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. RoosterCogburn
    Dec 9, 2012
    10
    I can't remember the last time a game forced me to forget all my preconceptions about video games and adopt totally new expectations and mindsets. This game throws away the rule book and writes a new one. Go into this experience with an open mind, don't let yourself be discouraged by setbacks, and find out what people who aren't willing to give Dark Souls a proper chance are missing!
  2. marsh52
    Jul 4, 2012
    10
    Ok, so I don't even know where to start with this game, first of all, this game looks incredible. The graphics are absolutely stunning. Also, the music in this game is amazing as well. It has one of the deepest story lines of any game I have ever played, and one of the most immersive worlds of any game I have ever played. But don't get me wrong, this game is difficult. So this is not forOk, so I don't even know where to start with this game, first of all, this game looks incredible. The graphics are absolutely stunning. Also, the music in this game is amazing as well. It has one of the deepest story lines of any game I have ever played, and one of the most immersive worlds of any game I have ever played. But don't get me wrong, this game is difficult. So this is not for the average gamer. But, if you're up for the challenge, Dark Souls is one of the most rewarding and satisfying games you will ever play.… Expand
  3. Spakment
    Jul 6, 2012
    10
    Dark Souls is a modern masterpiece. It asks a few classic questions of its players.

    Can you learn from mistakes? Can you learn from subtle hints? If not, then you will hit a brick wall and fall at the first hurdle. Persevere and you will slowly improve your skills and character. Dark Souls is a masterclass in game design. There is a mini world to explore and a plethora of secrets to    Dark Souls is a modern masterpiece. It asks a few classic questions of its players.

    Can you learn from mistakes? Can you learn from subtle hints? If not, then you will hit a brick wall and fall at the first hurdle. Persevere and you will slowly improve your skills and character. Dark Souls is a masterclass in game design. There is a mini world to explore and a plethora of secrets to uncover and more play styles than any other game I've played, in every play style there is a huge range of options and upgrades. With each switch of style or even weapon type it forces you to completely change your tactics and the way you approach enemies. As an example of its diversity; fundamentally this is a fighting RPG but with the right equipment (invisibility & silence ring and a long range bow) you can play the game as a stealthy sniper. The online aspect adds a new challenge and I've had some real epic "boss" style battles; one memorable encounter was as I was about to enter a boss battle I was invaded by a clearly more proficient player, quickly I started summoning other players to help take care of him, every new player I threw at him he slowly took apart and defeated, after I had exhausted all possible summoners, the invader bowed, dropped some humanity on the floor, let me pick it up and then we proceeded to battle, he overcame my unrefined skills, but it was an exciting and frantic battle.

    I've not been more gripped and entertained by a game as I have Dark Souls.    … Expand
  4. Thaetriah
    Jul 9, 2012
    10
    Pure masterpiece. Dark Souls is a successful exception in modern video game titles that awakes "the good old days of video games era". With incredible level of challenge, the game makes you feel like a true hero. Everything you do in the game is rewarded by sense of glory and victory. The quality of Dark Souls depends on player, because it gives you no hand to hold and you are the onePure masterpiece. Dark Souls is a successful exception in modern video game titles that awakes "the good old days of video games era". With incredible level of challenge, the game makes you feel like a true hero. Everything you do in the game is rewarded by sense of glory and victory. The quality of Dark Souls depends on player, because it gives you no hand to hold and you are the one crafting your own experience. With high replayability, unique online experience (that said, the game is worth of every penny even for single player-only experience), challenging and entertaining gameplay (and tough!), atmospheric world to explore and amazing feel of achievement(s!), Dark Souls offers the best you can find nowadays in video games.… Expand
  5. Kongopete
    Jul 11, 2012
    10
