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. RobT
    Oct 28, 2009
    9
    I would give it 9.5/10;) Just love it. It can be a bit scary and very hard. I have a manual in chinese so it was quite hard to understand world tendency and what to do next. So more info hade been great in the game. But maybe that add to the experience?! I put away all my other games AND bought the deluxe edition on ebay for $109. I want to do it all again and again and again.. And I I would give it 9.5/10;) Just love it. It can be a bit scary and very hard. I have a manual in chinese so it was quite hard to understand world tendency and what to do next. So more info hade been great in the game. But maybe that add to the experience?! I put away all my other games AND bought the deluxe edition on ebay for $109. I want to do it all again and again and again.. And I usually never play a game 2 times!… Expand
  2. Picolo
    Oct 30, 2009
    9
    Fantastic Game, but one you really need to invest in, it ain't a pick up and play, it takes hours to hone your skills ans startegies, but haven't enjoyed a game so much since vagrant story
  3. chrisJ
    Oct 6, 2009
    10
    Gamervision should go play some disney game or something! IF your a OLD SCHOOL HARD CORE GAMER! then you don't wana miss it. YES, this game takes the n00bs, chew them up and then spit them out. BUT so did the 1st Armored core game. Then they eventualy dumbed it down for all the n00bs and the end result was AC4 & FA. I hope Form Software NEVER makes that mistake again! This I a good Gamervision should go play some disney game or something! IF your a OLD SCHOOL HARD CORE GAMER! then you don't wana miss it. YES, this game takes the n00bs, chew them up and then spit them out. BUT so did the 1st Armored core game. Then they eventualy dumbed it down for all the n00bs and the end result was AC4 & FA. I hope Form Software NEVER makes that mistake again! This I a good game ... EVER ps3 owner should try it.… Expand
  4. Ivan-
    Oct 6, 2009
    10
    Totally unforgiving, the whole design is about making the experience ever more difficult and convince you as a player that you're not good enough and you should pass (and go play more accessible games). The magic is that it works! I'm not patient at all with games but I feel like I have something to prove with Demon's Souls and I want to keep moving forward no matter how Totally unforgiving, the whole design is about making the experience ever more difficult and convince you as a player that you're not good enough and you should pass (and go play more accessible games). The magic is that it works! I'm not patient at all with games but I feel like I have something to prove with Demon's Souls and I want to keep moving forward no matter how slow or how long it takes me to get there. To be played with a different mindset, like one reviewer put it "Demon's Souls gives you an ultimatum; get good, or die. They just don't make many console games like this anymore." If you're ready to accept a ridiculous level of difficulty, if you're ready to replay the same bits over and over again and if you're in a mood for a medieval/ fantasy action RPG, go for it. But be warned, it's extreme and it's what makes it exceptional! I'm already thrilled and scared to play the game again. It directly enters my top list of favourite games! Even with flaws I want to give it a 10, not because it's perfect (it's not) but because it's fantastic and unique!… Expand
  5. MagnificoG.
    Oct 6, 2009
    10
    This review may seem biased and only meant to upset the very low scores pansies are giving this game, and you'd be partially right to think that way. Except that Demon's Souls is truly a masterpiece just as it's also and adquired taste. The gameplay works and it's infinitely rewarding, the story not so much but the atmosphere this game has invites you to get lost (and This review may seem biased and only meant to upset the very low scores pansies are giving this game, and you'd be partially right to think that way. Except that Demon's Souls is truly a masterpiece just as it's also and adquired taste. The gameplay works and it's infinitely rewarding, the story not so much but the atmosphere this game has invites you to get lost (and stay lost) in a world inmmersive as no other you have played in years. Every different character you create will change the experience for you, and you will love to master every new approach each class and weapon/magic brings into it. Or maybe you won't, and that means you are pretty much a pansy (nevermind your "taste") but that's ok.… Expand
  6. CoryM
    Oct 7, 2009
    10
    This is one of the key reasons to buy a PS3. This is a top notch Action game with amazing environments, fantastic gameplay, and truly rewarding difficulty. When you die in this game, and you will die, you do not get frustrated and feel the game is cheap. You know why you died, and it almost always your own mistake. The levels are amazingly designed from a huge sprawling castle to a hope This is one of the key reasons to buy a PS3. This is a top notch Action game with amazing environments, fantastic gameplay, and truly rewarding difficulty. When you die in this game, and you will die, you do not get frustrated and feel the game is cheap. You know why you died, and it almost always your own mistake. The levels are amazingly designed from a huge sprawling castle to a hope draining prison guarded by brutal mind flayer guards. I cannot recommended this enough for anyone who enjoys fantasy themed games and does not mind a little difficulty.… Expand
  7. CameronK.
    Oct 7, 2009
    10
    This game is one of the best console Action RPG's this year. The game is built on an old school foundation of when you die you start all the way back at the beginning and loose all of your souls. Dieing though is usually the result of not being good enough to progress so your constantly learning and improving as the game goes on.
