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. BigStozz
    Oct 2, 2012
    9
    Fantastic game which is incredibly challenging and rewarding, at times you'll want to tear your hair out or just stop playing the game but it's so damn addicting!
  2. 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.
  3. Chowda
    Jan 23, 2014
    10
    I have never played such a robust and addicting game. Everything from the armor down to the different weapon effects are brilliant. The atmosphere is dark and gloomy. It took me close to four hours to beat Ornstein/Smough, this is one of the hardest and fairest games. I am buying a PS3 just so I can play Demon Souls.
  4. Kaprawiec
    Nov 24, 2014
    10
    This game is all about gameplay. And Its rock solid. I havent played other game with this good combat system. I know its hard, the boss life bars are ridiculously big. But i get the feeling that its just like it should be. If Id get there in my real life i would die just as many times as the mc of this game does.
    Strongly recommend, best RPG gameplay wise.
  5. gothasis
    Jun 3, 2015
    9
    this game is amazing i like it but it gets hard u have to go in order to unlock orange doors but once u get the mechanics its easier o and anor londo is hard
  6. Frewp
    Oct 18, 2011
    5
    Dark Souls isn't a bad game, but it isn't great. I am a hardcore gamer, in fact I have been playing my whole life and I love challenging games, but this game has the sharpest difficulty curve anyone will understand. The first boss is probably one of the most easiest bosses in gaming history, but the second (which is probably 5-10 minutes right after the first) seems as if you played theDark Souls isn't a bad game, but it isn't great. I am a hardcore gamer, in fact I have been playing my whole life and I love challenging games, but this game has the sharpest difficulty curve anyone will understand. The first boss is probably one of the most easiest bosses in gaming history, but the second (which is probably 5-10 minutes right after the first) seems as if you played the final boss of Zelda: Ocarina of Time "Ganon" with your controller upside down, blinded. Then after THAT boss, theres even a harder one requiring lots of grinding just to defeat him. Then the next, then the next, then the next. Very repetitive grinding, any console RPG game shouldn't have grinding, at all. We're not playing World of Warcraft.

    It's not a bad game, but before going deeply into difficulty, you have to give players a more grip of the game before giving them a near-impossible boss for a beginner. Yes, I did beat it, I love challenges.    … Expand
  7. ADobbo
    Feb 17, 2012
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I got Dark Souls after looking at gameplay and thought to myself, this looks like it could be one of the best games of 2011. I got this game and I immediately got used to the controls, RB didn't feel like such a bad button for attacking and it ended up becoming quite fun. However after easily killing the Asylum Demon the game just went downhill for me. The way the game is layed out just doesn't suit my gaming style. Don't get me wrong, the way the map links up is absolutely incredible and like no other game I've ever played before. The way that there is no loading screens when walking around the map is also good. It took me a bit of time to kill the Taurus Demon but by that time I was already bored by this repetitive piece of junk. The soldiers (or whatever they are called) are some of the most stupid things I have ever seen in a video game. I got to the Capra Demon and was a bit apalled to see that all the enemies seemed to have been called demons up until then. I have struggled with the Capra Demon for several hours of my time and I think if I put enough effort in I could finish him off, but why put effort into something which is such a time-consuming piece of rubbish that should only be found at a landfill. The NPC's mouths don't even move when they speak (or they barely do) which is unacceptable for a game of 2011 when games from 10 years ago even had mouths moving. If you are thinking of getting this game, buy a better RPG such as Skyrim or something from the Fallout series. There is absolutely no competition to Skyrim from this game. The only reason I give this a 1 is because of the way the map links up. This game is hard but hard in a boring way not fun. A game can only be so hard until it gets on your nerves. For some people this may not be the case but for me it was.… Expand
  8. socialperson1
    Oct 5, 2011
    8
    BEWARE to all you casual gamers out there, this is NOT for you! This game is not for everyone, if you never enjoyed or played Demon Souls stay away, if you are a casual RPG gamer stay away this is not for you. I really want people to understand this before they start hating the game. If you never played Demon Souls then Dark Souls will be very frustrating at start. There's no tutorialsBEWARE to all you casual gamers out there, this is NOT for you! This game is not for everyone, if you never enjoyed or played Demon Souls stay away, if you are a casual RPG gamer stay away this is not for you. I really want people to understand this before they start hating the game. If you never played Demon Souls then Dark Souls will be very frustrating at start. There's no tutorials explaining game mechanics (not explaining you the difference between humanity and undead, the use of souls and so on...)no directions on where to go. It's all about trial and error, going back and forth to the same locations, farming souls, leveling up, finding gear/items, upgrading gear, leveling up , boss battles, to then compete in pvp. There, just a clarification for the people new to the series. Now, if you are familiar with the series I could go off on an entire page but I'll just say that I highly recommend the game to you all. I have to say the graphics though do look a little outdated but there are some slight improvements in animations from the previous title. The text grammar is also sometimes not up to standards. However you forget about these things very quickly in a game like this. If you are not sure on what console to get this on then i would recommend you the 360 version, why? because it has a slightly better frame rate and is less effected by fps drops imo. Community wise such as the pvp, I'm not sure which version will go barren more quickly but what I can say is the japanese on ps3 are already farming this game to death so I'll let you decided.… Expand
  9. XSevendust
    Jan 9, 2012
    0
    This "game" is literally HORRENDOUS. This is one of the worst creative endeavors ever undertaken. I made a metacritic account just to shut all these people up who say otherwise. If you like this game you have a serious ego problem because you are trying to be "mr hotshot" and "mr hardcore gamer" please give it a rest. Anyone could beat this game if they put in the time to memorize theThis "game" is literally HORRENDOUS. This is one of the worst creative endeavors ever undertaken. I made a metacritic account just to shut all these people up who say otherwise. If you like this game you have a serious ego problem because you are trying to be "mr hotshot" and "mr hardcore gamer" please give it a rest. Anyone could beat this game if they put in the time to memorize the areas and grind their way to victory. First off the voice acting is horrific, I could have done a more believable job than their hired voice actors, its laughable how bad the voice acting is. Also, the game atmosphere is all dark and lonely. No fun or excitement to be had here. The graphics suck and I dont know why people keep saying they are good and the interface reminds me of old NES or SNES games, sorry I will pass on crappy old japanese video game feel in the year 2012. I would rather play a game like Skyrim or Red Dead Redemption where the voice acting is amazing and the world is beautiful and wonderful stories are told. Speaking of story......there is NONE in DS. You run around facing mindless enemies who just come straight at you and swing. Not dynamic whatsoever. This game makes you think its open world but really its not because if you try a certain area you will quickly realize your supposed to "grind" more to get there and then come back later when you have leveled more and it will be easy to defeat the enemies. Some people claim this is how you know you have come along and gotten better. No this is not skill. This is memorization and learning. Your attributes are now better because you grinded. Doesnt mean you are good. Like I said people only like this because they want to feel like they are talented video game players, again WRONG you are just the only losers who waste the time to sit and memorize and replay areas over and over and over. If you want to prove your skill go play MLG halo or starcraft and then come talk to me. I have played in two MLG halo tournaments and have never placed higher than top 84 out of 200 teams and I dominate every multiplayer game I have ever played and have beaten every game I have ever played on the hardest difficulty. Dark Souls is just a terribly made game and one thing I am really sick of reading about is the "great" game design here. This is about the laziest game design I have ever seen. I am all about challenge like the next guy but they dont even teach you how to play the damn game. Everyone is like "thats the beauty they throw you in and you have to figure it out" no thats called lazy design. I need to learn how to play the damn game and I shouldnt have to look at online guides to help me. They teach you a few little things and thats it. Even basic inventory management is not taught. Would you call an Mixed Martial Arts coach good if you walked in and he taught you about wrestling and then threw you into a fight without teaching you any of the other facets of MMA? Of course not you would get your head ripped off standing up and would blame him for not teaching you. But apparently teaching you a few concepts in this game while you figure out this rest is "great" game design. Am I in college now? Where I just teach myself? No thats why we pay you for your game so you teach us how to play it. In review DS is a horrific game and I am telling you DO NOT but this game and if you buy it for the challenge and to brag I am here to tell you that you are not a skilled gamer just because you beat it so get off your high horse. Please stop. Like I said go play MLG and then come back and tell me how good you are. Any lemming can sit and memorize and grind and beat mindless horribly implemented NPCs. Beat SMART human players...now that takes skill. Re doing areas again and again to learn and level up is how you win in DS. Thats not skillful. Mindless spamming magic spells and blocking and evading dont make for amazing or skillful combat.… Expand
  10. sdwillie
    May 17, 2012
    0
    This is quite possibly the worst game I've ever played. Using a scale of 0-10 it falls somewhere between 90 and 100. Not because it's SO good, but because it earns *both* the 9/10 *and* the 0, and the zero is enormous. Tremendous. Overwhelming. So much so that the 9/10 doesn't count.