    The quintessential gamer's game. One of the most engaging and unrelenting games created in history. It requires attention, focus, and perseverance; qualities which most games have become actively attempting to remove from their games. It rewards exploration and discovery, all while demanding you do not lose focus on the tasks at hand. It is difficult to describe the feeling Dark SoulsThe quintessential gamer's game. One of the most engaging and unrelenting games created in history. It requires attention, focus, and perseverance; qualities which most games have become actively attempting to remove from their games. It rewards exploration and discovery, all while demanding you do not lose focus on the tasks at hand. It is difficult to describe the feeling Dark Souls gives me upon turning it on. I remember conquering bosses and overcoming tasks that I formerly found impossible. But, while that is often the accredited or most maliced part of the game, simplifying Dark Souls as being a completionist's or masochist's wet dream is far too generalizing. Forgotten are the beautiful environments, precise combat, fascinating (although minimalistic) lore, and the incredible amount of loot and upgradable items. The game is incredible in its ability to linger. It leaves a satisying feeling not for the constant accomplishments, but for the true greatness of the game. For myself it was very difficult to move on afterwards. Finding the best can sometimes ruin everything else for a gamer.… Expand
  6. glnm888
    Jul 17, 2012
    10
    After playing countless hours of online shooters and starting to become jaded and bored of gaming, this game could not have come at a better time for me. I was hooked from the barebones, albeit challenging, opening tutorial on. In a video game reality where even learning the basics could be challenging yet fun I knew I was in for some much needed gaming satisfaction with this one. TheAfter playing countless hours of online shooters and starting to become jaded and bored of gaming, this game could not have come at a better time for me. I was hooked from the barebones, albeit challenging, opening tutorial on. In a video game reality where even learning the basics could be challenging yet fun I knew I was in for some much needed gaming satisfaction with this one. The problem I'd started to get into with prior gaming experiences was that campaigns would constantly flow between being way too easy to being too difficult and I just lost interest. The beauty of Dark Souls, simply as an experience in and of itself, is that it manages to stay challenging the entire first playthrough but not in a way that if you've already beaten it, or figured out how to conquer a part of the game already, you will still find it challenging. That's what I enjoy most about this game is once you figure something out, you can use that knowledge to make what amounts to be a very challenging game, a lot less challenging over time. I enjoyed my time playing Skyrim as well but I actually prefer the style of Dark Souls graphics and the combat system a lot more. Combat in Dark Souls includes the ability to parry blows, block with shield or weapon depending on what you have equipped, deal critical "back-stab" hits if the character is positioned right, and slug away with both strong and standard damage attacks that vary greatly in implementation and usefulness depending on weapon type. There are a lot of different weapon types too but not so many that it gets overly confusing and you want to stick to one or two standby weapons all the time. I like the bleed effect that sharp katana bladed weapons have, so even if you have a low attack rating on a katana, if you hit a fleshy enemy enough times you can deal anywhere from 25%-50% of their health in damage. Playing this way enables you to explore different class builds and strategies. It should also be noted that the "load" system is well thought-out too, with players using bulky weapons and armor having less mobility but not paralyzingly less mobility. Magic and ranged weapons have their ability to dominate in the game as well so you aren't limited to always needing a strong melee weapon on hand. Various character building strategies can be implemented so as to keep the game fresh and play through multiple times. I should not that I've beaten the game a total of 5 times. The first time it was often agonizingly slow to progress but still satisfying to play after 70 hours. The second time it took me roughly 30 hours and I savored it this time around. The third time I beat it in about 20, knowing which smaller areas could be skipped while still managing to progress through to the end of the game. The last time I beat it I did so with practically no leveling up for extra stats to help. That in itself shows off what kind of game this is. One that can be beaten with sheer knowledge and skill alone (not exploits) is one-of-a-kind. It's too easy in other RPGs like Skyrim to just level up smithing or whatever have you and build super strong weapons or magic, etc. and rally to the end that way. In fact, in Skyrim grinding is absolutely necessary at times. In Dark Souls is ill-advised. So decide what you'd rather be doing for hours on end, learning to master a game as a player or learning to master it as your character.

    Moving on, the plot is virtually non-existant aside from being a premise and a justification for why you encounter bosses at certain points throughout the game. That said though the plot is bare it leaves a lot of mystery to other aspects of the game so it helps with the already lonely, desolate feel of it all.

