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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. GregoB
    Oct 16, 2009
    9
    Do not listen to all of the crybabies about its difficulty and lack of this and that. It has a very diffrent design than most of your typical RPGs that make it so unique. All of the stuff people here are complaining about like lack of save points, no trading or selling, no respawns etc, it was made to be like that. The game punishes you for your incompetence and lack of patience. I can go Do not listen to all of the crybabies about its difficulty and lack of this and that. It has a very diffrent design than most of your typical RPGs that make it so unique. All of the stuff people here are complaining about like lack of save points, no trading or selling, no respawns etc, it was made to be like that. The game punishes you for your incompetence and lack of patience. I can go on and argue these points but its useless for people who cant take the challenge and understand the game. If your on the fence about getting Demon's Souls and are willing to jump into a challenge and a game like no other...purchase this game. Do not listen to the minority because they really just cannot take it. I know alot of gamers like them...this is not for them. Read Eurogamers review, one of the best breakdowns of this game. ( It was the review that sold me on it. As far as all of the great reviews, what's that saying, a million frenchman can't be wrong.… Expand
  5. JoeC
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    This game is not for the weak. If you like a game that gives you a VAT system, this game is not for you. If you want a game that is challenging and makes you work for progression, this game IS for you. Every time you get a new item, or beat a boss you have an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. I am level 148 and have beat the game a few times over... I recommend this game to the This game is not for the weak. If you like a game that gives you a VAT system, this game is not for you. If you want a game that is challenging and makes you work for progression, this game IS for you. Every time you get a new item, or beat a boss you have an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. I am level 148 and have beat the game a few times over... I recommend this game to the hardcore who love dungeon crawlers.… Expand
  6. MikeN
    Oct 16, 2009
    9
    This is not a game for players who only know games of the past few years, where the difficulty has been reduced to allow for a more casual game experience. This game is tough, but it's a balance of risk vs. rewards. It's not like once you enter a realm you can't leave (as some of the low reviews here might suggest), and you are "forced" to continue on. At any time you can This is not a game for players who only know games of the past few years, where the difficulty has been reduced to allow for a more casual game experience. This game is tough, but it's a balance of risk vs. rewards. It's not like once you enter a realm you can't leave (as some of the low reviews here might suggest), and you are "forced" to continue on. At any time you can take the souls you earned and return to the Nexus and spend them. The enemies DO respawn when you re-enter the realm, but you've spent your souls so it doesn't matter all that much. You always have the choice of pushing onward, risking the souls earned, vs. returning to cash them in. That's the beauty of the system. I suspect some of the low reviews here aren't used to any REAL risk in their current day gaming adventuring, and this comes as quite a shock. This game isn't for everyone, no doubt. But those looking for a real challenge that demands hard choices with actual consequences, this game is second to none. My only gripe is that the interface icons on the stats are cryptic squiggles that are hard to remember (what do the 2 yellow swirvy lines mean again...agility? )… Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. johna
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    Best game in this generation imo. It brought the meaning back to gaming! The game makes you learn it before you proceed any further. Unlikely to other games where you can rely on your last auto-save and rush through the enemy all guns blazing. It requires patience and thinking, it's not about how fast you can push the buttons or how quickly you can kill your opponents. If you think Best game in this generation imo. It brought the meaning back to gaming! The game makes you learn it before you proceed any further. Unlikely to other games where you can rely on your last auto-save and rush through the enemy all guns blazing. It requires patience and thinking, it's not about how fast you can push the buttons or how quickly you can kill your opponents. If you think like that you have lost and like the guys who put a low score in this game. All i can say is, we done Atlus ..no game will be the same after Demon's Souls.… Expand
  10. MateusC
    Oct 16, 2009
    8
    It's not for everyone. It's very hard and challenge game. If you consider yourself a hardcore and enjoy games like Ninja Gaiden in Master Ninja you will love Demon's Souls.
