about how good a game is, not its artistical value and that is what i want to do today

    Dark Souls high points are how it estructurates its story, its onirical and almost like a poem
    The God who saw its world crumbling to dark and sacrifice himself for everyone around him
    Whose Sons betrayed him and the one that didnt was a shame for not being a warrior of Sunlight but a Blade of the Dark Moon
    Who took its own army and sent them into a mission of forlorn hope because he was afraid of going himself
    Who backstabbed its friends when they needed because he didnt needed them anymore
    Of course i can keep going, but Dark Souls isnt about the story of Lost Izalith or New Londo, Dark Souls is a mere almost perfect narrative/combat driven videogame (but its story isnt spit out in front of you, like almost all the games, is hidden in its items, enemys and map) that the only flaw it has (to me) is its bugs (hella lot of them)    … Expand
  16. egoBorder
    Feb 20, 2018
    10
    This game is a classic and a masterpiece. Not flawless, unfortunately, and not by far either. But despite its flaws, and its age, the game still has plenty to offer that no one (including this game's developers) has yet been able to recreate.
  17. Narrow7788
    Feb 5, 2018
    10
    one of the greatest games ever made IT,S NOT PERFECT BUT if you get good and are able to get through, i know this game has been out for a while but wait it's being remastered and soon it will be perfect A MUST PLAY GAME.
  18. Killua1997
    Jun 13, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Through all the countless RPGs I've played throughout the years, I always find myself revisiting Dark Souls every few months are so. The replay value of this game is astonishing, and it's no surprise; the well-designed areas, the cathartic boss battles: everything is crafted to perfection.

    When I first started the game, I sucked. It took me hours to kill some of the beginning bosses, and I would find myself making it mid-way through a level only to end up dying. There were times I'd slam my controller in rage or even leave the game for a day or two to cool off. However, there was always that draw to come back and try again, and I never got bored no matter how many times I had to repeat a level. And when I finally did succeed against a boss or in making it to a new location, the sense of catharsis was unreal and made me want more.

    As mentioned prior, I think Dark Souls shines through its unique, well-crafted areas and (for the most part) diverse and challenging bosses. I won't lie and say there are a few questionable design choices (the Anor Londo archers are pretty much universally hated), and there is the occasional pushover boss (Bed of Chaos being the prime example). However, I can't say any game doesn't have a flaw or two, and for the most part these flaws do not take away from the 99% of things Dark Souls gets right.

    The interconnected world of Dark Souls is a joy to explore, and you feel a sense of accomplishment (and intrigue) when you finish exploring an area only to find it connects to some area you had already visited towards the beginning of the game; moreover, it allows for an ease of transport between current areas and already-explored areas. Each area is also vastly different from the last; one moment, you'll be climbing up castle-like ruins in an attempt to ring a bell, and the next you'll be traversing into poisonous depths containing mutant insects and humanoids in an attempt to ring another bell. Dark Souls has one of the most interesting, compelling worlds I've ever seen.

    Going onto my final point, the bosses, an aspect of gaming Dark Souls is (in)famous for. Most Dark Souls bosses are hard. Very hard. For a newcomer, maybe even downright impossible. I've known people who have quit the game because of certain bosses, and I think it's a darn shame because I also know people (myself included) who kept trying and beat those same bosses and were able to fall in love with this game as a result. I think Dark Souls' very identity comes from its difficulty and that this is what allows it to shine in the RPG world, but it's a given that this might not appeal for everyone. If you're someone who loves a challenge and won't give up if an obstacle presents itself, I think Dark Souls might very well have the potential to become one of the best videogames you've ever played.    … Expand
  19. Schism78
    Jul 24, 2018
    10
    Excellent game with an excellent difficulty. Definitely not for casual because it forces you to take it seriously. It's funny how many people hate it just because this game surpasses them
    Everything here is remarkable. The music, the design of levels, the mechanics, the environment, a very interesting lore.
    It has a very unconventional multiplayer, which sometimes makes your life easier,    Excellent game with an excellent difficulty. Definitely not for casual because it forces you to take it seriously. It's funny how many people hate it just because this game surpasses them
    Everything here is remarkable. The music, the design of levels, the mechanics, the environment, a very interesting lore.
    It has a very unconventional multiplayer, which sometimes makes your life easier, other times it makes it impossible, but it is totally optional.
    Everyone should play it at least once, it's a masterpiece.    … Expand
  20. Onask
    Jan 6, 2019
    10
    Dark Souls es sin duda una de las mayores obras magnas de la séptima generación de consolas y que ha asentado las bases de numerosos títulos posteriores, así como un propio género en si mismo (el género Souls). Y eso es indiscutible.

    Si bien su predecesor, Demon's Souls, no he tenido aún el momento de jugarlo y es el padre del resto de entregas de la saga, Dark Souls llevó al máximo    Dark Souls es sin duda una de las mayores obras magnas de la séptima generación de consolas y que ha asentado las bases de numerosos títulos posteriores, así como un propio género en si mismo (el género Souls). Y eso es indiscutible.

    Si bien su predecesor, Demon's Souls, no he tenido aún el momento de jugarlo y es el padre del resto de entregas de la saga, Dark Souls llevó al máximo exponente el depurado sistema de combate, los mundos e historias y personajes que Miyazaki creó para este título.

    ¿Es Dark Souls perfecto? No, no hay ningún juego que se pueda considerar perfecto a ojos de todos, pero sí es increíblemente redondo. Desde el soberbio diseño de niveles (para quitarse el sombrero), pasando por la banda sonora, el diseño de personajes, entornos y lore, y llegando al sistema de combate. Dark Souls es mágico, es innovador y es cautivador.

    Obviamente he tenido ciertos fallos técnicos, especialmente con el gameplay (un señor atravesando una pared y una columna desde un nivel inferior en diagonal y aún así conectando su golpe con mi cuerpo ¿?), una tasa de fotogramas que según que zona baja hasta las profundidades más oscuras, ciertas texturas son un poco meh, la lava de la zona de Izalith perdida es muy mejorable... etc.

    Pero en el contexto global, todos estos fallos quedan eclipsados por lo mencionado previamente. La satisfacción a la hora de jugar, de explorar cada rincón y de vencer a enemigos que creías imposibles es sumamente gratificante.

    Dark Souls ha dejado su huella en la historia de los videojuegos. Tendrá fallos, pero no son motivos de peso como para quitarle mérito a una obra tan redonda, que ha creado las bases de un género propio y que en un futuro, su fórmula sería intentada copiar hasta la saciedad, fallando en el camino.

    Sin duda tengo ganas de jugar a Dark Souls II y Dark Souls III, quizás me atreva con Demon's Souls en un futuro y espero con ansias Sekiro: Sadows Die Twice. Parece ser que todo lo que toca Miyazaki es oro de momento (Dark Souls y Bloodborne).

    Imprescindible si te consideras un jugón.    … Expand
  21. dantah
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    Its beautiful, its brutal, its fun, its unforgiving, its satisfying, its everything you can desire from a game. Dark Souls deserves all the praise it gets.
  22. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    10
    Legendary game, play it, this game changed my life for good, all I have for this game is LOVE.
  23. rocco30
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    Dark Souls is a MASTERPIECE. It's dark, twisted, beautiful, incredibly imaginative and a true challenge.
  24. theonlyone21
    May 15, 2019
    10
    what a masterpiece 10/10. the story and gameplay is so good even though it wasnt as hard as people say it is cuz you can find a really good sword early it was a fun experience
  25. ATGod12
    May 6, 2019
    10
    For me this game was to be yet another masterpiece by From. I experienced Bloodborne first, craved more and jumped straight into the Prepare to die edition.

    Absolutely amazing game. Though arguably very demanding, both of perseverance and patience, this demand itself will also be the source of the greatest sense of victory for the player when the jarring challenges of the game are    For me this game was to be yet another masterpiece by From. I experienced Bloodborne first, craved more and jumped straight into the Prepare to die edition.

    Absolutely amazing game. Though arguably very demanding, both of perseverance and patience, this demand itself will also be the source of the greatest sense of victory for the player when the jarring challenges of the game are finally defeated.

    The fact that From also choose to flesh out and mystify the fictional setting in such a profoundly masterful way, is just all the more empowering for the game experience as a whole.