    I recommend this game to anyone that wants a unique gaming experience they can savor for awhile and feel satisfied, maybe even proud, for having done so.    … Expand
  7. Laurence
    Oct 28, 2012
    10
    I picked up this game with the mindset that I'd beat it for the sake of beating a hard game. Then Dark Souls ended up being one of my top 3 games. I almost stopped playing about 1/5 of the way through, its true that in one section frame rate becomes and issue and its true that the game can feel brutally hard but at the end its all worth it. Never have I felt so immersed in a game: someoneI picked up this game with the mindset that I'd beat it for the sake of beating a hard game. Then Dark Souls ended up being one of my top 3 games. I almost stopped playing about 1/5 of the way through, its true that in one section frame rate becomes and issue and its true that the game can feel brutally hard but at the end its all worth it. Never have I felt so immersed in a game: someone commented below that they didn't like the 'no-pause' menu, I ended up loving it! It makes it feel less like a game and more like an experience. I can't remember another game that lets you play for 20 hours and then opens up a path for you that ends up right back where you were 10 minutes in the game, the level design is beyond superb and really makes it feel like your stuck in the world, with all the complexities and mazes you would expect in a castle and city the size Dark Souls is. The sparse collection of NPCs really make the world feel as bleak and the director intended. Music is fantastic. The plot is controversial, I personally love how they went with it. There is actually a huge amount of information under the surface: in item descriptions and character dialogue. You could easily completely miss what's happening for example the truth about princess Gwenevere, and you could never meet certain people integral to the plot such as primordial serpent kaathe and Gwendolyn, just like you can miss my favourite area in the game: Ash Lake. Overall don't expect this to be like other games, think of it as an experience, but one that's very much worth the effort when you finally overcome the challenges involved.… Expand
  8. mrb1138
    Aug 16, 2012
    10
    IMO the best game this generation. I love playing through the game, building new characters, helping new players and invading the vets. The game just refuses to get old, I can't think of higher praise. And with new content on the way I maybe playing this for a very long time.
  9. magee
    Apr 7, 2013
    10
    while the difficulty level of this game is high, every time you die its your own fault. the combat feels so good it never gets boring because every enemy is a enemy that can kill you not like in other games where you spam 1 key to win. this game just draws you in this world its so fun and rewarding to play it was my game of the year
  10. martjan
    Jan 29, 2013
    10
    I had to give this game few shots before I finally started enjoying it. The learning curve is very steep and you will die A LOT but once you get a hang of it, this is one of the most rewarding games on the market. I am not a stranger to rpg's and hard games but this is the only game that will make my heart beat faster in some intense moments. You are being constantly challenged andI had to give this game few shots before I finally started enjoying it. The learning curve is very steep and you will die A LOT but once you get a hang of it, this is one of the most rewarding games on the market. I am not a stranger to rpg's and hard games but this is the only game that will make my heart beat faster in some intense moments. You are being constantly challenged and reminded that you can die at any second be it by a monster, a trap or in some instances another player. Do yourself a favor if you buy this game. Take a look at some of the tutorials for combat and exploration, they will do you a lot of good. To summarize this game is not for people who are used to play games that hold you hand. Once again you will die a lot, you will get frustrated and you will try to break your controller into million pieces but it is all worth it at the end. As soon as I can I am pre-ordering Dark Souls 2.… Expand
  11. ergulerhan
    Sep 9, 2012
    10
    I'Ve spent 150+ hours on this game. Combat on this game really though but it's cool. It's only for hardcore gamers. That's why I lovin this game so much.
