Demon's Souls

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Oct 6, 2009
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2033 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,772 out of 2033
  2. Mixed: 135 out of 2033
  3. Negative: 126 out of 2033
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  1. MiKE
    Jan 22, 2010
    1
    Visual, the game is grainy, with dark, dull colors. techincal but not artistic graphics. The voice over is average. Combat system is simple, but it works. Diffulty? EXTRA EXTRA HARD. Which makes me think, why did this game recieve such a HIGH average from the critics? The production value, is of that a LOW bugdet. The game may attract HARDCORE RPG gamers, but thats about it. Overall a Visual, the game is grainy, with dark, dull colors. techincal but not artistic graphics. The voice over is average. Combat system is simple, but it works. Diffulty? EXTRA EXTRA HARD. Which makes me think, why did this game recieve such a HIGH average from the critics? The production value, is of that a LOW bugdet. The game may attract HARDCORE RPG gamers, but thats about it. Overall a disappointment in my book.… Expand
  2. JudgeDredd
    Jan 22, 2010
    9
    This is an important game because it is doing the exact opposite to what mainstream games do. Instead of scaling the game to meet the player's skill level it forces the player to bring their skill level up to the level of the game. It goes against the whole notion of instant gratification that we become accustomed to nowadays in every other title out there. You need time to put into This is an important game because it is doing the exact opposite to what mainstream games do. Instead of scaling the game to meet the player's skill level it forces the player to bring their skill level up to the level of the game. It goes against the whole notion of instant gratification that we become accustomed to nowadays in every other title out there. You need time to put into this game to get it. It's not as unforgiving as many of the reviews have made out. It simply puts it up to you and you need to respond. You will die again and again but every time you respawn you will have a little more edge and you'll find yourself defeating enemies quicker and quicker. There is always a way through. The game is so finely balanced that if you die you know that it is your fault and not the game's. If you have the time and the will this game is more than worth it.… Expand
  3. KostasI.
    Jan 21, 2010
    9
    I cant really even begin to express how much i love this game. Few games get developed as such these days and even fewer are getting sold but a name like ATLUS and FROM software is enough to apeal to the niche market of the -true- hardcore gamer. This is a game where everything matters, your movement and positioning matters, colision detection matters, badly judged attacks or parry skills I cant really even begin to express how much i love this game. Few games get developed as such these days and even fewer are getting sold but a name like ATLUS and FROM software is enough to apeal to the niche market of the -true- hardcore gamer. This is a game where everything matters, your movement and positioning matters, colision detection matters, badly judged attacks or parry skills matters, diyng GOD DAMN matters. This game will make "stat grinders" squeel in frustration and brand the game as "unforgivable" and "stupid" because the game will not make them the favour of going with their waters. If you consider yourself a hardcore gamer and enjoys a -true- challenge rather than the endless stat grindfest that other games have you going through then look no further than Demon's Souls. A dungeon crawler game to end all dungeon crawlers. Step into the game and love and every second of your (many) deaths or simply cry about your incompetence.… Expand
  4. JoeW
    Jan 18, 2010
    9
    Demon's Souls is an absolutely amazing game. I rarely play through a game multiple times but with Demon's Souls the addition of New Game+ and the ability to shape your character skills without restriction keeps me playing
  5. ericu
    Jan 14, 2010
    10
    yes, it is a very challlenging game & you will die alot at first but .....what an awesome game i htink the challenge is what makes it fun...
  6. SteveJ
    Jan 12, 2010
    10
    I absolutely HATE games that are too difficult. Demon's Souls is EXTREMELY difficult, yet the game is so incredibly good I can't tear myself away from it. If you're a hardcore RPG fan, there is nothing better than Demon's Souls.
  7. MonkeyKungFu
    Jan 11, 2010
    9
    Fantastic game play with a truly innovative Multiplayer experience. Minor AI shortcomings keep this title from being as difficult as it should be, with several trivial bosses.