    Dark Souls is not for everyone, but if you allow yourself to fall in love, you will find a universe of unending enticement.    … Expand
  26. Nameless2131
    Apr 27, 2020
    10
    best game ever created
    no game can give u so much joy than dark souls after beating it
  27. DrUrbieta
    Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Lo recomiendo, hasta el sol de hoy es una de las mayores experiencias que puedes tener con un videojuego, desafiante, difícil y tenso son unas de las palabras con las que se podrían definir a Dark souls, pero para bien ya que cuando mueres no se siente injusto sientes que fue tu culpa y vuelves y vuelves a intentar hasta conseguirlo y te da la mayor satisfacción que un juego te puede darLo recomiendo, hasta el sol de hoy es una de las mayores experiencias que puedes tener con un videojuego, desafiante, difícil y tenso son unas de las palabras con las que se podrían definir a Dark souls, pero para bien ya que cuando mueres no se siente injusto sientes que fue tu culpa y vuelves y vuelves a intentar hasta conseguirlo y te da la mayor satisfacción que un juego te puede dar hoy en dia.
    si tiene bugs, glichts pero esta en tu mano deteriorar tu experienciaaprovechandolos, pero lo recomiendo mucho un juego de 10    … Expand
  28. Patrick73
    Mar 31, 2020
    10
    Capolavoro senza tempo. Capostipite di un genere. Uno dei migliori videogiochi per level design, game design e lore mai creati. Dark souls è l'opera summa di Miyazaki e From Software
  29. BruzzGT
    Nov 10, 2019
    10
    Probably one of the best games of all time if not the actual best. But definitely a perfect example of a videogame like art, because everything that Dark Souls want to say to you (wich is so much and so deep), it does trough the gameplay, trough the only thing that separate videogames of any other form of art; interactivity. Not trough a cinematographic cinematic that does not allow you,Probably one of the best games of all time if not the actual best. But definitely a perfect example of a videogame like art, because everything that Dark Souls want to say to you (wich is so much and so deep), it does trough the gameplay, trough the only thing that separate videogames of any other form of art; interactivity. Not trough a cinematographic cinematic that does not allow you, the player, to participate, or trough literature like notes or books that teach you the lore.… Expand
  30. vargasnetto
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    The biggest and the best masterpiece of the modern age. No more. All the characters, the bosses, the history, all in this game, absolutely, are incredible.
  31. Trbaan
    Dec 30, 2019
    10
    the best game i ever play in my life a masterpiece , work of art , i can't believe this game exists
  32. Zetastein
    Dec 25, 2019
    10
    Dark Souls[b] is a 2011 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Namco Bandai Games. A spiritual successor to FromSoftware's Demon's Souls, the game is the second instalment in the Souls series. Dark Souls takes place in the fictional kingdom of Lordran, where players assume the role of a cursed undead character who begins a pilgrimage to discover the fate ofDark Souls[b] is a 2011 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Namco Bandai Games. A spiritual successor to FromSoftware's Demon's Souls, the game is the second instalment in the Souls series. Dark Souls takes place in the fictional kingdom of Lordran, where players assume the role of a cursed undead character who begins a pilgrimage to discover the fate of their kind. A port for Microsoft Windows was released in August 2012, which featured additional content not seen in the original PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions. In October 2012, the new content was made downloadable for consoles, under the subtitle Artorias of the Abyss.… Expand
  33. LOTHRIC
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    DARK SOULS لعبة كانت لعبة أسطورية بمعنى الكلمة ومن أفضل الألعاب في التاريخ بلا نقاش وأعطتنا تجربة خارقة بقصة عظيمة وزعماء خالدين بقتال مبدع وموسيقى كانت هي الأفضل في عالم الالعاب
  34. Exomorphy
    Jun 25, 2020
    10
    If games are art then Dark Souls is an artwork
    Gameplay 10/10
    World Design 10/11
    Story 10/10
    Boss Fight 10/10
  35. RayneMoonfire
    Apr 26, 2020
    10
    Perfect game, one of the very best of 2011 and PS3, this game needs more love.
  36. Guo56
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    The other best game other than Demon’s Souls, this game (even with blight town) is basically the perfect fantasy game.
  37. Grandall1985
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Miglior gioco di sempre, nonché il migliore dei souls. Gli unici difetti tecnici grossi che aveva sono stati successivamente corretti con la remaster.
  38. LudexGundyr
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Un juego original para el año en que se lanzó, una propuesta de historia tanto en desarrollo como en creatividad muy buena. Un juego revolucionario, e influyente en posteriores juegos.… Expand
  39. Kiomarv
    Jul 17, 2020
    10
    Навсегда в сердце первый Dark souls! Великолепная игра во всех аспектах
  40. MoonBaseBR
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    The best game that I ever played, I love every part of this game and I will definitely play for a long time
  41. KnightArtorias7
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    una obra maestra y un juego unico en la historia de los videojuegos. con una narrativa tan espectacular, un combate inigualable y una atmósfera deprimente con una banda sonora hermosa.
  42. benjivm
    Jul 1, 2020
    10
    Is Dark Souls the best game made so far? Yes. It is. Does this review contain enough information? Yes. It does.
  43. Bixtonaut
    Jul 10, 2020
    10
    i hated this game when I first played it. It was clunky, hard, unforgiving and my miserable gameplay wasn't helping. Then around halfway through the game I had mastered the game mechanics and beat the second hardest boss in the game with ease. Now looking back at my first playthrough it was magical. The most magical in fact. My advice for this game is to get it with a friend and play iti hated this game when I first played it. It was clunky, hard, unforgiving and my miserable gameplay wasn't helping. Then around halfway through the game I had mastered the game mechanics and beat the second hardest boss in the game with ease. Now looking back at my first playthrough it was magical. The most magical in fact. My advice for this game is to get it with a friend and play it simultaneously and to take your time with the game mechanics. The game itself isnt hard nor unfair. Its the game mechanics and the lack of constant tutorials in the game itself that make it seem difficult.… Expand
  44. TotallyANerd
    Jul 29, 2020
    10
    An amazing game that has shaped my taste for games, now I'm only hyped for FromSoftware games. It amy be a curse, but damn are they good. I think this is objectively the best game in the series, though I do admit that I get some more fun out of the third installment of the series.
  45. Lm35
    Aug 11, 2020
    10
    Incredible boss battles and a fascinating story, a hard but rewarding game.
  46. MasterMoonfire
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Dark Souls is a masterpiece and well made Action RPG and the best game of 2011. This is a perfect example of the perfect game by FromSoftware, simple yet satisfying gameplay, great music, amazing atmosphere, attractive environments, and is one of the video games with the best bosses. Dark Souls is very challenging but is fair along with it, the bosses all have their own set of attacks andDark Souls is a masterpiece and well made Action RPG and the best game of 2011. This is a perfect example of the perfect game by FromSoftware, simple yet satisfying gameplay, great music, amazing atmosphere, attractive environments, and is one of the video games with the best bosses. Dark Souls is very challenging but is fair along with it, the bosses all have their own set of attacks and defenses, forcing the player to use strategy. Exploration in the world of Lordran, and NPC interaction is also what makes this game interesting, as it brings out more of the story and some NPCs even fight with you through summoning. This game is a must have for any gamer who enjoys PC/PS3/X360, every gamer must try this game before they die. Dark Souls is without a doubt the best game of the year, and a perfect successor to the already amazing predecessor Demon’s Souls, sure there are frame rate drops while exploring a certain area sometimes, but that gets excused by the great gameplay and doesn’t stop this from getting a 10 out of 10 rating, a masterpiece. If you enjoy action RPG games with amazing dark atmosphere, and a great interconnected world like this, then this is for you.… Expand
  47. MaxieZeus
    Sep 2, 2022
    10
    A genre defining masterpiece with excellent combat and challenging enemies and bosses. A must for for people who like to be challenged.
  48. fanbanta1
    Oct 8, 2011
    9
    When i was heading to town to pick this up i thought it can not possibly be as hard as they say and still fun well guess what they are all correct get this game sod rage get this
  49. VidsRule
    Sep 2, 2012
    10
    I remember being in the 'demon souls club' (I just made the up), the days following the release of the game. Awestruck by its greatness. And now countless other get to enjoy the gameplay of Souls. There is no other game,gameplay, atmosphere, and world better than dark souls. It stands alone in numerous areas. Most games can't even stand alone in one. Although Demons Souls will still be theI remember being in the 'demon souls club' (I just made the up), the days following the release of the game. Awestruck by its greatness. And now countless other get to enjoy the gameplay of Souls. There is no other game,gameplay, atmosphere, and world better than dark souls. It stands alone in numerous areas. Most games can't even stand alone in one. Although Demons Souls will still be the game that I was most immersed in in 25 years of video gaming, Dark Souls beats it in most ways. And the difficulty is high, but that's part where the immersion comes from. I still go back to it, and once again I'm perfectly happy playing the same section over and I've again once again. One of the best games ever made. One rule: you must be a hardcore gamer.… Expand
  50. Crimson_Air
    Nov 12, 2011
    8
    An absolutely amazing game. Everything from Demon's Souls except done better....well almost everything. I can't agree with Bandai's decision to use a lobby based MP system, makes trying to play with friends near impossible to do, but nonetheless the game is incredibly, the story, while limited still leaves you with enough that it can leave it to your imagination to make it even moreAn absolutely amazing game. Everything from Demon's Souls except done better....well almost everything. I can't agree with Bandai's decision to use a lobby based MP system, makes trying to play with friends near impossible to do, but nonetheless the game is incredibly, the story, while limited still leaves you with enough that it can leave it to your imagination to make it even more compelling. 8/10, with MP being what I really wanted to play it for Dark Souls still delivered everything I wanted from it. Make more amazing games From Software, I look forward to Armored Core 5… Expand
  51. Gompster
    May 30, 2012
    9
    I would prefer to give this game an 8.5. Great game. Love the multi-player component to it. It seemed more difficult than its predecessor, Demon Souls, to summon people however. I love that the story line was simple, diverse enemies and the look and feel of the game.
  52. nonchalantgamer
    Apr 27, 2014
    9
    At first glance i didn't like dark souls because i played demon souls at a friends house once and got demolished so much it turned me off but years later i gave this game a shot and im glad i did. this is one of the most challenging games ive ever played, and as a hardcore gamer i can appreciate that because the feeling of accomplishment you get from beating enemies and progressing forwardAt first glance i didn't like dark souls because i played demon souls at a friends house once and got demolished so much it turned me off but years later i gave this game a shot and im glad i did. this is one of the most challenging games ive ever played, and as a hardcore gamer i can appreciate that because the feeling of accomplishment you get from beating enemies and progressing forward is indescribable. i get a physical adrenaline rush when i finally take down a tough boss that killed me 10 times over and its so satisfying. there is plenty to do in this game to, with numerous places to explore and things to collect within the beautifully designed environment. overall this game is one of the best ive played with a extremely challenging but rewarding system with great mechanics and beautiful level design. death is the ultimate teacher, and im willing to learn from it.… Expand
  53. MushyBird
    Jul 4, 2015
    9
    Don't be fooled by all of the people saying the game is difficult, it's really just a matter of comfort. Dark Souls takes a bit to get used to, but once you've got the controls down and you've figured out how to dodge, parry, and so on, the game turns into a straight up amazing RPG. Once you've gotten comfortable with Dark Souls, the only thing you'll be worrying about is what build you'llDon't be fooled by all of the people saying the game is difficult, it's really just a matter of comfort. Dark Souls takes a bit to get used to, but once you've got the controls down and you've figured out how to dodge, parry, and so on, the game turns into a straight up amazing RPG. Once you've gotten comfortable with Dark Souls, the only thing you'll be worrying about is what build you'll be making for your next play through.

