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. agq
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the closest any game will ever come to in terms of true art. The story is told through rare bits of NPC dialogue, descriptions of items, and the world around you. The enemies, bosses and world design feel intricately designed in a way that makes the world feel real and lived in. This game-play can go from dreadful to fearless depending on where you are, the trip into the Depths and down to Blighttown always gives me a unique sense of dread that not even a horror game could give me. But you persist and move on through the game, unveiling the ending leaving you thinking that you have played the greatest game ever to be created.… Expand
  2. TheRedFern
    Jul 8, 2023
    9
    The level design was one of the best ever made, the game felt amazing and the gameplay was fantastic. I played this probably 10 years too late and it still felt monumental and like it was a top 20 game of all time.
  3. Kio22
    Mar 26, 2023
    9
    This is a great game, was the easiest souls game of the series until I played Elden Ring and Dark Souls 2. The game play can take some getting used to but the fun thing about it is you can play any way you want. This games level design is magnificent and gives the player the freedom to choose whatever direction they want to go in. The story in this game is rewarded to players willing toThis is a great game, was the easiest souls game of the series until I played Elden Ring and Dark Souls 2. The game play can take some getting used to but the fun thing about it is you can play any way you want. This games level design is magnificent and gives the player the freedom to choose whatever direction they want to go in. The story in this game is rewarded to players willing to explore and look for it. The bosses are cool and most boss fights are fair except for one very frustrating one. Overall, it's a great game that is shaped by how people choose to play it.… Expand
  4. grimreapersims
    Feb 8, 2023
    9
    .....................................................................................................................................................................................................blank
  5. farrrullll
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls
  6. botardi
    Jan 1, 2023
    9
    an absolute classic, the horrific post-apocalyptic medieval world is perfectly built
    the combat system is addicting, and the variety of playstyles is immense
    the first half of this game is without a doubt one of the greatest videogame sequences of all time, and then lacks a bit on the second half, being the the sometimes very very questionable game design of that sequence the only reason    an absolute classic, the horrific post-apocalyptic medieval world is perfectly built
    the combat system is addicting, and the variety of playstyles is immense
    the first half of this game is without a doubt one of the greatest videogame sequences of all time, and then lacks a bit on the second half, being the the sometimes very very questionable game design of that sequence the only reason its not a solid 10    … Expand
  7. Fr0styFeet
    Nov 12, 2022
    8
    Picked up dark souls for the 360 as my first souls game, and what a great game it was. It has some rough edges compared to the later entries in the series, but is still a great game with its magnificent world design, and the ability to actually make you feel proud of yourself for overcoming the game
  8. Netherghul
    Mar 6, 2022
    9
    One of the best games ive ever played. My Introduction into the souls series and I played it in its prime from 2011 and 2012. Never before had a game given me such a challenge. It has the best characters out of any souls game. Although I prefer 2 over this it is because I prefered ds2s dark and gritty tone to Dark Souls 1s. The Multiplayer is the worst of the series with all the backstabOne of the best games ive ever played. My Introduction into the souls series and I played it in its prime from 2011 and 2012. Never before had a game given me such a challenge. It has the best characters out of any souls game. Although I prefer 2 over this it is because I prefered ds2s dark and gritty tone to Dark Souls 1s. The Multiplayer is the worst of the series with all the backstab fishing and parry baiters. The Story and its lore however is Legendary and it deserves its roses for being the father of the Dark Souls series. Also Manus I hate you.… Expand
  9. Huitzilopochtli
    Feb 28, 2022
    9
    A true masterpiece that popularized the Soulsborne series. If you have not played this game, buy and play it immediately. A must-have for every video game consumer.
  10. cchenders40
    Feb 19, 2022
    10
    The masterpiece of the 360/PS3 generation. This game is one of the greatest video games of all time. From the level design to the combat it was revolutionary and brilliant. Even playing it now in 2022 you can still see how it effected the RPG genre and enjoy it. It has incredible replay ability. Each class offers a unique play through that will make you play differently and even encounterThe masterpiece of the 360/PS3 generation. This game is one of the greatest video games of all time. From the level design to the combat it was revolutionary and brilliant. Even playing it now in 2022 you can still see how it effected the RPG genre and enjoy it. It has incredible replay ability. Each class offers a unique play through that will make you play differently and even encounter new characters and lore. Each weapon also adds so much variety. In fact you could probably play this game through with a new weapon on each time through and the game feel new and different. The bosses are obviously amazing and the lore and world building are top notch. The games atmosphere is unmatched as well even all these years later. You feel the weight and dread, the highs let you feel a glimmer of hope only to take you down to the dark again. The difficulty is fair yet challenging. If you are constantly dying it is because you haven’t learned the mechanics or you lack patience. This game never holds your hand and it makes you rely on dialogue, environmental storytelling and remembering where you have been in order to navigate well and not lose your way. This game is not for the person who loves quest makers or fast pace shooters or quick games you can hop in and out of. I recommend this game to anyone who loves gaming, RPGs, or fantasy worlds. 10/10!