    Just to get the irrelevant out of the way, everything it does, it does everything extremely well.    This is quite possibly the worst game I've ever played. Using a scale of 0-10 it falls somewhere between 90 and 100. Not because it's SO good, but because it earns *both* the 9/10 *and* the 0, and the zero is enormous. Tremendous. Overwhelming. So much so that the 9/10 doesn't count.

    Just to get the irrelevant out of the way, everything it does, it does everything extremely well. Graphics, sound, environments are all beautiful. Controls are pretty good, some things on the stick are awkward but almost nothing is bad to the point of detraction (archery is garbage), and there aren't many instances of 'screw you cam' (when you're trying to run across a narrow path and the camera rotates around your character making a straight path nearly impossible but falling to your death *extremely* easy). Inventories are deep and enemies are varied. In short, nearly every thing the developer attempted was successful.

    Sadly, the developer chose to do a lot of things which aren't good. Some are absolutely awful. And those aren't the worst.

    Open the case and you have a disc and 16 page manual. The manual is in four languages, so you have a few pages in your native tongue. The deep inventory uses icons which are never explained. Attributes and abilities are never explained. There's a Bonus system which is never explained. There are loads of things which are never explained. Including what you're actually trying to do, unless a single statement in the middle of a cut scene with a character whose relevance is never mentioned counts. This game needs a serious manual more than anything I've seen in several years. You're given a few pages. Have fun googling for the information that the developers should have given you.

    There was a time and place when it made sense for falling to your death to be integral to a game. Actually it's still that time, but the place remains what it was: platformers, particularly 2D platformers. In a 3D RPG it's awful, particularly in conjunction with Dark Souls next absolutely miserable failing...

    The ability to save progress is something that there's no compelling, or valid, argument against. Unless you're the maker of Dark Souls, in which case they apparently believe differently. I say "believe" rather than "think" because I said "valid." To put it in the form of a question that pertains to Dark Souls, "What's wrong with making a player repeat what took nearly 90 minutes, only to die by falling because the moving walkway slid out from under the player's feet?" What's wrong with that? *Everything*. It's awful to have few checkpoints, but much, *much* worse when the game makes them easy to miss.

    Leaving a number of other major shortcomings (4 off the top of my head) I'm just going to move to the last, the net effect of the fully intended and incorporated failings of Dark Souls. It's frequently called a difficult game. It isn't. There are a few points in the game that are hard, but most of it isn't more challenging than most of what's out there. Rather than difficult, Dark Souls is frustrating. For the linguistically challenged, difficult is getting stuck at a point, failing over and over before passing on the 40th (or more) attempt. Frustrating is forcing players to spend fifteen (or forty) minutes passing tedious obstacles on each of those forty+ attempts. That's why mistakes are made, and how weak enemies gain the potential to defeat your character. And it's complete and unforgivable garbage.

    In short, the people that made Dark Souls should be pleased with how well they succeeded in making the game they set out to make. Unfortunately, most of what they tried to do in inherently detritus.    … Expand
  11. 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
  12. pk45
    Jul 9, 2012
    0
    Really regret buying the game and was really hoping to enjoy it. The "hardcore" aspect was appealing...however, there is absolutely no ramp-up for your learning curve. The situations get so involved, so quickly that you do not have much time to get the combat system down (and I am not a fan of their targeting system)........if there was a chance for a learning curve and the combat systemReally regret buying the game and was really hoping to enjoy it. The "hardcore" aspect was appealing...however, there is absolutely no ramp-up for your learning curve. The situations get so involved, so quickly that you do not have much time to get the combat system down (and I am not a fan of their targeting system)........if there was a chance for a learning curve and the combat system worked better, it would probably be ok. You have to be very, very precise with your aim , so much so that it is unreasonable for what they expect you to pull off sometimes. I have not played the game for several months and I would still love to kick them in their collective balls and then give myself a good shot for being suckered in to the marketing. All I wanted was a good RPG (graphics, story, etc.) that was not necessarily for kids if you know what I mean. I do not mind difficult at all, but this is not difficult, it is unreasonable. Time for my therapy session! ;)… Expand
  13. Neddy
    Sep 24, 2015
    0
    I bought it on Steam for PC. I know the controls suck but I battled for a couple of hours getting DSfix and DSMfix going and voila, almost playable. I loved the world and enemies enough to really want to play.

    Four hours later so six hours in total I have given up. I am stuck spawning in the same place over and over again for over three hours. I am sick of it. It is not hard, it is    I bought it on Steam for PC. I know the controls suck but I battled for a couple of hours getting DSfix and DSMfix going and voila, almost playable. I loved the world and enemies enough to really want to play.

    Four hours later so six hours in total I have given up. I am stuck spawning in the same place over and over again for over three hours. I am sick of it. It is not hard, it is taking the pi$$.    … Expand
  14. xXCoD4LyFXx
    Nov 14, 2012
    0
    wat i booght this gaym and WAAT!!! no guns??????? wat kynd of game has no guns?!?!?!11/

    ryt anywaiz, teh game is just so terible. u do lyk NO DAMMAJ to mostners srsly?? do tey evn want ppl to win? lolol is it hard?? no its just super unballanced sword does 10 dammag??! in cod knyf kills 1 hit always so sord shud do like, 0-shot some1! okey so after playin sum more i got atacked by    wat i booght this gaym and WAAT!!! no guns??????? wat kynd of game has no guns?!?!?!11/

    ryt anywaiz, teh game is just so terible. u do lyk NO DAMMAJ to mostners srsly?? do tey evn want ppl to win? lolol is it hard?? no its just super unballanced sword does 10 dammag??! in cod knyf kills 1 hit always so sord shud do like, 0-shot some1!

