Dark Souls

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1574 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,343 out of 1574
  2. Mixed: 87 out of 1574
  3. Negative: 144 out of 1574
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  1. 11254man
    Jun 26, 2017
    8
    I really hate useless _/10 scores, but this platform forces one, so wait until the end for a recommendation on how much you should buy it for, as I feel it to be a more accurate representation of whether the game is, you know... worth it. Dark Souls is an Action RPG by From Software. Dark Souls is a game I enjoy quite a bit, and I'm going to spend the bulk of this review talking aboutI really hate useless _/10 scores, but this platform forces one, so wait until the end for a recommendation on how much you should buy it for, as I feel it to be a more accurate representation of whether the game is, you know... worth it. Dark Souls is an Action RPG by From Software. Dark Souls is a game I enjoy quite a bit, and I'm going to spend the bulk of this review talking about why, and what gave me pause even in my blind admiration. First off, the sound design on the whole thing is wonderful, from satisfying sound effects to amazingly orchestrated boss themes, the game excels in its sound design. Graphical design is the first thing I start to have a bit of a problem with. The game looks great for the most part, but some things are just hard to get over. The lava in the game quite literally hurts to look at, some of the backdrops aren't even slightly worked on (though others are to excess) and, one thing I really can't get over: there are some spots that are straight up unfinished. The stairs into the Lower Undead Burg straight up don't have anything to the left of them, just a gaping, lazy hole. Now, story wise, Dark Souls can't be touched. it's told through item descriptions and optional character dialogue, with very little laid out for you. This allows you to piece together an expansive and complete world. The gamplay is where this series shines, however. Rolling is responsive, blocking is responsive, combat is calculated but an adrenaline rush all the same. Some of the bosses, like Orenstien and Smough, are some of the best in all of gaming. However, other bosses, like the Bed of Chaos, are inexcusable, awful bits of the game I wish I could just skip. So, is the game worth it? YES! Get it now! at its current 20$ price point (For both the game and it's DLC.) it's a steal. Definitely one of my all time favorites.… Expand
  2. TheRedFern
    Jul 8, 2023
    9
    The level design was one of the best ever made, the game felt amazing and the gameplay was fantastic. I played this probably 10 years too late and it still felt monumental and like it was a top 20 game of all time.
  3. JRY69
    Aug 31, 2016
    8
    Ah, Dark Souls 1. I was so hesitant to get into the series because of this infamous game. Known for its ball-crushing difficulty made me such a **** to try it out. But, after beating Bloodborne and Dark Souls 2, I finally bought the game and gave it a try. And while I'm not nearly as in love with the game as some others are, I do think that this is a very solid, fun, and extremelyAh, Dark Souls 1. I was so hesitant to get into the series because of this infamous game. Known for its ball-crushing difficulty made me such a **** to try it out. But, after beating Bloodborne and Dark Souls 2, I finally bought the game and gave it a try. And while I'm not nearly as in love with the game as some others are, I do think that this is a very solid, fun, and extremely challenging RPG.

    The story is mainly told through the opening cutscene, item descriptions, and NPCs. This is either something that you'll love or hate. Personally, I feel that the game does well enough telling you why you're doing what you're doing so that you won't care about the deeper lore behind certain characters or locations. But, if you're into that sort of thing, you can get plenty of it here as long as you like reading (or just go to Youtube). What really makes the game stand out though it the gameplay. It feels like a slower yet more complicated style of From Software's previous game, Demon's Souls. Well timed dodges/blocks and knowing when to strike is the way to victory over most bosses and enemies, and damn if it isn't satisfying as hell taking down a crowd of enemies or a giant demon boss. However, this is when I begin to have problems with the game.

    The game is supposed to be hard, I know, but some enemy set ups can be down right brutal (especially later in the game). Some early game bosses are very poorly designed as well. For example, the Bell Gargoyles. A doable fight yes, but no one can deny that a boss that's just two enemies of the same type bombarding you with fire on a thin platform isn't the best boss design. Or what about the Capra Demon; a fast, aggressive boss thrown into a tiny crowded room with 2 fast aggressive dog enemies. Then of course theres the Bed of Chaos but, I'd rather not even mention it's name as it give me PTSD.

    That being said, there are some amazing bosses in this game both in terms of story and gameplay. The Great Grey Wold Sif is a tragic figure: a pet who only wants to protect her master's grave. And of course the infamous Ornstein and Smough; a boss so well designed and thought out that it's my favorite boss in the entire series.