  12. Onomatopoeia
    Sep 28, 2012
    10
    Dark Souls is an outstanding game that I will long remember. The combat system is uniquely designed with lots of variation and options available to the player. It needs to be said that the aforementioned variation and options are all functionally useful in the game and not just fluff. The game world, though somewhat dark by design, is attractive graphically with a surprising continuityDark Souls is an outstanding game that I will long remember. The combat system is uniquely designed with lots of variation and options available to the player. It needs to be said that the aforementioned variation and options are all functionally useful in the game and not just fluff. The game world, though somewhat dark by design, is attractive graphically with a surprising continuity between different zones. Each zone challenges the player in unique ways. Some weapons/Armor/Spells work well in some zones tbut not in others. The fun is in figuring this out. The overall presentation is wonderfully imagined and beautifully expressed by talented artists. While the game does have a story, it will remain ambiguous to the player unless he engages the few NPCs at various locations. Despite this, the game is so enjoyable that it hardly even matters. There are stated objectives to accomplish even if the reasons are not always clear. The game does have a reputation for being difficult, but this seems to be at least somewhat overstated. It does take some diligence to navigate tricky terrains while also executing offensive and defensive maneuvers, but it can be done by most who are willing to try. It is possible to summon other players (or NPCs) to assist with boss battles. That said, a player feels a tremendous sense of accomplishment after successfully completing objectives. The game features guilds, each offering unique equipment, magics, or privileged access to (spoilers) - goodies, let's say. Some guilds offer offer direct help to players such as localized heals or souls. Souls are the game's currency for both leveling a character's attributes as well as for the purchase of items. Complete control of character design right down to individual attribute points makes this a true RPG experience. The game also features the capability to summon other players as well as be summoned yourself. This can be for cooperative efforts or PVP. Even if the player chooses to remain a solo adventurer, he can still read advice left by other players as well as dispense it. This game has replay value. There are so many hidden items/treasures/magics/paths/NPC decisions/etc/etc that it is not possible to experience it all in a single play through. There is enough room in character building to have a significantly different experience when compared to a previous play through. This game is definitely worth the money for what it gives you in return. This game earns a rare 10/10 from me.… Expand
  13. DRVPereira
    Jan 7, 2013
    10
    Probably there's no point in writing a review more than a year after the release date, but I felt the need to write about one of my favorite games of this generation, as I only created my Metacritic account a couple of months ago. There are many things which may be listed as reasons for liking this game: the story, the gameplay, the difficulty and the multiplayer, for instance. Although itProbably there's no point in writing a review more than a year after the release date, but I felt the need to write about one of my favorite games of this generation, as I only created my Metacritic account a couple of months ago. There are many things which may be listed as reasons for liking this game: the story, the gameplay, the difficulty and the multiplayer, for instance. Although it may not appear, Dark Souls has a great, dense story, which is not told directly to the player. You must go after the elements that explain the story and the world of the game, reading the description of items and talking to every NPC that you'll encounter. The story is so rich that you'll even may find many videos on YouTube dedicated to explaining Dark Souls lore. The gameplay is awesome: the controls are very simple, yet extremely effective. The difficulty is just about right: the game is hard. It does not allow mistakes, you'll die many times and you'll die dozens of times more if you don't learn from your mistakes. But there's no reason in being hard just to be hard. There's also an amazing feeling of compensation when you can finally beat a challenging enemy. It's hard, but also very rewarding. The multiplayer is probably the most original that I've ever seen. You can interact with other players in many ways, such as PvP, cooperative gameplay, or just leaving messages on the ground to help (or confuse) others. I've played over 120 hours and I'm on the first third of my third playthrough.… Expand
  14. Herm0n9900
    Oct 1, 2012
    10
    After a bit of a rocky start Dark Souls has steadily grown on me to the point that it has become my #1 game of all time displacing Oblivion and Knights of the Old Republic. The game is very difficult especially to those who've never played demon souls. I own both the 360 and pc versions. I've invested around 300 hours into the game and have played it through 3 times. The only otherAfter a bit of a rocky start Dark Souls has steadily grown on me to the point that it has become my #1 game of all time displacing Oblivion and Knights of the Old Republic. The game is very difficult especially to those who've never played demon souls. I own both the 360 and pc versions. I've invested around 300 hours into the game and have played it through 3 times. The only other games I've played more than once are Halo and KOTOR. My only real concern at this point is that DS has ruined all other video games for me; I simply won't play button mashers again! You need to be patient, build your skill and understanding of the upgrade paths and character building. When you are frustrated take a break and come back to it. I am looking forward to my next play-through where I'll simply focus on the pvp aspect of the game which involves invading other players worlds and punishing other players that have sinned! The game has it's flaws such as targeting strangeness, enemy weapons passing through walls, a sparse story line and lack of manual but I still have to give the game a 10 for overall enjoyment and value. I've seen a few low scores given to this game which are simply ridiculous. I myself nearly rage quit but kept with it.… Expand