    okey so after playin sum more i got atacked by some **** and tey killed me evn when i hit em! wat a peece of sheet. review: bosses lol dun bovver tey kill u cause tey ****s, all plaayurs are knyfer ****s an dun fyt faare and just evrythin wong wit it. by cod an enjoy kilin ****s in one-go wit ur knyf lolol oh and cod has gunz!!!! like, so mutch coller than ****gy swords    … Expand
  15. Raizulee1
    Apr 22, 2013
    0
    This game is the most overrated ever! Let me Explain why I think this game is bad.......1st: There is no choice of difficulty settings, instead you were force to be challenge all the time (which I hate).......2nd: Its exactly the same game as Demon Souls, only difference is the place, environment and the monsters, people was mad that "COD" always being a rip off from its previous gameThis game is the most overrated ever! Let me Explain why I think this game is bad.......1st: There is no choice of difficulty settings, instead you were force to be challenge all the time (which I hate).......2nd: Its exactly the same game as Demon Souls, only difference is the place, environment and the monsters, people was mad that "COD" always being a rip off from its previous game every time but what about Dark Souls rip off Demon Souls?..... 3rd: Its not "open world" type like Skyrim or Fallout 3 but instead your were force to go on a linear path anywhere........4th: There is very few dialogue choices while communicating with several NPCs (infact there were very few NPCs) on a game which its genre has being called an "RPG" game........5th There is no "cheats" or what so ever for players who are so frustrated by the game and doesn't want to be challenge.......6th: There is no storyline to it, just a linear dialogue and cutscene to push you forward? To me gaming is about "fun" and I find this game isn't about "fun" but "challenges". For me who has less "free time" and a busy person, I find this game a horrible game for me...... If I want to be challenged, I'll do it in real life like challenge myself in sports or any competition that benefits me in real life and not on a nerd virtual videogame that was made by someone who is successful at making money from giving others "challenges".… Expand
  16. whitespider999
    Feb 13, 2012
    5
    Instead of falling into the love it or hate it category. I am kind of indifferent about dark souls. It's certainly challenging. And there is a serious sense of empowerment from overcoming a situation based on understanding it. The combat is well constructed, and certainly involves more elements of craft than something like skyrim's. However after 63 hours with this game. I really haveInstead of falling into the love it or hate it category. I am kind of indifferent about dark souls. It's certainly challenging. And there is a serious sense of empowerment from overcoming a situation based on understanding it. The combat is well constructed, and certainly involves more elements of craft than something like skyrim's. However after 63 hours with this game. I really have nothing to say about it beyond listing it's features. Nothing is memorable besides the difficulty. It's almost mathematical. With no emotion or sweeping adventure. It's cold. And kind of dead. And that might be the point of what is being presented - however it's moving parts don't create something fascinating or magical or emotional. But rather a construct for masochistic players. I don't like being punished. Or hated. I don't like mean spirited things. This game feels like a heavy metal listening programmer - He's cold and condescending, ferociously skilled and talented - however the more time you spend with him, the less you like him. I liked dark souls until I understood dark souls. Now I am happy to be away, smiling, and supporting people. Being a good person. In the nice fresh air. Free. Free to enjoy the world and smile. And smell flowers. And kiss, and hug. And love.… Expand
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. sauce10
    Oct 31, 2011
    9
    This is a great game. The atmosphere and aesthetics are incredible, with a very expansive world. Don't fret if you know nothing about the game just watch a video and go buy it. Totally worth it
  24. SwanLee
    Nov 2, 2011
    9
    Dark Souls is definitely my game of the year so far, however at the time of writing SkyRim and Assassin's Creed revelations have yet to be released. Firstly, yes.... it's hard. Very, very hard, and yes there is a steep learning curve. The key is patience. You will die a lot, you will want to pull your hair out at times, you will shout at the TV, and you will keep exclaiming how much youDark Souls is definitely my game of the year so far, however at the time of writing SkyRim and Assassin's Creed revelations have yet to be released. Firstly, yes.... it's hard. Very, very hard, and yes there is a steep learning curve. The key is patience. You will die a lot, you will want to pull your hair out at times, you will shout at the TV, and you will keep exclaiming how much you hate the game. However, persist and you will be rewarded with am extremely challenging, atmospheric gaming experience. I'm personally tired of games where you can simply waltz through it on very hard level without breaking a sweat, and for that reason this game is a breath of fresh air. The feeling of euphoria when you finally get past a boss that's been giving you a hard time for the last few days is something I haven't seen in a game for a long long time. Every decision you make means something, upgrading your gear, spending your level up skill point, buying from vendors.... all decisions that require thought and careful preparation. Plot your routes carefully, and grind it out... you will not regret your time investment.

    My Dark Souls biggest hint: Keep your shield up, and inch forward.... there's surprises all over the place.

    The one complaint I have, and the reason I didn't give this a maximum 10 is that in one particular area of the game, a place called BlightTown, I found that there was a fair bit of lag. But it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this wonderful RPG.

    I recommend to RPG fans who want a real challenge.    … Expand
  25. AverageToaster
    Nov 8, 2011
    7
    Great game but insanely hard, not for everyone I have to stop playing this game about ever hour after how man it makes me. Sofar I have put in a good 60 hours and just beat the first level.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. Bedbugwonder
    Mar 25, 2012
    9
    Game Starts. Prison cell, small corridor, orange writing, outside, DEAD. Youâ
  29. Tanis70
    Dec 5, 2014
    5
    I won't deny it's technically irreprehensible.
    If the only thing that interest you in a game is a high level of challenge, you're welcome, and you'll find plenty here. Along with a ridicuolous plot, nice graphics and... uhm nothing else.
    If you're the kind of people that believes "it's cool to eat roasted spiders because it's challenging and something only for the brave", well... it's    I won't deny it's technically irreprehensible.
    If the only thing that interest you in a game is a high level of challenge, you're welcome, and you'll find plenty here. Along with a ridicuolous plot, nice graphics and... uhm nothing else.
    If you're the kind of people that believes "it's cool to eat roasted spiders because it's challenging and something only for the brave", well... it's the game for you (if you have also the time to go through a steep learning curve.
    If like me, you will always like a good, honest, everyday steak over roasted spiders, well maybe it's not the game for you.    … Expand
  30. iozay
    Nov 1, 2012
    0
    The game is impossible to control. Controles are by default incorrect displayed in the interface(For PC version at least). I would defenitely not recommend this game to anyone. The game defenitely has a lot of potential but is not executed well.
  31. r3l3ntl3ss
    Feb 17, 2012
    1
    1 line to prove a badly put together game:
    Peoples mouths don't move, nuff sed. If From Studios cant animate mouths then what CAN they do. The games a bore and as you encounter the same enemy relentlessly the urge to rip your own eyeballs from your head increases. If you are thinking of getting this game, go for a more up to date game like one from the fallout series or elder scrolls. This    1 line to prove a badly put together game:
    Peoples mouths don't move, nuff sed. If From Studios cant animate mouths then what CAN they do. The games a bore and as you encounter the same enemy relentlessly the urge to rip your own eyeballs from your head increases. If you are thinking of getting this game, go for a more up to date game like one from the fallout series or elder scrolls. This game had the making of a brilliant game , its a shame it was put into the hands of From Studios.    … Expand
  32. 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
  33. afrr23
    Dec 30, 2011
    4
    This is a good game, so hear me out.It's the falling attack gimmick that irks me and made me quit.Most boss fights revolve around finding some place to climb up, waiting and using said falling attack to do a huge amount of damage to him.Not only does this kill the mood of the fight but it makes no sense to me whatsoever.I just can't take a game that presents itself as "difficult" andThis is a good game, so hear me out.It's the falling attack gimmick that irks me and made me quit.Most boss fights revolve around finding some place to climb up, waiting and using said falling attack to do a huge amount of damage to him.Not only does this kill the mood of the fight but it makes no sense to me whatsoever.I just can't take a game that presents itself as "difficult" and "challenging" seriously when such simple and illogical methods defeat these monstrous bosses we are presented with.… Expand
  34. TooGoods
    Nov 19, 2011
    4
    Good game, but the cheap deaths is a very negative aspect to this game, and there's a lot of it. The story is not as good as Dark Souls and the absence of a central "Nexus" also ruins this game for me. I feel that the bosses are also not as memorable as Dark Souls. Another negative thing is that the game is full of people who spam "soul" glitches to reach levels that are far too highGood game, but the cheap deaths is a very negative aspect to this game, and there's a lot of it. The story is not as good as Dark Souls and the absence of a central "Nexus" also ruins this game for me. I feel that the bosses are also not as memorable as Dark Souls. Another negative thing is that the game is full of people who spam "soul" glitches to reach levels that are far too high (300-700) to even challenge against when you are in certain covenants such as the Darkmoon covenant.… Expand
  35. Necrotaur
    Oct 22, 2011
    9
    I came in not knowing what to expect as I had never played Demon's Souls and knew nothing about the series except I'd read a lot of good reviews, and it was a sort of western-themed JRPG/hack and slash. Aside from the incomprehensible story common to most games from Japan, Dark Souls is a great experience, but it's definitely not for everyone. It is VERY difficult and gives zero help toI came in not knowing what to expect as I had never played Demon's Souls and knew nothing about the series except I'd read a lot of good reviews, and it was a sort of western-themed JRPG/hack and slash. Aside from the incomprehensible story common to most games from Japan, Dark Souls is a great experience, but it's definitely not for everyone. It is VERY difficult and gives zero help to people either new to the series or these types of games in general. The checkpoint bonfires are few and far between, and there is a sort of penalty for using them (enemies respawn). Enemies can and will use 'cheap' attacks, stunlocking you or killing you in 2 hits. Difficult bosses appear from nowhere and cause you to lose all your accumulated souls. Sometimes you make a mistake and a group of normal enemies absolutely wipe the floor with you. But you know... all of that is part of Dark Souls charm. Playing it I was reminded of Vagrant Story and if you can get past the difficulty, there is a very deep and satisfying game here. It's also not a game you sit down to play in the morning and finish a little after lunch. The online portion of it with other players leaving hints of what to do and the pvp invasion segments are very innovative (at least, I haven't seen anything like them before). If you enjoy 'nintendo hard' games like Ninja Gaiden Black and don't mind dying a lot to try and beat a tough area, pick up Dark Souls.… Expand
  36. 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
  37. Mon0chromicorn
    Nov 10, 2011
    9
    This game is great for those who like a challenge and dont mind dying....A LOT. Jumping into Dark Souls is unlike any game your used to, it does not hold your hand and give you tutorials. You literally fight a huge boss minuets after you start the game. The world and enemies in Dark souls are vast, this is on game where buying a strategy guide is highly recommended! You always need to beThis game is great for those who like a challenge and dont mind dying....A LOT. Jumping into Dark Souls is unlike any game your used to, it does not hold your hand and give you tutorials. You literally fight a huge boss minuets after you start the game. The world and enemies in Dark souls are vast, this is on game where buying a strategy guide is highly recommended! You always need to be on your toes in this game. Very trial and error based. Being able to summon other players into your world to help fight a boss is great, it makes things alot easier and enjoyable.… Expand
  38. tdebug
    Dec 23, 2013
    5
    Though game play is reach and interesting, difficulty is what really killing this game. By difficulty I mean not difficult enemies they are great. Unfortunately really a lot of dump repetitive actions involved in the gameplay. You die really often and respawn really far from that point. I wish they have save and load option, allowing to save at any point.
  39. WideningTuna
    May 6, 2012
    0
    Story sucks. Too difficult. Don't waist your time with this game. Takes hours upon hours to do anything. Don't wait your time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  40. thebrock
    Jul 22, 2012
    7
    There is no dought about the most difficult rpg game to be released on xbox 360. Dark souls is an absolute **** nightmare. It is time consuming, and very very repetitive. Also the storyline can be a little hard to follow if you dont use the internet as a guide. I however loved the leveling system in this game and felt the attention to detail was incredible. Will probably go back and haveThere is no dought about the most difficult rpg game to be released on xbox 360. Dark souls is an absolute **** nightmare. It is time consuming, and very very repetitive. Also the storyline can be a little hard to follow if you dont use the internet as a guide. I however loved the leveling system in this game and felt the attention to detail was incredible. Will probably go back and have another crack at this game. Nearly got to the end but not quite. If you like a challenge buy this game.… Expand
  41. Kimogaku
    Feb 12, 2013
    8
    Darksouls is one of the most amazing Games out there. I've never played Demon Souls because i hadn't got the console there yet and i truly regret that. This Series throws you into Bloody Battles that you might think are Challenging... Looking deeper in the Game you will begin to understand, that this Game resembles a real War, not only for your Live but it show whats most important inDarksouls is one of the most amazing Games out there. I've never played Demon Souls because i hadn't got the console there yet and i truly regret that. This Series throws you into Bloody Battles that you might think are Challenging... Looking deeper in the Game you will begin to understand, that this Game resembles a real War, not only for your Live but it show whats most important in actual Battles: Experience!
    Its an achievement to get to the first Bell true but its an even greater achievment to play the game again and do the same in just an fifth of the time. Dark Souls is not a Game for everyone and especially not people who go Head first into Battles not thinking about how to fight.