  11. ScottS
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    The best game I've played in years! Even reading the very worst review on Metacritic from GamerVision had me excited to get this game. Yes this game is difficult and can be frustrating at times, but the payoff is huge when you progress (slowly) through the world. I love the level of difficulty because it basically forces you to become very comfortable with the controls, otherwise you The best game I've played in years! Even reading the very worst review on Metacritic from GamerVision had me excited to get this game. Yes this game is difficult and can be frustrating at times, but the payoff is huge when you progress (slowly) through the world. I love the level of difficulty because it basically forces you to become very comfortable with the controls, otherwise you will die constantly, no question. The game mood/environment reminds me of Shadow of the Collossus - mysterious, haunting and epic. It's nice to see a modern game buck the trend of constant CGI cut-scenes, frequent checkpoints and general hand-holding. So many games I've played in recent years aren't memorable because you burn through them in no time, almost like watching a movie. Don't get me wrong, I love blockbuster games like RE5/Gears/Drakes Fortune/Arkham Asylum etc, but the world needs games like Demons Souls too. Refreshing, difficult and different. If you want to try something original and challenging, I can't recommend Demon's Souls highly enough!!… Expand
  12. JackP
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    Demon
  13. GH
    Oct 15, 2009
    9
    Brutally unforgiving yet highly addictive, DS's offers you a challenge unlike any other game. The key in this game is taking your time to get to know the playing field and anticipate what is coming which stand in stark contrast with the straightforward ARPG playing style. Sure, it's tough like hell, but it is always your own fault of taking on too many things at the same time. Brutally unforgiving yet highly addictive, DS's offers you a challenge unlike any other game. The key in this game is taking your time to get to know the playing field and anticipate what is coming which stand in stark contrast with the straightforward ARPG playing style. Sure, it's tough like hell, but it is always your own fault of taking on too many things at the same time. Patience gets you a long way. Another aspect I love about this game is that it plays on a player's greed; you always want more souls even though you could trade in the ones you gave against respectable upgrades. It's never the games fault that you decide to advance just a little bit farther... Grapically sound -although ragdoll physics are way over the top, this is a dark fantasy style game which will entice anybody tired of all the current games out there. If you have the patience to play this game, by all means buy it- I found it to be a breath of fresh air in today's gaming scene. If fantasy RPG's are not your thing, steer clear.… Expand
  14. JeffreySturgeon
    Oct 15, 2009
    0
    This game is fun for the first level.
    Then it very quickly approaches EPIC FAIL status.
    The depth is lacking, enemies spawn in the same locations EVERY SINGLE TIME you play the same level... which is required to do to even get any sort of decent soul level.
    This game could have been the best game ever made.
  15. chilimac
    Oct 15, 2009
    0
    Suffering is the word that comes to mind when I think of Demon's Souls. You will play for a few minutes, die, watch a lengthy load screen, start from the beginning of the level, die again, lose all your souls and be left beaten and broke... and of course staring at yet another lengthy load screen. Your reward, if you do succeed on one level, is more suffering as you move on to the Suffering is the word that comes to mind when I think of Demon's Souls. You will play for a few minutes, die, watch a lengthy load screen, start from the beginning of the level, die again, lose all your souls and be left beaten and broke... and of course staring at yet another lengthy load screen. Your reward, if you do succeed on one level, is more suffering as you move on to the next, more difficult level. The further you get in the game, the more times you will die, more load screens watch, more repetitive combat to slog through, more frustration as you lose all your souls over and over again. And no matter how many levels you gain, no matter how many stats you increase, you always feel underpowered. So you never really feel that you're improving as a player, never any suitable reward for all the crap you must endure to make progress. These brutally difficult games were popular 20 years ago when games were 2D and had shorter, more action-packed levels and no load screens. But today, with 3D graphics, the levels are longer, the action slower, so now unforgiving games like DS are tedious and tortuous. Don't buy into the hype. Avoid at all costs.… Expand
  16. BeauE
    Oct 15, 2009
    5