  15. Fird
    Oct 7, 2012
    10
    I will start off by saying I never played Demon Soul's because I did not own a PS3. So I heard all this hype about a game called "Dark Souls" a few weeks into its release, so I decided to rent it and see for myself what it was all about, I played it for about 2 days and took it back (keep reading), I later decided to re-rent it because I told my friend how blisteringly hard it was, so II will start off by saying I never played Demon Soul's because I did not own a PS3. So I heard all this hype about a game called "Dark Souls" a few weeks into its release, so I decided to rent it and see for myself what it was all about, I played it for about 2 days and took it back (keep reading), I later decided to re-rent it because I told my friend how blisteringly hard it was, so I decided to give it another shot. I instantly got hooked, and I mean the game blew my balls... to the ceiling. I put over 500+ hours into it within about a 2 months or so, I had never played such a hard yet at the same time satisfying game in my entire life. The amount of builds,weapons,armor and items was astounding. I would spend hours just researching items and builds, the game has the most replay value of any game I have ever played.I also want to mention, I don't get addicted to games ever, I have played nearly every big title of the past 7 years, basically every MMORPG out there, but no one RPG/Game has sucked me in harder than Dark Souls.

    The world is small yet so large, the game has a very dark atmosphere, tie that in with the multiplayer. and the fear of always being invaded by another playing while trying to summon a NPC to help on a boss, just amazing. Every time I think about Dark Souls or something mentions it, chills run down my spine, I have only owned the game for about 6 months but the game already gives me huge nostalgia, I would go out on a limb to say this is the most unique and thought out game of at least the past decade. I know I might be over-dramatizing it, but to me this is what the game is like, I just love it, only thing that worries me is the game's community will eventually die and move on, and the soul's series will die, hope to God that doesn't happen. Please if you can, support the developers, buy the PC Version, Xbox or PS3, it doesn't matter.    … Expand
  16. StllBreathnButY
    Nov 11, 2012
    10
    Understand, this game is not made for everyone to enjoy. It is hard, unforgiving, it never holds your hand. Hard is not a bad thing, it's what makes this game so addicting and rewarding. Gameplay is so fine-tuned and fair, if you grasp the fundamentals and put them into practice, nothing is too hard. The game never gives you more than a slight hint as to where to go next, leaving it up toUnderstand, this game is not made for everyone to enjoy. It is hard, unforgiving, it never holds your hand. Hard is not a bad thing, it's what makes this game so addicting and rewarding. Gameplay is so fine-tuned and fair, if you grasp the fundamentals and put them into practice, nothing is too hard. The game never gives you more than a slight hint as to where to go next, leaving it up to the player to explore everything to find out where they can go. Here's the genius behind this, after you've played the game thoroughly, when you play it again, you realize you can go pretty much anywhere you want at anytime, the key is just being good at the game and knowing where valuable items are. Theres no level grinding necessary. For your first time through however, with the experience system the way it is, that being earn xp from killing things, use it at checkpoints to level up, lose them all if you die, it makes every inch of the world dangerous and tense. Bosses are incredibly fun to fight. They are epic, challenging, and awe inspiring, just what boss fights should be. The gameworld is so enigmatic, it does a fantastic job sucking you right in. online functionality is creative as well. Players cannot talk to each other, there is no party chat while playing this game. Everyone is a stranger, another lost soul stuck in this purgatorial hell. Players can leave somewhat cryptic notes anywhere in the world to help guide or mislead other players on their journey. You may also summon other players into your world to give you a much needed edge. Or you can invade another players world and hunt them down and kill them for their experience and humanity, making the world all the more frightful. For hardcore gamers who welcome challenge, this game is one of the most rewarding and exciting games out there. I haven't truly loved many games in the last several years, but I LOVE this game.… Expand
  17. Gilgamesh
    Mar 30, 2014
    10
    Gamers who disregard this game too quickly should stick with Pokemon. Patience is rewarded with joy and sloppiness death at every turn. Controls take a bit to get used to (didn't even know I could parry until almost the end of the first run (duh, I know)) but once you lock down the concept of stamina and the cost of your actions the control you have is simple and simply amazing. FewGamers who disregard this game too quickly should stick with Pokemon. Patience is rewarded with joy and sloppiness death at every turn. Controls take a bit to get used to (didn't even know I could parry until almost the end of the first run (duh, I know)) but once you lock down the concept of stamina and the cost of your actions the control you have is simple and simply amazing. Few games, if given a chance, will provide you the raw emotions this game does both bad and good. Go borrow money and buy it...… Expand
  18. thx4thc
    Dec 14, 2012
    10
    4 me BEST GAME EVER (prepare to die edition). It is very SMART game. Pure gaming, best fantasy world, adult. You can not stop or pause single play! Revolutionary concept, adult aesthetics. Even Sony do not understand... Not for average gamers... In present times of average, nonconsistent games shines like a DIAMOND. Bugrim killa. In comparison with present games 15/10!
