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. FrozenStar90
    Oct 21, 2011
    10
    I have actually already reviewed Dark Souls. I originally awarded the game a '9', but felt the need to upgrade it to a '10' considering the circumstances. I'm about 55 hours in and I still haven't completed the game. The wealth of content is extraordinary, and the world From Software has built is absolutely staggering. This far in, I'm still fighting new and creative enemies, discoveringI have actually already reviewed Dark Souls. I originally awarded the game a '9', but felt the need to upgrade it to a '10' considering the circumstances. I'm about 55 hours in and I still haven't completed the game. The wealth of content is extraordinary, and the world From Software has built is absolutely staggering. This far in, I'm still fighting new and creative enemies, discovering secrets I had missed, and involving myself in the rewarding and immensely satisfying combat. In a year surging with triple A titles, Dark Souls pushes forward, and can proudly stand alongside the best games of the year.… Expand
  2. Steel
    Oct 27, 2011
    10
    Buy This game after uve seen more than 20 min of in-game footage and u should be fine! Great game! , not really that difficult (except the CURSE , which is really infuriating!)
    Perfect 10! FOR PURE UNADULTRATED GAMING.
  3. Human
    Apr 1, 2012
    10
    I love this game so much I almost resent it. This has messed up my standards for games now. You get such a rush from succeeding in this game that everything else pales in comparison. This game does sooooo many things right that other games don't even attempt. For example, the environments. The environments are not just pretty, but they are a reward. Almost everywhere is hard to get to inI love this game so much I almost resent it. This has messed up my standards for games now. You get such a rush from succeeding in this game that everything else pales in comparison. This game does sooooo many things right that other games don't even attempt. For example, the environments. The environments are not just pretty, but they are a reward. Almost everywhere is hard to get to in this game, so feel such relief when you get to the next bonfire. There are whole areas of the game completely hidden to the player unless you know exactly where to look. This game is so incredibly dense. The story seems really stupid and weird on the surface, but once you do some digging and look into some online resources, everything, every item, character, enemy, everything, has a reason to exist. It feels like a hell that exists by itself and you are intruding on it. The multiplayer is also very well done. The covenant system is interesting but some of them seem kind of empty and broken. Nonetheless, PVP in this game is exhilarating. Only get this game if you have a lot of time on your hands. People say Skyrim will steal your life. No, THIS will steal your life.… Expand
  4. BigDave81
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    There is only one way to describe dark souls and that is....AMAZING!!!.this game is a must have if your an jrpg fan or just an rpg fan period.Now I will say this, the game is Very and I mean VERY hard and is not for people who get angry fast since this game is made to punish you(and it will)I have died more times than I'd like to admit but I'm cool with that since when I do progress I feelThere is only one way to describe dark souls and that is....AMAZING!!!.this game is a must have if your an jrpg fan or just an rpg fan period.Now I will say this, the game is Very and I mean VERY hard and is not for people who get angry fast since this game is made to punish you(and it will)I have died more times than I'd like to admit but I'm cool with that since when I do progress I feel a sens of accomplishment and excitement beyond anything I've felt in any game in awhile(besides Ninja Gaiden)I loved Demon souls on PS3 so I knew I had to have Dark souls, and even better yet on the xbox 360.this game get's my highest score.Rpg fans go get some Dark souls.… Expand
  5. anonymity
    Nov 5, 2015
    10
    Dark Souls subverts a lot of expectations and design decisions attached to the 3rd person action genre; which consequently burns a lot of people taking it a face value. Most of the negative user reviews for this game are written out of ignorance and say more about the reviewers than the actual game. Dark Souls isn't perfect but is objectively one of the greats. It is not for everyoneDark Souls subverts a lot of expectations and design decisions attached to the 3rd person action genre; which consequently burns a lot of people taking it a face value. Most of the negative user reviews for this game are written out of ignorance and say more about the reviewers than the actual game. Dark Souls isn't perfect but is objectively one of the greats. It is not for everyone because it truly takes skill and patients, it asks you to get better as a player instead of your in game avatar.… Expand
  6. Jools86
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    This game is so satisfying. Killing a boss after dying 10 times in a row is the best feeling, it doesnt matter if you summon an npc or another player to help you - this game is so hard, but never punishing. graphics and the levelling up system are fantastic. 10 out of 10 as this is just as enjoyable as demons souls, i hope they do a port of xbox owners.
  7. wulfenstein
    Nov 11, 2011
    10
    What a lot of crap really the graphics for next gen could have been alot better, controls that drive you insane..meeting other characters in the game talk but make no sense and they don't even move it's like a mime show..All the hype really I feel robbed I even thought keep going it's going to get better o gee died, died and died again..no real effort in character design hell let makeWhat a lot of crap really the graphics for next gen could have been alot better, controls that drive you insane..meeting other characters in the game talk but make no sense and they don't even move it's like a mime show..All the hype really I feel robbed I even thought keep going it's going to get better o gee died, died and died again..no real effort in character design hell let make character and you be wearing a sacks for armour really come on..I hope Skyrim is alot better than this all this game is good for is a cup mat to remind how you wasted your money on a over hyped game...… Expand
  8. oslin007
    Oct 11, 2011
    10
    What a game! This is more than I could have hoped for and usually hate loosing in games! One thing that's so good about this game is the difficulty, but not only that its that insanely hard - which it actually isnt (think games like COD on hardest difficulty and other JRPGs are way more difficult) but the way you are really supposed to die. Today i grinded a whole day to get to the nextWhat a game! This is more than I could have hoped for and usually hate loosing in games! One thing that's so good about this game is the difficulty, but not only that its that insanely hard - which it actually isnt (think games like COD on hardest difficulty and other JRPGs are way more difficult) but the way you are really supposed to die. Today i grinded a whole day to get to the next bon fire which I didn't manage. DO I get mad? NO! because you learn so much from just fighting and fighting and fightning and each time you die you will have gotten a little better at the game and a little further into the amazingly crafted world. Do yourself a favour and BUY THIS GAME!… Expand
  9. David_wayne
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    This game is Amazing.I loved Demon souls on the PS3,But I love the fact that dark souls is available on the XBOX 360.Now to all those who do not play rpg's or are not good at rpg's DO NOT GET THIS GAME!!!!it is very hard and I mean this in a huge way.this game was made for people with alot of patience and who know how to play rpg's I'm not saying I'm the best either but I play alot ofThis game is Amazing.I loved Demon souls on the PS3,But I love the fact that dark souls is available on the XBOX 360.Now to all those who do not play rpg's or are not good at rpg's DO NOT GET THIS GAME!!!!it is very hard and I mean this in a huge way.this game was made for people with alot of patience and who know how to play rpg's I'm not saying I'm the best either but I play alot of rpg's and dark souls still gave me a run for my money.Dark souls is a must have.… Expand
  10. JPoppaWUSC
    Oct 4, 2011
    10
    Back in 2009, I spent 120+ hours of my life on Demon's Souls, and since then, I have not found its equal. As dark, challenging, and repressive as the game was, Demon's Souls still managed to feel like a breath of fresh air in the staling game market, throwing back to classic mechanics that were left in the 80s and early 90s with 8-bit, 16-bit, and arcade games. I find it interesting thatBack in 2009, I spent 120+ hours of my life on Demon's Souls, and since then, I have not found its equal. As dark, challenging, and repressive as the game was, Demon's Souls still managed to feel like a breath of fresh air in the staling game market, throwing back to classic mechanics that were left in the 80s and early 90s with 8-bit, 16-bit, and arcade games. I find it interesting that Demon's Souls was far better received in North America than in its native Japan (790,000 copies in NA to Japan's 300,000, many of which were sold after the game's subsequest success overseas), as the game reflects more western RPG conventions and D&D-esque styling than the increasingly common anime-styled games that get labeled as "JRPGs." Dark Souls is a spiritual successor in the purest sense of the over-used phrase. Its controls are identical to Demon's Souls, yet they are even more precise than before. The artistic style, starting classes, soundtrack, and multiplayer options are all quite similar as well, but again, they have been tweaked to be a bit superior to that of Demon's Souls. The graphics are more detailed and crisp than ever. But the biggest change here is the open-world structure. Unlike Demon's Souls, which had the Nexus serve as a hub between several more fragmented worlds, Dark Souls has interconnected areas that form one gigantic, seemless world. It's also at least three times the size of all of Demon's Souls' areas combined, and the zones are still diverse and well-conceived. The linking of various zones works kind of like classic Metroid or Castlevania maps, where shortcuts to previous areas can be unlocked, making exploration valuable and rewarding to the overall mission. Instead of the Nexus hub zone, players can rest at bonfires, where they can also upgrade weapons and armor, among other things. Combat is also enjoyable and very deep, and enemy mobs are more varied than in Demon's Souls. In short, Dark Souls improves on every aspect of its predecessor, and with the new open-world structure, Dark Souls can easily stand up to the industry's western-developed heavy hitters (like Dragon Age and Elder Scrolls). In fact, I can honestly say that Dark Souls could steal some serious thunder from Skyrim by offering a more fresh yet hardcore approach to the genre. I also think that it's astounding that developer From Software could make lightning strike twice - it would have been far too easy for some developers to misinterpret Demon's Souls overwhelming success in North America and try too hard to tweak the subsequent formula to cater to American tastes. Instead, From Software stayed true to its original form, even deciding to increase the challenge for Dark Souls. And as one final point, let me also say this: Anyone who has not tried Demon's Souls or Dark Souls should not let the now-legendary difficulty of the series discourage them. The challenge that these games offers is not the same kind of hard-for-the-sake-of-hard frustration that some games fall victim to. Even if you are normally frustrated by difficult games, it's usually because of cheap mechanics and the feeling of having to fight the controls or poor design, and none of that is an issue with the Souls games. They just demand a little more observation, a bit of strategy and thought. From Software trusts that its gamers are intelligent, diligent, and skilled enough to handle that challenge, and that's what makes every victory in Dark Souls feel like a real achievement. The game may not be for everyone, but I would at least encourage every PS3 or XBox360 owner to try it.… Expand
  11. babyfarmer
    Mar 7, 2012
    10
    If you are an old school gamer that relishes a challenge, then this is the game for you. Make no mistake, when you play this game, you will die. A lot. But never has dying in a video game felt so good! This game is not for the easily discouraged or for gamers that need to have their hands held the entire time. You have to figure out almost everything in the game for yourself, there is noIf you are an old school gamer that relishes a challenge, then this is the game for you. Make no mistake, when you play this game, you will die. A lot. But never has dying in a video game felt so good! This game is not for the easily discouraged or for gamers that need to have their hands held the entire time. You have to figure out almost everything in the game for yourself, there is no tutorial, but when you do figure out what to do or how to beat that boss that has killed you 10 times in a row......the feeling is so gratifying! You can never let your guard down in this game, the moment you do is the moment you die. Once you learn the mechanics of the tight combat system is where the game really shines. When you die (and you will), it's almost always your fault. You zigged when you should have zagged, or didn't have your shield up, or weren't aware of your surroundings as you rolled off a cliff. The game is rarely cheap. I will freely admit that this game is not for everyone, but if you have the time and patience to sink your teeth into a difficult game with a steep learning curve, the rewards are bountiful. This is without a doubt my favorite game that has been released this generation for consoles.… Expand
  12. iamjoppy
    Jan 21, 2012
    10
    Everybody who writes a bad review about this game never gave it a chance or are far too satisfied with the "on rails" game play of CoD Modern Warfare 1, 2, 3, etc...