    Sam H.'s comments are exactly correct. It is pretty, but it is not an RPG, it is a platformer/fighting game. Quests/puzzles are nonexistent. Not being able to sell loot makes most of it pointless. Not being able to bank any of your souls (gold) is more than irritating. Combat is pure hack and slash without combo attacks. My feeling about restarting each level after each death went Sam H.'s comments are exactly correct. It is pretty, but it is not an RPG, it is a platformer/fighting game. Quests/puzzles are nonexistent. Not being able to sell loot makes most of it pointless. Not being able to bank any of your souls (gold) is more than irritating. Combat is pure hack and slash without combo attacks. My feeling about restarting each level after each death went from ok this is hard to this is ridiculous. If you think that changing a game's level of difficulty enhances a mediocre game, then by all means this is for you. For me a $5 steak at a fancy restaurant is still a $5 steak.… Expand
  17. SirL
    Oct 14, 2009
    6
    Being a loooong time swords & sorcery RPG fan...enjoying D&D for near 20 years...and having had a very good time with Diablo...I naturally went into Demon's Souls with some high hopes. I was really hoping to be blown away and get back abit of the gaming magic I felt when I first got hooked on Command and Conquer or Planescape:Torment. Unfortunatly, Demon's Souls is only Being a loooong time swords & sorcery RPG fan...enjoying D&D for near 20 years...and having had a very good time with Diablo...I naturally went into Demon's Souls with some high hopes. I was really hoping to be blown away and get back abit of the gaming magic I felt when I first got hooked on Command and Conquer or Planescape:Torment. Unfortunatly, Demon's Souls is only impressive when compared to other simplistic and watery Console game...and just barely holds a candle to the frenetic imersiveness of Diablo. Demon's Souls is a very well presented bare-bones RPG...while it is 80% repetative reflex-action game, with an annoying-without-being-purposeful sudden death element. The only thing being engaged here is one's hand-eye coordination and patience...then more patience...and still more patience. If you're like me, and were dreaming of a game that might be an improvement on Baldur's Gate 1&2 and Neverwinter Nights 1&2...keep right on dreaming...while you go back online to enjoy some more fan-generated Hardcore Rules NWN...where it's been possible to enjoy richly deep RPG play with a high-risk sudden death element for the last 6 years...for free... Demon's Souls is a fine achievement...if you thought Mario Bros., Halo and Naruto were all there is in the gaming world... Anyone who owns a PC is going to wonder what the fuss is about. Better sword swinging RPGs have been around for decades...and I've never been a fan of reflex-action games - I do that at work every day. Play Demon's Souls if you like eye candy, button mashing and frequent restarts.… Expand
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. JohnA
    Oct 13, 2009
    4
    The Gamervision review is dead on in its criticism, and their score may be too generous. And in truth, I'm stunned so many people are willing to forgive poor game design by touting it as "difficulty." In 2009, forcing a player to grind through the same level for hours at end, with an autosave and experience loss system that actually punishes exploration is poor game design, not a The Gamervision review is dead on in its criticism, and their score may be too generous. And in truth, I'm stunned so many people are willing to forgive poor game design by touting it as "difficulty." In 2009, forcing a player to grind through the same level for hours at end, with an autosave and experience loss system that actually punishes exploration is poor game design, not a smart return to hardcore difficulty. A bad camera and a shoddy lock-on system that doesn't work with large bosses and multiple targets in a room is poor game design, not a smart return to hardcore difficulty. Forcing players to grind for several hours, with little to no progress, simply because their armor breaks, is poor game design, not a smart return to hardcore difficulty. A nearly incomprehensible inventory system that forces players to slog through multiple stat screens just to figure out if their armor or sword is going to break is poor game design, not a smart return to hardcore difficulty. After spending 13 hours with this game, I can safely say I wasted $60 dollars. More people should be willing to admit the same.… Expand
  22. JessieS
    Oct 13, 2009
    9
    This is a great Action/RPG experience that PS3 users have been wanting for a long time now. The game is difficult and doesn't reward impatient and players who don't think or adapt. The voices in the game aren't the best, and sometimes the enemies are just plain annoying. The only drawback I have thus far is everything is always in the same place and thus takes away from This is a great Action/RPG experience that PS3 users have been wanting for a long time now. The game is difficult and doesn't reward impatient and players who don't think or adapt. The voices in the game aren't the best, and sometimes the enemies are just plain annoying. The only drawback I have thus far is everything is always in the same place and thus takes away from some of the replayability. If you want a great hardcore actionRPG this is it. However, if you are not sure, rent the game to check it out before hand.… Expand