  8. jojoF.
    Oct 7, 2009
    10
    Its amazing its brutal and relentless if you enjoy rpgs and your not one to get discouraged by failing this game is for you. the amount of perseverance needed is matched by none the combat is like nothing ive played before it blows oblivion away. Its in no way a game for the casual player you need to put time and alooot of effort into overcoming an enemy but when you do man it feels Its amazing its brutal and relentless if you enjoy rpgs and your not one to get discouraged by failing this game is for you. the amount of perseverance needed is matched by none the combat is like nothing ive played before it blows oblivion away. Its in no way a game for the casual player you need to put time and alooot of effort into overcoming an enemy but when you do man it feels awesome never played a game like it.… Expand
  9. AndrewG.
    Oct 8, 2009
    10
    One of the best games of the year. It's a VERY challenging game but it also rewards you for you efforts. Has some very nice ideas for Online community and it will give you hours and hours worth of Dungeon Crawling. It's a must have game if you're a RPG fan, specially in this Generation of games where we've received so few good RPGs.
  10. ZuesZ.
    Oct 8, 2009
    10
    Truly an amazing experience that fans of rpg games and action games will love. In fact this is a game I recommend every one to try. Its deep with a long adventure tons of story not to mention the amazing on-line system that makes this simple looking game turn in to a MMO. Seriously you will feel that this game is a MMO after you start playing it on-line. It really takes the experience to Truly an amazing experience that fans of rpg games and action games will love. In fact this is a game I recommend every one to try. Its deep with a long adventure tons of story not to mention the amazing on-line system that makes this simple looking game turn in to a MMO. Seriously you will feel that this game is a MMO after you start playing it on-line. It really takes the experience to a whole new level. I HIGHLY recommend this game to every one. If i could give this game a 11 I would.… Expand
  11. joelf.
    Oct 9, 2009
    10
    This game is one of my 3 favorite playstation 3 exclusives, little big planet & pixeljunk monsters being the other 2. DS is of course nothing like those two, except that it's multiplayer. It pushes the action rpg genre to new heights, and is, for this action rpg lover, the most compelling game released on the system thus far. I think of it as a "shadow mmo", since you constantly see This game is one of my 3 favorite playstation 3 exclusives, little big planet & pixeljunk monsters being the other 2. DS is of course nothing like those two, except that it's multiplayer. It pushes the action rpg genre to new heights, and is, for this action rpg lover, the most compelling game released on the system thus far. I think of it as a "shadow mmo", since you constantly see other players, but you aren't always interacting with them.… Expand
  12. 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.
  13. 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...
  14. 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
  15. LudvikoN
    Jan 23, 2010
    10
    Extremely good game. Probably one of the best I ever played. No doubt the game of the year 09.