    The Game would have gotten a 10 from me, but the Graphics are too Old, The Multiplayer System sucks and it got some bugs and problems here and there. Still its an awesome game and i spend way more than 100h on this game trying to get an even higher Level. Its fun and addictive and even though the Graphics are beautiful they are full of little Details here and there. You really feel as if you are in the world. Unfortunately that is not something everyone gets to Experience but this game is one of my All time Favorites    … Expand
  42. TheMightyShell
    Oct 15, 2011
    8
    When you die your first time in Dark Souls it is frustrating. You've lost souls, time, and hard work. After the first one-hundred times you die you will stop caring. The graphics are nothing special, but the game has amazing aesthetics. It entwines you in to the world very easily and you will instantly feel as though you are in the Dark Souls world. Combat is tight, very tight. To theWhen you die your first time in Dark Souls it is frustrating. You've lost souls, time, and hard work. After the first one-hundred times you die you will stop caring. The graphics are nothing special, but the game has amazing aesthetics. It entwines you in to the world very easily and you will instantly feel as though you are in the Dark Souls world. Combat is tight, very tight. To the point where you know that the reason you died was your own fault.

    Cons: Enemies can attack through walls, while you are penalized for striking through walls. This can be annoying in narrow corridors.
    The HUD is ugly, very ugly.
    Co-Op with friends in near impossible.    … Expand
  43. dimon94xx
    Oct 16, 2011
    8
    Ok, so first of all this game is great but falsely difficult. The game has a nice feel of scale, but unfortunately the frame rate goes down exactly because of the scale. Dark souls has a very unique feel of accomplishment after beating an enemy you couldn't beat before. The game claims to be difficult but as long as you understand the mechanics, you shouldn't have any problems for the mostOk, so first of all this game is great but falsely difficult. The game has a nice feel of scale, but unfortunately the frame rate goes down exactly because of the scale. Dark souls has a very unique feel of accomplishment after beating an enemy you couldn't beat before. The game claims to be difficult but as long as you understand the mechanics, you shouldn't have any problems for the most part. All you need to do is learn enemies pattern and they will become easy...in case you have a good equipment, it's an RPG after all. The graphics are up-to-date, but everything feels better, once again, because of the scale. Demon's souls was known for its strategic gameplay - i.e. you learned something new after every death, but Dark souls feels a little unfair at times. Controls WILL feel clunky at the beginning, but you just have to accept them before you'll start enjoying the game. For the most part this game needs to be understood by the player, and you CANNOT recommend it to anyone, it's either love or hate, and i love it, but the flaws are just too obvious to give it a 10.… Expand
  44. Multijhonny24
    Oct 27, 2011
    8
    This is a good game but so close to being an amazing game. the graphics are beautiful and i love the dark feel around it. The environments are great and the soundtrack is awesome especially the music when you fight a boss. the gameplay is fun but what takes away from it is the difficulty. i love a challenge and this game is certainly a challenge but at times it was just flat out unfair andThis is a good game but so close to being an amazing game. the graphics are beautiful and i love the dark feel around it. The environments are great and the soundtrack is awesome especially the music when you fight a boss. the gameplay is fun but what takes away from it is the difficulty. i love a challenge and this game is certainly a challenge but at times it was just flat out unfair and ridiculously hard. and the way the game saves makes it even more challenging but all in all this game is a good game, one of the best this year but not game of the year..… Expand
  45. Artomoz
    Aug 17, 2014
    6
    Disclaimer: Dark Souls is not made to suit the average gamers. Disregard all those bad reviews made by players who could not survive the first few fights of the game. I myself was frustrated in the beginning, until I realized if you play this game with an MMO mentality, you'll do well. If an area is difficult, grind, level up, try again, if it's still difficulty, grind level up, repeat.Disclaimer: Dark Souls is not made to suit the average gamers. Disregard all those bad reviews made by players who could not survive the first few fights of the game. I myself was frustrated in the beginning, until I realized if you play this game with an MMO mentality, you'll do well. If an area is difficult, grind, level up, try again, if it's still difficulty, grind level up, repeat.

    The game boasts about difficulty, in the end, it's not the difficulty of the game, it's being patient and studying your enemies, knowing what level certain areas require and once again, being patient. Average gamers expect a Skyrim experience where you can just take on a mob, that's not the case with Dark Souls, the game will punish you for bad decisions.

    The game itself is a broken mess, which adds to the "difficulty." The game suffers from: bad frame rate, terrible game mechanics, bad hit detection, bad button input response and recognition. Hence why the 6 is being given, bad game development does not yield a difficult game, it's just lazy development.

    Aside from the negatives, the lore of this game is very interesting and will keep you going through out the game. The areas a player visits are interesting, while very linear, the developers did a good job in giving it a pseudo free roam feeling.    … Expand
  46. Orujimaru
    Nov 9, 2011
    8
    Dark Souls is a great game and a terrible game.