    The visuals are stunning, there are tons of unique monsters and boss fights are all unique and very well thought out. The environment is huge and differentiated away from other games. I even rank this game above Skyrim simply    Everybody who writes a bad review about this game never gave it a chance or are far too satisfied with the "on rails" game play of CoD Modern Warfare 1, 2, 3, etc...

    The visuals are stunning, there are tons of unique monsters and boss fights are all unique and very well thought out. The environment is huge and differentiated away from other games. I even rank this game above Skyrim simply for the method in which it tells a story - it leaves you to fill in the gaps with imagination but doesn't leave out specific details.

    Those who ranked this game at 7 or similar, I can understand not liking the concept or game play. Those who ranked tis game under 5 have never given it a chance or are simply too bad to learn that you can't hack and slash your way to the end (you need strategy!).    … Expand
  13. drlowdon
    Jan 18, 2015
    10
    A spiritual successor to the PS3 only Demon Souls, Dark Souls is a game like nothing else available on the Xbox360. As you may well have already have heard you will die a lot in the process of attempting to complete the game. In the 75+ hours it took me to finish I would estimate that I suffered in excess of one hundred deaths. Unlike a number of other games I could name however thisA spiritual successor to the PS3 only Demon Souls, Dark Souls is a game like nothing else available on the Xbox360. As you may well have already have heard you will die a lot in the process of attempting to complete the game. In the 75+ hours it took me to finish I would estimate that I suffered in excess of one hundred deaths. Unlike a number of other games I could name however this rarely (Blight Town’s frame rates and a certain archer being the exception) became frustrating as each death can be seen as a learning experience allowing you to progress just that little bit further next time.

    Following a short, but tough, tutorial section the player finds themselves in an open world that they are free to explore any direction they choose. Never knowing what is around the next corner provides a truly tense yet exhilarating experience and reaching a bonfire (the games equivalent of checkpoints) provides such a huge sense of relief that you will often find yourself letting out a deep breath.

    All this is backed up by an excellent combat system that allows for the use of magic, bow and melee tactics as well as any combination in between. Forgoing the use of complex button combinations success depends on quickly working out the attack patterns of the huge variety of enemies and launching your own attacks at just the right moment. A seconds lapse in concentration can be fatal even against the games most basic foes!

    If all this sounds impossible help is fortunately always at hand from fellow on-line players. Using an item found early in the game players can leave messages for each other providing information on how to find secret areas or on the weaknesses of certain enemies. It is even possible to summon another player into your world in order to assist you on a particularly troublesome boss and this can go a long way to swinging the odds in your favour.

    For anyone looking for something just that bit different I can't recommend Dark Souls highly enough, just ensure that you have the internet handy as the game doesn't clearly explain many of the concepts that are vital if you are to make any kind of progress.    … Expand
  14. Fidhel
    Nov 29, 2011
    10
    Exelente jogo perfeito só acredito que poderia ter uma historia um pouquinho melhor, Todo combate e unico isso da uma nova dinamica para o jogo a exploração e bem interessante. Enfim um dos melhores jogos que já joguei.
  15. amnix
    Nov 4, 2011
    10
    Difficult to master, extremely punishing, rage educing & infuriating at times.

    You will need to do your own research, scout the wiki's and plan ahead.

    But when it all comes together, when you finally understand the concepts and the basics, its extremely rewarding.
  16. kkollias
    Oct 29, 2014
    10
    I played this gem on the 360. Tied with Mass Effect 2, I consider them the best games of this console generation.

    Atmosphere: The art style is beautiful. The world is dark and gives you a sense that everyone is stripped of all hope. A wonderful lore filled with gods, heroes, big mistakes and contrast sits in the background and sets the tone for your journey. Gameplay: The game feels    I played this gem on the 360. Tied with Mass Effect 2, I consider them the best games of this console generation.

    Atmosphere: The art style is beautiful. The world is dark and gives you a sense that everyone is stripped of all hope. A wonderful lore filled with gods, heroes, big mistakes and contrast sits in the background and sets the tone for your journey.

    Gameplay: The game feels rewarding in two ways. First, as everyone knows, the bosses are difficult and beating them is an achievement. But, also, being patient and grinding is rewarding in the sense that you can become relatively overpowered and easily go through the content (for the normal playthrough at least). The combat is very well crafted. It's methodical and slow. Every enemy is important.

    A fantastic take on dark fantasy RPGs. I loved it and played through it tens of times.    … Expand
  17. EternalGamer2
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    I don't generally like difficult games and I even disliked Demon Souls when I tried it, but I love Dark Souls. The reason why is that the difficultly in this game is not based on fast reflexes or pain staking memorization. It is, instead, based on being careful and playing with an awareness of your surroundings. You can't button mash in Dark Souls. Not even on the easiest enemies.I don't generally like difficult games and I even disliked Demon Souls when I tried it, but I love Dark Souls. The reason why is that the difficultly in this game is not based on fast reflexes or pain staking memorization. It is, instead, based on being careful and playing with an awareness of your surroundings. You can't button mash in Dark Souls. Not even on the easiest enemies. They aren't hard, you just have to block and wait for openings. You need to lure them out and use the environment to your advantage. Encountering a new enemy is always exhilirating and intimidating. If you like exploration based games like Zelda or Metriod you are in for a particular treat as the world of Dark Souls is amazing. It is filled with secret passages and shortcuts where the world loops back on itself and links back up with previous areas from new angles. Dark Souls is big but it very dense. There are no large areas where you have to wander along boring open fields for hours on end like Oblivion or Fall Out. Each and every inch of the world is lovingly crafted, not randomly generated.

    This is easily my favorite game on the 360. It is the only game I would give a 10. Not because it is perfect (the frame rate problems and the difficulty curve can occasionally seem a bit unfair), but because it is one of the very very few games I will still be thinking about a decade from now.    … Expand
  18. doodlerman
    Jan 7, 2012
    10
    This is an example of a great open world-ish fantasy game. There isn't much of a plot and there are countless tough enemies that are far more powerful than you are (and are quite able to kill you in one hit), but the beauty of the game, which may come across as a real pain to others, is the whole trial and error aspect. You have to figure out which path is safest, and make strategies onThis is an example of a great open world-ish fantasy game. There isn't much of a plot and there are countless tough enemies that are far more powerful than you are (and are quite able to kill you in one hit), but the beauty of the game, which may come across as a real pain to others, is the whole trial and error aspect. You have to figure out which path is safest, and make strategies on killing enemies. Some areas prove to be absolutely impossible - dark lords, black knights, ice creatures, and countless other monsters all lurk the lands and corridors of ruins, and, save for a few bosses, can be snuck around if too difficult to kill. It doesn't take long to realize that one of the purposes behind the games creation is that YOU WILL DIE. You will die countless times. Even at the very beginning, you will die many times. Every time you die and/or leave to save at a bonfire, all enemies (except bosses) will reappear. One great aspect of this game is that there are different creatures lurking around, obviously with some history - and even if the history of such creatures was never imagined, anything can be interpreted. Some enemies you only see once, and they'll just be there in the least expected of places. Its truly a magnificent, bleak open world game that all true gamer lovers can find something to enjoy behind. It requires patience and strategy which is something not seen in most modern games outside of certain franchises.… Expand
  19. Ph4bim
    Jun 13, 2012
    10
    Na minha opinião é o MELHOR JOGO que joguei dessa geração de consoles!! Se você é um jogador veterano, que jogou bastante o famoso classico CASTLEVANIA SYNPHONY OF THE NIGHT, e até HOJE, se sente "orfão" (pois acha a que Konami não fez um á digno pra essaNa minha opinião é o MELHOR JOGO que joguei dessa geração de consoles!! Se você é um jogador veterano, que jogou bastante o famoso classico CASTLEVANIA SYNPHONY OF THE NIGHT, e até HOJE, se sente "orfão" (pois acha a que Konami não fez um á digno pra essa geração), você vai jogar DARK SOULS e vai dizer a cada minuto:

    " Ã    … Expand
  20. Senta
    Oct 26, 2011
    10
    Dying has never been more FUN. This game is like no other. Atmosphere, the feel of this fantasy world is outstanding, the fact that you can never truly relax will have you on the edge of your seat. Seems to me that the biggest gripe people have with this title is its difficulty. Well, I loved it although it came as a surprise at first. You need to study, take few calculated deaths even,Dying has never been more FUN. This game is like no other. Atmosphere, the feel of this fantasy world is outstanding, the fact that you can never truly relax will have you on the edge of your seat. Seems to me that the biggest gripe people have with this title is its difficulty. Well, I loved it although it came as a surprise at first. You need to study, take few calculated deaths even, and then act upon what you've learned! You can't just run around without paying attention as it's ever too easy to fall off the cliff or get jumped by few of the low mop-up mobs who will wipe the floor with YOU if you aren't careful. There's no way to gauge mobs level, so any new enemy you encounter may be your last... in that particular life cycle at least! Dark Souls is extremely hard at places but most of times, with adjusted tactics (ie approach to any given problem, different spell, change of weapon to another one with a certain element) it rewards you by being fair. I have only killed one boss the first time i fought it, it's more of a DIE AND LEARN approach but it works great. I was literally standing up at few points trying to get to this bonfire few ledges over... If you pick this up, prepare mentally, because tonight you will not only dine in Hell, it's more like 24/7 Hell buffet over there!… Expand
  21. k3k3ti6
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    I don't think I've been so excited to die in a game before. This game really challenges you and makes you earn your reward. Alot of people I know don't like it or can't get into it, and to me it's due to the fact that they can't just run through and hack everything in site. This game is addicting and at times you will want to swear and throw the controller, take a deep breath and try try again.
  22. Parag0N
    Oct 10, 2011
    10
    I picked this up yesterday not knowing what to expect. I read all the reviews, I heard all the hype. I decided to give this game a shot. Never played Demon's souls, but I know it recieved similar praise and I wanted to know what was so great about these games that sounded so frustrating. Twenty hours of game time later and I am here to tell you that this is one of the most original gamesI picked this up yesterday not knowing what to expect. I read all the reviews, I heard all the hype. I decided to give this game a shot. Never played Demon's souls, but I know it recieved similar praise and I wanted to know what was so great about these games that sounded so frustrating. Twenty hours of game time later and I am here to tell you that this is one of the most original games I've ever played. Not since the very first Zelda on the NES have I played something so unique and uncompromising in its design. Full of secrets and easter eggs, tons and tons of cool weapons and armor, and beautiful art design. It's totally true the game is unflinchingly hard. Every section of the game is built around the concept of learning from death. I spent the first twenty minutes or so in the game dying over and over again only to realize I needed to equip a different weapon to deal with different enemies. Once I did so I walked right through them. It all started to click. There is almost always a solution to the situation your stuck in, you just have to use your brain and figure it out, and when you do you feel like a total badass. The controls take a bit of getting used to as you cant just mash the buttons fable style and expect to get anywhere. You really have to carefully plan each strike but again when you learn the enemies attack patterns and weaknesses you smash right through them. I can't reccomend checking this game out enough to those sitting on the fence. If your tired of the same old crap over and over again this was made for you so don't cry about games being repetitive and full of sequels if you don't pick this up. If you consider yourself a hardcore gamer you owe it to yourself and the industry to have this in your collection-no excuses! In over 20 years of playing games this is one of the finest experiences I've ever had with a game not only because the game is great but because it "gets" the psychology behind what makes gamers tick and uses that to keep you playing even when it feels like the odds are 100 percent against you and then rewards you when you do finally overcome them amplifiying your emotion to the point where you feel like you just won the world series when overcoming a difficulty you never thought you were good enough to handle. Nothing else in gameing compares to this experience-period!… Expand
  23. Richie
    Oct 4, 2011
    10
    Dark Souls is simply amazing, an addicting challenge, one the most beautifully made hardcore RPG games ever. It's hard to put Dark Souls down, it sucks you in early on and keeps you grinding through hours and hours of death and rewarding conquest. This game will test your nerves and make your blood boil, you will die and you will die often. I guarantee your adrenaline will surge throughDark Souls is simply amazing, an addicting challenge, one the most beautifully made hardcore RPG games ever. It's hard to put Dark Souls down, it sucks you in early on and keeps you grinding through hours and hours of death and rewarding conquest. This game will test your nerves and make your blood boil, you will die and you will die often. I guarantee your adrenaline will surge through the roof and you might even find yourself checking your pulse. Dark Souls is a **** of a game and one hell of a good time.… Expand
  24. aqurban
    Oct 15, 2011
    10
    The presentation is fitting to both new comers and Demon Souls experienced fans, yet also merciless to both. If you think you can just go slashing your way through dead and ugly, think again. Dark Souls will leave you anguished and agonized to the limit, youâ
  25. Bman2095
    Oct 12, 2011
    10
    I never played demon's souls (I play 360) but I've heard that it's REALLY hard, and apparently Dark souls is harder. Within 5 minutes of game play I was sold, the graphics are amazing, the open world is great, and the weapon selection is nearly limitless. Not to mention the cool enemies and almost impossible bosses. all in all the game was worth $60 and I've probably not even explored theI never played demon's souls (I play 360) but I've heard that it's REALLY hard, and apparently Dark souls is harder. Within 5 minutes of game play I was sold, the graphics are amazing, the open world is great, and the weapon selection is nearly limitless. Not to mention the cool enemies and almost impossible bosses. all in all the game was worth $60 and I've probably not even explored the entire world Dark souls has to offer yet. The game does live up to its tagline though "prepare to die"… Expand
  26. metalhead980
    Oct 5, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dark Souls, A open world, Action Rpg with an extreme difficulty and great graphics.
    To say Dark souls is an immersive experience would be an under statement. Dark Souls is a work of art. A hand crafted masterpiece. A game that takes us back to the old days when games were extremely challenging. You will die a lot in Dark souls, this isn't a game for everyone but for those that stick with it the feeling of accomplishment is massive. If you like a challenge? a Rpg experience that spans 60+ hours buy this game.    … Expand
  27. fox294
    Jan 15, 2013
    10
    This game made me rethink the way that I play and enjoy videogames. --------------- TES: Skyrim was released very shortly after Dark Souls. At the time, Skyrim had been heavily hyped and advertised and Dark Souls slipped right past my radar. I do recall seeing it right next to Skyrim on the Metacritic chart but dismissing it. So I played through Skyrim and enjoyed it thoroughly ,This game made me rethink the way that I play and enjoy videogames. --------------- TES: Skyrim was released very shortly after Dark Souls. At the time, Skyrim had been heavily hyped and advertised and Dark Souls slipped right past my radar. I do recall seeing it right next to Skyrim on the Metacritic chart but dismissing it. So I played through Skyrim and enjoyed it thoroughly , thinking it was a 10. But even then I understood that Skyrim is a game where you walk around without any risk. This isn't a knock and it isn't unusual - most games these days present no actual risk, no heart-pounding moments. In Skyrim, after you slog your way through mission after mission you eventually build yourself into an unstoppable juggernaut. So whereas at the beginning of the game all you had to do was run or reload, by the end the only way you're going to die is if you hurl yourself off a cliff. At that point, it… Expand
  28. uh-huh
    Oct 16, 2011
    10
    Got this game 3 days ago and can't stop playing it. Yes, it's hard. Yes, you will die. A lot. However, this is probably one of the best rpgs of all time. Ignore the cry babies and the kiddies. They're just mad because they can't handle it.
  29. SkizDriz
    Oct 4, 2011
    10
    Yes, 10. This game singlehandedly has restored my faith in rpg's. You will get stuck, and feel the rage of your gaming forfathers. You shall either expose yourself as a superficial gamer and quit to go play fluffybunnies, or you shall overcome and experience true accomplishment. The choice is yours.
  30. Rammsoldat
    Mar 23, 2012
    10
    You the chosen undead make your pilgramage from the undead asylum in the north to lordran to fulfil the prophecy and break the curse of the darksign. For people who played the previous game "demon's souls" this game will be very familiar as it plays exactly the same with the odd addition here and there, there is also the familiar concept of souls as currency that you drop when dead andYou the chosen undead make your pilgramage from the undead asylum in the north to lordran to fulfil the prophecy and break the curse of the darksign. For people who played the previous game "demon's souls" this game will be very familiar as it plays exactly the same with the odd addition here and there, there is also the familiar concept of souls as currency that you drop when dead and have to fight your way back to. The best new feature of this game is the intergrated world, no longer do you have the nexus hub and warp to each level now you must fight your way to wherever you must journey. This game like the last one is for gamers seeking a test of skill and determination. A game not for the weak of mind or the weak of heart.… Expand
  31. Kuroko
    Oct 23, 2011
    10
    This game rapes you in the ass, and makes you love it.

    That's what I'd put in the back of the box. Better than Demon's Souls in almost every aspect, but after seeing so many ideas recycled from Demon's Souls, I'm kinda sad they didn't add a Maiden in Black equivalent character. I miss her a lot. The lack of nexus to call "home" and keep the game structured makes the game far more    This game rapes you in the ass, and makes you love it.

    That's what I'd put in the back of the box.
    Better than Demon's Souls in almost every aspect, but after seeing so many ideas recycled from Demon's Souls, I'm kinda sad they didn't add a Maiden in Black equivalent character. I miss her a lot.

    The lack of nexus to call "home" and keep the game structured makes the game far more psychologically oppressive, that is good considering the nature of the game, but also prevents me from playing too much, cause at some point my anguish meter goes too high.    … Expand
  32. QuiterRaga
    Oct 4, 2011
    10
    I got Dark Souls early after a mom and pop store broke the street date.I only own a 360 so i never knew about the soul series.After the fair bit of hype generating around the title i decided to look up the previews of said game and it's progeny before a purchase.One forum user said if you like ninja gaiden black this game is the kind of game you'll be interested in..boy were theyI got Dark Souls early after a mom and pop store broke the street date.I only own a 360 so i never knew about the soul series.After the fair bit of hype generating around the title i decided to look up the previews of said game and it's progeny before a purchase.One forum user said if you like ninja gaiden black this game is the kind of game you'll be interested in..boy were they right.This game DOES NOT hold your hand whatsoever, and if you're the type of person to get annoyed by deaths skip this title enticingly as you'll be doing alot of it( as well as learning from it.)

    Even at the beginning of the game From Software makes their intentions clear,their goal is to kill you if you aren't going to learn the mechanics of block or staying clear from enemy attacks.I know you're thinking " well it's an RPG and any idiot will know not to go running in blindly and pull a **** load of aggo it's only common sense" but sometimes they like to trick you into making you feel like you've succeeded in something then crush your ego as soon as you step into another room.After you managed to bypass/clear a current area you've been stuck on,you'll be guaranteed to have the biggest smile on your face and the best feeling from playing a video game in years.