    Areas range from god awful to breathtaking. Some highlights for me was Anor Londo and The Painted World. But theres also areas like Blighttown that are not only designed poorly, but also cause the framerate to drop significantly; causing frustration and broken controllers everywhere.

    The combat itself is simple yet complicated. Each boss and enemy as specific times where you need to roll in order to avoid their attacks, as well as certain times where it's safer to attack them. Learning these things will result in your death. And get used to the death screen, because on your first play through you're going to be seeing it a lot.

    The graphics haven't aged gracefully, but it remains a pretty game in its own right. I never saw any texture pop in or low res textures in my many playthroughs of the game. I encountered a couple glitches when it came to the sound in the game. Namely the opening cutscene voice being extremely quiet, but that may be my own fault with sound settings on my Xbox.

    Overall, the game is extremely solid. And while I do have legitimate complaints with the game, it doesn't stop it from being a solid RPG that will kick your ass. But once you overcome the game's challenges, your confidence will reach new heights.    … Expand
  4. BlakDak666
    Mar 9, 2017
    8
    Dark Souls is an important game that should be played by everyone. It is a game that challenges the person on thinking outside of the box and becoming more attuned to its world as a result. It punishes but also rewards with all sorts of gear, items and lessons. It has a wonderful atmosphere, some amazing boss fights and a DLC worthy of your time. Of course it is not perfect; the first halfDark Souls is an important game that should be played by everyone. It is a game that challenges the person on thinking outside of the box and becoming more attuned to its world as a result. It punishes but also rewards with all sorts of gear, items and lessons. It has a wonderful atmosphere, some amazing boss fights and a DLC worthy of your time. Of course it is not perfect; the first half of the game is outstanding, but starts to falter by the second half. The network connections are too long and tedious, making online coop or pvp an issue. Framerate drops often in large scale areas and some bosses are absolutely awful (esp. in the second half). Otherwise, a well done game that succeeds in dark fantasy and difficulty in games done right.… Expand
  5. Charlybs
    Jan 22, 2018
    8
    Yo diría que lo mejor del juego es la ambientación deprimente y esa sensación de soledad que hace que vayas con el culo apretado en cada paso para no morir. Puede llegar a desesperar no encontrar el camino correcto o morir 300 veces en el mismo jefe pero cuando consigues pasarlo la recompensa lo vale. Una vez te lo pasas tiene la opción de NG+ que está muy bien.
  6. ZXSth
    Apr 15, 2019
    8
    As everyone and their grandmother has probably recognized by now, Dark Souls is a legendary game franchise. This entry in the series is the one that many people see as the pinnacle of that experience - I think this is a prime example of nostalgia blindness, but am willing to validate the multiple things this game gets right.

    Dark Souls is a game in which you really must earn everything.    As everyone and their grandmother has probably recognized by now, Dark Souls is a legendary game franchise. This entry in the series is the one that many people see as the pinnacle of that experience - I think this is a prime example of nostalgia blindness, but am willing to validate the multiple things this game gets right.

    Dark Souls is a game in which you really must earn everything. It also tells you very little about what you need to do - some will adore this lack of forced direction, while others will be enraged by it. Additionally, the game has a phenomenally high learning curve that is rewarding to overcome, but hell to try and manage in the beginning (or at least, it was for me). This approach to game design is truly love-it-or-hate-it, with most players falling into the 'love it' category, if its rabid cult following is to be believes (key word being 'cult' - ergo 'niche').

    While Dark Souls is a great game with many environments that are undeniably beautiful and impressive, some areas of this game (and some of its bosses) present a kind of frustration that is incredibly off-putting and alienating. Specific examples include: The framerate-killing Blighttown; the visually staggering brightness of Lost Izalith (and its utterly infuriating puzzle-style boss, the Bed of Chaos); the egregiously dark and overwhelmingly difficult Tomb of the Giants; and the ragequit-inducing battle against the camera that is the Capra Demon boss fight (which invites cheesing the boss instead of fighting it).

