Developer – From Software
Platforms – PS3, 360
Release – October
It’s with a degree of trepidation that I will say I am looking forward to From Software’s follow up to Demon’s Souls. May I present to you – Dark Souls.
Demon’s Souls really challenged us to the point of utter frustration. Set in a dark and brooding fantasy world, it pushed the difficulty level to the extreme. In a medium now dictated largely by the casual gamer’s buying habbits, Demon’s Souls was a breath of fresh air, and it went on to become a cult classic and even managed to sell well.
It was not just Demon’s Souls’ unrelenting challenge that kept players coming back for more, its multiplayer component was also unique. Coming in two flavours, Demon’s Souls multiplayer had co-op but, but what truly resonated with players, was the ability to invade other people’s games.
With Dark Souls From Software has decided to take another hack at the formula, but instead of a Demon’s Souls 2, they opted for a new IP which they consider a spiritual successor rather than a sequel of any sort. While Demon’s Souls was a PS3 exclusive, Xbox users will finally be able to take part in the masochism with Dark Souls.
Now obviously the names share a close resemblance, and From Software is looking to extend that resemblance to the gameplay. Dark Souls is going to be difficult, even more so than its predecessor. However, there are elements seeing a makeover. Firstly, the game world will now be more open to exploration, less claustrophobic and with fewer loading screens. The game is also expected to be longer, taking more time to complete the campaign and story.
As I already mentioned, by all indications Dark Souls will be even more challenging than Demon’s Souls. However, Dark Souls producer Kei Hirono (as well as other development members) are quick to point out that Dark Souls is to remain as fair as possible, whilst still offering considerable challenge.
Making a return is the soul mechanic, whereby souls are your primary currency for levelling your character as well as buying and upgrading your gear. Be prepared for numerous hikes back to your corpse in an attempt to regain those lost souls whilst cursing that monster that caught you off-guard.
Players will once again take control of their character’s progression, where little is defined from the outset of the game. Morality is making a return, but with changes that have yet to be fully defined.
As far as the lauded online features go, multiplayer is not seeing much of an overhaul — why fix something that works? However, gone are the dedicated servers, so at least now players will not be subjected to server woes, assuming whatever replaces them is better. Invading is still in the mix for the PvP lovers out there, and we can expect more quests involving PvP as well as new features to allow players to avoid PvP, such as morphing your character into environment objects such as boulders or chairs.
For players buckling under the challenge, a new feature to the series has been added to ease that burden. From Software has included campsites, or Beacons of Sanctuary, throughout the world. These Beacons of Sanctuary will allow you to recover whilst protecting you from the horrors that beset you.
Overall, From Software will not be deviating far from the harsh, sombre and rugged patch etched by Demon’s Souls. They are keeping what works while streamlining features.
The Collector’s Edition will include:
• Limited Edition Art Book
• Mini-Strategy Guide Book
• Behind-The-Scenes Videos
• Digital Download of the Official Soundtrack
• All Neatly Fitted into a Stylish Metal Case
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