Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 83
  3. Negative: 9 out of 83
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  1. BlakDak666
    Apr 21, 2017
    9
    Dark Souls 3: The Fire Fades Edition is a fantastic experience for new players to hop into if they have never gave the game a try. The final chapter (supposedly) of the Souls saga, Dark Souls 3 is still as brutal and engrossing as other Souls titles in delivering powerful moments. With the base game, Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City, there is alot of content for players to chewDark Souls 3: The Fire Fades Edition is a fantastic experience for new players to hop into if they have never gave the game a try. The final chapter (supposedly) of the Souls saga, Dark Souls 3 is still as brutal and engrossing as other Souls titles in delivering powerful moments. With the base game, Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City, there is alot of content for players to chew through and enjoy. Allow me to further point to the pros, cons and mixes Dark Souls 3 has from a player since its release last year.

    Pros:
    1) Out of all the trilogy, I would argue the combat in DS3 is the best one. The way you can use skills on weapons and have more fluidity in engagement really feels like you are in control far better than 1 or 2 could. This isn't to say those ones were bad (far from it really), but something about the speed, sound and engagement just really made me love it.

    2) The OST and DLC soundtrack is arguably the best of the Souls series (including Bloodborne and Demons Souls). The use of orchestra, choir, bells and certain instruments really help elevate the boss fights and I am confident in saying that listening to the tracks on their own would make you cry or feel pumped up. The main menu theme is perhaps one of the best main menu themes I have ever heard in a video game (just my opinion though).

    3) The bosses that are good to fight are some of the best the series has ever had. The music mixed with their moves, sounds and landscape with surround sound or a gaming headset is pure magical and wonderful. Their designs are interesting and often use a theme that can make players asks questions if they are really sharp.

    4) The lore of the game implies a end of an age, so expect madness to run rampant and see the world come to a dark end. The atmosphere does a good job at conveying the severity of how beautifully depressing the tone is for the game. Not as much as Bloodborne's (and not super graphically amazing or anything), but still get the job done.

    5) Co-op and password matching is great for newcomers to summon help and friends when they struggle through a jam. It might make fights easier, but I love the idea of helping someone who might be new.

    6) DLCs are solid and definitely fun to play through. Not fantastic like Old Hunters in Bloodborne or Artorias in Dark Souls 1, but still good expansions.
    Cons:
    1) The PVP is just not that great, and I am convinced it never will be. The poor connection times make frustrating moments of lag hits and kills that feels like From just didnt care about putting in a dedicated server ever. Thankfully, online is optional so you don't need to be upset much (although npc invaders and spirits are very tanky and powerful when they hit you).

    2) Some of the worst bosses of the Souls series are here too. Not to a degree like Dark Souls 2, but to have bad or lazy bosses thrown in is still a wasted opportunity. Admittedly, some of the enemy variety is lacking, with flailing beasts and poor telegraphed reaction frames from some that feels very cheap and hurts the challenge significantly. It's like From put Bloodborne in for PC and Xbox players instead of focusing on more Dark Souls 1.

    Mixes:

    1) The lack of an interconnected world had disappointed so many players around Dark Souls 3's launch, but the linearity of levels and difficulty curves are not that bad and actually good to gauge players on progress.

    2) The story (different from lore) is a rehash of the previous two Dark Souls, and with that there is alot of rehashing used. It is difficult to say if Dark Souls 3 is truly original, as it borrows from all of its previous entries and has only a handful of original concepts and ideas. Does not mean it's necessarily bad, but I can't help it that seeing certain armors from the previous entries seemed more like From was trying to give fanservice instead of creating a full fledged original game.

    3) The PVP arena addresses the PVP issue a bit, but the unreliable servers make it difficult to enjoy. You can use passwords to settle scores with friends, rivals or whoever and there are multiple maps and modes to play on.

    4) Covenant system is lazy. You don't get penalized for dropping out of one and only two awards are given after you offer your 30th item. It doesn't mean it's bad, but the fact Dark Souls 1 had one that needed improvement and Dark Souls 2 flushed it down the drain, it makes Dark Souls 3's flop like a fish on giving players anything meaningful and feel like they are of a covenant.