  16. JimT.
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    One of my faves this gen (I own the 360 and PS3), haven't stopped playing it since purchased mid December so that means the likes of Unchartered, ACII, GTA LC stories and MW2 are getting overlooked at the moment. I have played those other games a bit (all Christmas presents) but I always find myself being drawn back to DS. I don't call myself a hardcore gamer and would normally One of my faves this gen (I own the 360 and PS3), haven't stopped playing it since purchased mid December so that means the likes of Unchartered, ACII, GTA LC stories and MW2 are getting overlooked at the moment. I have played those other games a bit (all Christmas presents) but I always find myself being drawn back to DS. I don't call myself a hardcore gamer and would normally become frustrated with endless deaths but this game is so special I keep coming back for more. No other game I've played in the last few years comes close in terms of rewarding gameplay and punishing a 'charging in' kind of attitude. You get to learn that slow progress is generally the key due to the fact that you restart the level and lose your collected souls if you die, which then makes you treat every enemy encounter with the respect it deserves. Quite simply, it's fantastic. I'm in the UK so had to import a US copy which is the first time I've ever had to do that as any other game I've wanted had been released over here, had to be done though is this game is that special.… Expand
  17. JohnF
    Feb 11, 2010
    10
    This game is amazing. I have been a gamer for a long time and my main genres are RPG's, Racing, and Sandbox with some FPS and i gotta tell you this might be the greatest game ive ever played. The graphics are great, the story and backstory is pretty deep and the RPG elements are right there with the likes of oblivion. And for weaklings like MiKE and know how to play an RPG and level This game is amazing. I have been a gamer for a long time and my main genres are RPG's, Racing, and Sandbox with some FPS and i gotta tell you this might be the greatest game ive ever played. The graphics are great, the story and backstory is pretty deep and the RPG elements are right there with the likes of oblivion. And for weaklings like MiKE and know how to play an RPG and level up your character so the game is not so hard (except for that damn world 5-2 LOL) then you will be rewarded with a great game and a staple to next gen gaming and RPG's. With great graphics, story, custimization, and zelda type combat that is fun and simple at first and then very rewarding later this is the greatest next gen game ive ever played right over the likes of Twilight Princess, Infamous, Mass effect, and oblivion. Demon Souls is a masterpiece dont be scared like MiKE and try it out.… Expand
  18. JT
    Feb 14, 2010
    10
    This is what games should be like. Rewarding. There are too many games where you can just waltz in and kill everything. I dont understand why developers are making their player base stupid. Gaming used to be about skill. Now it seems like its just about items that make the game stupid simple.
  19. JoelO
    Nov 16, 2009
    9
    This game is by far an instant classic! Its the gaming experience I have been waiting for from this gen. Playing it made me feel like I was 14 again. Its so fun and engaging. The atmosphere is really immersive, and you really believe that your there. The online components are revolutionary and very creative. Immediately signing you in to the PSN when you start up, your level of player to This game is by far an instant classic! Its the gaming experience I have been waiting for from this gen. Playing it made me feel like I was 14 again. Its so fun and engaging. The atmosphere is really immersive, and you really believe that your there. The online components are revolutionary and very creative. Immediately signing you in to the PSN when you start up, your level of player to player interaction is unbelievable, and actually brought back memories of the old multiplayer Arcade days. Playing games like double dragon, or that Simpsons game when you were having trouble defeating a boss or a stage and someone would come up, place a quarter in and help you out. The ability to challenge players to duels also brings back memories of the old Street Fighter days. Its a really fun, and unique experience that shouldn't be missed. Its EXTREMELY difficult. But that's one of the reasons why I love it.… Expand
  20. FarronS
    Oct 12, 2009
    10
    You will notice a trend with any low scores given to this title
  21. DanielT
    Oct 13, 2009
    10
    One of the most addicting and refreshing games of the year, it's hard to put down the controller. The World Tendency system and the online multiplayer will ensure that you never run out of things to do.
  22. BenjaminB
    Oct 13, 2009
    9
    This game is not so much "hard" as it is demanding. Demanding focus, patience, and detemination. It's a game that insists I take it seriously; instead of catering to my inherent laziness, Demon's Souls makes my every choice, every reaction, each corridor I travel valuable by the very fact that I have survived (up to that point!) it's incessant attempts to turn me back, keep This game is not so much "hard" as it is demanding. Demanding focus, patience, and detemination. It's a game that insists I take it seriously; instead of catering to my inherent laziness, Demon's Souls makes my every choice, every reaction, each corridor I travel valuable by the very fact that I have survived (up to that point!) it's incessant attempts to turn me back, keep me out, and make me sorry for even trying. This is not only a great game, it is an important game. (There is also plenty on the web in the way of FAQs, wikis & forums to make up for the lack of handholding in-game.) … Expand