    From enemy an area design to some of the best atmospheric sounds you'll ever hear, this game has everything covered perfectly... if you're up to the challenge that is.    … Expand
  33. cooliemannyu
    Oct 4, 2011
    10
    I bought a ps3 for demon's souls.Now that this game is multiplatorm i can purchase it on my main console.(360) If you hate difficult games, stay the hell away.If you're up to the challenge this game can provide you with enough joy and playtime for the rest of the year.
  34. DiabeticDogma
    Oct 11, 2011
    10
    The two negative reviewers are idiots. That is all. blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.
  35. Wombatkilla1
    Oct 4, 2011
    10
    Spent well over 100 hours with Demon Souls and about 15 already with Dark souls.... This game is no joke, and as everyone well knows by now an unforgiving experience. With that said, I have never felt such an extreme level of accomplishment when successful with any other game to date. This game may not be for everyone at first, but if given the chance can really make an impact on any typeSpent well over 100 hours with Demon Souls and about 15 already with Dark souls.... This game is no joke, and as everyone well knows by now an unforgiving experience. With that said, I have never felt such an extreme level of accomplishment when successful with any other game to date. This game may not be for everyone at first, but if given the chance can really make an impact on any type of player. Perfect score for me... without a doubt.… Expand
  36. advancedbeta
    Oct 4, 2011
    10
    Short and simple.This game is hard.This game is good.freeframeratedrops but otherwise awesome.
  37. Joerh
    Oct 5, 2011
    10
    Just as the creator of Demon's Soul's said in reply to why he made another game "...to make it even harder" he left out how it's also even more intense, maddening, crazy, & brutally punishing (ALL in a great way)!!! While I always look for, & find good deals on games as I don't like to pay the $60 price tag -$40 is a little more reasonable to me- I happily paid full price for this one! :)Just as the creator of Demon's Soul's said in reply to why he made another game "...to make it even harder" he left out how it's also even more intense, maddening, crazy, & brutally punishing (ALL in a great way)!!! While I always look for, & find good deals on games as I don't like to pay the $60 price tag -$40 is a little more reasonable to me- I happily paid full price for this one! :) There is no better game to drive you up the wall one second, then turn around & reward you in such a manor save it's predecessor. With all the good/great games coming out in Q4 right now, I hope Dark Souls is voted Game of the Year just as Demon's Soul's was in 2009.… Expand
  38. Icecreamgenius
    Oct 10, 2011
    10
    This game has almost required me to learn to breathe properly again. I could almost swear I spent two hours last night plodding around the Undead Parish in quiet resignation that the next undead Knight or swordsman I came across would end with me modelling a new line in sword based neckware. And yet after a short foot chase towards a distant clanging which somewhere in the dark recesses ofThis game has almost required me to learn to breathe properly again. I could almost swear I spent two hours last night plodding around the Undead Parish in quiet resignation that the next undead Knight or swordsman I came across would end with me modelling a new line in sword based neckware. And yet after a short foot chase towards a distant clanging which somewhere in the dark recesses of my brain I reckoned was a blacksmith's forge, I found the ultimate prize. The Bonfire. And that's when I realised I had barely drawn breath for the last 40 minutes. It's also when my hope returned, and, after sharpening my Scimitar, when I decided I could TAKE that gigantic black knight that had chased me relentlessly across the area. This game has you by the balls and it loves to look into your eyes and squeeze. But it is possible to learn to like this. Just be prepared to be razor sharp, error free, and supremely vigilant. Others will help, but in the end, it's down to you and you alone. My next real challenge seems almost insurmountable, and to even GET to it will require near perfect technique and a little bit of luck. But I can hear a bell tolling in the distance that tells me others have achieved what I am setting out to do. I just might need a stiff drink first...… Expand
  39. Drakus
    Oct 23, 2011
    10
    I never expected I would buy Dark Souls. I had heard of Demon Souls, and its legendary difficulty, but I never paid any attention. A few days after Dark Souls released, I saw a walkthrough video, and immediately fell in love with the game. I bought it the next day, and started an adventure I still am not done with. Dark Souls has solidified its place in my top ten, and for good reason.I never expected I would buy Dark Souls. I had heard of Demon Souls, and its legendary difficulty, but I never paid any attention. A few days after Dark Souls released, I saw a walkthrough video, and immediately fell in love with the game. I bought it the next day, and started an adventure I still am not done with. Dark Souls has solidified its place in my top ten, and for good reason. The gameplay is solid, the atmosphere is intense, and the game just make me feel like I could take on any challenge. The difficulty is something I was greatly desiring from a game for a while. Too many game hold your hand through the entire campaign, while Dark Souls just tells you the controls, and lets you and the community find out the rest. The combat system is simple, just the way I like it. You figure out what your enemy is weak against, and exploit it to win. But it wasn't the combat or the difficulty that kept me playing, it was the world the game created. I have found memories dungeon crawling in Diablo, and Dark Souls felt like a blast from the past. The idea of fighting through hordes of diverse enemies, finding loot, exploring secret passages and shortcuts, all in a dark fantasy setting is a winning combination no matter what game it is. I sometimes wish the game could delve in deeper to it's lore, but at the same time I like making things up as I go along. The open feel of the game is also quite welcoming, as I can go down whatever path I feel like. The design of the weapons and armor is spectacular. My only real complaints with the game is the fact that I can not be in an Xbox Live party and play the game online at the same time. It isn't a huge problem, but it can get annoying when a friend wants to talk to me and my game has to return to the main menu. There are also occasional framerate issues. This game though makes up for those things several times over however. This game came out of the blue for me, and I couldn't be happier taking a chance on it.… Expand
  40. shadowrun
    Oct 13, 2011
    10
    if your like me. you have been at a loose end since the days of playing morrowind on the hardest difficulty setting. or even going as far as completing the original gauntlet on the sinclair zx. for games that hate you. they dont want you to succeed. they want you to eat the bitter troll leg of defeat over and over again. but when you dig in and not let the game beat you. and with a littleif your like me. you have been at a loose end since the days of playing morrowind on the hardest difficulty setting. or even going as far as completing the original gauntlet on the sinclair zx. for games that hate you. they dont want you to succeed. they want you to eat the bitter troll leg of defeat over and over again. but when you dig in and not let the game beat you. and with a little skill and a ton of luck. dark souls lets you live in the glow for just a few seconds. then slams the door shut and puts another big nasty b-stard of a boss in your path. the sequel to 2009 gamespot rpg of the year comes this work of dark art. that grabs you by the face and drags you from pillar to post. it may not have the sweeping storyline of a final fantasy or mass effect but its all about the brutal combat. the scary monsters that have no mercy for you. and a dark unforgiving atmosphere i havent seen in a game since the original silent hill. dark souls is a must for anyone who is not afraid to withstand a brutal ass kicking and a little old school xp grinding to enjoy this modern classic. not for rage-quitters!… Expand
  41. stevev45
    Oct 14, 2011
    10
    This is by far the best RPG I have ever played for the 360. The game is balanced extremely well, with lots of care given to making the game realistic. Get hit with a giant axe while not blocking equals you're death. One pit fall of many game sis that the currency system usually hits a point where money doesn't matter anymore, because there isn't anything the player really wants to buy.This is by far the best RPG I have ever played for the 360. The game is balanced extremely well, with lots of care given to making the game realistic. Get hit with a giant axe while not blocking equals you're death. One pit fall of many game sis that the currency system usually hits a point where money doesn't matter anymore, because there isn't anything the player really wants to buy. Dark Souls completely fixes this problem with two clever moves. First, it's difficult to mass wealth (souls), because you can lose them all when you die. Second, level ups and item upgrades are purchased with souls, which insures that they are always desirable. This game rewards patients, carful thought, and above all skill.… Expand
  42. yeomsta
    Oct 15, 2011
    10
    On October 7th I was supposed to buy Rage, it was part of my gaming calender prior to Skyrim and Arkham Asylum. Dark Souls has made me scrap that plan. I'll probably be playing it for months, Rage is out the window, Arkham Asylum is on hold until spring next year probably and Skyrim will be my second fiddle game. I took a chance on Dark Souls, I knew nothing of its predecessor or itsOn October 7th I was supposed to buy Rage, it was part of my gaming calender prior to Skyrim and Arkham Asylum. Dark Souls has made me scrap that plan. I'll probably be playing it for months, Rage is out the window, Arkham Asylum is on hold until spring next year probably and Skyrim will be my second fiddle game. I took a chance on Dark Souls, I knew nothing of its predecessor or its developer but I took a chance because it looked different to the polished, same-y big budget rpgs I usually play and after 25 hours of playtime I can confirm that is definitely the case. This game takes challenge and reward to a whole new level, it refuses to hold my hand at any point and forces me to think and learn while playing it, I haven't enjoyed a game this much since i first started playing WoW, (incidentally WoW was the game that I thought would kill all console games for me forever until Dark Souls was released). The depth of character/gear building, combined with the challenge of the game and the fantastic insanely gothic atmosphere that surrounds every step my character takes has made this a truly special game for me, one that I will never forget and will always list it as one of my favourite games of all time.… Expand
  43. andyz
    Oct 17, 2011
    10
    The key thing to not for Dark Souls is that it is NOT for everyone. You will die a lot. That aside, the combat is great. The open ended world is fantastic and gives you a great feeling of freedom. The controls are solid. And the sense of accomplishment when you beat an area or a boss that you thought was impossible is hard to describe. I highly highly recommend this underrated game toThe key thing to not for Dark Souls is that it is NOT for everyone. You will die a lot. That aside, the combat is great. The open ended world is fantastic and gives you a great feeling of freedom. The controls are solid. And the sense of accomplishment when you beat an area or a boss that you thought was impossible is hard to describe. I highly highly recommend this underrated game to diehard RPG fans.

    The biggest problem I've had with this game are some frame-rate issues simply due to the immensity of some areas. Hopefully they can tighten that up!

    It looks to me like most of the harshly negative reviews are from those who are simply not accustomed to or are really fans of this type of game. So, I'll give it a 10.    … Expand
  44. grendelpoots
    Oct 19, 2011
    10
    Amazing. Reminds me of Simon's Quest. Best game I've played in ages.
    Hard, but not cheap. The sense of discovery makes the dying worthwhile.
    If you have the time to sink into it, do it. You won't regret it.
  45. Broen
    Oct 21, 2011
    10
    I have been a Metacritic fan for a bit, but made an account just to write about this fantastic game. Many will say it is just "not for them" or attack people for "fanboyism". What matters is this is the RPG masterpiece that is a worthy successor to Demon's Souls. The game starts very difficult, but rewards exploration and skill like no other RPG before it. Out of my friends that I gameI have been a Metacritic fan for a bit, but made an account just to write about this fantastic game. Many will say it is just "not for them" or attack people for "fanboyism". What matters is this is the RPG masterpiece that is a worthy successor to Demon's Souls. The game starts very difficult, but rewards exploration and skill like no other RPG before it. Out of my friends that I game with, several love it, several hate it. If you think you might not like any game rent it first. If you like it, but are not doing well, get the guide. But for gamings' sake PLAY THIS GAME. I need Dark Souls 2. Bad.… Expand
  46. CptKiffMan
    Oct 21, 2011
    10
    Greatest game i purchased over years ... reminds me of Gothic 2 ^^ .. when u go somewhere ur 2 weak u get bashed to hell (or if u just dont know what to do with the enemy^^) so it has a lot of exploring and learning by doing, but i love this kind of Gameplay.
    I see myself running very often 2 the church buying those damn rings preventing death penalties :D
    The ability to make new weapons    Greatest game i purchased over years ... reminds me of Gothic 2 ^^ .. when u go somewhere ur 2 weak u get bashed to hell (or if u just dont know what to do with the enemy^^) so it has a lot of exploring and learning by doing, but i love this kind of Gameplay.
    I see myself running very often 2 the church buying those damn rings preventing death penalties :D
    The ability to make new weapons out of upgraded weapons is amazing too Can recommend it to every Gothic Fan    … Expand
  47. Czeslaw
    Oct 23, 2011
    10
    Dark Souls is not for the impatient. Note that I do not say that it is not for the unskilled, as I believe anyone could master Dark Souls given time. It's like any other game, and its difficulty should not be seen as a deterrent but something to be embraced. If not, then it'd be like playing D&D, but without the threat of death around every corner. It would be like skydiving from ten feetDark Souls is not for the impatient. Note that I do not say that it is not for the unskilled, as I believe anyone could master Dark Souls given time. It's like any other game, and its difficulty should not be seen as a deterrent but something to be embraced. If not, then it'd be like playing D&D, but without the threat of death around every corner. It would be like skydiving from ten feet above the ground. No risk, no adrenaline.
    I bought this game completely out of the blue, having never played its predecessor or looking at the reviews. As far as negative opinions go, I guess mine was about as close as you'd get - I felt all the rage of the people rating 0s, I felt crushed and helpless and like I'd never beat the game. I spent ten hours trying to beat the Taurus Demon. But I had patience. I beat that boss and all the rest along the way, and I finished the game. And the result was a complete turnaround of my initial feelings of dread. For all you reviewing negatively, I ask you to first finish the game. If you can tell me that you didn't like it after that, I'll believe you. Otherwise, be patient, and keep working.    … Expand
  48. Ps3blaze22
    Feb 20, 2012
    10
    BEST RPG game ever!, sooooo underrated too, i mean how the **** can an AMAZING game like this get a 7 or 8 while other **** games like Skyirm get 8 and 9, believe me.. you MUST buy this game.. Its so much fun, the story is also AMAZING! You will really like this game, I highly recommend this game to everyone with a PS3
  49. Mohammad22
    Feb 20, 2012
    10
    Dark Souls is the BEST RPG GAME THIS GEN!!! the only reason some people hate it is becasue its Hard.. Otherwise its a really great and fun game. You MUST by it if you have a PS3 or Xbox 360
  50. SolidLinkSnake4
    Nov 27, 2011
    10
    Dark Souls is a very fun RPG game that is challenging,fun to die, and overall awesome. If you don't like dieing a lot in a game don't get this ,but if you like RPG's this game is good for you
  51. 360gamer8302
    Feb 1, 2012
    10
    A game that demands your attention. A true work of art that other developers should use as a template. I spent 80+ hours on Demon's Souls, and Dark Souls is just as and more addicting then its spiritual predecessor. This game uses creative tools to make it stand out amongst other RPGs. The punishing diffuculty only makes you a better player. Those who rage quit do not give this game enoughA game that demands your attention. A true work of art that other developers should use as a template. I spent 80+ hours on Demon's Souls, and Dark Souls is just as and more addicting then its spiritual predecessor. This game uses creative tools to make it stand out amongst other RPGs. The punishing diffuculty only makes you a better player. Those who rage quit do not give this game enough of a chance.… Expand
  52. ZzZ85
    Jan 13, 2014
    10
    Dark souls is my favorite game of all time. No other game comes close, period! Demons souls was really really awesome, but Dark souls is just amazing!
  53. dmanhuh
    Nov 8, 2011
    10
    This game in fact was one of the best rpg action games in my life. This game is not only difficult ,but it brings gaming towards a new dimension of classic fighting. Though you will rage quit and die in this game, you will be sucked back into playing this. Also, I bet that people who say this game sucks is most likely because they cannot beat this game without moding or soul glitching thisThis game in fact was one of the best rpg action games in my life. This game is not only difficult ,but it brings gaming towards a new dimension of classic fighting. Though you will rage quit and die in this game, you will be sucked back into playing this. Also, I bet that people who say this game sucks is most likely because they cannot beat this game without moding or soul glitching this game I do not recommend this game for rage quitters, sore losers, and little kids. Its not for you.… Expand
  54. DeadLegend
    Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Let me start off with, this game is ment for a different type of gamer. A gamer that loves abuse, loves to be defeated only to rise from the ashes and cheer at the littlest of victories and laugh in the face of the game. Dark Souls will fill you many emotions, mostly anger but alot of happiness when you delivering the killing blow to a boss or an invader. This game takes a simple formulaLet me start off with, this game is ment for a different type of gamer. A gamer that loves abuse, loves to be defeated only to rise from the ashes and cheer at the littlest of victories and laugh in the face of the game. Dark Souls will fill you many emotions, mostly anger but alot of happiness when you delivering the killing blow to a boss or an invader. This game takes a simple formula and executes it perfectly. With that said if you are looking for a game that doesnt hold your hand, doesnt care if you live or die, punishes you for any little mistake such as a bad roll, or missed block, then this game is for you. Just make sure you have an extra controller.… Expand
  55. Ischie
    Nov 20, 2011
    10
    I recommend this game to everyone who loves RPGs. If you think the game is too hard, get the fantastically well made, hard cover, strategy guide and play the game. I put in 140hrs into it and feel its one of the best games I have ever played. Highly recommended.
  56. LORDwargasm
    Nov 9, 2011
    10
    Beautifully done rpg with its own distinct flavour. Challenging but not as ridiculous as most make out but enough to feel like a divine being after every boss kill made after its 23rd attempt. Best played online tho, hints left by other players with orange soapstones have saved me having to die and restart on countless occassions and the summons left by players white soapstones have beenBeautifully done rpg with its own distinct flavour. Challenging but not as ridiculous as most make out but enough to feel like a divine being after every boss kill made after its 23rd attempt. Best played online tho, hints left by other players with orange soapstones have saved me having to die and restart on countless occassions and the summons left by players white soapstones have been seemingly necessary for some boss fights. Speaking of bosses every enemy is eye candy to look at, not so much graphically but impecably designed. The soundtracks nothing special neither is the story but they are not what this games about but they are fine enough. A brilliant game for those who like a challenging rpg, but prepare to suffer in your psyche greatly. Sound: 7. Gameplay: 10. Graphics: 8. Longevity: 10. Flavour: distinctly tangy… Expand
  57. deadwooddanimal
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    This is my all-time favorite game. It is seriously amazing in every aspect, and no review could do it justice. I recommend that if you are even slightly interested, rent or buy the game and you will see why it is such a masterpiece!
  58. DrunkBall101
    Nov 29, 2011
    10
    Awesome game! The difficulty of this game is so rewarding when you defeat giant and unique bosses. For anyone who loves action RPGs i would recommend this game to you. It is a must buy.
  59. Scootsmen
    Apr 5, 2014
    10
    A masterpiece of game, world and monster design, Dark Souls is an underrated gem of substantial quality. The game took me over a hundred hours to complete and I didn't even get a chance to complete everything the game has to offer. It boasts a Gothic world filled with creepy enemies, mysterious dungeons and brilliant boss fights. Dark Souls has a few glitches here and there and the Bed ofA masterpiece of game, world and monster design, Dark Souls is an underrated gem of substantial quality. The game took me over a hundred hours to complete and I didn't even get a chance to complete everything the game has to offer. It boasts a Gothic world filled with creepy enemies, mysterious dungeons and brilliant boss fights. Dark Souls has a few glitches here and there and the Bed of Chaos boss fight could have been better, but the good outweighs the bad so much that the game's flaws come off as minor. This is a dark and challenging game made with a burning love for role-playing games.… Expand
  60. ApocalypticEvil
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Dark Souls is an adventure that is both fulfilling and exciting. The game itself can be brutally hard. But this is good, it's a challenge that IS possible. You're free to make your decisions on where to go almost as soon as you enter Lordran. The world is huge, and offers plenty of hours of gameplay. The multiplayer is an interesting aspect of the game. No voice chat allowed as theyDark Souls is an adventure that is both fulfilling and exciting. The game itself can be brutally hard. But this is good, it's a challenge that IS possible. You're free to make your decisions on where to go almost as soon as you enter Lordran. The world is huge, and offers plenty of hours of gameplay. The multiplayer is an interesting aspect of the game. No voice chat allowed as they prefer for "Silent assistance" which I find perfectly fine. Invading is always enjoyable (who wouldn't want to make someone throw their controller in frustration?). This is an epic and expansive RPG that has placed my faith back into immersing myself for countless hours in a single game. From Software did an amazing job, and I only hope they release another.… Expand
  61. BlueWorrior
    Jul 16, 2012
    10
    Okay, I'm gonna make this quick. Dark Souls is quite probably one of the best games EVER MADE. I stated that in all caps to let you know just how serious I am.