    It's unbelivable addicting, I spent over 70 hours playing this game in just the first two weeks. It's huge with amazing varying landscapes. It's hard but fair. The story is great if you spend enough time with it and the NPCs are interesting. Boss and enemy models and animations are amazing. Those were the good parts, now these are the    Dark Souls is a great game and a terrible game.

    It's unbelivable addicting, I spent over 70 hours playing this game in just the first two weeks.
    It's huge with amazing varying landscapes.
    It's hard but fair.
    The story is great if you spend enough time with it and the NPCs are interesting.
    Boss and enemy models and animations are amazing.

    Those were the good parts, now these are the terrible parts.
    Framerate, some areas have terrible low framerates, the programmers have not done a good job here.
    Environment textures and models are terrible.
    The sound and music is very uninteresting, Demon's Souls had great music but this time I barely notice it.
    Unbalanced, especially when you begin NG+, you're literally 2 hit some bosses and some bosses seem to have almost infinite health. In NG+ they deal a lot more damage which can be frustrating when you keep getting one hit.

    Verdict:
    If you have the time to spend and like hard games, you should never forgive yourself for not picking up this.    … Expand
  47. The_upgrade
    Nov 10, 2011
    8
    Never played demon souls before so I didn't know what to expect. My cousin actually told me about this game. The more I read about the more interested I became. My experience with Dark souls is that it punishes you for not reacting to enemies differently. Even as a level 45 in the beginning area I can still be killed if I get careless or run through. The game can be played by yourself orNever played demon souls before so I didn't know what to expect. My cousin actually told me about this game. The more I read about the more interested I became. My experience with Dark souls is that it punishes you for not reacting to enemies differently. Even as a level 45 in the beginning area I can still be killed if I get careless or run through. The game can be played by yourself or summoning other people into your game. It makes for a great experience summoning people to your game to take on a boss you have no experienced yet. The graphics and sounds are pretty good but not great. There is frame rate issues in some of the levels. The game doesn't provide a tutorial on how to play or how to summon help. Another great aspect is you can invade other people's worlds and try to kill them so they would have to start at the last checkpoint. It can lead to some exciting 3v1 or 2v1v1 scenario. I would recommend this as a buy and if not a rent it for sure. Remember to take it calmly and figure things out slowly. It will frustrated you but when you figure it out it makes for some great experience.… Expand
  48. Redfelcon
    Nov 21, 2011
    8
    Ill be honest I loved Demon souls, Dark Souls not so much lol I know ! The graphics are amazing, the fighting is what was to be expected, difficulty out of this world so whats the problem? I guess the wowness and surprises of Demon souls still for me at lest out shines Dark Souls. I gave Dark Souls an 8 its not a bad game, but its nothing to wow over this time. If you loved Demon souls IIll be honest I loved Demon souls, Dark Souls not so much lol I know ! The graphics are amazing, the fighting is what was to be expected, difficulty out of this world so whats the problem? I guess the wowness and surprises of Demon souls still for me at lest out shines Dark Souls. I gave Dark Souls an 8 its not a bad game, but its nothing to wow over this time. If you loved Demon souls I would say pick it up you love it.… Expand
  49. denis2011
    Nov 21, 2011
    8
    Great action RPG. Nice graphics, awesome combat. Very chalenging indeed but sometimes unfair and the fact that you can lose all your hard earned souls (xp=money..) is very frustrating. You really are going to die, a lot.......be prepared.
  50. Kuzkula
    Nov 23, 2011
    8
    Criminy. Prepare to die. Simple as that.
    Well, I love this game. As always, I dip my toes in the Redbox and snag it on my night/s off. Got addicted. Returned RAGE and got this instead. Read my problems with that "masterpiece" in another review. To put it as others have, Dark Souls makes dying fun. :D
    Graphics: Dark Souls is beautiful. There's few if any clipping going on [dragon's tail],    Criminy. Prepare to die. Simple as that.
    Well, I love this game. As always, I dip my toes in the Redbox and snag it on my night/s off. Got addicted. Returned RAGE and got this instead. Read my problems with that "masterpiece" in another review. To put it as others have, Dark Souls makes dying fun. :D

    Graphics: Dark Souls is beautiful. There's few if any clipping going on [dragon's tail], weapons are just what you'd expect to be textured. You can see _forever_ in this game. If you find a high point you can easily turn around and either see the mass of corpses in your wake, or look forward and see certain doom waiting for you. Bosses are amazing, many moving parts and detail taken to make them truly terrifying. Don't believe me? Look up Gaping Dragon. That's not even the worst!

    Sound: Ahhh, dying in a eerily silent castle corridor has never sounded so realistic. There's hardly, if any, music going on at any time. Weapons sound like they're supposed to, and when you are slowly creeping the corridor of a dungeon, you know damn well to keep silent and LISTEN. The dry rasping of a hallowed will probably be all you have to tell you're walking into an ambush. Once again: Bosses - Terrifying.

    Controls: People keep complaining about controls. I don't see how. It's not a mash RT or X to win game, and people need to understand that. Armor and equipment load determine how well you move, and half of the fight of the game is learning how to inhabit this body as you try to survive hordes of enemies, traps, bosses, mini-bosses, and those damn black knights. Fighting is simple yet strategic. Basically this - never just run in swinging like an idiot. Block, strike, repeat til dead. Can't block that hit? DODGE, KNUCKLEHEAD. Oh wait, you've died because you can't understand the basic principle of not blocking attacks with your face. Here's your helmet due to your head being caved in for being an idiot.

    UI: Easy to navigate, but man they make you rush due to there being a lack of a pause menu. Pressing start opens a quick menu and keeps the game world running. Smart players would equip their items to the multiple slots for swapping out a weapon for a talisman or whatnot. The menus are a nice touch for determining what equipment is better thanks to a stat display. Lower bleed resistance but higher fire defense. Niiiiiice. Leveling up also keeps you on the verge of insanity, needing more and more souls to get that little stat bump to keep yourself from getting stuffed in a corner and... well... y'know.

    Gameplay: CHALLENGING. God. It's not a selling point as much as it is a fun factor. It's basically a huge game of find the weakness, except with two swords and your face. Riposte/slash/block/slash and repeat. Can get quite repetitive if you try to grab too much too quickly, typically leaving you farther than comfortable from a bonfire, making you go alllllll the way out there again to retrieve your lost souls/humanity so they're all not wasted. Bosses are, again, terrifying. Once you traverse the white light, it becomes very tense, then panic, and probably disappointment at dying yet again at the damn bell tower gargoyles. Sometimes it feels as though the enemies are unfair and just pummeling you into dust. Protip- try a different method. Experiment.