    P.S. When I read bad reviews for this game it only communicates to me that someone just didn’t get it.    … Expand
  11. Du7Ra
    Feb 16, 2022
    10
    It was elected the best game of all time for a reason. The best gameplay that you can find is right here.
  12. Salt_addict
    Feb 14, 2022
    10
    Oh Dark souls. A shop employee told me it was like Skyrim on steroids and I wouldn't enjoy it. The gauntlet was thrown down that day. (2011) Still one of my top games all these years later.
  13. Farrell64
    Dec 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best Videogame ever!
    Gameplay, story, music, lore, classes, weapons, ambient, world, bestiary, bosses, online matchs...    … Expand
  14. nurfedx
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    One of the best Games known to mankind.
    From Software is a safe heaven for the Gaming community.
    Especially in times where big Developers dissapiont us with theyr fraudulent intent.
    Praise the sun!
  15. GahsLva
    May 19, 2021
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game has many problems.
    PvE:it has by Far the worst PvE of souls series its the most gankyest,even the bosses are gankers,Taurus demon,Gargoyles,Iron Golem, Ornstein & Smough,Nito,Four Kings,Pinwheel,Capra Demon,Gaping Dragon.

    There's also many ganks on the areas of the game,the most ridiculous example was these skeleton wheels,they're actually stronger than the bosses itself.

    PvP:It's completely trash, unplayabe,dark bead ,backstabs,Pursuers,R1 spammers,roll spammers,parry spammers,Hackers,Glitchers etc.

    Bosses:Every singles Boss that HAS "Demon" on its name is VERY bad,and they are MANY,not only demon bosses are bad,but as well pinwheel,Gargoyles;
    And finally the MAIN reason to every single soulslike player,hate this game,BED OF CHAOS.
    The only bosses i like in this game are,Sif, Artorias,Gwyn,these are really amazing.
    The others are Just BS.

    Difficulty: game lacks difficulty,estus flask Is completely broken,poise is broken,dex weapons,STR weapons are broken,any kind of spell,humanity as well,you can break the game really early Very easy,every single Boss has a ridiculously low amount of life,you can one shot almost ALL of them easy,by Far was ridiculously easy.    … Expand
  16. DarkSoulAxel
    Apr 10, 2021
    9
    Dark Souls 1 is a flawed masterpiece for sure. It has its annoying parts, has its parts that feel rushed (Lost Izalith) and needed some polishing (i.e. framerate in Blight Town). But despite all flaws, it strikes with charm, satisfying combat and upgrading, great level up system and awesome boss fights (for the most part, not so much for the Demon Centipede for example, holy hell). I haveDark Souls 1 is a flawed masterpiece for sure. It has its annoying parts, has its parts that feel rushed (Lost Izalith) and needed some polishing (i.e. framerate in Blight Town). But despite all flaws, it strikes with charm, satisfying combat and upgrading, great level up system and awesome boss fights (for the most part, not so much for the Demon Centipede for example, holy hell). I have played this game over 24 times I believe and put hundreds of hours into it, offline. That is enough proof for me to say that its my most favorite game of all time at this date. Its nature allows a lot of variety in playthroughs so you can challenge yourself one more unique time. Surely to be recommended, its my top 1 game in general. Only giving it a 9/10 because 9.5 is not possible and saying its 10/10, meaning perfect, would contradict my criticism above.… Expand
  17. f1o_o1f
    Apr 5, 2021
    9
    (PTDE review) One of the best games I've ever played. It's not for everyone, but everyone should have tried it once in their life.
    It's certainly hard, but not unfair. Lack of polish in late-game and obvious development constraints keep it from a full score.
    Also, if you get frustrated quickly and don't like to find the path for yourself, you will not enjoy it as much.
  18. DieterU
    Mar 30, 2021
    10
    This game is by far my favorite game. That I've literally ever played. Everything about it is just incredibly well done. Well, except for the Witch of Izalith fight. I love it when videogames fully utilize the uniqueness of this method of storytelling, and that's something Dark Souls does like few others have. Some of the story is told to the player directly, some of it is hidden in theThis game is by far my favorite game. That I've literally ever played. Everything about it is just incredibly well done. Well, except for the Witch of Izalith fight. I love it when videogames fully utilize the uniqueness of this method of storytelling, and that's something Dark Souls does like few others have. Some of the story is told to the player directly, some of it is hidden in the descriptions of items, and some of it you can figure out by interacting with the world, walking around, and being incredibly observant; inferring things about past wars based on where the corpses of certain characters are and whatnot. And it's really not just useless 'lore.' It really is such a fully fleshed out story. The atmosphere is another just incredibly well done aspect. Everything comes together to make this incredibly gritty and morose high-fantasy setting. The level design is truly impeccable. No other video game comes close; not even other FromSoft games can compare to the expertly designed areas here. The difficulty is undeniably one of the most iconic aspects. Yes, it's hard, but after each defeat, you fell like you've genuinely learned and that you can really do it if you just keep trying. Just a great game. Absolutely get it if you're interested in high-fantasy stories and you don't mind learning how to 'git gud.'… Expand
  19. MYP
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    The Original Dark Souls is a must-play for any Video game fan or Critic. The game is one of those games that other art enthusiasts can look at it and say well that's unique. There's nothing like dark souls franchise out there and it all started with this game, i acknowledge that it was demon's souls that started it all but demon's souls falls short in comparison with dark souls.
  20. Rains01
    Jan 26, 2021
    10
    ..........................................................................:
  21. Arya977
    Jan 11, 2021
    8
    Gameplay..........Good.
    Graphics............Mediocre.
    Score.................Amazing.
  22. migueltaker
    Jan 4, 2021
    9
    De los mejores juegos que alguna vez jugué, toda una experiencia, los escenarios increíbles
  23. prussii
    Dec 31, 2020
    8
    Poorly optimised and wacky, but hey it's dark souls and it's awesome. Memorable locations and bosses. Great world and unique storytelling.
  24. Rmznator
    Dec 28, 2020
    0
    One of the best rpg if not the best, great characters, a creative map and a unimprovable gameplay, prepare to die
  25. Boldozer3u
    Dec 27, 2020
    10
    Dark souls is one of the deepest and hardest games ever made, from its minimalistic story tp its highly detailed world and NPCs.
  26. PlagueMan
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    In the name of the gwyn, this game is a Masterpiece. Praise the sun, this game is so deep.
  27. Brownies
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    Dark souls took everything that demon's souls established and improved it in everyway, giving us one of the most challenging and deep video games ever.
  28. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 22, 2020
    10
    OVERALL - 97%