    Dark Souls Isn't just a game: It's an experience, an adventure that you will never forget. It has depth, atmosphere, tweaked and challenging gameplay, great visual design and an almost beautiful musical score. I implore you. Buy    Okay, I'm gonna make this quick. Dark Souls is quite probably one of the best games EVER MADE. I stated that in all caps to let you know just how serious I am.

    Dark Souls Isn't just a game: It's an experience, an adventure that you will never forget. It has depth, atmosphere, tweaked and challenging gameplay, great visual design and an almost beautiful musical score. I implore you. Buy this game. Right now. If you hate it you probably think that it's too hard. If you do, you are soft, play it and gain skill through experience, because it will pay off, I assure you.

    Best game of year? definately. Best game of the decade? I'd say so. Over-dramatic review? yeah, sorry 'bout that. But get this game anyway. It'll be the worth every penny.    … Expand
  62. vorophobe
    Nov 12, 2011
    10
    I love the difficulty. This game and it's predecessor doesn't hold your hand and walk you from area to area, it rewards skill, planning and determination =)
  63. bowflexman
    Nov 13, 2011
    10
    Dark Souls is an incredible game that forces you to withstand intense challenges, but rewards you in return with a sense of accomplishment you will not find in any other game. Yes, that includes Skyrim. Dark Souls is an open world action RPG. Where this game differs from others is the fact that you will die...a lot. This game is incredibly difficult, but with patience you will overcomeDark Souls is an incredible game that forces you to withstand intense challenges, but rewards you in return with a sense of accomplishment you will not find in any other game. Yes, that includes Skyrim. Dark Souls is an open world action RPG. Where this game differs from others is the fact that you will die...a lot. This game is incredibly difficult, but with patience you will overcome this difficulty through the use of its absolutely perfect controls. This game's controls are so fine-tuned and so perfect that every death can only be blamed on the player, not the game. Anyways, to cut this short, this game is amazing. I have invested 92 hours into the first playthrough and cant wait to seek further challenges in new game+!… Expand
  64. incognito_1
    Nov 13, 2011
    10
    i heard a lot good things about this game so i played demon souls couple months before dark souls came out. i loved it! i admit that it demon souls boss fights may have been a bit more creative but dark souls still impresses me greatly. i especially love (and hate) the feeling of fear and frustration of dieing just when the boss was one hit from death. this feeling will haunt you throughi heard a lot good things about this game so i played demon souls couple months before dark souls came out. i loved it! i admit that it demon souls boss fights may have been a bit more creative but dark souls still impresses me greatly. i especially love (and hate) the feeling of fear and frustration of dieing just when the boss was one hit from death. this feeling will haunt you through out the game, this tension and stress comes from the possibility of losing everything that you had earned from the last few hours and losing it all due to a bad roll, block, attack, spell cast etc. this is why i enjoyed the game so much, true it may not be for most people. the sense of loss and frustration may not your 'thing", but due to these feelings dark souls is one game that stands out in my library. also there is some issues with the game involving the frame rate, certain areas are worse than others but it is mostly due to the fact that ps3 and xbox hardware is getting old. plus it doesn't hinder the game to the point unplayability, it is more of an annoyance. if u ignore these flaws you will have a immensely enjoyable experience.… Expand
  65. KlaatuZu
    Nov 14, 2011
    10
    If you like progression, open worlds, mystical environments, little talk and a lot of hardcore action, there is NO OTHER game comparable to this one. I play games since the 80´s and have been a hardcore FPS gamer most of the time, but this game takes the cake. Bethesda have great RPG´s when it comes to soft play, nice worlds etc...., mass effect? soooooo overratedIf you like progression, open worlds, mystical environments, little talk and a lot of hardcore action, there is NO OTHER game comparable to this one. I play games since the 80´s and have been a hardcore FPS gamer most of the time, but this game takes the cake. Bethesda have great RPG´s when it comes to soft play, nice worlds etc...., mass effect? soooooo overrated it´s sad ( I love KOTOR and Dragon Age, don´t get me wrong). In Dark Souls you end up memorizing the WHOLE game, because you have to be a PRO to go through. Very original multiplayer and a overall unforgetable experience. Few games stay with you like this one. I could not recomend it more. EASY 10/10… Expand
  66. LonePie
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    This is a great game. Unlike most games where you can kill any enemy without batting an eye, this game has enemies that can kill you in a second. Not only does this make every enemy a significant encounter that makes your heart race, it makes each victory so much more sweet. The world, dark, miserable, and full of despair, is captured with success. From the cloudy vistas and darkThis is a great game. Unlike most games where you can kill any enemy without batting an eye, this game has enemies that can kill you in a second. Not only does this make every enemy a significant encounter that makes your heart race, it makes each victory so much more sweet. The world, dark, miserable, and full of despair, is captured with success. From the cloudy vistas and dark catacombs, even seeing light from the sun has a surreal and sad feeling; the light streaming from the sun on a world full of tragedy. It contrasts so well with the environment. Great game.… Expand
  67. Alibi
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    What makes Dark Soul's story unique is that it talks about a prophecy of a hero will save the land one day, but it could careless if that is you. It doesn't care if you live or die. It does not have a huge back story either. It lets you fill in the blanks. Also, the same way it does not care if you live or die. It does not care if the NPC that fill the world of Dark Soul live or die. IfWhat makes Dark Soul's story unique is that it talks about a prophecy of a hero will save the land one day, but it could careless if that is you. It doesn't care if you live or die. It does not have a huge back story either. It lets you fill in the blanks. Also, the same way it does not care if you live or die. It does not care if the NPC that fill the world of Dark Soul live or die. If you are a fan of the RPG genre I would suggest picking this one up!… Expand
  68. cameronlemon97
    Dec 2, 2011
    10
    one of the best and most unique games I've played all year. I never though i could have so much fun dying and learning how to overcome each individual problem, enemy design is incredible as well and as the game progresses the enemies look more hellish and the difficulty makes this game one of the best games of the year
  69. ChrisStone
    Jun 17, 2012
    10
    First up if you get this game you will die, a lot. I died a couple of times during the tutorial, but that is what makes the game so good. When you die it makes you want to go back and beat whoever (or whatever) killed you, when you do that there is no greater satisfaction, trust me. When I first went on Dark Souls and I finished the tutorial, hated the game. There's no map or compass toFirst up if you get this game you will die, a lot. I died a couple of times during the tutorial, but that is what makes the game so good. When you die it makes you want to go back and beat whoever (or whatever) killed you, when you do that there is no greater satisfaction, trust me. When I first went on Dark Souls and I finished the tutorial, hated the game. There's no map or compass to guide you, the enemies are hard to kill, good weapons and armour are hard to find at the beginning of the game and I spent at least 4 hours fighting my way up to the Taurus demon and being killed by it. But after a while when I got used to the control scheme and I got better at backstabbing and parrying etc, the game got easier and a lot more fun to play.