  19. Pariah406
    Nov 9, 2012
    10
    Being a gamer for over 20 years has led me to a lackluster world of cookie cutter games with insane hype and terrible delivery. If you can remember how revolutionary Halo 1, Knights of the Old Republic, Resident Evil, Mario, Grand Theft Auto and Metal Gear Solid were to the video game arena, you will understand this review. Right before I packed my video game life up to sail it away withBeing a gamer for over 20 years has led me to a lackluster world of cookie cutter games with insane hype and terrible delivery. If you can remember how revolutionary Halo 1, Knights of the Old Republic, Resident Evil, Mario, Grand Theft Auto and Metal Gear Solid were to the video game arena, you will understand this review. Right before I packed my video game life up to sail it away with my mid twenties, I took a gaming friend's advice and plunged into the world of Dark Souls. Not only did I become insanely immersed in this diverse, action filled and challenging world but I also regained faith in the video game movement because it was so enthralling. I played through with three different character classes and every time I found something new, joined a new covenant and giggled after falling from ledge after ledge. I loved getting punished in the game because it served as a reminder how unforgiving games used to be and the rewards left you with an adrenaline rush. It simply is a game for excellent gamers who desire a new wave of video games and anyone without the tenacity and skill to beat it should just keep playing Fable.… Expand
  20. Jribs
    Nov 19, 2012
    10
    It's not the challenge of Dark Souls that is so refreshing; it's more that the game treats you like you are a veteran. It holds your hand in so few ways, but the exploration and learning is the best part anyways. The world is one seamless area with no central hub. It's a nice system, but the directions are lacking too much in my opinion. Getting lost is a bit too easy when you don't knowIt's not the challenge of Dark Souls that is so refreshing; it's more that the game treats you like you are a veteran. It holds your hand in so few ways, but the exploration and learning is the best part anyways. The world is one seamless area with no central hub. It's a nice system, but the directions are lacking too much in my opinion. Getting lost is a bit too easy when you don't know that you should backtrack to an area in order to advance in the game. I could just be a baby. I'm not quite sure. Other than that gripe, this game blew my mind. From Software, on a mediocre budget, produced this sixty+ hour masterpiece with gorgeous graphics. The music is tense and rare, but the silent moments of this game are almost what I look forward too the most. Defeating one of the many well-designed bosses leaves me feeling accomplished more than I have felt in any game before it. Just traversing a small group of enemies can feel accomplishing, because of how difficult this game can be at points. The combat is smooth. Really smooth. It's not like Skyrim, where hacking away at enemies is just a matter of smacking the right trigger and occasionally blocking. It's an art that has to be mastered by memorizing the moves of all of the enemies around you. Don't be too turned off by the magic system either. It's not the greatest system, but it actually works pretty well. I just wish it took more skill sometimes though to kill enemies with magic. It's fair and requires strategy, but it's a little easy to kill some enemies with (many bosses). This is one of those games that I just try to get everybody to try out because it seems so different from what the video game world is used to. It has a minimalist plot and is hardcore, yet somehow, a major video game company chose to make it this way. Against the odds, this game was made and I don't see many hardcore rpgs coming in 2013. Pick this up.… Expand
  21. Rufousjet
    Dec 29, 2012
    10