  8. GK
    Jan 8, 2010
    10
    Demon's Souls in an excellent game and a well deserved Game of the Year for several publications. Two users have given the game a '3' citing the game's difficulty being too high. Demon's Souls IS difficult but it's never cheap and never unfair. From Software have got the risk / reward balance near perfection where you genuinely feel a simultaneous sigh of Demon's Souls in an excellent game and a well deserved Game of the Year for several publications. Two users have given the game a '3' citing the game's difficulty being too high. Demon's Souls IS difficult but it's never cheap and never unfair. From Software have got the risk / reward balance near perfection where you genuinely feel a simultaneous sigh of relief and surge of adrenalin when you get past that demon that just kept holding you back. The online is exceptionally good, leave messages to help others, join other worlds to help, have other players join you to help, or invade and disrupt someone else's progression. A brilliant twist on conventional cooperative and multiplayer gaming. Replay value is also unexpectedly high (for me, at least). After finishing the game, I immediately started New Game +. Upgrading weapons, spells, combat; it all comes together to be a very addictive experience. If you give up on Demon's Souls, you are genuinely missing one of the more unique experiences this generation. With the multiple ways to obtain help, there's really no excuse for finding it just too difficult. If you haven't yet tried it, you really should if RPG is your thing. It's not a game for everyone, granted; but for a niche game to enjoy such critical success really does speak volumes for the quality of Demon's Souls.… Expand
  9. ArminZ
    Jan 7, 2010
    9
    I won't give this a 10 even though I'm tempted to simply to bring the score up with the hope that more people will purchase and support FROM software and Atlus. "Demon's Souls" is a hard game, a fact which you knew before even reading this sentence. People who say it's too hard will slander it and claim that the difficulty is either cheap (Chess Red Eagle) or I won't give this a 10 even though I'm tempted to simply to bring the score up with the hope that more people will purchase and support FROM software and Atlus. "Demon's Souls" is a hard game, a fact which you knew before even reading this sentence. People who say it's too hard will slander it and claim that the difficulty is either cheap (Chess Red Eagle) or pretentious. If the game left the player no respite by having the enemies level up with you, therefore negating any leveling system (ala Final Fantasy VIII) then I would be inclined to agree. "Demon's Souls" rewards a slow, methodical and calculated approach. If you try and take on all of the enemies in the game as though this were "Gears of War", f course you will die and frequently. "Demon's Souls" difficulty allows the game to be immersive. How many games have you played where the storyline has something to do with a legion of enemies that are unstoppable, and yet, the main character can mow them down as though he has a flamethrower and the enemies are toddlers? "Demon's Souls" gets it right. It may be one of the few games of this generation to do so. It's difficult, but allows you to work at your own pace. It doesn't forgive recklessness, but allows you to learn enemy behaviour. If you put in the time and effort into making your character strong enough to complete the game, then it is an accomplishment. You feel satisfied - why? Because the main character wasn't always a hero - you turned him into one - you are the strength that overcame. The graphics are not the best of this generation, but they aren't as bad as "Dragon Age" (a good game, but the graphics are 'meh'). The story isn't in your face - it is quite subtle and the more you look around and take in the atmosphere, the more the story becomes apparent. I could go on and on about how this gem should not be missed for fear of a future where true innovation is ignored. Play this game and don't give up. The more you put into this game, the more it returns. Best game of the year? I believe so.… Expand
  10. SethB
    Jan 6, 2010
    10
    This game is amazing. Visually, I am somewhat suprised that they used the Havok engine because of just how beautiful it really is, and the bump-mapping (though shiny) really made the rest of the game darker. Honestly, the first play through the game is a learning experience, and is not so much difficult as it is surprising. After game completion, you know where things are. You can expect This game is amazing. Visually, I am somewhat suprised that they used the Havok engine because of just how beautiful it really is, and the bump-mapping (though shiny) really made the rest of the game darker. Honestly, the first play through the game is a learning experience, and is not so much difficult as it is surprising. After game completion, you know where things are. You can expect them. You know how to kill the Phalanx, very easily. But when starting a New Game Plus, the game becomes extremely difficult to play. With the Black-Eyed Stones, invasions become common on NG+, so just expect it. Some bosses seem impossible to kill without other players with you, so that the boss could alter it's attention for even just a moment. This game is hard. This game is pretty. This game is Dark, and this game needs to be played by everyone.… Expand
  11. aspentitan
    Jan 5, 2010
    9
    Demon
  12. MunirS
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    It's the difficulty I like the most with the infinite replay value and the best part is that it's not for the casual gamers only for the real hardcore gamers only babies who like graphics can stick with call of duty 2
  13. johnt
    Jan 3, 2010
    9
    This is one of the best action-RPG games ever made. Everybody is saying that it is very difficult but that's not true at all. It is challenging and will seem very difficult at first but when you learn how to play it and understand its ways, it is a breeze. Don't be put off by the reported difficulty. It is very well balanced with excellent swordplay, beautiful visuals and lots This is one of the best action-RPG games ever made. Everybody is saying that it is very difficult but that's not true at all. It is challenging and will seem very difficult at first but when you learn how to play it and understand its ways, it is a breeze. Don't be put off by the reported difficulty. It is very well balanced with excellent swordplay, beautiful visuals and lots of immersion. If the game had a better presentation and a complex story we would be talking about the game of the decade. Still one of the best.… Expand
  14. ChessRedEagle
    Jan 2, 2010
    3
    I honestly cannot figure out the appeal. I took a chance and bought it and I hate it. If you take away the excrutiating and frankly cheap difficulty it has nothing going for it save maybe the bosses. I just got it yesterday and I'm already sick of it.