    Overall, this game, in my opinion, is very similar to games like the old Onimusha titles. You have to scavenge for new armour and weapons, enemies are difficult to kill but not impossible, it's just a fantastic deep game that is defiantly worth buying.    … Expand
  70. ReSultZ
    Dec 2, 2011
    10
    Simply point you have NEVER played a game like them as Dark Souls and Demon's Souls are on another level. The bad news is these games are so long and good, they ruin other games.
  71. FattyMooMooMan
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    One of this years better games, challenging with an interesting story and setting - character development is good and you can mould your character around the way you want to play (I have been playing a sorcery caster and am currently in Anor Londo, unfortunately skyrim is taking huge chunks out of my life at the moment but I hope soon to be back and finishing this game off as I wouldOne of this years better games, challenging with an interesting story and setting - character development is good and you can mould your character around the way you want to play (I have been playing a sorcery caster and am currently in Anor Londo, unfortunately skyrim is taking huge chunks out of my life at the moment but I hope soon to be back and finishing this game off as I would really like to find out how it ends). The developers also appear to be supporting the title well as is apparent in the patches they have been putting out. This game is hard though - take your time to level up and play smart and you will find a very rewarding game here, try to rush through and be prepared to die lots.… Expand
  72. whosgotthecrack
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    This is quite possibly one of the best games I have played in the past 10 years. It feels like a return to the old school style action-adventure game, with RPG elements heavily incorporated. If you, like me, feel like video games have become incredibly dumbed-down, mindless and easy; this will be an incredibly refreshing experience. The immersion this game creates is amazing, as theThis is quite possibly one of the best games I have played in the past 10 years. It feels like a return to the old school style action-adventure game, with RPG elements heavily incorporated. If you, like me, feel like video games have become incredibly dumbed-down, mindless and easy; this will be an incredibly refreshing experience. The immersion this game creates is amazing, as the difficulty makes you pay close attention to the movements of the AI and the world around you. For the first time in years I felt immersed in a game, the environment and sheer difficulty invoke feelings of despair and anxiety at times, but this makes the reward for overcoming challenges feel much more like an accomplishment than anything I have experienced in a contemporary action/RPG game.… Expand
  73. jslaw
    Dec 7, 2011
    10
    I never played demon souls so I did not know what to expect when I bought Dark Souls. All I knew was that it was an action RPG and was supposed to be "hard". Talk about an understatement... I have long been dissatisfied with RPG's and console gaming in general mainly due to them being too easy. Most RPG's you can save your game every 3 steps, or just grind your way to victory. DarkI never played demon souls so I did not know what to expect when I bought Dark Souls. All I knew was that it was an action RPG and was supposed to be "hard". Talk about an understatement... I have long been dissatisfied with RPG's and console gaming in general mainly due to them being too easy. Most RPG's you can save your game every 3 steps, or just grind your way to victory. Dark Souls went far beyond my expectations.

    Combat: The combat is some of the best I have played in a video game, second only to Mount and Blade. The strikes feel slow at first but it really works. The strikes of characters and npcs feel like they have some weight behind them. The endurance mechanic for blocking is well done as well. You can block as long as you have endurance but when it runs out hits will stagger you. You can only attack if you have endurance as well. The responsiveness of the controls are is wonderful. You may find yourself hiding behind your shield with your endurance gone and know the next strike will stagger you. In this game you can actually use the dodge button to roll out of the way if you time it right. The rolling dodge in other games feels useless not activating fast enough or moving quick enough to save you. In dark souls you can go from a shield block to a roll in no time at all.

    Aesthetics: The game doesn't play like a movie as you wander from cut scene to cut scene like modern (and worthless) RPGs. You are given very little direction and left to your own devices. You will feel brilliant when you connect the small clues and discover something. The game seeks to create atmosphere which it does well. The atmosphere lends itself well to the game and you will find your own story.

    Difficulty: The best selling point. I get the same feeling playing dark souls that i used to get playing the old wizardry games. Dark souls goes out of its way to kill the player. Enemies are often hiding in a way that they surround you if you run past. Occasionally bottomless pits are found just after emerging from thick foilage. The bosses in this game will murder you if you don't come up with a plan to defeat them. You can lose your souls if you die in a bad spot or get killed on the way to retrieve them. When you have collected a lot of souls, it can be extremely harrowing when you run into a tough encounter far from a bonfire. Closing note: Dark Souls is the most fun i have ever had on Xbox. Probably the best single player RPG ever. Better than fallout 1, 2 and 3D. Better than Oblivion, Morrowind, and Skyrim...I am really happy that this game is so popular in north america since people often talk about hard core games as not appealing to westerners. I always found that insulting and now we have a game to point to when we say "You are wrong!" I hope other developers follow suit and tap the hardcore gaming market.    … Expand
  74. BXBlodia
    Dec 19, 2011
    10
    To me, this game is a masterpiece and most unique and enjoyable experience this generation.
    Dark Souls is the first game this year which caused me to spend almost every idle hour of my day coming up with strategies for THAT BOSS and considering stat choices, as well as speculating about the lore.
    The way it's story is told, the vague introduction, often cryptic npc dialogue and item    To me, this game is a masterpiece and most unique and enjoyable experience this generation.
    Dark Souls is the first game this year which caused me to spend almost every idle hour of my day coming up with strategies for THAT BOSS and considering stat choices, as well as speculating about the lore.
    The way it's story is told, the vague introduction, often cryptic npc dialogue and item descriptions make the player curious. You WANT to get to know more, and you just can't stop thinking about it. The world is surprisingly rich once you start researching it through npc's and items, and the setting quite literally radiates fear and misery. This game is about suffering and tries to put it to an end, with whatever means necessary. Every character you encounter is a tragic one, and some you just can't help but sympathise with. In few cases, when you learn what you did with your actions you will feel for the pixels on your screen, because npc's are scarce and very much alive, and the player grows to like (or hate) them.
    The game's combat is challenging at first, but when you get the hang of it it all becomes very natural and... easy. With each enemy slain, not only your character grows stronger (potentially), but also the player does. And this "player xp" is decisive in here, because mastering parry and learning how to read bosses, mobs and adapt will greatly enhance your experience, and spare you a _LOT_ of deaths and time spent grinding souls to face a boss. You can tackle most of what the game has to offer in the first few locations without spending a single soul to upgrade your character or your equipment. If you lack the talent, you can get through content with hard work (which was how I finished my first playthrough). Perfect equilibrium.
    Another aspect that adds to Dark Souls' greateness is the soundtrack. You will only hear the music in certain locations and during boss battles, and in almost every case the music shows the boss' "personality" or sets the player in a certain mood. Depending on the encounter it will vary from monumental and epic to eerily calm and giving you a feeling of false safety.
    To me, Dark Souls is the best game released this year. The single best one.    … Expand
  75. DecafTable
    Dec 22, 2011
    10
    Honestly the game is pretty easy once you know how the game works. Difficulty is a fun learning curve that most people with no patience will not enjoy. This is a real man's game, and i'm happy to own it. This really is the only 'adult' game I can think of. I thoroughly enjoy the dark nature of the game, the realistic color scheme which isn't cartoony like most games. The graphics are soHonestly the game is pretty easy once you know how the game works. Difficulty is a fun learning curve that most people with no patience will not enjoy. This is a real man's game, and i'm happy to own it. This really is the only 'adult' game I can think of. I thoroughly enjoy the dark nature of the game, the realistic color scheme which isn't cartoony like most games. The graphics are so jaw dropping that you'll want to spend your time looking around your environment. The open world landscape lets you see other parts of the world as you think to yourself, "i'll be heading there soon" The best part of this game that deserves the most attention to detail is the combat mechanics. This game has the most polished and deeply rewarding combat system ever imagined. This isn't a game where you can mash a few buttons and expect to live. You need to take into account consideration for what an opponent wears or doesn't wear, is it weak to slash attacks from a katana or will a stunlock from an ultra greatsword work well? Is this mob weak to fire? Once you master and become proficient with parry/riposte you'll be killing some enemies in one hit. This is very satisfying because the risk/reward for timing this will earn you the kill instantly, but fail by a 1/2 second and you may end up dead. It's this very nature of the game that makes you feel like you are always on the verge of death if you make a few wrong decisions. This realistic sense of life and death will have you shiver going into areas you know will be difficult. The voice acting in this game is top notch and has to be some of the best i've ever heard. You won't hear the same voice overs for multiple characters like other games either. The ambiance is really well portrayed here as well, you don't hear annoying background music every area you go into, rather you'll hear eerie screams, crows flying around and bickering, maybe if a skeleton shaking his bars on his cell door. This kind of thing immerses you into the game, especially when it's pitch dark and you hear a Darkwraith clanking as he runs across the room towards you crunching the skulls underneath his feet. You will be scared, you'll laugh (probably not), you'll cry, you may even get mad. But the payoff is the rewarding feeling you get once you accomplish what you thought was possible each time you die. I've sunk 300 hours into this game and i'm not even bored yet, talk about a great $60 well spent! Buy this game now!… Expand
  76. rfscinza8
    Dec 27, 2011
    10
    This game is awesome! Everything you need if you want to play a RPG. The boss fights are amazing! You find a cat with a croc tail... LOL... and a lot of crazy stuffs in everywhere. This game is one of the best in 2011.
  77. mantecon
    Jan 11, 2012
    10
    Do not be fooled by angry rage quitters, 10 year olds and bad players! This game is hard, it wont hold you by your hand, it will not make your opponent easier so you can beat it, you will not be able to Hack and Slash everything with one sword swing or fight 10 enemies at a time.

    [How hard?] We have been spoiled! We are used to vanilla games that say you are playing in "normal difficulty"    Do not be fooled by angry rage quitters, 10 year olds and bad players! This game is hard, it wont hold you by your hand, it will not make your opponent easier so you can beat it, you will not be able to Hack and Slash everything with one sword swing or fight 10 enemies at a time.

    [How hard?] We have been spoiled! We are used to vanilla games that say you are playing in "normal difficulty" when in reality a 6 year old can play that difficulty and eventually win. We are used to bad, unrealistic and god-like-forgiving games where the AI usually allows you to punish them and continuously do damage to it. This game is hard for anyone that is used to going into a room guns blazing dying and that death meaning nothing. If you are used to walking with a big sword and doing tons of damage and your opponent be helpless then this game will be super hard. You could be level 100 and if you don't parry/block and wait you will die to a mouse.

    [Story and Gameplay] I won't spoil the game, there is a storyâ    … Expand
  78. dendoi21
    Feb 9, 2012
    10
    If your an old school gamer that use to die alot playing Ghouls & Ghost and you can stand it being in his underwear game on end. Well this game is for you, You can start the game naked and die alot just like old times and throw your remote out your living room window.
    That in my opinion, is game of the year!
  79. OspreyB
    Feb 11, 2012
    10
    If you've read any of the other reviews, then you already know what Dark Souls is all about, so I can skip the facts and get right to my opinion. I don't think that Dark Souls is that hard. I'm not even a hardcore gamer, and I didn't find the difficulty curve to be unbearable. Nothing in Dark Souls is unfair to the player. Every challenge can be met with an eye for observation and a properIf you've read any of the other reviews, then you already know what Dark Souls is all about, so I can skip the facts and get right to my opinion. I don't think that Dark Souls is that hard. I'm not even a hardcore gamer, and I didn't find the difficulty curve to be unbearable. Nothing in Dark Souls is unfair to the player. Every challenge can be met with an eye for observation and a proper strategy. That's what I love about this game. It is possible to complete it without leveling up at all, not that I'd recommend trying it. Too many modern RPGs do away with skill, and leave the player's power to be determined by stats and numbers. Dark Souls is purely skill based, but it does help to have some good equipment. I've seen many reviewers complain about clunky and slow controls, and I'm almost positive that this is because they're trying to use equipment that they don't meet the stat requirements for. Dark Souls controls are fluid and easy to get used to. If the player tries to wear armor that weighs 20lbs and their equip weight is only 50lbs, they'll move slow and their rolls will result in falling and slow recovery. The tradeoff is that heavy armor obviously provides more defense. The player can sacrifice their heavy armor for robes or clothing and be able to dash, roll, and survive by evading. Either method works because Dark Souls allows for characters using any type of build to be effective.