    I absolutely love this game but I can see how some don't . when I originally bought it I disliked it, not knowing what I was doing so after a few frustrating hours I returned it. But it lingered. That urge to just see what was beyond that tiny bit of progress I had made was so tempting that I got it again this time with the help of friends, forums and wikis to guide me on my way. AndI absolutely love this game but I can see how some don't . when I originally bought it I disliked it, not knowing what I was doing so after a few frustrating hours I returned it. But it lingered. That urge to just see what was beyond that tiny bit of progress I had made was so tempting that I got it again this time with the help of friends, forums and wikis to guide me on my way. And that's when it struck me how good it was , 9 hours in after killing a once intimidating boss. It struck me, that this game was perfect. How? The story: as intriguing as it was mysterious it has a decent set up which winds into a interesting yarn about this long since abandoned land. T.he graphics and atmosphere are both superb, no it's not the technically most stunning game and the atmosphere is second only to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R franchise (personal taste though) but it still fills me with that craving to return to its bleak yet beautiful word to see what it had to offer. The gameplay is where it shines though, its just top notch. You can tell its meant to be job just that, that it had weeks of fine tuning each element (carries over from demon souls). The boss fights, some of the best moments of gaming and I've been gaming for a decade. The only thing I can understand why someone who is a fan of the genre or of games in general might not like this is the sheer bare bones intro into it. The game doesn't hold you hand, its not meant to but it does provide a sleuth of options to intelligent players (and despite what you hear it is an open world some people just aren't looking hard enough). Its not that hard, if your discouraged, farm some of the easier enemies, practice your move set, look around, ask a friend, look on a wiki- the game just gets better the more you play and believe me, its something you should play...… Expand
  22. crawlord
    Jan 19, 2013
    10
    SO i thought i was a good gamer until dark souls . I had to die over and over to rethink gaming and strategy. Now i despise games that hold your hand. While the game cheats a little,i have noticed where you can take damage through some walls and arrows that curve slightly towards you ..... all is fair game . I love the game and i am going to start on demon souls to see what i missed.
  23. Nahguacm
    Dec 29, 2012
    10
    There is only 1 place this game does badly (Blighttown). The rest IS hard, but not in a cheap way, in a "I should have blocked" way. it has fantastic graphics, nonexistent loading screens,and VERY well implemented Multiplayer. The controls are not slow and clunky, as some say, unless you are wearing heavy armor, and the feeling of satisfaction as you finally beat a boss is notThere is only 1 place this game does badly (Blighttown). The rest IS hard, but not in a cheap way, in a "I should have blocked" way. it has fantastic graphics, nonexistent loading screens,and VERY well implemented Multiplayer. The controls are not slow and clunky, as some say, unless you are wearing heavy armor, and the feeling of satisfaction as you finally beat a boss is not replicated in any game I've played. Get. It. Now.… Expand
  24. Auktopus
    Jan 17, 2013
    10
    Dark Souls is a genre in itself, and is an absolute must play for anyone who has the patience to reward intense punishment with intense accomplishment. Over a year after its release, and with another sequel in FROM Software's universe on the way, I still find myself booting up to PvP, make new characters - and watch the tears of pain and joy flow from friends playing it for the first time.