  23. JamesR.
    Oct 13, 2009
    2
    Awsome graphics, ok controls, and a story you probably won't see because you broke your controller from the frustration this game causes. The difficulty level is that of playing D&D with a Dm whose dog you'v run over, spilt drink onto his pristine D&D books, and generally have pissed off, before a session. You will die alot, you will restart from the beginning of the level, Awsome graphics, ok controls, and a story you probably won't see because you broke your controller from the frustration this game causes. The difficulty level is that of playing D&D with a Dm whose dog you'v run over, spilt drink onto his pristine D&D books, and generally have pissed off, before a session. You will die alot, you will restart from the beginning of the level, alot. You will tire of it very quickly. you also restart the levels with half health when you die and don't get it back till AFTER the boss fight., unless you have somewhat hard to find item. which you'll worry about wasting cause you know that next death is right around the corner. Rent this first, you'll be happy you did.… Expand
  24. KritU
    Oct 12, 2009
    10
    This game is very very difficult. Usually I would have given up playing a game this hard after 15 minutes, however, I'm on my 2nd week owning this game. I am still playing it and love getting my ass kicked on my first level for some reasons.
  25. FarronS
    Oct 12, 2009
    10
    You will notice a trend with any low scores given to this title
  26. ERMAC__
    Oct 12, 2009
    9
    From a generation of gaming that is lacking games of its genre, Demon's Souls is really a shining star. Its is indeed unforgiving, but extremely rewarding and can keep your attention for weeks and months. Their is much to to via upgrades, getting more powerful weapons, learning spells. The combat is very well done and keeps the game fun even when you hit a tight spot. Their is a From a generation of gaming that is lacking games of its genre, Demon's Souls is really a shining star. Its is indeed unforgiving, but extremely rewarding and can keep your attention for weeks and months. Their is much to to via upgrades, getting more powerful weapons, learning spells. The combat is very well done and keeps the game fun even when you hit a tight spot. Their is a large amount of enemy variety and design, as well as a unique multi-player. For those who are looking for a good RPG, this is probably it.… Expand
  27. JacobS.
    Oct 12, 2009
    10
    Up until now I had nearly lost all interest in video games. Demon's Souls has revived my long lost love for gaming. The insane difficulty and addictive gameplay is just what I've been looking for! I haven't moved from my couch in over 48 hours!
  28. JoshL
    Oct 11, 2009
    10
    Emon's souls is easily the best game I've played all year and probably the best playing game I've played this gen(Not the best game this gen just best playing)its like back in the good old days when games where actually challenging but it was still your fault if you screwed up(except when you use the lock on system really close to edges though then it is kinda the games Emon's souls is easily the best game I've played all year and probably the best playing game I've played this gen(Not the best game this gen just best playing)its like back in the good old days when games where actually challenging but it was still your fault if you screwed up(except when you use the lock on system really close to edges though then it is kinda the games falt). The environments are all excellent looking and have fantastic art style(even if there a bit technically below par for a ps3 exclusive)and the creature design is great as well. overall its just an absolutely spectacular experience that anyone who's craving a challenge should pick up especially if you love dark themes.… Expand
  29. MattE
    Oct 11, 2009
    10
    Yes, we get it, this game is difficult. But the difficulty is being exaggerated greatly. Yeah, you die. Quite a few times. But you learn from each death, and you incorporate that into your strategy to kill the giant dragon god with a mouth full of death and fire. The game is epic. The multiplayer is amazing and rewarding. The mechanics are tight. In my eyes, this game has only one flaw,Yes, we get it, this game is difficult. But the difficulty is being exaggerated greatly. Yeah, you die. Quite a few times. But you learn from each death, and you incorporate that into your strategy to kill the giant dragon god with a mouth full of death and fire. The game is epic. The multiplayer is amazing and rewarding. The mechanics are tight. In my eyes, this game has only one flaw, and that is that it ends.… Expand
  30. OliverFerrigni
    Oct 9, 2009
    1
    Targeting is broken. Game punishes death by robbing only way to gain level. However, with broken targeting system, game difficulty is through the roof. Don't believe the hype. Its like playing pac man with a broken controller. Sure, its harder, that doesn't make it fun.
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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.
    Read full review
  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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