    You can choose to be whatever you want, and the stats that you choose to level up can benefit or even restrict you. Weapons and magic scale with different stats, and the player must choose which weapon to use based off of how they plan on leveling up their character. You can't effectively use a weapon that scales with strength if you are only going to level up dexterity, and it isn't advisable to level up all of your stats equally because you'll end up limiting your own power. The max level is over 700, but for the average gamer, it will be very difficult to get anywhere past soul level 100. That means that you have to be careful about where you spend your stat points.

    A lot of the fun that can be had in Dark Souls comes from building a unique character, and strategizing based off of the skills and abilities that you have. The rest comes from exploration and discovery. Finding a new area is always a challenging and rewarding experience. There could be fake walls, sudden drops, archers from above, or any number of challenges, but they are all reasonable to overcome. The feeling of success that comes from seeing your strategy for an area pay off is unlike any other game. I could go on about the creativity of the different areas of the game, how seamless the world is, the different paths that could be taken, the innovation of the multiplayer, the genius planning behind the covenants, and how deep and incredible the story is, but you just need to play the game to find out about it all for yourself. If you make your decision based off of how hard everyone says that Dark Souls is, you will be missing out. It's hard at first, but the difficulty level is completely reasonable. We've been spoiled by the simplicity of games these days. By the end of Dark Souls, I was wishing for an even greater challenge. Luckily, the game gets even harder in New Game Plus!    … Expand
  80. De4DLYV3NOM1
    Feb 17, 2012
    10
    This game has the potential to be game of the year, it is by far the best game I have ever played on my xbox 360, Before I got this game the gameplay videos for this game really made me want to get it, however was made unsure by reviews that complained of a too hard difficulty, and they are right that the difficulty is high, but not too high, the difficulty makes the game more fun andThis game has the potential to be game of the year, it is by far the best game I have ever played on my xbox 360, Before I got this game the gameplay videos for this game really made me want to get it, however was made unsure by reviews that complained of a too hard difficulty, and they are right that the difficulty is high, but not too high, the difficulty makes the game more fun and makes you be more cautious while playing the game which I think is a good thing, the games locations and enemy's vary throughout the game, leading to a fun and exciting experience which under no circumstances at all feels repetitive, especially since there is a diverse range of weapons and magic to choose from not to mention all the different armour that can be acquired in the game, This game is brilliant, I highly recommend it, there is only one problem with this game, and that is that I don't know if i can survive the wait between now and the next souls game is announced. Brilliant game well worth the time and the money.… Expand
  81. Fitonito
    Mar 19, 2012
    10
    When I play this game I feel like a cat on the hot roof. And man when I lose 30000 souls... only game with real sense of achievement in a long time. It's love affair.
  82. Trif
    Mar 9, 2012
    10
    One of the best game released this year hands down. It's very challenging and it has alot to do, many different play styles so you can start over again, it has co-op and PvP and the bosses are just fantastic! Definitely worth the money.
  83. jamofalifetime
    Mar 7, 2012
    10
    There are a lot of complaints about how easy games have gotten these days. Dark Souls is the answer to the contemporary gamer's need for a difficult experience. There are little to no tutorials. The game slaps you smack dab in the middle of whatever the hell is going on and does absolutely no hand holding. For the first time since the SNES days, I've really felt a sense of achievementThere are a lot of complaints about how easy games have gotten these days. Dark Souls is the answer to the contemporary gamer's need for a difficult experience. There are little to no tutorials. The game slaps you smack dab in the middle of whatever the hell is going on and does absolutely no hand holding. For the first time since the SNES days, I've really felt a sense of achievement with completing whatever horrors this game throws at me.… Expand
  84. grahamsccs
    Mar 11, 2012
    10
    By far my favourite game of all time. Unlike many modern games, Dark souls doesn't attempt to hold your hand, leaving a sense of mystery and intrigue.
  85. Diavir
    Mar 13, 2012
    10
    An amazing game. This was easily my favorite game of 2011, the combat is completely solid in every way imaginable and feels meaningful. Every hit feels like it has weight behind it. As for the difficulty, yes the game is hard, yes you will more than likely get frustrated, but it isn't hard in a way that isn't fair. It requires you to learn your opponents moves and skill sets, findAn amazing game. This was easily my favorite game of 2011, the combat is completely solid in every way imaginable and feels meaningful. Every hit feels like it has weight behind it. As for the difficulty, yes the game is hard, yes you will more than likely get frustrated, but it isn't hard in a way that isn't fair. It requires you to learn your opponents moves and skill sets, find weaknesses and strengths, analyze every part of the fight and then use it your advantage. My first play-through was around 60 hours. After completing the game you are instantly thrust into the game again which features an even harder difficulty. You are allowed to keep all your weapons, armor, items and souls, but will lose your keys (minus the master key) shortcuts, and a few other things. Monsters in this mode hit for a lot more and overall the game is even more unforgiving, it plays off the fact you have beaten the game and know the fights and tests you to your breaking point. The story is also another thing I really liked, while it is fairly sparse unless you do your share of work to figure out what is going on, it leaves a lot to the imagination, which I can understand would be aggravating to some but I was very fond of it.

    Do not expect a cakewalk, do not expect to beat this game in 6 hours, do not expect dumbed down and forgiving mechanics.

    Expect to die    … Expand
  86. AlchemistDon
    Mar 17, 2012
    10
    One of the most beautiful and best games i have ever played in my life. The challenge of the game alone draws you in, the game actually takes skill which is lacking in alot of games out there these days which is what i loved about old school gaming back i the day, games are to idiot proof these days.
  87. CruelProphecy
    Mar 19, 2012
    10
    So after reading some of those "Troll" comments i made Metacritic account just to adress some of them.First im hearing that that DS doesnt have a story.That is not true in fact there is a lot of story going on in the background,you have to search for it,read item descriptions etcetera.If you are gonna slam the game because it doesnt have story please Youtube Search:Dark Souls Lore.SecondSo after reading some of those "Troll" comments i made Metacritic account just to adress some of them.First im hearing that that DS doesnt have a story.That is not true in fact there is a lot of story going on in the background,you have to search for it,read item descriptions etcetera.If you are gonna slam the game because it doesnt have story please Youtube Search:Dark Souls Lore.Second thing is that this game is about cheap deaths and unforgiving save system.Yes there are a lot of cheap deaths but i dont mind that because i should really pay more attention to what is going on in the area around me.The save system is not great but its basically telling you:You F*ck up you have to live with it and thats waht makes Dark Souls unique.Another thing that people say its that the game is too hard.Well you picked up a game that developers said would be harder then Demon Souls which i didnt played because i dont own PS3.But i love DS its one of the best games i have ever played.Yes the voice acting can be sometimes pretty terrible (especially on Vamos),And some Trolls here say that this game is only for people which wanna prove how awesome they are.I think its not about that its more about accepting a challange something that most games dont offer.Especially modern shooters.This game is unforgiving but thats what makes it so unique.If you love hardcore RPGs buy this game,And dont believe those trolls that got stuck on Capra Demon and are complaining about enemies are basically only zombies.… Expand
  88. p360assassin
    Nov 7, 2012
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. The people who say it requires grinding are retarded. The only time I grinded was when I suddenly decided 35 hours in that "Ya no, heavy armour ain't for me, I'm going for a dodge build". The game does not require any grinding, it requires observation and skill. Nothing more.
  89. lavellej
    Mar 30, 2012
    10
    Wow, how I love Dark Souls. I have been playing video games for 33 years and this is the best one I have ever played. I have 150 hours of playtime in the game with 6 characters and I am just as mesmerized as I was in hour one. From Software has truly created a masterpiece and I am so grateful. The main thing people focus on when they hear the name Dark Souls is the difficulty. Is theWow, how I love Dark Souls. I have been playing video games for 33 years and this is the best one I have ever played. I have 150 hours of playtime in the game with 6 characters and I am just as mesmerized as I was in hour one. From Software has truly created a masterpiece and I am so grateful. The main thing people focus on when they hear the name Dark Souls is the difficulty. Is the game difficult? Yes. However, the challenge is an aspect that makes it wonderful. The sense of accomplishment after completing a difficult area or a boss you have struggled with is so huge. There is nothing like the adrenaline and heart pumping that you get while fighting the games many epic bosses. Going head to head versus the infamous Smough and Ornstein will make your heart beat out of your chest and you palms sweat. Graphically the game is amazing...the characters, environments, and bosses are top notch. The sound is awesome as well. The sound of armor clanking while you walk and swords hitting shields and flesh is very visceral. The lack of music in most areas make all of the sound effects stand out. The boss battles have elaborate musical scores which adds to the battles and make them so memorable. The music to the Four Kings battle is just as epic as the battle itself. The combat is where the game is the strongest. It is precise and addictive. If you die in a battle, it is because you just screwed up. I cannot recommend this game enough. I don't see myself tiring of it anytime soon.… Expand
  90. Melychath
    Apr 3, 2012
    10
    My first review!
    Dark Souls ruined TES for me. I believe that that is all that need be said, but I suppose I should explain. I loved Morrowind (my introduction to TES). I lost more time to Oblivion than I care to admit, and had immeasurable fun doing so. And so, I was thoroughly excited to get my hands on Skyrim. Then, I played Dark Souls. A spear is not simply a weapon you choose for the    My first review!
    Dark Souls ruined TES for me. I believe that that is all that need be said, but I suppose I should explain. I loved Morrowind (my introduction to TES). I lost more time to Oblivion than I care to admit, and had immeasurable fun doing so. And so, I was thoroughly excited to get my hands on Skyrim. Then, I played Dark Souls. A spear is not simply a weapon you choose for the look it grants your character, but a tool used to keep a vicious enemy at bay. A rapier doesn't just alter the way your character swings his or her sword, but acts as a rapier should, with lunging, piercing attacks. Small shields are effective for parrying. Large shields absorb vast amounts of damage. This is how any hack and slash game should work from here on out. This game is not for everyone. If you enjoy casual games that spell everything out for you, don't play Dark Souls. If you enjoy running mindlessly into a crowd of baddies, mashing buttons and potting till all lie in ruins around you, don't play Dark Souls. If you enjoy the threat of death at every corner, a well timed and planned attack, a genuine experience of accomplishment for having beaten some SOB demon who has killed you 10+ times in a row, definitely, definitely, definitely, buy Dark Souls! More on how this game ruined TES: Did I mention how incredible the combat feels in DS? I believe I did. After sinking many, many hours into Dark Souls, I finally decided I needed to set it down so that I could play my beloved TES. I popped Skyrim in my box, palms sweaty in anticipation of the new shouts and dragon slaying to be had. I was looking forward to conjuring and casting and hacking and slashing and customizing again. What I was not prepared for was the utter disappointment I would experience with Skyrim. Don't get me wrong, I have played a lot of Skyrim, and I did eventually begin to enjoy it again, but the combat system in Dark Souls surpasses that of Skyrim on so many levels that I have had to mentally place TES in a category separate from Dark Souls. Dark Souls is a dungeon crawling, hack and slash and magic casting RPG that caters to the masochistic (I say this lovingly). A combat-first game in which story is subtly told and sparsely given (to great effect). Skyrim is a game of world exploration, where combat plays second fiddle to discovering and exploring new locations. Story can be found within book after book, heard through the ever-repeating voices of the towns' denizens, and followed along with the main quest line to a neat and tightly wrapped ending. In Skyrim you are the great and almighty hero who no man or beast may stand against. In Dark Souls, you are constantly fighting for your life.