  25. AbsoluteDiscord
    Jan 19, 2013
    10
    This game is good, really good. Not just like "oh nice game you got here" it is like "ZOMG ITS A DARK SOULZ" I have had more fun with this game then I ever had with any game ever. Maybe it is just because I am sick and tired of games hold our hands to guide us through, because a real adventure does not have that. A real adventure is for you to draw your own conclusion from, not have theThis game is good, really good. Not just like "oh nice game you got here" it is like "ZOMG ITS A DARK SOULZ" I have had more fun with this game then I ever had with any game ever. Maybe it is just because I am sick and tired of games hold our hands to guide us through, because a real adventure does not have that. A real adventure is for you to draw your own conclusion from, not have the game flat out tell you, when I beat the game and did the link the fire ending I was confused in a good way, not the wtf way, more of the "I wonder..." way. I was able to draw my own conclusion about why this or that happened,and it made it more of an experience than anything.Overall it was one of the best games I have ever been given the pleasure of exploring through, I would totally recommend it to anyone who plays games like this.… Expand
  26. trevor2ooo
    Feb 4, 2013
    10
    i have never claimed that any game was the best I've played before I played this, I love it, the weapon customization the deadly bosses the vicious enemies, very hard but amazingly rewarding and the online is unique and very well done, wouldn't recommend for the casual gamer but anyone else should love it.
  27. LegionPichon
    Feb 5, 2013
    10
    The game that made my video game addiction return. My GOTY by far, never thought that a game could give such a feeling of accomplishment. The game challenges you and punishes like no other (except Demon´s Souls maybe). Totally recommended for the hardcore gamers!
  28. shprea
    Jun 27, 2013
    10
    At first, you'll think to yourself that Dark Souls is the hardest game ever. Every enemy can kill you in a few seconds, the world is covered in Bosses and booby traps, and you continue to die frequently. However, after about 5 hours, you realize that the game really isn't difficult: It's strict. It's not like the deaths are unfair. The game just has a set of very specific rules that itAt first, you'll think to yourself that Dark Souls is the hardest game ever. Every enemy can kill you in a few seconds, the world is covered in Bosses and booby traps, and you continue to die frequently. However, after about 5 hours, you realize that the game really isn't difficult: It's strict. It's not like the deaths are unfair. The game just has a set of very specific rules that it wants you to follow, and if you don't, you will die. In that regard, the game is masterful. It teaches you how to play the game with every death you have rather than with the use of extended tutorials and menus. You begin to develop strategies, calculate risks, and explore further. For this reason and many more, Dark Souls is one of the best games around. It's a must play.… Expand
  29. Purrphect
    Feb 26, 2013
    10
    This is the single most important, and the best RPG ever made, IMO.
    you will not find a more Challeging game, i love how you have to figure everything out yourself, no guidelines, just pure use of your own mind, i love it!
    And the weapons and armors, OMFG i have never seen such cool looking weapons and armor in anygame before, daaaamn you can look so goddamn epic! (pardon my language).    This is the single most important, and the best RPG ever made, IMO.
    you will not find a more Challeging game, i love how you have to figure everything out yourself, no guidelines, just pure use of your own mind, i love it!

    And the weapons and armors, OMFG i have never seen such cool looking weapons and armor in anygame before, daaaamn you can look so goddamn epic! (pardon my language).

    if you haven't tried it yet, it's a must buy, it's hard, but it's worth it!

    and there is so many things to this game, that you'll have 200+H's fun!

    Best RPG Ever made Period!
    JUST BUY IT! you will never regret it!    … Expand
  30. Lambanog
    Mar 13, 2013
    10
    In 2011, majority of the game review websites awarded the Game of the Year to Skyrim. Although Skyrim is a good game, I think Dark Souls is the game which deserves the Game of the Year Award (for 2011). It has a better combat engine (which ultimately makes it the "better" game). You always have to think of "how" to slay your enemy and not simply point at it and slash away. EverythingIn 2011, majority of the game review websites awarded the Game of the Year to Skyrim. Although Skyrim is a good game, I think Dark Souls is the game which deserves the Game of the Year Award (for 2011). It has a better combat engine (which ultimately makes it the "better" game). You always have to think of "how" to slay your enemy and not simply point at it and slash away. Everything revolves around this making it a very engaging game from start to finish. Some would say that Dark Souls is too difficult and does not appeal to mass audiences. It is true that it can be a difficult game but if all games were easy then that would make gaming very boring and lifeless. Dark Souls stands out because it is one of the unique games among the masses. Prepare to die!… 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

All reviews »
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.
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