    As a fan of the Souls series and playing DS3 on and off over a year (clocking at about 200+ hours), and despite the cons and mixed reactions, I still think it will be amazing and fun overall for newcomers. It will be brutal, but also rewarding in your skills and with a price of $49.99 to boot, newcomers are getting a very good deal with the game that can easily give you 30-50 hours of content in your first run alone. PREPARE TO DIE ONCE LAST TIME!    … Expand
  2. Allthat
    May 17, 2017
    10
    What can I say? The best game of 2016 plus both of its amazing DLCs. This is a perfect example of value for your money, as over a 100 hours can be spent with this. And if your a DS fan then that last DLC is just the best as it gives closure to the whole series. If you aren't crying at the end then I don't know you. Worth every penny and more.
  3. Rox22
    Feb 18, 2019
    10
    At the end, there was only Dark Souls 3. After playing over 400 hours worth of Bloodborn, Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2. I finally came to this. This was/is glorious!

    What a fantastic way to end off the Dark Souls Trilogy. This game takes all that it did in the previous 2 games, with some lessons from Bloodborn thrown in for good measure, and made this. The best of the series. Dark    At the end, there was only Dark Souls 3. After playing over 400 hours worth of Bloodborn, Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2. I finally came to this. This was/is glorious!

    What a fantastic way to end off the Dark Souls Trilogy. This game takes all that it did in the previous 2 games, with some lessons from Bloodborn thrown in for good measure, and made this. The best of the series.

    Dark Souls 3 improves on everything. Visuals, sound, action variety. It's all bigger and better.

    Visually DS3 is just a marvel, with every environment rich in detail that it would take nearly forever just to see just how much work went into the art design. There is also such a degree of variety as well with some earlier areas being affected by actions later in the game, drastically altering the feel and tone of those areas.

    Gameplay has just been taken to the top. No longer as stiff as DS1 and enemy placement and difficulty at the "just right" setting. Challenging, but not so difficult as to make things impossible. There is also such a variety in weapons and build types that you can easily just start the game again and again trying a different style and approach each time. I do miss the power stance and dual wielding function that was in DS2, but even so, there is still plenty of variety.

    As for the DLCs. Both utterly gorgeous and with some of the hardest and fun boss fights of the whole series. Both have such a wealth of extra content that they are well worth the it for anyone who hasn't gotten them yet.

    As for the online. It is allotof fun and PvP is a great improvement on it's predecessors, almost making it as good as the main game. But I also feel that there should be a better system to pair people who are similar in skill (eg. Death to Win ratio, and total number of PvP battles should also factor into the pairing.) I find people on PvP are either insanely good, or really really bad, there doesn't seem to be an inbetween.

    Overall:
    I have played over 400 hours of Dark Souls 3, and I'm still playing it. It has quality, quantity of content and great online play. As close to perfect a game as I can see. While this is the end of the trilogy, I hope it is not the end of Dark Souls forever.    … Expand
  4. amralchalati
    Oct 11, 2018
    10
    I didn't get the DS3 when it came out, so this purchase consider a great value if your getting the game for the first time. As the game is extremely hard!, I enjoyed everything in it from game-play, music, story to artwork.
  5. BLK99
    Jun 22, 2017
    7
    Interesante auque repetitvo, pero bueno es el juego que cierra la saga, Solo espero que From software realize una nuevo juego, en ves de reciclar periodicamente el mismo juego.
  6. Przemun1304
    Feb 15, 2019
    8
    For me the worst part of DS universe but still great game. Dlc bosses are hardest badass of trilogy.
  7. HeitorCampos
    Mar 13, 2023
    9
    The best Dark Souls, faster and more smooth, harder, but fairer. The story is a natural evolution of both prequels and is amazing in every way, it´s great, the endings are one of the most somber and beautiful I have ever seen. Too linear, and the levels aren´t that memorable. The bosses are unforgetable, the atmosphere is incredible, the themes are great, the soundtrack is impeccable. OneThe best Dark Souls, faster and more smooth, harder, but fairer. The story is a natural evolution of both prequels and is amazing in every way, it´s great, the endings are one of the most somber and beautiful I have ever seen. Too linear, and the levels aren´t that memorable. The bosses are unforgetable, the atmosphere is incredible, the themes are great, the soundtrack is impeccable. One of the best games ever made.… Expand
  8. DOLLAR_376
    Apr 21, 2021
    10
    An already excellent game now including both DLCs, which are equally good (if not better), closing the legendary trilogy in a great way.
    - Gameplay is similar to the previous games, but faster and more refined. The bosses are brutal and well designed, and there are more weapons and armour to play with.
    - Level design is excellent as in the previous entries. - Story is interesting and    An already excellent game now including both DLCs, which are equally good (if not better), closing the legendary trilogy in a great way.
    - Gameplay is similar to the previous games, but faster and more refined. The bosses are brutal and well designed, and there are more weapons and armour to play with.
    - Level design is excellent as in the previous entries.
    - Story is interesting and lore abundant, told through NPCs dialog, item descriptions, etc.
    - Graphichs are the best in the saga (similar to Bloodborne).
    - One must highlight the score, IT IS **** INSANE (specially in the Ringed City DLC).
    The Dark Souls trilogy come to a close with this epic (and brutal) entry. A must play for every fan, and this version includes all extra content, which is also a must. Miyazaki has done it again.    … Expand
  9. AlexvaderII
    Sep 16, 2020
    10
    Dark Souls III es el magnifico cierre de la saga y evoluciona en los combates ya que se sienten mas fluidos y cuenta siempre con un gran combate estratégico en el cual tendremos que enfrentar enemigos difíciles pero mas dinámicos que en las entregas anteriores porque se siente que peleas contra alguien con un comportamiento mas variado aquí se mejoro la IA. Desde el inicio hay que ir conDark Souls III es el magnifico cierre de la saga y evoluciona en los combates ya que se sienten mas fluidos y cuenta siempre con un gran combate estratégico en el cual tendremos que enfrentar enemigos difíciles pero mas dinámicos que en las entregas anteriores porque se siente que peleas contra alguien con un comportamiento mas variado aquí se mejoro la IA. Desde el inicio hay que ir con cuidado para no morir aunque si morimos no hay problema este es un juego de probar nuevas maneras de afrontar el reto como en las anteriores entregas.