    Overall: Love this game. Harsh gameplay leading to many people quitting just makes me laugh, but it can be frustrating at times, so it's understandable. Go in with patience, caution, and just a bit of foresight, and you may die less than 100 times your first playthough.    … Expand
  51. Cabinutz
    Mar 12, 2012
    8
    Dark Souls is not a game for everyone. The gameplay of the game is similar to that of Monster Hunter in some aspects. You will die a lot. But the things that this game does well outshine the negative aspects of it. Customizability of your character makes them feel as if they are unique in nature. The ever changing areas as you progress through the game create a nice flow. The game isDark Souls is not a game for everyone. The gameplay of the game is similar to that of Monster Hunter in some aspects. You will die a lot. But the things that this game does well outshine the negative aspects of it. Customizability of your character makes them feel as if they are unique in nature. The ever changing areas as you progress through the game create a nice flow. The game is constantly scaling its difficulty to keep up with your levels, and for those who enjoy gameplay elements akin to childhood difficulty will be reminded of it. Gamers have become too catered to easy games where everything must be spoon fed to them. Its nice to find a game that goes back to its roots and teaches you the basic elements and allows you to wander out and discover the rest of it for yourselves. The story is very thinly laid out in Dark Souls, but everything else makes up for it. The only big problem I had when playing it was input lag, which made hard situations even harder.… Expand
  52. dodgingbullet
    Sep 9, 2014
    8
    Dark Souls is that kind of game that you pay for so you can feel idiot, miserable and incompetent about yourself. And although you pay gladly for those feelings you wind up having a great and marvelous journey.
  53. Princevalvick64
    Dec 21, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "The difficultly isn't what makes Dark Souls unique, but its wide combat system and amazing lore/story makes Dark Souls truly, a one of kind game." Despite what I said there, Dark Souls is diffidently not for everybody. Prepare to die and yeah, your gonna die a lot from its (At first) starting difficulty until you understand its learning curve. For some players, after half way through the game, the game doesn't seem all that hard anymore. I really enjoy the combat system, I'm always creating new builds to just try out different play styles such as Light wight dexterity being my favorite and heavy strength builds with faith magic just to mix things up. There's no best armor or weapon as its all custom to your play style as every weapon, magic, or armor always comes with its pros and cons. Dark Souls is an open world game allowing players to explore in their own risk; with its well done level design, your rewarded for finding shout cuts making exploring and getting to a boss easier and quicker. The story soft-of hard to understand. Instead, your told lies through the whole playthrough and to understand the truth behind the horrors of dark souls is by reading the lore left in item descriptions. As the player, your discovering the story on your own and going back to some of the memorable areas will seem to be more understandable in how it became what you see and how it wasn't before you got there. Dark Souls is an amazing game and I'll never get tired of it but it does come with it short comings and some disappointment after Demon's Souls. The game comes with a unique multiplayer that works half the time. you can leave messages for other players to discover and help or troll. When you are human(You start as an Undead) you can summon random players to help you defeat an area and its boss but as human, other players can invade your world and kill you for half your souls and humanity. Dark Souls is an amazing and unique game but isn't for everybody. After really getting into Dark Souls, there are very few problems that can limit the player into its world and its multiplayer but overall, your getting huge and complex game that's filled with content and a DLC that wasn't even planed. Despite the rude community outside of Dark Souls, they are really supportive with each other.… Expand
  54. Andremax
    Sep 10, 2018
    5
    As everyone knows, Dark Souls brings a totally different proposal comparing any other game for its generation, bringing challenging that is too much missed in any other videogame. But the PC version is too much better than consoles. Computer version has been enhanced about playabiliy and few about graphics. The game, not being hard enough, its simply unplayable in X360 because ofAs everyone knows, Dark Souls brings a totally different proposal comparing any other game for its generation, bringing challenging that is too much missed in any other videogame. But the PC version is too much better than consoles. Computer version has been enhanced about playabiliy and few about graphics. The game, not being hard enough, its simply unplayable in X360 because of difficulty of moving character and rolling on the combats. To play this worthwhile game, come and buy the PC "Prepare to Die" or "Remastered" versions instead of console's common.… Expand
  55. jcarl663
    Feb 14, 2015
    8
    It's a very unique and fresh game, which is surprisingly difficult your first time through. The lore is drip fed to you, which can be a double edged sword. It leaves a LOT of room for interpretation, but in many cases leaves too much room. If you look closely at points, things just don't make sense. It's pretty clear that Miyazaki really loves reusing things, so he tends to cram the sameIt's a very unique and fresh game, which is surprisingly difficult your first time through. The lore is drip fed to you, which can be a double edged sword. It leaves a LOT of room for interpretation, but in many cases leaves too much room. If you look closely at points, things just don't make sense. It's pretty clear that Miyazaki really loves reusing things, so he tends to cram the same things into his games repeatedly, even if they don't have any reason to be there. It's a weird part of Eastern philosophy that things don't need to, and often don't, make sense literally, but can be traced to some philosophical concept that does make sense.

    Point of note: this game isn't hard in the sense that you're constantly struggling. This game is hard to get used to. Once you do, it stops being hard. After the first few hours, you learn the majority of the mechanics and what the game expects of you. The gameplay, while difficult and rewarding, diverse and consistently fresh, is incredibly easy to cheese out and subsequent playthroughs offer little. Once you've beaten a new enemy, it's just a matter or repeating the pattern. There are many ways to play (many of which are entirely useless) tons of weapons and fighting styles (again, most of which are entirely worthless) but it can be fun.

    The biggest drawbacks I have for this game are that, for one, there are a few optimal play styles, from which any deviation is just wasting your own time and energy, and getting the play style you want often times means beating the game once just to get all the items.

    Despite these things, it is still an intensely fun game, offers a very unique challenge, a highly engaging world and a refreshing experience overall.    … Expand
  56. Jub
    Mar 2, 2015
    8
    This game was a much needed breath of fresh air into the gaming industry.

    It's not perfect and I did find that most of the difficulty is down to figuring out the game instead to player skill which is still fun but severely lowers replay difficulty. The setting, story and characters all come together to give this deep sense of hopelessness that will stay with you long after you finish    This game was a much needed breath of fresh air into the gaming industry.

    It's not perfect and I did find that most of the difficulty is down to figuring out the game instead to player skill which is still fun but severely lowers replay difficulty.

    The setting, story and characters all come together to give this deep sense of hopelessness that will stay with you long after you finish the game.

    One of the let downs for me was the PvP. There's really no sense of balance whatsoever.

    All in all this game has some really cool uniqueness about it and rewards the players hard efforts.    … Expand
  57. ninjanerd
    Jul 16, 2014
    8
    i think that dark souls is a good game. but im a noob gamer and i found dark souls to be incredibly hard and challenging and rewarding. the game looks good has a great combat system and has a large open world for you to explore. i dont think dark souls is a bad game it is just too damn hard for people like me who like easy games to blow through.
  58. swargo109
    Nov 5, 2014
    8
    Probably one of the hardest games I've ever played and I loved every minute of it. Combat is simple to learn but difficult to master. The lore in this game is super deep and will have you thinking about the world of Lordran. The only negatives is that the graphics look slightly dated now and that there is some issues with frame rate in places. If you can look past these small problems, youProbably one of the hardest games I've ever played and I loved every minute of it. Combat is simple to learn but difficult to master. The lore in this game is super deep and will have you thinking about the world of Lordran. The only negatives is that the graphics look slightly dated now and that there is some issues with frame rate in places. If you can look past these small problems, you can find a cheap gem at your local Gamestop.… Expand
  59. ManemanFTW
    Apr 18, 2015
    8
    is a very good RPG, what else can i say? oh the frame rate is **** in some parts but the game is so good that makes you forgive it very quickly. the combat is amazing and the pvp is actually very good. The only problem is that it is very difficult to play with a friend online. but hey, it is a very good game
  60. iamevilhomer
    Jan 2, 2017
    7
    I never give 10's because nothing is perfect. Perfection does not exist. Anything can be viewed as flawed depending on who you talk to. For example a FF7 nut would think that it's perfect. While some one with a brain can see that there is a lot of boring stuff there too.

    So lets start the review. It's a pretty awesome game for the most part. The world of the game is a Picasso painting    I never give 10's because nothing is perfect. Perfection does not exist. Anything can be viewed as flawed depending on who you talk to. For example a FF7 nut would think that it's perfect. While some one with a brain can see that there is a lot of boring stuff there too.

    So lets start the review. It's a pretty awesome game for the most part. The world of the game is a Picasso painting on crack that's all interconnected. Very trippy but also very kool. Players will want to explore but at the same time will have a sense of fear since this game has a way of tricking the player constantly. No human being could possibly beat this game on their first try unless they knew what to do at every part and even that's a stretch.

    The characters. Very mysterious is the way to describe it. The story isn't really there and needs to be pieced together in a way that ultimately is left up to the player. Basically the story is whatever the player wants it to be. Interesting but lets get real here. That can easily be looked at as lazy story telling rather than a genius approach.

    Combat. This is some of the best and worst stuff about the game. Rolling, shield blocking, attacking, different weapons up the ying yang, magic, archery type stuff, bombs, weird items all over the place. Very deep is the word I would use to describe it. But in the end there are only about 10 things that any smart player would stick to lol. So a lot of stuff in the game is next to useless.

    Online servers are trash in this game. Getting coop to work is already a nightmare and because of the servers being trash... Good luck. Some parts of the game don't even work for coop so you will have to find out which parts of the game are good for this sort of a thing. And while you're trying to get coop to work a invading player that's op or just plain cheating with mods can show up and crap on you which is always a bummer. Hilarious... But a bummer if you're actually trying to just have fun with your buddy in coop. You can play offline if you don't want to deal with invading players who are often cheaters but there is no way to play coop without having to worry about invaders. This is a huge disappointment with the game. Some defend it by saying that dark souls is just that sort of a game... But honestly... Why can't we have the best of both worlds? Maybe the game on PC can fix this problem with mods lol.