    The level design is top notch, as is the atmosphere. The world is incredibly well built, with everything making geographical sense. Not to mention, there's nary a single impossible space in this game.

    My only real complaint, and a very light one at that, is that the lore and story may be TOO well hidden. Don't get me wrong, both the plot and lore of Dark Souls is great. I still find myself tearing up over Artorias and Sif. However, the only reason I know the plot and lore of this game is because of dedicated Youtube uploaders such as EpicNameBro, TeraMantis, and VaatiVidya (Pre-Patreon, that is...). Although I guess that just goes to show the amazing community around this game.    … Expand
  54. VTL
    Jan 5, 2020
    10
    Obra maestra perfeccion de un gran juego y creador de un genero... No hay mas Dark Souls religion.
  55. DreamEaglr
    Mar 1, 2017
    8
    Одна из лучших игр, в которые я играл. На первое место тут отведён геймпей, и геймплей здесь просто шедеврален.
    Вся игра построена на том, чтобы игрок учился на своих ошибках, запоминал как двигаются и сражаются враги от обычных до боссов.
    Также невозможно не сказать про дизайн тех же врагов, боссов и локаций: Игра Японская, а они всегда делали самые великолепные и удивительные дизайны    Одна из лучших игр, в которые я играл. На первое место тут отведён геймпей, и геймплей здесь просто шедеврален.
    Вся игра построена на том, чтобы игрок учился на своих ошибках, запоминал как двигаются и сражаются враги от обычных до боссов.
    Также невозможно не сказать про дизайн тех же врагов, боссов и локаций:
    Игра Японская, а они всегда делали самые великолепные и удивительные дизайны в играх.
    Большинство локаций связаны между собой, пройдя немного по новой локации вы можете иногда видеть старые.
    Графика в игре отличная для 2011 года.
    Музыка выше всяких похвал, хотя до Demon's souls не дотягивает.    … Expand
  56. aspentitan
    Aug 10, 2014
    8
    Seriously, any game you have played over 100 hrs at least deserves an 8, 9 or 10 rating. I'm going to go with an 8 rating because up until a certain point I had a great time but then this game lost my interest. The reason I have a love-hate relationship with this game is because the more I play Dark Souls the more I realize how bad it is compared to its inspirational game, Demon Souls.Seriously, any game you have played over 100 hrs at least deserves an 8, 9 or 10 rating. I'm going to go with an 8 rating because up until a certain point I had a great time but then this game lost my interest. The reason I have a love-hate relationship with this game is because the more I play Dark Souls the more I realize how bad it is compared to its inspirational game, Demon Souls. Demon Souls was crafted as a very cruel but fair encounter and for that reason very enjoyable. A game which required you to get better and learn some moves and all the enemies. What was great about Demons Souls was you could wiggle your way through it eventually by varying your strategies and paying attention to detail.....I cannot say the same about Dark Souls. I do love love how they made this game more open world concept, this is far superior in that respect, and I love all the new enemies so kudos there. However, Dark Souls was crafted as super annoying and really very limited in your approach to enemies. This game for me was a grind as i felt so many of the stats were meaningless and there was only one super approach to most enemies and bosses. For me this made the game unbearably annoying and boring. Online was a joke as the game is based on fatique and speed and lag ruins all that....constant backstabs out of nowhere. Not only that but defensive damage taken seems quite similar at level 10 as at level 115 with better armor.....(hello stats??? wtf??). Every area had at least one developer cheese area even if you knew the trap by an initial suicide run you were doomed to repeat a cheap area over and over. I cant actually say much nice about Dark Souls except it seems similar to Demons Souls. I find the end result a turnoff. I put in 200 hrs and it was fun getting to the realization point that this game is not a better version of Demons Souls, it actually is a worse spinoff of platforming memorization and a grind more than rpg. I didn't find the controls and weapons responsive to the same subtle degree as Demons Souls and consequently I just ended up becoming bored of this game. Unlike Demons Souls I feel that Dark Souls makes you grind ahead of playing a patient style of your choice. True, you do have to be patient but my point is as you grind you improve far more as a character than your choice of upgrading. Offensive stats seem to matter, defensive stats do not. On top of this I felt the camera and false locks ons were annoyingly broken as much or even more than Demons Souls where it also needed a huge amount of fix, and screen tearing was an issue in many battles in tight areas. Overall, I really enjoyed this game until I uncovered how bad the repetition of the game was caused by cheapshots and lack of responsiveness towards character upgrades, then it dropped off like a rock into pure boredom. It just got so old grinding levels and getting stronger stats per level than actually learning better combat and feeling those loot runs pay out. I'm having a hard time describing my complaint but what I'm trying to get at is as you level up you automatically become better at the game rather than the effort you put into say finding and chosing better armor and putting skill points into strength for example. I just don't feel the upgrades, just the grind. For me the game is so close to my expectations of fantasy rpg but not so much that I don't feel the software and development is also lacking and could use some upgrading.… Expand
  57. Glowguy
    Jul 11, 2013
    8
    While Dark souls is a great game there is nothing really revolutionary about it. All the major gameplay elements were already in place in the previous installment and I think Demon's Souls is the better game in terms of innovation and execution. I played Dark Souls first and I was shocked at how much of the game's content was outright lifted from Demon's when I went back and played itWhile Dark souls is a great game there is nothing really revolutionary about it. All the major gameplay elements were already in place in the previous installment and I think Demon's Souls is the better game in terms of innovation and execution. I played Dark Souls first and I was shocked at how much of the game's content was outright lifted from Demon's when I went back and played it (from bosses to level design to game mechanics and online play). I can certainly see why the retained the basic mechanics since that was such a strong point but transferring actual game content just seemed lazy to me. I'm not sure why the developers did this but it seems like maybe they rushed things a bit at the end. So while I was kind of blown away with Dark Souls at first the game seemed much less impressive after playing Demon's Souls.

    Dark Souls really shines in the two areas level design and monsters. I thought From did an awesome job creating an interconnected world with more variety and it was a blast getting lost in the world itself. I thought the bonfire dynamic was a nice touch and a slight improvement over the prior nexus design.    … Expand
  58. Caestus
    Mar 9, 2014
    9
    The bonfire system is an improvement to the nexus system from demon´s souls, which I did not like that much. The frame rate drops, especially in Blighttown, are annoying but the battle system plus the dark and intense atmosphere are really well-made and the soul of Dark Souls itself.
  59. AlienSpaceBats
    Mar 31, 2015
    8
    I can't think of a single other game (other than Demon's Souls) that's so purposely challenging, oldschool and meticulously crafted. Forget quest markers, dull NPCs spouting novellas full of dialogue and even duller codices crammed with useless information, Dark Souls throws that all out the window, and we're back to player driven exploration, the necessity of using your brain and yourI can't think of a single other game (other than Demon's Souls) that's so purposely challenging, oldschool and meticulously crafted. Forget quest markers, dull NPCs spouting novellas full of dialogue and even duller codices crammed with useless information, Dark Souls throws that all out the window, and we're back to player driven exploration, the necessity of using your brain and your eyes as well as the most devilish risk/reward system I've seen in a game for a long time. It's not for everyone though, and an unsuccessful first few hours will drive away everyone who isn't utterly compelled by the game.… Expand
  60. Theguyoffire
    Nov 18, 2012
    8
    Extremely hard and frustrating yet addictive and fun. It is a much better game then skyrim.
  61. Muuvinki
    Mar 14, 2013
    8
    Good game but you better be prepared to die alot. This game has a huge difficulty right from the start and bosses and enemies are tough. You might feel huge frustration while playing this game but if you can overcome that, then this is easily one of the most best games to ps3.
  62. Silverbow
    Dec 22, 2012
    9
    I had this game for 14 months, in that time I played it on and off for 8 hours total game time. Something kept bringing me back to it, but 30 mins into a session I would rage quit without fail. Then I spent some time online and read every single last piece of advice on the game. Where do I find the best armor, where do I find a good starting weapon (drake sword), where is the firstI had this game for 14 months, in that time I played it on and off for 8 hours total game time. Something kept bringing me back to it, but 30 mins into a session I would rage quit without fail. Then I spent some time online and read every single last piece of advice on the game. Where do I find the best armor, where do I find a good starting weapon (drake sword), where is the first blacksmith (upgrade your starting weapon ASAP), how do I kill this dude... you get the idea.