    Despite being what I would call 'unrefined,' Dark Souls' interconnectivity between its areas, its challenging but rewarding combat, its vicious bosses and its overall artistic design are absolutely enthralling. The game has such a storied status in the video gaming world for a reason despite its flaws.    … Expand
  7. migueltaker
    Jan 4, 2021
    9
    De los mejores juegos que alguna vez jugué, toda una experiencia, los escenarios increíbles
  8. 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!
  9. f1o_o1f
    Apr 5, 2021
    9
    (PTDE review) One of the best games I've ever played. It's not for everyone, but everyone should have tried it once in their life.
    It's certainly hard, but not unfair. Lack of polish in late-game and obvious development constraints keep it from a full score.
    Also, if you get frustrated quickly and don't like to find the path for yourself, you will not enjoy it as much.
  10. Farrell64
    Dec 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best Videogame ever!
    Gameplay, story, music, lore, classes, weapons, ambient, world, bestiary, bosses, online matchs...    … Expand
  11. Kio22
    Mar 26, 2023
    9
    This is a great game, was the easiest souls game of the series until I played Elden Ring and Dark Souls 2. The game play can take some getting used to but the fun thing about it is you can play any way you want. This games level design is magnificent and gives the player the freedom to choose whatever direction they want to go in. The story in this game is rewarded to players willing toThis is a great game, was the easiest souls game of the series until I played Elden Ring and Dark Souls 2. The game play can take some getting used to but the fun thing about it is you can play any way you want. This games level design is magnificent and gives the player the freedom to choose whatever direction they want to go in. The story in this game is rewarded to players willing to explore and look for it. The bosses are cool and most boss fights are fair except for one very frustrating one. Overall, it's a great game that is shaped by how people choose to play it.… Expand
  12. DieterU
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    This game is by far my favorite game. That I've literally ever played. Everything about it is just incredibly well done. Well, except for the Witch of Izalith fight. I love it when videogames fully utilize the uniqueness of this method of storytelling, and that's something Dark Souls does like few others have. Some of the story is told to the player directly, some of it is hidden in theThis game is by far my favorite game. That I've literally ever played. Everything about it is just incredibly well done. Well, except for the Witch of Izalith fight. I love it when videogames fully utilize the uniqueness of this method of storytelling, and that's something Dark Souls does like few others have. Some of the story is told to the player directly, some of it is hidden in the descriptions of items, and some of it you can figure out by interacting with the world, walking around, and being incredibly observant; inferring things about past wars based on where the corpses of certain characters are and whatnot. And it's really not just useless 'lore.' It really is such a fully fleshed out story. The atmosphere is another just incredibly well done aspect. Everything comes together to make this incredibly gritty and morose high-fantasy setting. The level design is truly impeccable. No other video game comes close; not even other FromSoft games can compare to the expertly designed areas here. The difficulty is undeniably one of the most iconic aspects. Yes, it's hard, but after each defeat, you fell like you've genuinely learned and that you can really do it if you just keep trying. Just a great game. Absolutely get it if you're interested in high-fantasy stories and you don't mind learning how to 'git gud.'… Expand
  13. prussii
    Dec 31, 2020
    8
    Poorly optimised and wacky, but hey it's dark souls and it's awesome. Memorable locations and bosses. Great world and unique storytelling.
  14. DarkSoulAxel
    Apr 10, 2021
    9
    Dark Souls 1 is a flawed masterpiece for sure. It has its annoying parts, has its parts that feel rushed (Lost Izalith) and needed some polishing (i.e. framerate in Blight Town). But despite all flaws, it strikes with charm, satisfying combat and upgrading, great level up system and awesome boss fights (for the most part, not so much for the Demon Centipede for example, holy hell). I haveDark Souls 1 is a flawed masterpiece for sure. It has its annoying parts, has its parts that feel rushed (Lost Izalith) and needed some polishing (i.e. framerate in Blight Town). But despite all flaws, it strikes with charm, satisfying combat and upgrading, great level up system and awesome boss fights (for the most part, not so much for the Demon Centipede for example, holy hell). I have played this game over 24 times I believe and put hundreds of hours into it, offline. That is enough proof for me to say that its my most favorite game of all time at this date. Its nature allows a lot of variety in playthroughs so you can challenge yourself one more unique time. Surely to be recommended, its my top 1 game in general. Only giving it a 9/10 because 9.5 is not possible and saying its 10/10, meaning perfect, would contradict my criticism above.… Expand
  15. grimreapersims
    Feb 8, 2023
    9
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  16. cchenders40
    Feb 19, 2022
    10
    The masterpiece of the 360/PS3 generation. This game is one of the greatest video games of all time. From the level design to the combat it was revolutionary and brilliant. Even playing it now in 2022 you can still see how it effected the RPG genre and enjoy it. It has incredible replay ability. Each class offers a unique play through that will make you play differently and even encounterThe masterpiece of the 360/PS3 generation. This game is one of the greatest video games of all time. From the level design to the combat it was revolutionary and brilliant. Even playing it now in 2022 you can still see how it effected the RPG genre and enjoy it. It has incredible replay ability. Each class offers a unique play through that will make you play differently and even encounter new characters and lore. Each weapon also adds so much variety. In fact you could probably play this game through with a new weapon on each time through and the game feel new and different. The bosses are obviously amazing and the lore and world building are top notch. The games atmosphere is unmatched as well even all these years later. You feel the weight and dread, the highs let you feel a glimmer of hope only to take you down to the dark again. The difficulty is fair yet challenging. If you are constantly dying it is because you haven’t learned the mechanics or you lack patience. This game never holds your hand and it makes you rely on dialogue, environmental storytelling and remembering where you have been in order to navigate well and not lose your way. This game is not for the person who loves quest makers or fast pace shooters or quick games you can hop in and out of. I recommend this game to anyone who loves gaming, RPGs, or fantasy worlds. 10/10!

