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PS3 Review: Dark Souls

09.10.11

Much. I lost hope, I traded in. It is one of my biggest regrets. So why did I ask to review Dark Souls , a pseudo sequel that is by all accounts a harder game? In every hero’s journey there is a moment of failure, he lost the battle, his friends died, he dropped the ball. Whatever, he fucked up. However, a hero will always come back, stronger and more determined than ever. Well I want to be a hero that conquers the world that From Software has created. Like Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls is a brave step in the right direction for gaming. A title not pandering to the masses but instead catering for a select few. It might not be to everyone’s taste but Dark Souls is Haute cuisine, a rare vintage that will reward those who can acquire its taste.

Dark Souls is a niche title given a triple A treatment. While the graphics are not up there with the likes of Witcher 2 , the art direction is of such a high calibre that anyone who witnesses the world of Dark Souls will be seduced. The opening video is one of the most stunning examples of CGI I have ever seen and the in game graphics do well to keep the visual quality high. Unlike its predecessor, Dark Souls is an open world, though it isn’t one that will be readily available to begin with. As you progress you open up the world like a giant puzzle, creating short cuts and finding hidden pathways. Progression isn’t capped in a strict sense but it is impossible to progress too far due to the enemies you will face further afield. The different areas are widely diverse, from castles build into great ravines to murky swamps and netherworlds. The character design is also widely imaginative, with some truly original beasts later on in the game. As with most RPGs, you can create your own customised character or just choose a pre-set, but it is sadly Dark Souls weakest visual aspect. Your character will inevitably look lumpy and ill and it is thankful that they are almost always draped head to toe in armour and weaponry. It also feels redundant, as you will probably spend most of your time hollow (similar to being dead in Demon’s Souls) which gives you a zombie face anyway. The weak character creator is redeemed, however, by the huge range of armour and equipment that you use to customise your character. Thankfully there is no limit to the amount you can carry so you can completely change your character to suit the situation, or your whims. The armour also looks especially nice, picking up the colour tones from the sky and giving off a beautiful glow.

Source: WhatCulture!