    I went back to it this weekend. On Friday evening Havel must have killed me 40 times, but eventually he fell :)
    It's been a joy ever since, this is quite possibly the best game I've ever played. You just need to be patient and use your brain, read advice on the net and open your eyes while playing. And NEVER panic.

    In the past I often felt that I would never get that feeling of power from this game. In something like Diablo 3 it is sooo easy to feel powerful, but that's because of your character and your gear, a blind monkey can play D3 if the character has good gear. The beauty of dark souls is that gear takes you only so far, it's your skill level (yes you on the couch fatty) that determines your success, and that is awesome.

    I hardly die at all anymore, unless I'm facing off against a proper boss, the mini bosses don't even scare me.

    The world design is fantastic, there is so much to explore in such a small area. The interface is terrible, but after a while you get things done very quickly, it's just not what we've come to expect from modern game interfaces.

    The heavy feel that combat has to it is so addictive, I think that's what kept me coming back. How I wish Skyrim felt like this.

    I love this game, but I don't recommend it to everyone. It's unforgiving if you are impatient or unwilling to learn from your mistakes. As stated earlier, it's your skill that makes you succeed, not your character stats or your gear. Sure, those things help, but you make the difference.    … Expand
  63. jeef1523
    Dec 14, 2012
    9
    This game takes the difficulty and challenges in a very different level, although it's not good for some people, that find the idea of learning with your mistakes over and over again disturbing, the challenges offered can make many other people dive into the greatness that the game offers.It's nothing but a shame that not everyone can play it and enjoy it the same way, it's not a game forThis game takes the difficulty and challenges in a very different level, although it's not good for some people, that find the idea of learning with your mistakes over and over again disturbing, the challenges offered can make many other people dive into the greatness that the game offers.It's nothing but a shame that not everyone can play it and enjoy it the same way, it's not a game for everyone, but it does a very good job entertaining those that are fit for it.… Expand
  64. MDG397
    May 4, 2013
    9
    I love a good challenge in a video game, but this game is not a challenge. It's an attempt to drive you insane by making you feel like you're nothing. People argue that the extreme difficulty will make you feel satisfied when you beat a hard boss or a hard level, but I didn't feel satisfied once while playing this game. I did maybe for the first thirty seconds after beating a boss, butI love a good challenge in a video game, but this game is not a challenge. It's an attempt to drive you insane by making you feel like you're nothing. People argue that the extreme difficulty will make you feel satisfied when you beat a hard boss or a hard level, but I didn't feel satisfied once while playing this game. I did maybe for the first thirty seconds after beating a boss, but that didn't last long because you're forced into another hard level afterwards. The game isn't even fun, mainly because of its combat system and level system. When you level up, your stats are hardly even increased, and you need a lot of souls(currency) to level up. Let me add that once you die, all of your souls are gone, but you can get them back by going back to where you died. If you die again without getting your souls back, they're just gone forever and there's no way to get them back. I know that your equipment is more important than your stats, but to play the game and not die every five minutes you'll need some really good equipment, and that's not easy to find. The combat system is seriously among the worst that I've ever seen in any video game, and it gets really repetitive. Block, attack, block again, attack again, repeat. Progressing in this game is a nightmare, it's entirely composed of trial and error, which is a horrible way to make a game. Needless to say, with constant trial and error and constantly dying, the game is no fun at all. The online features are also bad and completely unnecessary, you can either summon someone to join your game, or someone will just join your game automatically and mess everything up for you. Being allowed to let someone else join your game to help you is a nice feature, but just having someone butting into your game without you wanting them is just a terrible decision, and I really can't stress that enough. They'll just try to kill you, and mess everything up. They'll most likely have the best equipment and kill you like nothing, like the game wasn't already terrible enough without that feature. As an attempt to make the game a little easier, the developers put in a feature where you can leave messages to help other people, but most of the time what the messages say isn't helpful at all. Most of the time the messages I saw said "praise the sun!" which isn't the slightest bit helpful. I also saw things like "jump" at an edge of a big drop. I also saw stupid things like "I did it!" in random places, none of those things are helpful at all. The game is also completely absent of a story. So to summarize, the game has an unfair, brutal difficulty, terrible combat, poor level system, bad and unnecessary online features, progression that consists entirely of trial and error, annoying messages, gameplay that just isn't fun, and a nonexistent story. The one online feature that actually works is letting other people into your game to help you, which is the only reason I gave it a 1 and not a 0. Dark Souls is possibly the most overrated game of this console generation.… Expand
  65. Anarchy_Reaper7
    Mar 24, 2013
    9
    This is the best game ever hands down! The difficult of this game remind me of what old school games in the 80s and 90s used to be like including Castlevania, Contra, Ninja Gaiden, etc. The people who gave this game a low score must be casual gamers that want every game to be easy like Call of Duty for example. This game may not be for everyone but it mostly for hardcore gamer like me,This is the best game ever hands down! The difficult of this game remind me of what old school games in the 80s and 90s used to be like including Castlevania, Contra, Ninja Gaiden, etc. The people who gave this game a low score must be casual gamers that want every game to be easy like Call of Duty for example. This game may not be for everyone but it mostly for hardcore gamer like me, that want a challenge and the long length of the game and that are sick of modern games going water down and give us 4-6 hours single player length and getting rip off from 60$ games. This game has everything what hardcore gamer want. If you want a hard enemies, then you have it. If you want hard bosses, then you have it also. Struggling to see what items or weapons that is useful to you, then you have it. I love the dark atmosphere of this game. It make you feel like that there is no hope and everything want to kill you. After killing the boss that you have hard time on, it feel satisfies and rewarding. Anyone who never played Demon Souls like me, you haven't missed a thing but it take time to get used to the control and the game play. If your hardcore gamer like me who looking for a challenge, i would highly recommend to pick this up and also pick up the DLC of this game.… Expand
  66. Morfiss
    Jan 29, 2013
    8
    This game is so awesome! I love how this game is so brutal to noobs and it punishes you for not strategizing before a boss fight. Almost all the bosses are really fun to fight (not the Bed of Chaos). Theres heaps of cool items to collect. Every boss you kill rewards you greatly. The Lore is great if you ever look up the lore on youtube. This game can be really unpredictable. The graphics,This game is so awesome! I love how this game is so brutal to noobs and it punishes you for not strategizing before a boss fight. Almost all the bosses are really fun to fight (not the Bed of Chaos). Theres heaps of cool items to collect. Every boss you kill rewards you greatly. The Lore is great if you ever look up the lore on youtube. This game can be really unpredictable. The graphics, landscape and detail is amazing. The NPCs have their own character and the decisions you make on how to approach things can effect the rest of your gameplay however the PVP is terrible. Most PVP in this game involves some sort of cheap tactic such as: Super OP Magic, Lagstabbing, Hacking and Ganking.… Expand
  67. infamaniac23
    Feb 20, 2013
    9
    This is the absolute best RPG of this generation. Story the story is very interesting and deep, it isn't told to you, you have to discover it by yourself, which increases the replay value by a lot. gameplay absolutely amazing if I were to explain everything now it would take way too long. Graphics on an artistic view beautiful on a technical view ok. Sound voice acting is fine but nothingThis is the absolute best RPG of this generation. Story the story is very interesting and deep, it isn't told to you, you have to discover it by yourself, which increases the replay value by a lot. gameplay absolutely amazing if I were to explain everything now it would take way too long. Graphics on an artistic view beautiful on a technical view ok. Sound voice acting is fine but nothing special but the music is just amazing from boss themes or just laying around a bonfire it's subtle and epic at the same time. Overall easily a 10/10… Expand
  68. MisterNoodles
    Apr 2, 2013
    9
    This game is very fun and well designed. It is the first time I have ever died in a long time. Sadly most recent games like Skyrim or Fable 3 are far too easy. When I walk into a room I instantly know I can clear it. And just this morning when I was playing Skyrim I sat there being bored out of my mind as the same poorly designed and easy to kill NPCs charged at me. I than pulled out DarkThis game is very fun and well designed. It is the first time I have ever died in a long time. Sadly most recent games like Skyrim or Fable 3 are far too easy. When I walk into a room I instantly know I can clear it. And just this morning when I was playing Skyrim I sat there being bored out of my mind as the same poorly designed and easy to kill NPCs charged at me. I than pulled out Dark Souls and got killed within the first five minutes by a fire breathing dragon. This game is beyond hard which makes it so interesting. It may lack side quests and a main storyline, but I have rarely played a game where it actually tests your ability not to die. Most games these days make combat as simple as press one button. This is one of my favorite games and deserves some credit.… Expand
  69. KarjoTheCat
    Apr 26, 2013
    9
    I would like to start off with my positive thoughts of this wounderful game called Dark Souls. Firstly I am going to talk about the single player, Dark souls is very hard but a very easy game at the same time for you see that the game teaches you to play it very well, but punishing you if you don't try hard. My second point is about the story or lore of the game which is done in a goodI would like to start off with my positive thoughts of this wounderful game called Dark Souls. Firstly I am going to talk about the single player, Dark souls is very hard but a very easy game at the same time for you see that the game teaches you to play it very well, but punishing you if you don't try hard. My second point is about the story or lore of the game which is done in a good way, it makes the community work together to find the meaning by hind this dark story and how characters desive you to to their will ect. Thirdly is the gameplay which is spot on. Weapons sound and move like you would expect and the enemies are effect by you attack as you would expect. My last point is about the muilt player, there are two modes where one is to help another player though an area and the second is to kill them, they are both balanced and very fun. Unfortunately with all good games they have bad parts to them and Dark souls is no exception. Firstly is the terrible FPS lag in some areas of the game, and I am not going to lie and say I don't know why it is laggy there. Second point is that is very laggy online for Australians such as my self, but I do not know how it is in other places such as the USA or Japan. Due to the negitive points above I have to give Dark Souls a 9/10 but I recommend it to every one who has the rage suppression skills to cope with it. Thanks for reading, KarjoTheCat.… Expand
  70. CatsPawDigital
    May 19, 2013
    9
    Dark Souls, like Demon's Souls before it, is a truly wonderful game. There is (excluding Demon's Souls, of course) no other game out there now quite like it.

