Does anyone else play these games? I'm curious because, in a weird way, I think a fan of Bakker would really like the lore of Dark Souls (I haven't played Demon's yet, plan on picking it up in the next few days). The lore of DkS, while very different from Earwa, is absolutely phenomenal. It genuinely has some of the best fantasy world-building and individual little character subplots that I have ever seen. What makes it so cool (and challenging), however, is that the story is subtle as hell. Many people, including several notable reviewers, can play through the entire game and come away with the impression that there's no plot at all -- and trust me, it's there. It's there in spades. But you have to work for it.
For starters, there's very little dialogue. You can go hours without speaking to anyone. When you do speak with someone, it's often brief and cryptic. The game does not hold your hand at all. No map, no guides, etc. In order to learn the story, you have to pay very close attention to every line of dialogue, read every description of weapons, armor, spells, and any other items, and even pay attention to the (beautifully rendered and brilliantly complex) geography of the world. This is genuinely a game where almost nothing is placed by accident. Everything has a purpose, and hints are scattered everywhere, if you look for them. A writer for Forbes described the effect of deciphering the story as being almost like you're an archaeologist, and I thought that was a great metaphor.
Beyond the story though, the gameplay itself is great. As many probably know, the game (and DeS as well) is notoriously difficult. You will die frequently, and death in this game is meaningful -- it makes you really, really want to live. The bosses are tough but wonderfully designed. Most of all, the game is very, very methodical. When you die, it's almost always because you fucked up, not because the game cheated (though there are a few sections that border on being unfair, but they're the exception). It rewards patience, awareness, planning, and studying of enemies. Despite the dark, almost oppressive fantasy setting, the combat is actually surprisingly realistic. There's a weight to everything, and the hitboxes are some of the best I've seen (a sword can literally pass beneath your elbow as you're turning and miss you by inches).
There's also the amazing multiplayer, which features both co-op and the ability to invade other player's gameworlds (or, conversely, get your own invaded). Players can leave messages all over the place, giving hints and tips for secrets or difficult areas, or sometimes causing mischief by cleverly tricking the player into a mistake. You also see "ghosts" of players at random points, letting you witness what they're doing in a particular area, and sometimes even seeing how they died (which can help for planning).
So yeah, it's awesome, but the story especially was my favorite part. I really can't think of another fantasy game storyline I've played that's quite as unique and powerful as that of DkS. I'm hoping some other Bakker fans have experience them.