  15. NikoD
    Jan 1, 2010
    10
    Game is the real deal. Would give it 11 if I could.
  16. EpyxA
    Dec 30, 2009
    10
    As an old school gamer this was a welcome game and one that was a long time coming. I have read some negative reviews, whose only negative point seemed to be the lack of a story? Please remember not every RPG has to have a fantastic linear story...character development, freedom, skills, strategy are equally important in a great RPG. What the game lacks in story (which it should not be As an old school gamer this was a welcome game and one that was a long time coming. I have read some negative reviews, whose only negative point seemed to be the lack of a story? Please remember not every RPG has to have a fantastic linear story...character development, freedom, skills, strategy are equally important in a great RPG. What the game lacks in story (which it should not be punished for as the game is not about story) it makes up for with skill building difficulty and a feeling of accomplishment second to none. Finish a level and you truly feel like you were traversing the level and personally slew the boss demon. THAT to me is the true definition of pen and paper role playing. Taking a single role and becoming that role. Getting involved in other characters linear storylines is great fun at times (FFX etc) but just as those games shouldn't be punished for being story heavy and linear, DS should not be punished for it's lack of story because the sense of complete and palpable immersion makes up for it.… Expand
  17. JayK
    Dec 30, 2009
    10
    Demon's Souls is an extremely special and rare sort of game. The game is challenging but addictive; the fighting and gameplay is more thoughtful than action games and much more deep and satisfying than rpg games. I am generally too impatient and ill equipped for most challenging action games, but this one is so perfectly designed that time flew and I was kept glued the whole time. Demon's Souls is an extremely special and rare sort of game. The game is challenging but addictive; the fighting and gameplay is more thoughtful than action games and much more deep and satisfying than rpg games. I am generally too impatient and ill equipped for most challenging action games, but this one is so perfectly designed that time flew and I was kept glued the whole time. The trick is to know what you want to do; it's not like jumping platforms in Mega Man. It plays almost like a puzzle throughout. The sense of discovery and level design are among the best. Wonderful atmosphere and art, a serious Japanese style that is refreshingly different from either American or the common anime stylings. Multiple ways to play (with mages having it a bit easier, I think). One of my most favorite games ever. Do not miss this!… Expand
  18. RiverV
    Dec 28, 2009
    10
    Game of the year, it´s the essence of videogame.
  19. ES
    Dec 28, 2009
    3
    Do you want some meaningless "hardcore cred"? Pretend to like this game and give it a 10. This is more and less than a game, this is a soul destroying experience. I am not embarrassed to say that I find this game far far FAR too hard. But the problem is that most people seem to think that there is some sort of shame in that. Old school megaman was hard. But even in those games every Do you want some meaningless "hardcore cred"? Pretend to like this game and give it a 10. This is more and less than a game, this is a soul destroying experience. I am not embarrassed to say that I find this game far far FAR too hard. But the problem is that most people seem to think that there is some sort of shame in that. Old school megaman was hard. But even in those games every single enemy you came across was not a boss unto themselves. To the wanna-be masochists who think that if you don't like this game you need to learn what a challenge is. Something like fencing is a challenge when fighting a skilled fencer. Fencing against someone with a sniper rifle isn't a challenge, it is madness.… Expand
  20. ChrisS
    Dec 28, 2009
    10
    This game is just awesome! When I started playing it I thought I sucked and didn't understand how it worked. I thought it was too hard, and I thought I wasn't supposed to die. Now 70 hours later I must say this game grabbed me by the balls and I love this awesome game. GOTY 2009!