  23. JonathanK.
    Oct 14, 2009
    10
    Easily one of the best games I've played, not just on the system but in my entire life of gaming. In a time where the gaming industry has removed all the sharp edges from games, its nice to see at least one developer still realizes that gamers want a challenge to keep them coming back for more. Demon Souls offers probably the most rewarding and satisfying game experience I've Easily one of the best games I've played, not just on the system but in my entire life of gaming. In a time where the gaming industry has removed all the sharp edges from games, its nice to see at least one developer still realizes that gamers want a challenge to keep them coming back for more. Demon Souls offers probably the most rewarding and satisfying game experience I've had in a very long time. And no, it's not just stockholm syndrome, the game is excellent. The graphics are good, the art direction is top notch, character customization is staggering, allowing you to custom tailor your character to your play style, the world is as beautifully immersive as you could possibly ask for, there's near infinite replay value, and that's just scratching the surface of why this is a great game. Demon Soul's employs lots of new and innovative concepts that add new dimensions of depth to the experience, something that is absent from most mainstream games these days. I could sing this game praises all day, but nothing substitutes for simply playing it yourself. Ignore the cries of petulant, frustrated gamers and pick up a copy of this game for yourself. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.… Expand
  24. LouisD
    Nov 5, 2009
    10
    Demon's Souls is the only game released in the last 10+ years that has actually challenged me and required me to think about what I am going to do before I do it. The game is tough, but it is still possible to complete without a scratch if you know what you are doing. A combination that I haven't seen pulled off this well... ever before. Rating for game's difficulty / Demon's Souls is the only game released in the last 10+ years that has actually challenged me and required me to think about what I am going to do before I do it. The game is tough, but it is still possible to complete without a scratch if you know what you are doing. A combination that I haven't seen pulled off this well... ever before. Rating for game's difficulty / challenge: 10 The game has one of the coolest combination of environments and adversaries in any game that I have ever played. Even at higher levels and with many hours of experience I still feel goose bumps when a dark night notices me and raises his shield to run at me with a broadsword. Rating for visuals and atmosphere: 10 The game utilizes one of the most innovative ideas for multiplayer that has ever been implemented. The player driven notes system and the phantoms are the coolest idea I have seen. they force players to help each other while still allowing you to try and take out your frustrations on other players. Rating for innovations: 10 A must have for any hardcore gamer. Keyword: HARDCORE… Expand
  25. TukkerI
    Oct 16, 2009
    9
    This game is an awesome challenge. Especially after the spoon feeding gamers have been receiving over the last couple of years. This game is a challenge - if you like to be challenged, if you like a dark desolate world, if you like unique multiplayer experiences then you owe it to yourself to check out Demon's Souls. The feeling of accomplishment you get after beating each section This game is an awesome challenge. Especially after the spoon feeding gamers have been receiving over the last couple of years. This game is a challenge - if you like to be challenged, if you like a dark desolate world, if you like unique multiplayer experiences then you owe it to yourself to check out Demon's Souls. The feeling of accomplishment you get after beating each section (boss) is second to none. I can't wait to finish Uncharted 2 so I can get back to Demon's Souls.… Expand
  26. RastialM
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    Inmersive, magicall a really dep experience full of twists and silk smooth animations a mist have, a true jewel of this generation , on terms of gameplay is rewarding and challenging trully a masterpiece a opiece of art.
  27. RPGK
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    This game is beautiful, the mechanics are spot on, and the rewards are more than enough to give a player an advantage. All you low scoring noobs, including lamervision, need to stop expecting spoon fed games and learn how to play a man's game. Its not that difficult if you take the time to learn your opponent. Thanks to ATLUS for another excellent RPG.
  28. AzraelL
    Oct 16, 2009
    9
    Demons souls teaches you to think outside the box. You have to go into every stage and consider what you would do if you were really there. You can't use a halberd in a small hallway, and a mace might be a better weapon to use on a skeleton than a sword. If you think through each encounter instead of just rushing in and trying to hack your way through the levels then you'll come Demons souls teaches you to think outside the box. You have to go into every stage and consider what you would do if you were really there. You can't use a halberd in a small hallway, and a mace might be a better weapon to use on a skeleton than a sword. If you think through each encounter instead of just rushing in and trying to hack your way through the levels then you'll come out just fine. Also contrary to what others may have told you the enemies do get easier as you level up and improve your equipment through forging, It's not a game for the weak of heart so if you can't stand the heat then stay out of the kitchen.… Expand
  29. Gauth
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    Best next-gen rpg game. Really innovative online function, great levels, great bosses, we want more shit like this one ! Congrats to From Software.
  30. RobL
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    Immense game. Just keeps you coming back for more and more. Best game have played for ages, refreshing and challenging compared to the easy mode games of recent times. I believe those giving it low scores may need to go back and play more easy mode games without a challenge that they can complete in one sitting, - and leave gems like this beauty to people that appreciate it.
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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.
    Read full review
  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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