    Gameplay - 9/10 Graphics (for time) - 8/10 Story - 9/10 Game Length - 9/10 Characters - 7/10 Level/Area Design - 10/10 Atmosphere - 9/10 Sound Effects - 8/10 Soundtrack - 7/10 Replay Value - 10/10 This game and the SoulsBorne franchise have ruined gaming for me. I am addicted to these games. Nothing else has nailed the a balanced in game difficulty like this.    OVERALL - 97%

    Gameplay - 9/10
    Graphics (for time) - 8/10
    Story - 9/10
    Game Length - 9/10
    Characters - 7/10
    Level/Area Design - 10/10
    Atmosphere - 9/10
    Sound Effects - 8/10
    Soundtrack - 7/10
    Replay Value - 10/10

    This game and the SoulsBorne franchise have ruined gaming for me. I am addicted to these games. Nothing else has nailed the a balanced in game difficulty like this. It took me a while to get into the swing of it and of course rage quit 1000 times, but there is no equivalent in gaming to beating a section of Dark Souls after struggling on it for so long. The map is incredibly intricate and linked together beautifully, and the areas are impressively varied and creative. I love Dark Souls.    … Expand
  29. NxtDoc
    Nov 17, 2020
    4
    Absolutely horrendous frame rate. Some areas are borderline unplayable. Such a disgrace coming from the spiritual successor of Demons Souls. Not sure how this game is rated so high
  30. TheHound1
    Aug 12, 2020
    10
    Incredible game design, level design, amazing environmental story telling, deep lore, doesn’t cater to a wide audience, is still being talked about 9 years after it’s release, literally spawned a whole new sub-genre.
    In a sea of uninspired generic easy as **** games, dark souls stands out as not only an “unforgiving” game but a game that respects the player and doesn’t treat them like a    Incredible game design, level design, amazing environmental story telling, deep lore, doesn’t cater to a wide audience, is still being talked about 9 years after it’s release, literally spawned a whole new sub-genre.
    In a sea of uninspired generic easy as **** games, dark souls stands out as not only an “unforgiving” game but a game that respects the player and doesn’t treat them like a **** idiot.
    In my opinion this is without a doubt the greatest game of all time.    … 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.
    Read full review
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Nov 15, 2011
    90
    Dark Souls' world is dense with something new around every corner. [Issue#78, p.76]
  3. Xbox Achievements
    Nov 15, 2011
    90
    Dark Souls makes no bones about being unrelenting in its difficulty though, although it's by no means insurmountable. It's a rare game that's unlike anything else, refusing to pander or compromise in any way, shape or form. In this day and age, Dark Souls is hugely refreshing then, and well worth the time and effort.
    Read full review
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