    That said, this game is not for everyone. Call of Duty and God of War this is not, and if you try to run through the game and mash buttons at your undead adversaries, you will have your behind handed to you in short order, and    Dark Souls, like Demon's Souls before it, is a truly wonderful game. There is (excluding Demon's Souls, of course) no other game out there now quite like it.

    That said, this game is not for everyone. Call of Duty and God of War this is not, and if you try to run through the game and mash buttons at your undead adversaries, you will have your behind handed to you in short order, and you'll deserrve it. If you have no patience, if you're easily frustrated, if you have a habit of throwing your controller when your character dies, this game is probably not for you.

    On the other hand, for those who can brave the game's challenges, the rewards are nothing short of amazing. I'm not talking about what the game gives you, although the souls of bosses can be used to make some pretty nice weapons and armor; I'm talking about about the truly wonderful sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering the games challenges, and the unparalleled bragging rights that come from finally beating the game.

    The story, such of it as there is, is forgetable, but this isn't actually a problem; you make the story yourself, going where you want and doing what you want, limited only by your ability to survive the denizens of whatever area you're exploring. This is actually a clever way to guide the player down a certian path; you are almost never limited in your choice of paths by the games scripting, its simply that unless you go a certian way you simply will not survive. This doesn't mean the game punishes exploration; quite the opposite, in fact, but it does require a change of tactics. Often a suicide run will reward players with a rare weapon or armor set, costing nothing but whatever souls the player happened to be carrying at the time. Death, you see, is never permanent in Dark Souls and you can even regain the souls you lost- provided you can fight your way back to your bloodstain and touch it.

    There is no challenge within the game that cannot be overcome with patience, skill and -like any good RPG- a little grinding. Or, if you play online, you can enlist the phantoms of other players to help you. You can join covenants to earn rewards- and sometimes be summoned to fight off or hunt other players. If you're feeling evil, you can invade another player's game as a black phantom and try and make off with that player's souls or humanity.

    There is no voice chat or messaging system in dark souls, and players may only communicate directly through gestures and this leads to a curious code of conduct where black phantoms bow to their defeated victims, a far cry from the indecencies and obscenities often directed at the vanqished in cames such CoD and Halo. Indirect communication is possible via an item called 'soapstone' which allows a player to leave a message in a certian spot that anybody playing online can see. Caution must be exercised, however, when one comes to a message that says something like 'treasure ahead' at the edge of a cliff. Not everyone is honest.

    Dark Souls doesn't try to be anything other than what it is, and what it is is an experience that (once again, excluding Demon's Souls) is quite like anything else you've played, an experience that you will either love or hate. But no game is perfect, and Dark Souls is not without a few glitches. During my first playthrough, two minor bosses simply committed suicide, one of them while was half of the in-game world away. An undead rat got stuck in a wall, pieces of broken boxes were left suspended in mid-air and sometimes the bodies of defeated enemies got stuck around my character's feet for a few seconds as if they were rag dolls. Victory in one particular boss fight, Bed of Chaos, although not a bug in itself seemed to rely less on skill than simple dumb luck (although I persevered and was eventually victorious) and I came close to throwing my controller myself.

    All in all, considering what Dark Souls is intended to be it is very hard to actually criticize it, and I loved every frustrating, agnoizing minute of it. And, in the end, if someone tells me "I beat Halo 4 on legendary" I'll reply "So?" But if they tell me they beat Dark Souls offline, their skills as a gamer will have earned my honest and instant respect.    … Expand
  71. TheFairCritic
    May 30, 2013
    9
    This game is truly a masterpiece. A modern classic if i can say so myself without sounding like a pretentious douche. It combines the oh so perfect controls with the monster slaying loot hunting action. The games main focus is on the "learn from your mistakes" pattern. The controls handle perfectly and i have not encountered any moments of "yanky" controls. Why this game has not been wellThis game is truly a masterpiece. A modern classic if i can say so myself without sounding like a pretentious douche. It combines the oh so perfect controls with the monster slaying loot hunting action. The games main focus is on the "learn from your mistakes" pattern. The controls handle perfectly and i have not encountered any moments of "yanky" controls. Why this game has not been well received by users and/or popular critics alike is because they think they are going to breeze through the content to see whats so hyped and fun about the game, but ends up laying face down in the mud due to lack of patience/concentration and then basically saying that the game is because they did not have patience enough to interpret the enemies actions and patterns. As long as you learn what that you are fighting is doing then the game suddenly becomes a cakewalk. I have beaten the game several times and even a couple without any armour and just a starting dagger.
    The reason the game does not get a perfect score is that in some parts of the game Blighttown in particular) the framerates drop on console. The multiplayer feature can also be buggy sometimes due to connections interrupting. Despite the bad reviews and the minor errors i give this game a solid 9.    … Expand
  72. Jellybean15
    Nov 13, 2015
    9
    Dark Souls is truly a unique experience. Releasing amongst a demographic of gamers who are used to playing games with little difficulty and little consequence for your failure, Dark Souls goes against the grain by not just making the player face tough obstacles and challenging gameplay, but also by punishing them every time they die or make a mistake. It takes you on a journey of pain butDark Souls is truly a unique experience. Releasing amongst a demographic of gamers who are used to playing games with little difficulty and little consequence for your failure, Dark Souls goes against the grain by not just making the player face tough obstacles and challenging gameplay, but also by punishing them every time they die or make a mistake. It takes you on a journey of pain but also great empowerment whenever you overcome its obstacles, and it’s certainly an experience I’ll never forget.

    Dark Souls gameplay is hack and slash in its nature, but it doesn’t bode well to play it like one. In a game where getting hit three times by a standard enemy can kill you, Dark Souls is less about fast paced reactionary gameplay and more methodical planned out strategy. Scanning your enemy for an opening, striking when the time is right, learning how many hits he’ll take, how he reacts and finding out how to react to his counter is all key.

    So many factors go into effecting your strategy as well. How resistant is your shield to physical and magical damage? Is it effective enough, or should you roll out of the way? Is the armor you're wearing light enough to allow me to dodge quickly but also strong enough to protect me? In Dark Souls unforgiving world, sometimes the only way of knowing if you’re strategy works or if you’re progressing is to go out into the world and see if you survive. In fact, in an area of three different branching paths, the only real way to find out which way is the correct way is to see which one doesn’t kill you within the first 60 seconds.

    But, when you do die, Dark Souls is not afraid to let you know that you messed up. Killing enemies grants you souls which acts as both your experience points and your currency for buying items and weapons. Die, and you’ll have to travel back to your dead body to retrieve the souls you lost. Die before that happens, and they’re gone forever.

    What makes Dark Souls so different is the game’s very own checkpoint system. Checkpoints are linked directly to fireplaces, which are your safe havens from your enemies. What I’m glad to see is that unlike Demon’s Souls checkpoint system of opening up shortcuts, Dark Souls’ fireplace system is so much more consistent. I never found an area where there was not a fireplace within two minutes running distance of another one, and often times, levels are smartly designed to incorporate shortcuts or opening paths previously locked off to you to make some fireplaces more accessible from multiple areas, and that’s the beauty of Dark Souls level design. Most of Dark Souls feels like one big cohesive level of multiple paths and areas, and by the end of it, you’ll easily have the whole map laid out in your head.

    However, Dark Souls is not without its caveats. Even things that seem purely beneficial usually have some draw back. Even fireplaces, which do keep you safe from enemies and refill your healing flask, also revive all of the common enemies. It’s not a game that will hold your hand. For example, you can go around and try to find weapons, but you’ll soon discover the only real way to make a truly descent weapon is to find one that fits your play style and find a blacksmith to improve it using found or bought materials. Most of the time, the only way to proceed in Dark Souls is to truly pay attention to its environment, what it tells you, and you must adapt.