  21. NickR
    Dec 24, 2009
    9
    A solid RPG, Demon's Souls will keep you hooked for a long time, although I feel that people are hyping the difficulty a bit too much. Don't get me wrong, I don't consider myself to be a master at this game and some parts were worth a few deaths, but once you understand the best way to beat an enemy, you can creep through without a scratch. Other elements are just as superb A solid RPG, Demon's Souls will keep you hooked for a long time, although I feel that people are hyping the difficulty a bit too much. Don't get me wrong, I don't consider myself to be a master at this game and some parts were worth a few deaths, but once you understand the best way to beat an enemy, you can creep through without a scratch. Other elements are just as superb as people have mentioned: major points for the fluid animation and art design. I'm four playthroughs into the game, and I can see my self doing at least four more. All in all, if you like a bit of a challenge and are a fan of RPGs, check it out.… Expand
  22. RageM.
    Dec 23, 2009
    10
    Please do not let the steep difficulty dissuade you from playing this game. It's absolutely wonderful!!!! Is it hard?? Yes. Is it cheap? FAR FROM. Trust me i was initially hesitant to buy this game, but boy am i glad i did. The best game I've played all year hands down. Trumps Uncharted 2, MW 2, Borderlands or really anything anyone can throw at this game. I can't sing Please do not let the steep difficulty dissuade you from playing this game. It's absolutely wonderful!!!! Is it hard?? Yes. Is it cheap? FAR FROM. Trust me i was initially hesitant to buy this game, but boy am i glad i did. The best game I've played all year hands down. Trumps Uncharted 2, MW 2, Borderlands or really anything anyone can throw at this game. I can't sing enough praises for it. Innovative and beautiful. Wonderful action and RPG elements. A perfect score in my books. Check professional reviews. I'm not alone.… Expand
  23. BobbyRice2
    Dec 22, 2009
    10
    Hi there people, I see alot of people rating this low, and plenty high , I also see alot of biased votes for the ones giving high, I will be talking in a minute about the game, and I hope to do so in a way that is un-biased, as i've never played any of the developers games before, or atleast not any I can remember. I score this a 10, despite it's flaws - it does have them, it Hi there people, I see alot of people rating this low, and plenty high , I also see alot of biased votes for the ones giving high, I will be talking in a minute about the game, and I hope to do so in a way that is un-biased, as i've never played any of the developers games before, or atleast not any I can remember. I score this a 10, despite it's flaws - it does have them, it has alot of bad points, but for me, this has been an enjoyable 50 hours of play & i'm already on my 2nd play through in the 'nightmare' mode I suppose you could call it. This game truely is challenging, perhaps in the simplest of ways, but it is indeed a challenge - if you're into quite Linea Hack & Slash games with swords, shields & spells - but want one that is difficult, requires patience & will truely make your heart race through the fear of dying at times, a game that will definitely make you cautious to enter that boss room, one that will make you peak around every corner and walk steadily along to prevent being wiped out, then this is for you. Graphically, I find it okay - I don't have a HD television, so I don't know, i've seen videos that make it look quite great. I played the game near release so it was quite a fun time with all the messages on the floor, and other things - that was another thing I enjoyed alot - so I don't know how it will be now in terms of people communicating, or summoning others to your world, etc. It is a marvellous game, it is not your typical RPG , regardless of what fan-boys say. You do not get quests, nor do you really buy armor, anything you get - you find, and the money you get, you will spend on arrows mainly. Despite that, it's an extremely unique & original game, and does deserve a few hours of playing until you have the conclusion of whether you like it. The bad points are hm, let me think. I have had occasional lag whilst invading another players world, which has resulted in me dying to them - which is irritating, but I don't feel it matters all that much. I personally don't have many things to complain about with this game, it is difficult, and perhaps sometimes UNFAIR - but not in the way that - you will die, and feel cheated, if you die - you will feel like it was your fault, not the developers being abusive. Last point really, those saying about dying, losing souls, not being able to pause, etc. What do you expect, being able to pause a game where you can be invaded by another online player? And if you don't like losing souls, then play better, and you won't lose them in the first place. Got a PS3? Rent it, steal it, borrow it, buy it. Whatever, give this a few hours of your time, decide for yourselves if you like it, and don't let others influence you to make a firm decision before you know for yourself. Rated 10 as it's my opinion & I enjoyed every aspect of this game, even the dying - i've said to myself many times. 'Well played computer, well played'.… Expand
  24. GabsJ
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    its a great game honestly i will admit that the story isnt the most compelling, but the combat is extremely satsifying as is the character development
  25. TylerM
    Dec 17, 2009
    10
    Honestly, this game is the best game I've played in many years. It is so different than any game I have ever played and it is really really difficult. At the start of the game, I was getting very frustrated with having to repeat a whole level from start to finish. However, after playing for a while I realized you have to master the controls and know when to do certain things. For Honestly, this game is the best game I've played in many years. It is so different than any game I have ever played and it is really really difficult. At the start of the game, I was getting very frustrated with having to repeat a whole level from start to finish. However, after playing for a while I realized you have to master the controls and know when to do certain things. For example, the first level took me almost 2 hours to beat (and i consider myself a decent gamer) on my first play through with a ton of deaths. Later, I started a new character to play with a friend and beat the first level in 15-20 minutes with no deaths. It is a matter of mastering the right skills for the game and when you do, you will realize how amazing this game really is. I highly highly recommend this game and I would even say it is by far my game of the year (and i have beaten uncharted 2, assassin's creed 2, and mw2). Please try this game, you owe it to yourself. P.S.- This is my first review on here because i never cared about reviewing a game but people should know how good this game is.… Expand
  26. ScottP
    Dec 11, 2009
    10
    Best RPG this generation. Finally a game that was not dumbed down for mediocrre gamers. A great game from begining to end.