    So why did I compare Dark Souls to Skyrim? These two games are really not comparable. I did so under the assumption that a person reading this review has not yet played Dark Souls (nor Demon Souls for that matter), but has played Skyrim, Oblivion or Morrowind (as I said earlier, I have not played TES titles prior to Morrowind). The assumption seems safe given the sales numbers of TES. And, why should I pretend any longer, I'm a little peeved that Dark Souls was so fun that Skyrim was ruined for me. In fact, I'm a lot peeved. So much so that I want others to experience the joy and bliss that is Dark Souls, and to return to any TES title as pissed as I am. Perhaps, we can demand future RPGs to have equally incredible combat systems as Dark Souls if enough people get torqued!

    P.S. Editing this is a real pain. Excuse me if I rambled.
    P.P.S. Play Dark Souls!    … Expand
  91. Nogohoho
    Apr 10, 2012
    10
    Dark Souls in an incredible adventure, and sometimes a slog into the darkness of humanity. Many give up on the path to understanding, but for those few souls who are resilient enough to take on these evils, and look upon the face of death will find themselves a god amongst men.
    This is a good game, a hard game, and it will break you until you break it right back. It will not treat you    Dark Souls in an incredible adventure, and sometimes a slog into the darkness of humanity. Many give up on the path to understanding, but for those few souls who are resilient enough to take on these evils, and look upon the face of death will find themselves a god amongst men.
    This is a good game, a hard game, and it will break you until you break it right back. It will not treat you nice, it will not give you an easy out, but you can always find a way. Are you a bad enough dude to face your own mortality?    … Expand
  92. xLegis
    Apr 17, 2012
    10
    I played Demon Souls and hated it. Not because it was a bad game, but because I was a "casual player". I wasn't good enough to match the harden integrity of that game. I thought I was a hardcore RPG gamer then but I wasn't. Then there was Dark Souls, my second chance to redeem myself and reinstate myself in the hardcore community. However, I said I'd only play it once. I said I'd only getI played Demon Souls and hated it. Not because it was a bad game, but because I was a "casual player". I wasn't good enough to match the harden integrity of that game. I thought I was a hardcore RPG gamer then but I wasn't. Then there was Dark Souls, my second chance to redeem myself and reinstate myself in the hardcore community. However, I said I'd only play it once. I said I'd only get achievements attainable through one play through. I said it was just a hold-over till Skyrim. I lied to myself 3 times. My main account is on it's 7th or 8th plaything. I recently became the Dark Soul (awarded for getting all achievements). I have more hours in this, then I do Skyrim. PRO'S: The graphics are beautiful, the controls are on point, customization (builds) are strategical, common enemies can be deadly, the map layout can kill you, boss battles fierce, and pvp's are the definition of epic. CON's: This game is NOT for everyone. It is the hardest game I have ever played (And I beat Ninja Gaiden on Master). It is the physical manifestation of "Unforgiving". You will die, you will yell, you will sweat...a lot. Every enemy is capable of killing you no matter your level, many times in less then 7hits. It is the lone-wolf's paradise with very little interaction with NPC's other then fighting and the story line is pretty much non-existent. That's it. VERDICT: Try it, rent it, steal it w/e. Just don't look down on this game because it was too much for others to handle. $60 well spent, still playing it, praying for DLC's.… Expand
  93. Bribber646
    May 2, 2012
    10
    First i would like to start out that there are way too many reviews by people on this game who have not even completed it or come close to completing it. Not really sure how they even post about he game with 1 hour of experience. Dark souls in my opinion is a fantastic game. It has great graphics and creative environments that are always interesting to watch as you journey through theFirst i would like to start out that there are way too many reviews by people on this game who have not even completed it or come close to completing it. Not really sure how they even post about he game with 1 hour of experience. Dark souls in my opinion is a fantastic game. It has great graphics and creative environments that are always interesting to watch as you journey through the world that is Dark Souls. The gameplay is very addictive and is also very challenging which made me want to play for hours without stopping. Because the game is a challenge you can expect to die dozens of times on your first time through but as you play through the game and get experience you do become a lot better and master the controls. Something that i would like to say about the difficulty however is that there are two distinct parts in the game that are to the point where it isn't really your fault that you died. I have played the game and beaten it dozens of times and i still die several times at these specific parts. Sadly, one of those parts is a boss fight. Something else that i would like to point out is the lacking story line and because of the lack of story line it can sometimes be very difficult to find where you are supposed to go at the beginning of the game. I guess this can be a plus in that it really encourages you to explore the surroundings which is very helpful in the game. The lack of story line isn't really a big penalty because you don't keep playing the game because of a riveting story but because of the addicting gameplay and the pride in beating the challenge. Something else that i would like to point out is the controls sometimes do get you killed. It isn't that they are sluggish but sometimes the aim assistance can screw you over when you target a new enemy. The co-op in this game is great if you actually manage to get somebody in your game. The problem with co-op is that it fails 8 times out of 10 and it really just annoys the crap out of you when you try to play with a friend. The pvp is very fun when you get into it but it also is a hassle because of the large delays you can sometimes experience when playing against another person and really diminishes the experience of it. Overall, Dark souls was a fantastic game and i would recommend you buy this game as it provides fun for hours on end.… Expand
  94. S_Jake
    May 4, 2012
    10
    Dark Souls is a masterpiece, but it is not for everyone. What it provides is a dark, rich, intense world with danger lurking around almost every corner. It also has a nasty tendency to punish mistakes, even small ones, with death. While this makes for an experience that can be intensely frustrating, it also makes it an extremely rewarding one as long as you are prepared to put in theDark Souls is a masterpiece, but it is not for everyone. What it provides is a dark, rich, intense world with danger lurking around almost every corner. It also has a nasty tendency to punish mistakes, even small ones, with death. While this makes for an experience that can be intensely frustrating, it also makes it an extremely rewarding one as long as you are prepared to put in the effort required. Ask yourself what you want from a game: Do you want a game that holds your hand while you waltz through it, or do you want a game where you are dropped, alone, into a world where you constantly have to fight for your life (and frequently die)? If it's the former, then look elsewhere. If it's the latter, you may just get as much out of this as I did.… Expand
  95. grahammcgrew
    May 13, 2012
    10
    Dark Souls is the "War and Peace" of video games, a vast and epic immersion, a world into which one disappears in rapture. Highest accolades, tears of joy.
  96. Shrykull
    May 13, 2012
    10
    Difficult, rewarding and sadistically beautiful. One of my favorite games of all time. I spent over 300 hours playing this it has a fantastic replay value.
  97. Aegrus
    Jun 28, 2012
    10
    The combat and story (yes, there is a story, but people who stop playing after a few hours never figure it out), atmosphere, online components (pvp and co-op) and graphics are all amazing, and that's been discussed before. Now, I'm going to point out other things that haven't been talked about so much- such as, there are no load times after the main menu. There are no glitches to be seenThe combat and story (yes, there is a story, but people who stop playing after a few hours never figure it out), atmosphere, online components (pvp and co-op) and graphics are all amazing, and that's been discussed before. Now, I'm going to point out other things that haven't been talked about so much- such as, there are no load times after the main menu. There are no glitches to be seen anywhere after you install the day 1 patch. It clocks in on the shorter end at 60 hours, with the average being 80 hours to complete and the near-completionist time being about 120 hours. There is also a new game+ that can extend the game for many playthroughs. The max level is about 700, but you'll only get to about 80 after one playthrough. The ending varies depending on your choices, but the choices are subtle and eays to miss, so you always need to proceed carefully. You can kill anyone- even critical npcs, so there really is a sense of urgency and caring for the npcs that you don't feel in most games. Most weapons and armor are unique, so they really feel valuable, and it's a huge effort to get each one. Often, they're in secret areas, so not everyone gets every (or even most) items in the game. The framerate drops at parts, but it never gets as low as Skyrim's and people play that just fine. It takes some intelligence and patience to play this game, as most of your problems have a variety of solutions, but it takes strategy and planning/experience to see the best ones. For example, in one area of the game, you have to kill ghosts that are unkillable without using consumable items with time limits. Many people expend all of their items, and then have to farm to buy more. However, being cursed by a completely different type of enemy in a different part of the game allows you to hurt ghosts without using consumable items. But the game never tells you about curses, or invincible ghosts, or anything. Part of the fun is discovering it first hand.
    That was just one example. There are many like that. Unlike most developers that count on its audience being stupid and lazy, From Software counts on its audience to be clever and cautious. Dark Souls truly is a game about survival- you're just a random soldier in a world filled with monsters as strong as, or much stronger than you, and your wits and skill are your only hope.

    People with neither hate the game, rant about it being broken or too hard, and then rate it 0 just to keep themselves in nice, comfortable denial about how unskilled, thick-skulled, and impatient they really are.    … Expand
  98. Chuck_Woolery
    May 26, 2012
    10
    It's funny how all the negative reviews say the same things... "I don't have the time to deal with this games frustrations/difficulty" or "I work and have kids and don't have time for a game that doesn't teach me how to play" or "there is no story" or "its poorly designed". But guess what people... take a look at the rest of the reviews. Most people think its a masterwork,It's funny how all the negative reviews say the same things... "I don't have the time to deal with this games frustrations/difficulty" or "I work and have kids and don't have time for a game that doesn't teach me how to play" or "there is no story" or "its poorly designed". But guess what people... take a look at the rest of the reviews. Most people think its a masterwork, uncompromising, and with good reason.

    I work 50-60 hr weeks, have 3 kids, and never have time to game for more than a couple of hours late at night. I still spent 75+ hrs on it so far, setting aside all other games such as ME3 and Arkham City.

    If you treat every battle like its your last, and learn to fight, and think about what you are doing, when you are doing it, and where you are going, it is not "hard". It is uncompromising and very rewarding.

    No story?? This is was one of my favorite fictions in YEARS... you just have to open your senses and mind to experience it. And imagination. No, its not spoon fed to you.

    And it is beautifully designed. I love how people think good design means developers finding the best way to to teach you and entertain you while minimizing effort on your part. Well that's only one way to design something.

    The best things are those are not for everyone.

    Things that are for everyone, are well, common. Have fun with that.    … Expand
  99. Yashime
    Jun 2, 2012
    10
    Yeah, close to perfection :-). I don´t agree with some critics here who says that the character move unnatural: those guys are completly washed up from Modern Warfare and other game who the character don´t care about gravity! (play a multiplayer with Call of Duty or Battlefield and you will understand).
  100. Peter-B
    Jun 13, 2012
    10
    Playing this game is like being beaten repeatedly with a car antenna. Gradually, you begin to learn how to take the beating so that it does not hurt so bad, and eventually, you learn to fight back, and win. The beauty of the game, is that the challenges you encounter seem impossible on first attempt, and only through numerous failures do you begin to find a strategy that allows you toPlaying this game is like being beaten repeatedly with a car antenna. Gradually, you begin to learn how to take the beating so that it does not hurt so bad, and eventually, you learn to fight back, and win. The beauty of the game, is that the challenges you encounter seem impossible on first attempt, and only through numerous failures do you begin to find a strategy that allows you to survive to face your next challenge. It makes every victory truly enjoyable, and a first attempt victory that much sweeter. This game is the opposite of hack and slash. It rewards perfect timing of striking and blocking and precise movement. I am reviewing this game highly so that other people will feel my pain - the pain of being one-shotted, falling off of cliffs, and getting a boss to 5% health before he destroys you - and hating/loving every minute of it.… 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.
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  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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