    Overall, Dark Souls has it all. Challenge, unique gameplay, awesome boss fights, and smart enemy and level design which compels you to push forward despite your frustrations. So is the game perfect? No, it isn’t. Dark Souls does have its flaws that its fan base is all too quick to ignore. For example, one of the biggest annoyances is the lack of a pause feature. I understand Dark Souls intentions of removing this feature, but there were a few times during play, I had to get up immediately and walk out. A couple of those times I was in the middle of a battle and died as a result. From Software needs to realize that real life does get in the way of gaming sometimes, so a pause button is a must.

    The other real complaint I have is the game’s promise of being challenging but fair, and I do applaud From Software for accomplishing that feature most of the game. I’d say 95 percent of the deaths were my fault, but there was the occasional cheap hit or badly designed level piece that got me killed unfairly. The lock on for example, causes a lot of camera issues when up against walls or low ceilings, and makes seeing your enemies difficult. They’re rare occasions, but they do happen.

    However, any complaints I have don't dampen the experience and I did really enjoy Dark Souls. However I do conclude that it is not a game for everyone. It has its audience, and if you’re not into this kind of game and its particular style, that’s perfectly fine, but I – and a lot of other people – will remember Dark Souls for quite a long time as a really special game.    … Expand
  73. PriceyPants
    Aug 28, 2013
    8
    Dark souls is a great game, it has a great rpg feel to it and a constant sense of danger when away from the bonfires. first off let me say this is no game for people without patients so many times i have heard "I cant beat this boss i quit" when all they have to do i level up a few times. dark souls is a hard game to start off with but after you get a certain quest item the game just getsDark souls is a great game, it has a great rpg feel to it and a constant sense of danger when away from the bonfires. first off let me say this is no game for people without patients so many times i have heard "I cant beat this boss i quit" when all they have to do i level up a few times. dark souls is a hard game to start off with but after you get a certain quest item the game just gets easier. Sure you still lose your souls when you die and PvP can be unfair but that is what Dark Souls is all about, you can't just go into this game expecting not to die trust me you will die Over and over. If you love games where you can fight giant bosses and have a huge amount of loot to find you will absolutely love dark souls, if on the other hand you play games like Call of Duty i recommend you don't even think about touching dark souls because all you will do is and cry.… Expand
  74. Jakallov3
    Aug 27, 2013
    8
    I am an absolute fan of the franchise, the game is challenging and brutal, teaching me something new every time I died. I loved experimenting with new builds, weapons and armors, making this game great for re-playability. PVP is brutal, especially if you do not know what to expect, and also gives the game a lot of uniqueness. However as much as I love this game, there are some issues, suchI am an absolute fan of the franchise, the game is challenging and brutal, teaching me something new every time I died. I loved experimenting with new builds, weapons and armors, making this game great for re-playability. PVP is brutal, especially if you do not know what to expect, and also gives the game a lot of uniqueness. However as much as I love this game, there are some issues, such as frame drops and some bugs and glitches, but you ignore it once it has consumed your soul.… Expand
  75. boshi
    Sep 30, 2013
    9
    a nearly perfect game. really challenging, in a good way, and the boss fights are incredible. there isn't much in terms of story, but you can learn about the world by reading the descriptions of items. it isn't much, but it's there. the only bad part of the game is, some areas lag, and in one area, the majority of the level is laggy. it's difficult, but a lot easier than demon's souls.
  76. chrisse989
    Dec 30, 2013
    8
    First of all to be clear, I am a huge fan of the predecessor, Demon's Souls. It's for me the game that showed the power of the capabilities (not just graphically) of a PS3 versus a PS2.

    Dark Souls is wilder, more beautiful and more technically advanced (esp for the multiplayer part) than Demon's Souls, so it definitely improves on the formula. It's a great game, which has challenging    First of all to be clear, I am a huge fan of the predecessor, Demon's Souls. It's for me the game that showed the power of the capabilities (not just graphically) of a PS3 versus a PS2.

    Dark Souls is wilder, more beautiful and more technically advanced (esp for the multiplayer part) than Demon's Souls, so it definitely improves on the formula. It's a great game, which has challenging bosses, great customisation options and is overall a great adventure.

    There are for me however two issues which ruin the experience a bit:
    - There are a lot of secrets in the game, but they are hidden a bit too well. You will need to read up on internet to discover them, especially since they hide some of the more interesting items. If you want to survive the multiplayer aspect of the game (ie when invading or invaded) and you face someone with items/spells you don't know (other people do read up), you will most likely lose most of the time.
    - The damage you receive can be very arbitrary, which doesn't make sense for a game that wants you to learn from your mistakes. Example: I fight a boss. I see the boss is going to hit so I raise my (very strong) shield. As my stamina was low, the boss his hit breaks through my shield and deals 800 hit points and KO for me. On the next try on that boss, when attacking him, he also hits me three times consecutively dealing only 400 hit points together... Some balance is lost within the game versus Demon's Souls, which is a pity.

    Overall, still a fantastic experience though.    … Expand
  77. Legion455
    Feb 17, 2014
    9
    What can i say about Dark souls well its a excellent and tough game but the difficulty shouldn't be why you play this masterpiece, The lore,story and music are why along with its nasty multiplayer you always feel a rush when someone invades you in the middle of a horde of enemy, along with players helping with that tough boss or leaving messages that could lead to treasure or your doom isWhat can i say about Dark souls well its a excellent and tough game but the difficulty shouldn't be why you play this masterpiece, The lore,story and music are why along with its nasty multiplayer you always feel a rush when someone invades you in the middle of a horde of enemy, along with players helping with that tough boss or leaving messages that could lead to treasure or your doom is always fun

    The game is not for everyone so please take cation in buying it unless you like to practice the game alot to beat some of the boss's    … Expand
  78. Iluvatar21
    May 22, 2014
    8
    HOW I RATE: 10-9 score: perfect or near-perfect don't exist; 8 score: one of the best games ever. Top score; 7-6 score: great but not one of the best; 5-below score: serious flaws.
    ===========
    Do you like finding new things? Do you fancy the idea of no hand-holding? But do you hate starting all over again if you made a fatal mistake? Also do you hate grinding & repetition? But not the    HOW I RATE: 10-9 score: perfect or near-perfect don't exist; 8 score: one of the best games ever. Top score; 7-6 score: great but not one of the best; 5-below score: serious flaws.
    ===========
    Do you like finding new things? Do you fancy the idea of no hand-holding? But do you hate starting all over again if you made a fatal mistake? Also do you hate grinding & repetition? But not the kind of grinding where you are furious of having to go through the same things again but the kind where you feel you are going somewhere & want to continue deeper?

    If you answered 'Yes' to all of these questions then this game is for you.    … Expand
  79. fijiboy
    Mar 22, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. dark souls is incredible. It is a challenging game that will make you question why you are even playing it at times, but if you put the effort in to get through it, there are no other series out there as rewarding as the souls series. a lot of people love this game for its challenging and rewarding gameplay, but for me one of the biggest appeals for me is the cryptic visual storytelling that can be either a hit or miss for some players. If you take the time to look deeply at the themes of this game and how it is discovered through level design, music and item descriptions instead of dialogue, you may find this game to be an artistic statement on determination, loss, depression, desperation, and how all these themes some how become feelings that player will feel many times throughout the game, and truly makes this game a masterpiece. the only thing I have a problem with is some portions of the game are just straight up ridiculous and are simply there to really frustrate you( walking across a very narrow bridge while big nights shoot dragon slaying arrows at you to knock you off while they block your path on an even narrower ledge) and no longer feels fair. there are a couple situations like that in the game that keeps it being a 10 for me, but is still a masterpiece, a flawed masterpiece.… Expand
  80. bigboss1964
    Oct 9, 2014
    8
    Dark Souls

    Game-play:The game play is slow and realistic with lot of different classes to play with i loved it.The game is very difficult so if you are not a hardcore gamer just stay away. Story:The story is the weak point of the game it is awuful. Graphics:The graphics fit the game perfectly. Notes:This RPG is very good and have lot of item and different enemy types a great    Dark Souls

    Game-play:The game play is slow and realistic with lot of different classes to play with i loved it.The game is very difficult so if you are not a hardcore gamer just stay away.

    Story:The story is the weak point of the game it is awuful.

    Graphics:The graphics fit the game perfectly.

    Notes:This RPG is very good and have lot of item and different enemy types a great game a full price buy.    … Expand
  81. MLP_Simta
    Aug 18, 2014
    9
    A really good game that needs time and patience to learn. The cover does not lie to you in your first playthrough you will die a lot. The game itself is enjoyable and has a great combat mechanic that is easy to get use to. The visuals are great for example when you ring the first bell you can see where you came from and what's still waiting for you and the light effect are awesome.
    The    A really good game that needs time and patience to learn. The cover does not lie to you in your first playthrough you will die a lot. The game itself is enjoyable and has a great combat mechanic that is easy to get use to. The visuals are great for example when you ring the first bell you can see where you came from and what's still waiting for you and the light effect are awesome.
    The storyline is there but if you don't take your time you will miss it, so bear in mind that the item description is not just about stats and you can find stroy elements just by looking the scenery.
    The DLC is a must have so if you wish to purchase the game go with the Prepare to Die edition.
    The online PVP for me for the most time is a lagfeast but the online PVE is fun.
    Oh and skip Blighttown that place just kills your FPS on Xbox360 the PS3 is just a few FPS better.
    On PC beware the **** port so on that platfrom so a controller is a must have and don't forget to download a few mods that help the FPS issues on the PC.
    Overall a great game a must buy if you can find it, but be patient. The game helps you but if you rush you gonna have a bad time.    … Expand
  82. krispintin
    Apr 7, 2015
    8
    the only reason the score I've given is an 8 is because some of the environments and late game areas are incredibly lazy, lame and unfinished. (lost Izalith, demon ruins.)

