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Dark Souls & Demon's Souls

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Francis Buck:
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.

Royce:
What I remember most about Demon souls was that it was ridiculously difficult,and my ps3 got smashed after I had played the game only for a few hours.Looked like a great game though.

Wilshire:
I've considered playing them, but extrodinarily difficult games are not always my style. I like a challenge but I've heard so many complaints about this game that I'm skeptical. I don't want to spent 100 hours playing a game I end up hating :P.

Callan S.:
I wouldn't say it's actually that hard...I'd say metal slug is harder than dark souls. But dark souls holds suspense so much better, over long periods. I'm just coming back to it now, after having stopped more for not knowing what to do next than because its hard. I'm not sure its hard - it just it will kill you every so often, instead of trying to use the kids gloves on you all the time.

Okay FB, story wise, what's up with the giant crow in dark souls?

Davias:
I only own Demon Soul's on my PS3 and have watched some gameplay videos of Dark Souls. I must admit, I like the gritty graphic style, the horrorlike monsters and the dark story.
The game had all in it, what I miss in most video games today: a challenging difficulty, a somewhat cryptic story, cool monsters and bosses, tactic combat, etc...
BUT..., I never played more than 20% of the game, because I don't like the gaming experience at the end.
To start the whole level again, when a step in the dark, or one missed attack, send me to death...
Bosses, who killed me one hundred times, before I defeat them...
To see the same level over and over again...because I suck at this game... :-[

Maybe I am too lazy nowadays to beat challenging video games. Or I'm too bad and slow with the most action games.
Now I play old classics from nearly fifteen or twenty years ago, or some roguelikes where I could think a few minutes and drink a cup of tea between turns, before I took the next step to slay a few monsters. 8)

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