  27. LesE
    Dec 8, 2009
    6
    Yes i did find it difficult but it was not that the difficulty that warranted this modest score, it was the total lack of story telling depth or character development. With Mass Effect or Dragon Age you come to care for the main charcters and develope an emotional response to the game. The experience is totally imersive. With Oblivion, though the main character was merely a foil to tweak Yes i did find it difficult but it was not that the difficulty that warranted this modest score, it was the total lack of story telling depth or character development. With Mass Effect or Dragon Age you come to care for the main charcters and develope an emotional response to the game. The experience is totally imersive. With Oblivion, though the main character was merely a foil to tweak around with the RPG stats, the sub plots and often immersive storyline supplied a similar emotional response. With this game you are merely presented with a series of vignettes that are, as they say, full of sound and fury......… Expand
  28. BrettD
    Dec 4, 2009
    9
    It would have got a 10 if it wasn't so damn difficult. I really enjoyed the innovative features of this game like the ability to have help during the levels from players online and the messages people post all over the place. I did beat the game but it took about 60 hours and I didn't get all the trophies to do that i had to play through a second time with increased difficulty It would have got a 10 if it wasn't so damn difficult. I really enjoyed the innovative features of this game like the ability to have help during the levels from players online and the messages people post all over the place. I did beat the game but it took about 60 hours and I didn't get all the trophies to do that i had to play through a second time with increased difficulty and it just kicked my ass the second time. It has an old school gaming mentality where if you die you have to start from the beginning of the level. You do open up short cuts though and this doesn't make you feel irritated.… Expand
  29. PierreR
    Dec 3, 2009
    9
    Excellent gameplay and a chilling atmosphere work together wonderfully in this game, but the intense difficulty make this best suited for hardcore gamers. The game's greatest failing is its nearly non-existent story, which may come as a surprise to the average JRPG fan. However, fans of serious gameplay and insane difficulty will not be disappointed in this game.
  30. Todd
    Nov 27, 2009
    6
    The amount of challenge in the game makes it rewarding to finish, but I was left feeling bored at the end due to the story being so watered down and nearly non-existent that I just didn't give a crap what happened. I see lots of people giving this game a 10 because OMG SWEET A HARD GAME FOR ONCE. While it did some things well, I feel like the game was half-baked in a lot of ways. The amount of challenge in the game makes it rewarding to finish, but I was left feeling bored at the end due to the story being so watered down and nearly non-existent that I just didn't give a crap what happened. I see lots of people giving this game a 10 because OMG SWEET A HARD GAME FOR ONCE. While it did some things well, I feel like the game was half-baked in a lot of ways. With the difficulty that was present in the gameplay I expected boss fights to be a lot more difficult and engaging than they actually were. To be brutally honest most of the bosses were a total joke. I think I died maybe 3 times total between all the bosses in the game, which was a heck of a lot less than the amount of times I died up to that point. I was happy to have a game that didn't hold my hand but I feel like there were a lot of little things that should have been improved before sending this game out that would have given me reason to actually give this game a 10.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PS3 Game of 2009
2
#2 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2009
2
#2 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 81 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 81
  3. Negative: 0 out of 81
  1. Cynamite
    85
    Demon's Souls: Unbelievably hard and unbelievably satisfying at the same time. If you accomplish to get through your initial rage attacks, you will experience an outstanding action-RPG with a tense and dark atmosphere.
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  2. Telegraph
    100
    Beyond the initial threat of difficulty there waits a remarkable combination of accessibility and challenge, of risk and reward, punishment and empowerment.
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  3. Eurogamer
    90
    It's stoic, uncompromising, difficult to get to know, but also deep, intriguingly disturbed and perversely rewarding. You can learn to love Demon's Souls like few other games in the world. But only if you're prepared to give yourself over to it. [JPN Import]
    Read full review
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