    Only certain areas are done with coop so don't think that you can play the game from start to finish with your friend. The game is lame like that. The game is designed to make players suffer in frustration essentially. Veteran players of the series will have a much easier time but even they too will be butt spanked by the game.

    The visuals are amazing as well as the music. Very good stuff here. It's also a game that's worth your money. It offers soooooo many secrets and areas to explore. The game has a lot of replay value and that's great. Controls are fairly effective as well. Once you get a feel for rolling, moving, and knowing when to attack and when to fall back you will truly start to understand what it feels like to be good at the game. Or you could just spam magic like crazy which basically turns the game into easy mode. JK lol... If you want to just spam magic it wont be that simple. You will still need to learn how to time things even if it is easier than using a melee weapon. A very challenging game and a game that's not for players expecting a easy game.

    Good game. But great? Nahh... maybe in some ways but because of limiting options for multiplayer, bad hit detection in some areas, OP stuff which takes out balance, frustrating areas like the 2 archers in the golden palace, story isn't really there, trash servers etc etc...

    It's hard to judge this game. I give the game a 7 to be the guy in the middle ground. Casual gamers would probably give the game a 6 because it's too hard for them and not what they are used to in a rpg. Hardcore challenge loving gamers would like it a lot because it's hard and deep (lolz). Everyone agrees though that the options for multiplayer/coop are weak and the servers suck. Everyone agrees that the story could be told in a more str8 forward way. Do it like skyrim. Have a bunch of little side stories to explore but the main story is still there. That satisfies both the casual and hardcore. Everyone agrees that there is OP stuff like Dark Bead. It's still a good game for the most part and a little different from your usual rpg that you have been getting for the past 20 years. I highly recommend at least experiencing the title just to see how rpg's can evolve these days. I liked it a whole lot but this review is for all gamers so I'm looking at it in a way that all gamers would. Obviously most players would have some gripes so this is a 6-8 depending on who you are really. Giving it a 10 is impossible for obvious reasons and giving it a 9 is being too nice.    … Expand
  61. Broyax
    Mar 30, 2017
    0
    Par rapport au premier (Demon's Souls), il y a comme un progrès au niveau des graphismes bien qu'en fait les cache-misères comme une ambiance (trop) sombre et la faible luminosité soient utilisés trop fréquemment mais admettons. Cela reste laid pour les standards actuels (ou même passés) en matière de RPG.

    A part ça, on retrouve les tics (et les TOC...) de From Software : des menus    Par rapport au premier (Demon's Souls), il y a comme un progrès au niveau des graphismes bien qu'en fait les cache-misères comme une ambiance (trop) sombre et la faible luminosité soient utilisés trop fréquemment mais admettons. Cela reste laid pour les standards actuels (ou même passés) en matière de RPG.

    A part ça, on retrouve les tics (et les TOC...) de From Software : des menus moches et pas pratiques, une interface pourrie et une maniabilité à revoir. On retrouve aussi cette difficulté ridiculement élevée et des points de sauvegarde tous les 36 du mois : il s'agira donc de recommencer, encore et encore jusqu'au par coeur comme une récitation de CE2 (c'est le niveau des joueurs actuels, c'est leur mentalité). D'ailleurs, je n'avais encore jamais vu de RPG qui vous balance un boss dans la gueule au bout de 45 secondes (c'est un record...).

    Pour le reste -s'il y a vraiment un reste ou des restes- c'est un monde creux mais qui n'est plus aussi niais que les jeux de rôle japoniais que les Japonais ont l'habitude de nous jeter en pâture : assez logique puisqu'on passe sa vie (enfin façon de parler) à mourir : c'est "hardcore" et vous ne verrez aucun chocobo, non, non. Monde creux et générique donc, peu développé et sans aucune histoire digne de ce nom.

    Finalement je ne vois aucune raison de persister à se faire chier dans un jeu pareil, à part une inquiétante tendance au masochisme.    … Expand
  62. Kire_92
    Mar 21, 2018
    5
    At first I really liked this game but the more I played it got less and less interesting.

    The setting and the difficulty of the game was really appealing. But the more I played it started to feel very repetitive. .Sure the game got different environments and enemies. But the overall gameplay and combat became stale and repetitive. And after a few hours of gameplay new bosses didn’t seem    At first I really liked this game but the more I played it got less and less interesting.

    The setting and the difficulty of the game was really appealing. But the more I played it started to feel very repetitive. .Sure the game got different environments and enemies. But the overall gameplay and combat became stale and repetitive. And after a few hours of gameplay new bosses didn’t seem interesting to me and the magic that had hooked me to the game wore off.

    If I could have stayed as interested as I was at the start throughout the whole game I would give this game a very high score. But that was not the case. But at the same time I can understand why others would love this game. Tough in the end it was not for me.    … Expand
  63. Rains01
    Jan 26, 2021
    10
    ..........................................................................:
  64. Cafe_8bits
    Nov 14, 2019
    8
    Dark Souls is not just a game, but an entire experience. Dark Soul is not your average RPG, where you grind your character untill you can destroy the world, but you as a player grow to master the mechanics as a whole. Levels matter here, but your handle of the game matter the most.
    The melancholic atmosphere and great narrative choices made this game an unforgettable experience for me,    Dark Souls is not just a game, but an entire experience. Dark Soul is not your average RPG, where you grind your character untill you can destroy the world, but you as a player grow to master the mechanics as a whole. Levels matter here, but your handle of the game matter the most.
    The melancholic atmosphere and great narrative choices made this game an unforgettable experience for me, and everyone who likes RPGs should play it.    … Expand
  65. Arya977
    Jan 11, 2021
    8
    Gameplay..........Good.
    Graphics............Mediocre.
    Score.................Amazing.
  66. AmonOsiris
    May 11, 2020
    0
    From software are the worst company ever. They make poor games amp the difficulty because they know people will eat it up. Your not good for beating this game. You need a life. Hated this game and anything else theyve done. Fix your games from
  67. avhscopyofalien
    Jul 8, 2020
    0
    my favorite game of all time. yeah, it's difficult, but it's one of the best slices of media i've ever consumed...
  68. 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
  69. somethingguy912
    Dec 2, 2016
    8
    It might be a bit late for me to make a review on a game this old, but I had just completed the game's story just a few weeks ago, and do understand the appeal of this game, although, even with that in mind, it does have some flaws.

    Now, this game is largely herald for it's absolutely insane difficulty curve and it's seamless environment, and half of that is true. Now, the game is    It might be a bit late for me to make a review on a game this old, but I had just completed the game's story just a few weeks ago, and do understand the appeal of this game, although, even with that in mind, it does have some flaws.

    Now, this game is largely herald for it's absolutely insane difficulty curve and it's seamless environment, and half of that is true. Now, the game is difficult, but it's difficulty is largely based on the fact that the game does not give you any pointers in terms of plot or combat other than the basic controls of the game. There's one thing to hand hold the players, and it's a whole other thing to not even give your players the correct means to progress through the game. Most if not all of your credentials are going to rely on looking up the wiki, which much like with Minecraft, completely takes the user off from the initial experience when you get ganked on and the game does not explain certain aspects. Did you know that you could talk to the daughter of chaos? You wouldn't unless you looked up the wiki. Did you know that Lautrec would kill the Fireseeker in Firelink Shrine, and that you have to go to a specific part in Anor Londo to get the soul back? Only with the wiki. The only story details the game tells you is the basic main story of lighting the two flames via ringing the two bells and retrieving four lord souls, and despite my expectations for some narrative twists - the only one is the fact that Gwyndolin has made an illusion of sunlight in Anor Londo - there is none. It's as straightforward as it comes: link the flame to continue the age of fire, or keep it selfishly to yourself. It's about as black and white as it gets. As a result of this forced piecemealing of the story, it does lose points.