    La ambientación y diseño de niveles vuelve a ser importante y se corrigieron errores cometidos en la segunda entrega. Hay gran cantidad de enemigos y todos son diferentes y agresivos pero tendremos una gran variedad de escudos para protegernos y armas que podremos mejorar bastante y de diferentes maneras para que las adecuemos según creamos que sea lo mejor para derrotar a tal enemigo. Adicionalmente obtendremos hechizos y piromancias que básicamente lo resumo en magia estos se obtienen de diferentes maneras los mas fáciles son de pago con almas dentro del juego pero serán los mas básicos, al final de cuentas esto hará los combates muy divertidos y variados.

    Algo que hace especial a este juego es que desde que encontremos nuestro primer ítem nos revelara partes de la historia del juego como un gigantesco rompecabezas, ya que la misma se narra atreves de los NPC´s que nos encontremos en el camino las pocas cinematicas y los ítems así que aquí todo es importante.

    En resumen tenemos un juego solido con grandes combates finales, gran historia y ambientación, divertido a mas no poder, y con componentes online que mejoran al original ya que podremos encontrar a nuestros amigos de una manera mas fácil y como siempre podemos ayudar a jugadores que ni siquiera conocemos o podremos estropearle la aventura a otros jugadores invadiéndolos y estropeando su avance, esto se escucha sencillo pero hay unos "PACTOS" que haremos dentro del juego con NPC´s que nos darán recompensas según lo que decidamos hacer o ayudar o eliminar a la persona online.