    That said, It is a very very good game, especially if you ignore the glaring flaws later that come later on. the world design is unmatched with mind blowing short cuts connecting the environments to each other.    the only reason the score I've given is an 8 is because some of the environments and late game areas are incredibly lazy, lame and unfinished. (lost Izalith, demon ruins.)

    That said, It is a very very good game, especially if you ignore the glaring flaws later that come later on. the world design is unmatched with mind blowing short cuts connecting the environments to each other.

    The combat is top notch and introduces mostly positive additions to the game from the past title demon's souls.

    The boss fights are dramatic and exciting, fresh and challenging. O&S is possibly the best boss fight they have ever made.
    Though some of the later game bosses are incredibly easy though and less exciting I'm not sure why this happens (maybe the game was rushed a little too much during development).
    I won't fault From Software on the fact that many bosses and areas are just basically different versions of the ones from demon's souls e.g because they do hold up on their own and are unique experiences.

    But the biggest critique I have that prevents me from seeing this as a perfect game like many of the fanboy reviews post is that some areas late into the game like lost izalith are terribly bare bones and unfinished. And then a place like demon's ruins is ruined (heh) by the lazy reposting of previous bosses and making them mobs. They just feel copy pasted into the environment for no reason other than they were lazy or out of time developing the game. Also wtf is up the repost of the asylum demon not once but twice into the game as later bosses, only adding a minor flame affect and/or making him larger in size. It is just lazy in these aspects which lowers the score.

    That said it is still a solid game, only that it dips hard towards the end.    … Expand
  83. Megaben02
    Jun 16, 2015
    9
    For a long tine i had this game sitting on my shelf waiting for me to play it. But when i did, i knew there was no going back. Right off the bat this game does feel like a old school hard rpg. This is most evident in the games tutotial which serves as the test. It will make or break the game for you. Once you escape the tutorial, you are free to explore this game's open world. WhileFor a long tine i had this game sitting on my shelf waiting for me to play it. But when i did, i knew there was no going back. Right off the bat this game does feel like a old school hard rpg. This is most evident in the games tutotial which serves as the test. It will make or break the game for you. Once you escape the tutorial, you are free to explore this game's open world. While exploring you are likely to find shortcuts to a boss, this serves as the games "checkpoint" system, allowing you to quickly get back to the boss with having to go through the level entirely. But the difficulty is where this game shines, gence the feeling of emmense satisfaction after finding said shortcut. The bosses will punish you if you dont take the time to learn their attack patterns. Even the low level enemies, when in a group, can easily overpower a player ten levels ahed of them. This games multiplayer is simple, if you are in human form you can summon another player to help, or if you are human and decide to take a stroll you might find yourself invaded by a red shade. Now, lets talk about this game's graphics. Even in 2015 the graphics still don't look to bad especially when going in the more visually stunning areas of the game, like Anor Londo, or The Painted World. But, the only problem with this game is the framerate. The framerate commonly drops below 15 when i play, especially in places like Blighttown or during the Great Grey Wolf, Sif boss battle. But besides that if you pay attention the Dark Souls lore is great, however you REALLY have to pay attention as this game tends not to blurt thing out like Demon's Souls did to an extent. So in the end the only things that really makes this game sink are the framerate drops and the way to the story is hidden in tems details to the point where it feels almost overdone. But aside from that, this game as you probably figured out, get a solid 9 out of 10.… Expand
  84. flattyfour
    Sep 19, 2015
    8
    Understand the hype, the history, and the limitations before calling this game what it isn't. Play with patience or not at all. I play cause I'm bored.
  85. UncleEd
    Nov 30, 2017
    9
    OK, this one took a very long time to beat. But not necessarily gameplay time wise (about 105 hours). It took a long time (more than 6 months) because it was too depressing to keep playing for long hours. Before writing about my impressions, I want to make it clear that I am a Demon's Souls fan. Demon's Souls is in my opinion, the best PS3 game ever made. It took me to a different world,OK, this one took a very long time to beat. But not necessarily gameplay time wise (about 105 hours). It took a long time (more than 6 months) because it was too depressing to keep playing for long hours. Before writing about my impressions, I want to make it clear that I am a Demon's Souls fan. Demon's Souls is in my opinion, the best PS3 game ever made. It took me to a different world, gave me a unique gameplay experience, made me feel very awkward emotions. It was fantastic. So according to almost everyone's opinion, Dark Souls is the better game in every sense. Not for me, it is not. Let me tell you why...

    First of all Demon's Souls was the amazing game that no one played. Dark Souls is the amazing game that everyone played. So it is perfectly understandable that the newcomers had a unique experience with Dark Souls which they simply cannot forget. I think it is like how everyone's favorite MMORPG tends to be the first one they have played. So Demon's Souls/Dark Souls series gives you that feeling. It punches you in the face and tells you there is nothing like it out there. True.

    My main problem with Dark Souls -in comparison to the first game- was the photographic memory requirement. The level designs are genius and are all connected to each other in a remarkable open world labyrinthine fashion. Imagine something like ICO but much more complex. However, if you don't have a photographic memory, you will forget. You will not remember the shortcut to a specific level. You will try to get there using the 10 times longer route just because you totally forgot about the shortcut. To overcome this, you will consult walkthroughs and gameplay videos (there are basically 1000s of videos on youtube showing how to get from X to Y. Talking about walkthroughs, this is not a game where they are supplementary. Walkthroughs are absolutely necessary to beat Dark Souls. In order to understand how to benefit from your weapon, you will have to check the different upgrade path outcomes of many different players... And how they worked/did not work on a specific boss.

    The second thing I liked less was the emotional perfection of the bosses. The game is really improved in the sense of boss combats since cheating your way out of a boss fight is usually not very possible in Dark Souls. However, in Demon's Souls, I remember fighting bosses with a lot of empathy. Demon's Souls made me feel I am a horrible person for swinging my sword. Whereas in Dark Souls, I was more aware that this was a video game and did not really care about who I am killing.

    I am not going to talk about all the good things about Dark Souls, which you can find in any review you read. But you should at least know that there are things this series simply perfected. It is the only game series in which backstabbing an enemy makes you feel like you are holding the knife in your hand and really stuck it into someone's back. There is a great deal of realism in terms of how you move and fight. You are really holding the shield on your left hand and the sword on the right. The game lore is pretty good, if you pay attention to details. Everything is designed to make you feel in that hopeless depressing environment. All the NPCs are hopeless. You are hopeless. The environment, NPCs, player, music are all in perfect harmony of enormous hopelessness.

    Do I recommend Dark Souls? Hell yes! But it is not a perfect game. I did not enjoy the entire over a 100 hours I have spent on it with a mixed feeling of depression, masochism and satisfaction. I did not enjoy playing it simultaneously checking a youtube gameplay video. But it is a great game nonetheless and highly recommended.    … Expand
  86. okayokay
    Oct 10, 2018
    9
    rrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllll
  87. 6oni
    Oct 14, 2018
    9
    dr r a lots of agresiv creturs but u r d unic who steal nd dstroy d scenario nd dis autorepairs making u out of d game xprienc, u r inmortal nd can farm infnitly so d game s no hard s tedious nd boring,artificial dficulty nd duration etc.. but wiz al dis s stil one of best games wiz personality gud dsign nd moments dat u dont forget
  88. Simpson_761
    Oct 8, 2020
    10
    A Piece of Master. One could only dream of more games being this satisfying.
  89. SolaireMengao
    Sep 16, 2021
    9
    It's brilliant how they got the "die and try again" formula to be one of the most fun (and frustrating) experiences ever. The gameplay, the lore, almost everything in this game is awesome.
  90. DarkwingSchmuck
    Mar 14, 2022
    10
    Dark Souls takes the ambitious and challenging design of Demon's Souls and expands on it in every way imaginable. With one of the most ingenious interconnecting map designs, brilliant and deliberate combat, and exciting boss battles, Dark Souls is one of the greatest 3D games ever made.
  91. ReviewsAreBS
    Feb 15, 2023
    10
    The best souls game and hardest (after Sekiro). The entire game world is mostly self-contained and interconnected like a dollhouse.

    There are flaws: The sidequests are non-intuitive and pretty random. Crafting is really annoying and tedious. Some levels were clearly rushed. But even with these flaws, it is the only souls game you need to play, all the sequels (except for Sekiro) are    The best souls game and hardest (after Sekiro). The entire game world is mostly self-contained and interconnected like a dollhouse.

    There are flaws: The sidequests are non-intuitive and pretty random. Crafting is really annoying and tedious. Some levels were clearly rushed.