    As for the environment and the gameplay, it is very solid, once you get the hang of it. Once again, the difficulty comes from the lack of explaining core details, the game still can be hard if you just come in rushing, unless you are overleveled against weaker foes. Blocking and timing attacks are key, and keeping your health and stamina pools is necessary for your success. You will in fact, die a lot, but dying is only a part of the learning experience of the game, as it does not give you any wiggle room on it's part. The world is built very well, as you can seamlessly travel through Firelink Shrine and bend towards New Londo, and make a backroad to the Valley of the Drakes and head towards Blighttown, and so on and so on. Even areas that aren't tied together, like Demon Ruins and Tomb of the Giants, still give you an opportunity to see these areas from a distance. But be careful about travelling to said areas, like with other open world areas, some places will be harder than others. Weapon variety is very well done, with a number of weapons that tie to certain builds, but be certain that your builds are the ones you want, as you cannot ReSpec in this game. Not to mention, miracles and sorceries, basically spells, can only be restored through bonfires and by no other means, so be careful with using them. Multiplayer is a bit flawed, as connectivity is sometimes inconsistent and lags horribly via Coop or even PvP matches, which is still well done since it is still based on the combat.

    So overall, Dark Souls is a well done game on exploration, observation, survival, and combat, but as for a story driven narrative, a lot of it is overly reliant on the items you find and the wiki you'll look up to realize you need to go to Scrumly the Crow and give him a Sunlight Maggot in order to get the Old Witch's Ring to talk to the Daughter of Chaos, which is completely irrelevant to anything.    … Expand
  70. HSuke
    Jul 31, 2020
    7
    This game is brutal, and it doesn't always feel fair.

    On the positive side, the lore of this game is gorgeous, and the interconnect map is awe-inspiring. On the negative side, DS1 is less polished and evenly-paced than its 2 sequels, and the design in certain areas is sometimes questionable. This game is 100x harder playing offline without a guide, and that's how I did it during my    This game is brutal, and it doesn't always feel fair.

    On the positive side, the lore of this game is gorgeous, and the interconnect map is awe-inspiring. On the negative side, DS1 is less polished and evenly-paced than its 2 sequels, and the design in certain areas is sometimes questionable.

    This game is 100x harder playing offline without a guide, and that's how I did it during my first run. Don't do this. Just play online. You get so many hints playing online.

    Many parts of this game are masochistically difficult but very rewarding once you figure them out. Enemies and environmental objects are specifically placed to cause maximal frustration. You can spend 5 minutes to reach a certain point, dodging dozens of attacks, only to die from a random giant pendulum that pops out of nowhere. You then reattempt it 20 more times, dying in the same spot every time. By the time you finally get past it a frustrating hour later, you only venture another minute further before some minion skeleton jumps out of nowhere and pushes you off a cliff. There is little consistency to figuring out the location of hidden walls, so you can spend an eternity wasting time swinging at every wall.

    If you want bleak and brutal, but fair, go play Dark Souls 3 or Hollow Knight. Save points/bonfires in DS 1 are extremely spread out. Everything in the world, especially the environment, wants to cheese you and can single-handedly do so on your first encounter with it. There's no teleportation between bonfires for most of the game. Many bosses are cheesy. Just stay away this game unless you're a masochist like me.

    Though after you've finally beaten it, it'll feel like you've spent an eternity living in its bleak, depressing world. You'll realize that you've become part of it, and it just won't let you go. You'll choose to linger around as a soulless Blade of the Darkmoon, punishing others who are just starting their journey ... others who are just like who you once were.    … Expand
  71. RllyCoolGuy
    Jun 10, 2015
    8
    Well, it's a really good game, it has its flaws, but i'll get there.
    At its core, it's an action-rpg, and it does that pretty well. When i first played, i thought that there was going to be a few classes. The usual tank-slash-melee guy, the casting-inteligence based-mage and the quicky-stealthy- dodgy(?) thief. All the classes are variations of the listed above, but thats kind of "cute"    Well, it's a really good game, it has its flaws, but i'll get there.
    At its core, it's an action-rpg, and it does that pretty well. When i first played, i thought that there was going to be a few classes. The usual tank-slash-melee guy, the casting-inteligence based-mage and the quicky-stealthy- dodgy(?) thief. All the classes are variations of the listed above, but thats kind of "cute" to see.
    Graphics and art design at all are pretty well done (except for blighttown, that was horrible).
    Speaking of blighttown, framerate drops EVERYWHERE, sometimes even if i'm just critting someone, the game just lags. It doesn't seem like so much problem, but later in the game, if it freezes or lags at you during a boss figth, you're completely f*cked.
    Overall, it's a good experience if you like rpgs, and a really good experience if you're masoquist enough to handle this game.    … Expand
  72. 11254man
    Jun 26, 2017
    8
    I really hate useless _/10 scores, but this platform forces one, so wait until the end for a recommendation on how much you should buy it for, as I feel it to be a more accurate representation of whether the game is, you know... worth it. Dark Souls is an Action RPG by From Software. Dark Souls is a game I enjoy quite a bit, and I'm going to spend the bulk of this review talking aboutI really hate useless _/10 scores, but this platform forces one, so wait until the end for a recommendation on how much you should buy it for, as I feel it to be a more accurate representation of whether the game is, you know... worth it. Dark Souls is an Action RPG by From Software. Dark Souls is a game I enjoy quite a bit, and I'm going to spend the bulk of this review talking about why, and what gave me pause even in my blind admiration. First off, the sound design on the whole thing is wonderful, from satisfying sound effects to amazingly orchestrated boss themes, the game excels in its sound design. Graphical design is the first thing I start to have a bit of a problem with. The game looks great for the most part, but some things are just hard to get over. The lava in the game quite literally hurts to look at, some of the backdrops aren't even slightly worked on (though others are to excess) and, one thing I really can't get over: there are some spots that are straight up unfinished. The stairs into the Lower Undead Burg straight up don't have anything to the left of them, just a gaping, lazy hole. Now, story wise, Dark Souls can't be touched. it's told through item descriptions and optional character dialogue, with very little laid out for you. This allows you to piece together an expansive and complete world. The gamplay is where this series shines, however. Rolling is responsive, blocking is responsive, combat is calculated but an adrenaline rush all the same. Some of the bosses, like Orenstien and Smough, are some of the best in all of gaming. However, other bosses, like the Bed of Chaos, are inexcusable, awful bits of the game I wish I could just skip. So, is the game worth it? YES! Get it now! at its current 20$ price point (For both the game and it's DLC.) it's a steal. Definitely one of my all time favorites.… Expand
  73. 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.
  74. JRY69
    Aug 31, 2016
    8
    Ah, Dark Souls 1. I was so hesitant to get into the series because of this infamous game. Known for its ball-crushing difficulty made me such a **** to try it out. But, after beating Bloodborne and Dark Souls 2, I finally bought the game and gave it a try. And while I'm not nearly as in love with the game as some others are, I do think that this is a very solid, fun, and extremelyAh, Dark Souls 1. I was so hesitant to get into the series because of this infamous game. Known for its ball-crushing difficulty made me such a **** to try it out. But, after beating Bloodborne and Dark Souls 2, I finally bought the game and gave it a try. And while I'm not nearly as in love with the game as some others are, I do think that this is a very solid, fun, and extremely challenging RPG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Despite being what I would call 'unrefined,' Dark Souls' interconnectivity between its areas, its challenging but rewarding combat, its vicious bosses and its overall artistic design are absolutely enthralling. The game has such a storied status in the video gaming world for a reason despite its flaws.    … Expand
  78. migueltaker
    Jan 4, 2021
    9
    De los mejores juegos que alguna vez jugué, toda una experiencia, los escenarios increíbles
  79. 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!
  80. 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.
  81. 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
  82. 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
  83. 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
  84. 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
  85. 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.
  86. 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
  87. 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
  88. grimreapersims
    Feb 8, 2023
    9
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  89. 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
  90. 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.
  91. 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.
  92. 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.
  93. 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
  94. 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
  95. 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
  96. farrrullll
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls Dark Souls
  97. agq
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the closest any game will ever come to in terms of true art. The story is told through rare bits of NPC dialogue, descriptions of items, and the world around you. The enemies, bosses and world design feel intricately designed in a way that makes the world feel real and lived in. This game-play can go from dreadful to fearless depending on where you are, the trip into the Depths and down to Blighttown always gives me a unique sense of dread that not even a horror game could give me. But you persist and move on through the game, unveiling the ending leaving you thinking that you have played the greatest game ever to be created.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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