    Conclucion: Dark Souls III esta a la altura de la primera entrega y es un gran cierre para la saga y que mas puedo decir? Los DLC de esta entrega son básicamente otro juego completo con enemigos mas poderosos que en el juego base y un reto que nos llevara muchas horas superar como siempre From Software nos regala una obra maestra.    … Expand
  10. VBSHMOPEW
    Jul 16, 2019
    9
    one of the best games i ever played and i hope they make another souls game like it
  11. painava
    Jan 15, 2020
    9
    After finishing Bloodborne three times I really craved for similar games. I truly enjoyed Dark Souls III and found it even more challenging than Bloodborne. My only complaint is that I found the lore confusing and couldn't get myself as invested with the world and characters as I maybe expected. I probably should've played DS1 and DS2 first.
  12. nurfedx
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    One of the best Games known to mankind.
    From Software is a safe heaven for the Gaming community.
    Especially in times where big Developers dissapiont us with theyr fraudulent intent.
    Praise the sun!
  13. Svetlendrius
    Jul 30, 2022
    8
    Заключительная в трилогии часть, которая возвела плюсы предыдущих частей практически до максимума.
    Замечательно в игре практически всё стиль, локации, музыка, дизайн врагов и боссов, отличная и более быстрая боевка по сравнению с остальными частями, интуитивность игры.
    Однако несмотря на то, что боссы в игре шикарны и большинство примерно на одном уровне сложности, существует несколько,    Заключительная в трилогии часть, которая возвела плюсы предыдущих частей практически до максимума.
    Замечательно в игре практически всё стиль, локации, музыка, дизайн врагов и боссов, отличная и более быстрая боевка по сравнению с остальными частями, интуитивность игры.
    Однако несмотря на то, что боссы в игре шикарны и большинство примерно на одном уровне сложности, существует несколько, особенно в длс, у которых уровень сложности в несколько раз больше даже финального босса.
    Также несмотря на интересные побочные квесты и хороших персонажей, в игре практически отсутствует сюжет, что является камнем преткновения для некоторых игроков.
    В целом игра получается замечательным окончанием серии Dark Souls.    … Expand
  14. Uncl3s4mbr
    Feb 16, 2021
    10
    Everything that was very good was improved. All maps, armor, weapon and combat system are amazing. Bosses are badass and online very fun.
  15. YannySp101
    Jan 10, 2022
    9
    Some years ago, I rented Dark Souls III and I played it for few hours but I wasn't good at it and I never got into the series.
    After playing Bloodborne, I decided to play Dark Souls III again... but I played it properly this time.
    As a Souls game, Dark Souls III tells its interesting story and lore via environmental storytelling, which is a fascinating way to tell a story. The gameplay is    Some years ago, I rented Dark Souls III and I played it for few hours but I wasn't good at it and I never got into the series.
    After playing Bloodborne, I decided to play Dark Souls III again... but I played it properly this time.
    As a Souls game, Dark Souls III tells its interesting story and lore via environmental storytelling, which is a fascinating way to tell a story.
    The gameplay is slower than in Bloodborne and it feels a bit stiff but it's varied and enjoyable nonetheless.
    The bosses in the first half of the game are kinda lacking but the bosses in the second half of the game really make up for it.
    Also, the music is wonderful and the graphics are nice.
    As for the DLCs, Ashes of Ariandel is extremely short but the mandatory boss is fantastic.
    The Ringed City lasts longer, it has few more bosses and an epic conclusion.
    Overall, the DLCs are actually very good!
    Unfortunately, just like in Bloodborne, the camera is awkward at times.
    However, unlike in Bloodborne, the level design is very linear in Dark Souls III and there is a surprising amount of irritating areas.
    Aside from the flawed camera, the linear level design and the bothersome areas, another thing that I didn't like is the kick mechanic; it's completely unnecessary and easy to perform by accident.

    Pros:
    + Rich lore
    + Fun & diverse gameplay
    + Challenging & epic bosses
    + Incredible music
    + Great DLCs

    Cons:
    - Awkward camera in some instances
    - Linear level design and many annoying areas
    - Kick mechanic

    Gameplay: 7/10
    Content: 9/10
    Music: 10/10
    Graphics/Audio: 8/10

    Final Rating: 9/10
    - Amazing -
    Dark Souls III is a very exhilarating, challenging and rewarding experience, and a fitting conclusion to the Age of Fire.
    The only Souls games I've played so far are Dark Souls III and Bloodborne, and I gotta say, Dark Souls III is significantly more difficult than Bloodborne for me, especially with its DLCs.

    Do I recommend it?:
    I'd highly recommend it to the fans of the series/genre.
    It's also a great game for newcomers, even if it's difficult.    … Expand
  16. botardi
    Jan 1, 2023
    9
    even if the souls formula might start to feel a little repetitive at it's fourth game, the game still presents a solid gameplay and a great worldbuilding, story and level design, combined with the usual genius combat system
    the DLCs truly shine at this game, as the ringed city dlc is absolutely perfect and epic
  17. FangRu
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    Fantastic game with amazing bosses and great lore! Designs in this game are crazy and views that you can enjoy are awesome. Gameplay feels also good which is very suprising for this type of game.

Critic Reviews

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Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. PlayStation Universe
    May 26, 2017
    85
    The Ringed City is a fine ending to a memorable franchise, making the Fire Fades Edition a must-buy for anyone looking to jump into it head first.
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