    But even with these flaws, it is the only souls game you need to play, all the sequels (except for Sekiro) are just rehashing more of the same.    … Expand
  92. Denniro
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    this game's difficulty is overrated.... It's not so difficult as everybody is saying.. It just has it's own original style, pace and approach to a gamer and gaming itself.. If You're the fan of God of War style games where You rush through the game with your brains not involved in the process but only buttons snapping - this game is not for You..
    To be successful and enjoy the process    this game's difficulty is overrated.... It's not so difficult as everybody is saying.. It just has it's own original style, pace and approach to a gamer and gaming itself.. If You're the fan of God of War style games where You rush through the game with your brains not involved in the process but only buttons snapping - this game is not for You..
    To be successful and enjoy the process You have to think and plan the route and tactics - and as a result You will be awarded with the great joy and sense of achievement.
    10 with no discussions!    … Expand
  93. MetaRogue
    May 22, 2021
    9
    While Demon Souls was the first to establish the core formula for the Souls series, Dark Souls was the follow-up that not only perfected, but solidified the series identity and appeal. This is THE ORIGINAL GAME that spawned a new genre of games: the Souls-like genre. This is a genre defined by gameplay systems that are immensely difficult, soul-crushingly frustrating and punishing in everyWhile Demon Souls was the first to establish the core formula for the Souls series, Dark Souls was the follow-up that not only perfected, but solidified the series identity and appeal. This is THE ORIGINAL GAME that spawned a new genre of games: the Souls-like genre. This is a genre defined by gameplay systems that are immensely difficult, soul-crushingly frustrating and punishing in every possible way - AND people love this sort of thing because "modern videogames are just too soft, easy and forgiving". While that previous sentence may seem sarcastic, I actually really appreciate what Dark Souls is and what it does - even if it sometimes brings me to my wits end and makes me question why I'm wasting my time trying to fun by playing something that was designed with the deliberate intention of being downright difficult and just plain UNFAIR.

    Beyond it's obvious difficult gameplay, Dark Souls has fantastic combat and world design - both structurally and narratively. In this regard, the game is peerless. The overall vibe and aesthetic is brilliantly oppressive and (you guessed it) dark. This makes Dark Souls feel like a survival horror game instead of a dark fantasy RPG.

    The only pitfalls of this fantastic genre establishing game is, of course, the gruelling difficulty. While not as difficult as its sequels and spiritual successors (and other games that pay homage to it), the original Soul-crusher is still mightily challenging, sometimes to its own detriment. There are moments in this game where it feels like FromSoftware implemented certain elements just to frustrate gamers with things that require more luck than skill OR unparalleled amounts of patience.

    Nevertheless, this is (somehow) revered as a modern classic and the ones who persevere through this experience with great skill receive nearly equal amounts of reverence. Alas, I am not one of them because I not only think that videogames should be played for fun, but also because I'd prefer not to waste my time, and potentially risk my mental wellbeing, by trying to play something that is deliberately designed to frustrate me.

    Here's to you, Dark Souls - the darkest rose with the largest thorns.    … Expand
  94. Hackattaque
    Aug 23, 2017
    8
    Dark Souls is what you might get if you crossed Shadow of the Colossus with the very first 8-bit Legend of Zelda. It's a wilfully obscure, challenging game that explains nothing and throws you into a hostile adventure world populated with memorable bosses, unforgiving enemies and kooky allies. It's hard to really capture how crazy this approach seemed in 2011, even after predecessorDark Souls is what you might get if you crossed Shadow of the Colossus with the very first 8-bit Legend of Zelda. It's a wilfully obscure, challenging game that explains nothing and throws you into a hostile adventure world populated with memorable bosses, unforgiving enemies and kooky allies. It's hard to really capture how crazy this approach seemed in 2011, even after predecessor Demon's Souls. This game basically made it acceptable for big-budget titles to punish, alienate and confuse players.

    Once you get over the initial difficulty hump, Dark Souls gets two big things absolutely spot-on: Its world and its combat. The environments ooze with atmosphere, from medieval castles and churches to forests and swamps, and they all connect through clever shortcuts, ladders and secret passages. The combat is meaty, slow and highly strategic, forcing the player to make every sword swipe count and to carefully study the enemy's moves. This is not an open world game where you roam free with few consequences. It's terrifying.

    Where Dark Souls is less successful is pacing. With very little story or character interaction, it can be sometimes frustrating and boring to run through the same areas several times to level up or to try and beat a troublesome enemy. Some parts will feel exciting and challenging, others tedious and cheap. The final act of the game is a real low point, with the designers peppering overly big, sparse areas with duplicated enemies and bosses. The 75-hour campaign could have been easily cut to 50.

    it's the boss battles that ultimately steal the show. You'll fight giant gargoyles on the roof of a church; a sword-wielding wolf guarding a moonlit tomb; ghostly kings in a pitch-black abyss with no floor. When you finally beat such screen-filling baddies after several attempts, it's an intoxicating feeling. The peak of the whole game is the fight at the sumptuous and deadly sky palace of Anor Londo, which pits you against a giant hammer-wielding executioner and his lightning-quick companion. Nothing after that comes close.

    Dark Souls is a unique and unforgettable experience. It should be played. But it's not perfect. There are lows with the highs, so be prepared before you step into the fog.    … Expand
  95. Pasifull
    Sep 21, 2016
    9
    Dark soul's problems - of which there are many - get washed away in the torrent of euphoria that comes with each victory, whether minor or major. An excellent game that should be of no interest to most gamers, but the core it's designed to engage with won't be able to look at other games in the same way again.
  96. Camparini
    Jan 11, 2020
    9
    Dark Souls 1 é, antes de qualquer coisa, revolucionário. Criou um novo de gênero de jogo (o dos ''Soulslike"), e não apela pra dificuldades pífias para atrair todo tipo de público pra sua obra. Não, Dark Souls é uma obra onde você se adapta ao jogo, e não o jogo a você, e isso por si só já o faz distante de vários outros grandes jogos que, apesar de grandes obras, não inovam, apenasDark Souls 1 é, antes de qualquer coisa, revolucionário. Criou um novo de gênero de jogo (o dos ''Soulslike"), e não apela pra dificuldades pífias para atrair todo tipo de público pra sua obra. Não, Dark Souls é uma obra onde você se adapta ao jogo, e não o jogo a você, e isso por si só já o faz distante de vários outros grandes jogos que, apesar de grandes obras, não inovam, apenas expandem, não desafiam e não testam seus limites. A arte é incrível e a história é contada nas entrelinhas, mas a lore é rica e é bem explorada ao longo da franquia. É um dos 3 jogos da década passada, ao meu ver, pelo seu caráter inovador e pela bravura de testar os limites dos seus jogadores.… Expand
  97. Markain
    Mar 6, 2017
    8
    Cool Game, but very hard and confusing. I often got lost in the mazelike castle. The story is very mystic and ittakes a while until you get behind it.
  98. John-Doe
    May 1, 2016
    9
    The first in the dark souls series and arguably the best one because of its amazing visuals, fantastic soundtrack, amazing areas, great NPCs and heart beating mind blasting kicking your ass gameplay. The wide, expansive and interconnected world will cause you to explore every nook and cranny, and take note: what ever you look at in the world, most likely you can go there. Weapons lists andThe first in the dark souls series and arguably the best one because of its amazing visuals, fantastic soundtrack, amazing areas, great NPCs and heart beating mind blasting kicking your ass gameplay. The wide, expansive and interconnected world will cause you to explore every nook and cranny, and take note: what ever you look at in the world, most likely you can go there. Weapons lists and design are great although demon souls had a better line up. Boss fights are 5 times harder than demon souls and you will most likely break your controllers but gain 5 times the satisfaction for when you beat that piece of s***! If you have problems beating a boss you can call for backup, other people playing the game can be called to help you to beat the boss to lay the ultimate beatdown on the boss or vice versa. If this is your first souls game then you are in for a treat but be warned that in order to truly enjoy what this game has to offer you must first get past the learning curve. CASUAL GAMERS BEWARE… Expand
  99. nsroehl
    Feb 15, 2019
    9
    Loved the game. Like all the Dark Souls games, this has an amazing world to explore with plenty of fun and challenging bosses. Some technical glitches and certain areas hold this game back from getting a 10 in my opinion. Everyone complains about Blight Town, but they are right to complain about it. That area can be incredibly frustrating.
  100. XxJoseManuelxX
    Aug 25, 2016
    9
    Dark Souls is an action role-playing video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Namco Bandai. A spiritual successor to FromSoftware's Demon's Souls.

    + Good Gameplay
    + Epic Bosses Fights
    + Online
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PS3 Game of 2011
6
#6 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
4
#4 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Mar 6, 2012
    80
    It would be foolish of us to pretend that Dark Souls is a game for everyone. It's perfect at what it does, but a big part of what it does is make you suffer for your mistakes. It is a harsh, uncompromising task master and you will have to work to win its approval, because it certainly won't work to win yours. [Dec 2011, p74]
  2. RPGamer
    Jan 5, 2012
    90
    At the end of the day Dark Souls succeeds in producing a game that is both incredibly challenging and fair.
    Read full review
  3. Gamer Limit
    Nov 29, 2011
    85
    All in all, Dark Souls is a more difficult, but less enjoyable (and less accessible) Demon's Souls.
    Read full review
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