    P.S. When I read bad reviews for this game it only communicates to me that someone just didn’t get it.    … Expand
  17. Salt_addict
    Feb 14, 2022
    10
    Oh Dark souls. A shop employee told me it was like Skyrim on steroids and I wouldn't enjoy it. The gauntlet was thrown down that day. (2011) Still one of my top games all these years later.
  18. Du7Ra
    Feb 16, 2022
    10
    It was elected the best game of all time for a reason. The best gameplay that you can find is right here.
  19. Huitzilopochtli
    Feb 28, 2022
    9
    A true masterpiece that popularized the Soulsborne series. If you have not played this game, buy and play it immediately. A must-have for every video game consumer.
  20. Netherghul
    Mar 6, 2022
    9
    One of the best games ive ever played. My Introduction into the souls series and I played it in its prime from 2011 and 2012. Never before had a game given me such a challenge. It has the best characters out of any souls game. Although I prefer 2 over this it is because I prefered ds2s dark and gritty tone to Dark Souls 1s. The Multiplayer is the worst of the series with all the backstabOne of the best games ive ever played. My Introduction into the souls series and I played it in its prime from 2011 and 2012. Never before had a game given me such a challenge. It has the best characters out of any souls game. Although I prefer 2 over this it is because I prefered ds2s dark and gritty tone to Dark Souls 1s. The Multiplayer is the worst of the series with all the backstab fishing and parry baiters. The Story and its lore however is Legendary and it deserves its roses for being the father of the Dark Souls series. Also Manus I hate you.… Expand
  21. Fr0styFeet
    Nov 12, 2022
    8
    Picked up dark souls for the 360 as my first souls game, and what a great game it was. It has some rough edges compared to the later entries in the series, but is still a great game with its magnificent world design, and the ability to actually make you feel proud of yourself for overcoming the game
  22. botardi
    Jan 1, 2023
    9
    an absolute classic, the horrific post-apocalyptic medieval world is perfectly built
    the combat system is addicting, and the variety of playstyles is immense
    the first half of this game is without a doubt one of the greatest videogame sequences of all time, and then lacks a bit on the second half, being the the sometimes very very questionable game design of that sequence the only reason    an absolute classic, the horrific post-apocalyptic medieval world is perfectly built
    the combat system is addicting, and the variety of playstyles is immense
    the first half of this game is without a doubt one of the greatest videogame sequences of all time, and then lacks a bit on the second half, being the the sometimes very very questionable game design of that sequence the only reason its not a solid 10    … Expand
  23. farrrullll
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls
  24. agq
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the closest any game will ever come to in terms of true art. The story is told through rare bits of NPC dialogue, descriptions of items, and the world around you. The enemies, bosses and world design feel intricately designed in a way that makes the world feel real and lived in. This game-play can go from dreadful to fearless depending on where you are, the trip into the Depths and down to Blighttown always gives me a unique sense of dread that not even a horror game could give me. But you persist and move on through the game, unveiling the ending leaving you thinking that you have played the greatest game ever to be created.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
7
#7 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
8
#8 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 66 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 66
  3. Negative: 0 out of 66
  1. Gamer Limit
    Nov 29, 2011
    85
    All in all, Dark Souls is a more difficult, but less enjoyable (and less accessible) Demon's Souls.
    Read full review
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Nov 15, 2011
    90
    Dark Souls' world is dense with something new around every corner. [Issue#78, p.76]
  3. Xbox Achievements
    Nov 15, 2011
    90
    Dark Souls makes no bones about being unrelenting in its difficulty though, although it's by no means insurmountable. It's a rare game that's unlike anything else, refusing to pander or compromise in any way, shape or form. In this day and age, Dark Souls is hugely refreshing then, and well worth the time and effort.
    Read full review
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