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{{nihongo|'''''Dark Souls'''''|ダークソウル|Dāku Souru}} is a [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]] [[video game]] developed and published for [[PlayStation 3]] by [[From Software]] in Japan, and published for both [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] by [[Namco Bandai Games]] internationally.<ref name="Dark Souls">{{cite web |url=http://andriasang.com/comtr2/ |title=Demon's Souls Followup Officially "Dark Souls" |author=Anoop Gantayat |date=February 1, 2011 |work= |publisher=andriasang |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref> Previously referred to as ''Project Dark'', Dark Souls is the [[spiritual successor]] to ''[[Demon's Souls]]''.<ref name="Dark Souls not Demon's Souls sequel">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287123/news/dark-souls-is-not-a-sequel-to-demons-souls-dev/ |title=Dark Souls 'is not a sequel to Demon's Souls' - Dev |author=Andy Robinson |date=February 4, 2011 |work= |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |accessdate=February 5, 2011}}</ref> It was released in Japan on September 22, 2011, on October 4 in North America, and on October 7 in Europe of the same year.<ref name="Dark Souls September"/> Like its predecessor, the game is known for its difficulty, which has prompted much interest and discussion.<ref name="Is Dark Souls too hard?">{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20116976-1/is-dark-souls-too-hard/}}</ref>
{{nihongo|'''''Dark Souls'''''|ダークソウル|Dāku Souru}} is a [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]] [[video game]] developed and published for [[PlayStation 3]] by [[From Software]] in Japan, and published for both [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] by [[Namco Bandai Games]] internationally.<ref name="Dark Souls">{{cite web |url=http://andriasang.com/comtr2/ |title=Demon's Souls Followup Officially "Dark Souls" |author=Anoop Gantayat |date=February 1, 2011 |work= |publisher=andriasang |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref> Previously referred to as ''Project Dark'', Dark Souls is the [[spiritual successor]] to ''[[Demon's Souls]]''.<ref name="Dark Souls not Demon's Souls sequel">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287123/news/dark-souls-is-not-a-sequel-to-demons-souls-dev/ |title=Dark Souls 'is not a sequel to Demon's Souls' - Dev |author=Andy Robinson |date=February 4, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[ComputerAndVideoGames.com]] |accessdate=February 5, 2011}}</ref> It was released in Japan on September 22, 2011, on October 4 in North America, and on October 7 in Europe of the same year.<ref name="Dark Souls September"/> Like its predecessor, the game is known for its difficulty, which has prompted much interest and discussion.<ref name="Is Dark Souls too hard?">{{cite web | title=Is Dark Souls too hard? | author=Jeff Bakalar, Scott Stein, Dan Ackerman | url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20116976-1/is-dark-souls-too-hard/ | publisher=[[CNET.com]] | date=October 7, 2011 | accessdate=December 19, 2011}}</ref>


== Development ==
== Development ==
The game was initially planned to be called ''Dark Race'', "dark" in this instance denoting "cursed" people. However, the developer soon realised that the title could be taken as a racist reference. The producer subsequently tried to title it as ''Dark Lord'' but failed to get a trademark for it so they opted for ''Dark Ring''.<ref>http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-02-08-dark-souls-almost-called-dark-race</ref> However, just before the release, the developer realised that "dark ring" in British English is slang for "anus" and the title was changed to ''Dark Souls''.<ref>http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287907/dark-souls-almost-called-dark-ring-dark-race/</ref>
The game was initially planned to be called ''Dark Race'', "dark" in this instance denoting "cursed" people. However, the developer soon realised that the title could be taken as a [[Racism|racist]] reference. The producer subsequently tried to title it as ''Dark Lord'' but failed to get a trademark for it so they opted for ''Dark Ring''.<ref>http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-02-08-dark-souls-almost-called-dark-race</ref> However, just before the release, the developer realised that "dark ring" in [[British English]] is [[British slang|slang]] for "anus" and the title was changed to ''Dark Souls''.<ref>http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287907/dark-souls-almost-called-dark-ring-dark-race/</ref>


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
Line 41: Line 41:


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{VG Reviews
⚫
''[[Famitsu]]'' gave the game a highly positive review, scoring it 37 out of 40, based on four scores of 9, 9, 9, and 10. One of the reviewers for ''Dark Souls'' described it as "a very hardcore dark-fantasy RPG" that is "role-playing right down to the roots," and stated that the "massive field map and powerful enemies serve to rev up both your sense of adventure and your sense of dread." Another reviewer stated that "the sheer happiness you get after the trial-and-error pays off and you overcome the challenge is absolutely impossible to replicate."<ref>{{cite web|last=Gifford|first=Kevin|title=Japan Review Check: Dark Souls|url=http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-dark-souls|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|accessdate=23 September 2011|date=09/14/2011}}</ref>
|agg1 = [[GameStats]]
|agg1Score = 9.0 / 10<ref name="gamestats_dark">{{cite web|title=Dark Souls|url=http://www.gamestats.com/objects/086/086623/|publisher=[[GameStats]]|accessdate=19 December 2011}}</ref>
|1UP = A<ref name="gamestats_dark"/>
|EuroG = 9 / 10<ref name="eurog_dark"/>
|Fam = 37 / 40<ref name="1up_gifford"/>
|G4 = 5 / 5<ref name="gamestats_dark"/>
|GameZone = 9 / 10<ref name="gamestats_dark"/>
|GRadar = 9 / 10<ref name="gamestats_dark"/>
|GSpot = 9.5 / 10<ref name="gamestats_dark"/>
|GT = 9.2 / 10<ref name="gamestats_dark"/>
|IGN = 9.0 / 10<ref name="gamestats_dark"/>
}}
⚫
''[[Famitsu]]'' gave the game a highly positive review, scoring it 37 out of 40, based on four scores of 9, 9, 9, and 10. One of the reviewers for ''Dark Souls'' described it as "a very hardcore dark-fantasy RPG" that is "role-playing right down to the roots," and stated that the "massive field map and powerful enemies serve to rev up both your sense of adventure and your sense of dread." Another reviewer stated that "the sheer happiness you get after the trial-and-error pays off and you overcome the challenge is absolutely impossible to replicate."<ref name="1up_gifford">{{cite web|last=Gifford|first=Kevin|title=Japan Review Check: Dark Souls|url=http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-dark-souls|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|accessdate=23 September 2011|date=09/14/2011}}</ref>


Gamespot scored ''Dark Souls'' a 9.5/10, complimenting just about every aspect of it. Much praise was given to the online system, as well as the sense of jubilation felt when conquering boss fights after numerous failed attempts. They also suggested that casual gamers may struggle to progress, whereas RPG enthusiasts will thrive on the difficulty.
[[GameSpot]] scored ''Dark Souls'' a 9.5/10, complimenting just about every aspect of it. Much praise was given to the online system, as well as the sense of jubilation felt when conquering boss fights after numerous failed attempts. They also suggested that casual gamers may struggle to progress, whereas RPG enthusiasts will thrive on the difficulty.
IGN gave ''Dark Souls'' a 9.0/10, praising the well-thought out level design, variety, strong emphasis on online features, excessively dark tone and atmosphere and deep gameplay. They also noted that it is not a game that one can simply jump into and play for plain enjoyment. They went as far to say that it is not a game for the timid and that the game requires both skill and strategy almost all the time. While praising the extremely high difficulty, they stated that "there's a difference between punishing, and downright unfair."
IGN gave ''Dark Souls'' a 9.0/10, praising the well-thought out level design, variety, strong emphasis on online features, excessively dark tone and atmosphere and deep gameplay. They also noted that it is not a game that one can simply jump into and play for plain enjoyment. They went as far to say that it is not a game for the timid and that the game requires both skill and strategy almost all the time. While praising the extremely high difficulty, they stated that "there's a difference between punishing, and downright unfair."


[[Eurogamer]] gave ''Dark Souls'' 9/10, saying "If adventure is to surprise and mystify you and invite you to uncover the secrets of a forgotten world, then Dark Souls is a great adventure game. If entertainment is fun without failure and progress without pain, you'll have to find it somewhere else. But you'll be missing out on one of the best games of the year."<ref>http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-03-dark-souls-review</ref>
[[Eurogamer]] gave ''Dark Souls'' 9/10, saying "If adventure is to surprise and mystify you and invite you to uncover the secrets of a forgotten world, then Dark Souls is a great adventure game. If entertainment is fun without failure and progress without pain, you'll have to find it somewhere else. But you'll be missing out on one of the best games of the year."<ref name="eurog_dark">http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-03-dark-souls-review</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 21:45, 19 December 2011

For the 2011 film, see Dark Souls (film).
Dark Souls
Developer(s)From Software
Director(s)Hidetaka Miyazaki
Composer(s)Motoi Sakuraba[2]
EnginePhyreEngine[3]
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Genre(s)Action-adventure, Role-playing game
Mode(s)Single-player, online multiplayer

Dark Souls (ダークソウル, Dāku Souru) is a role-playing game video game developed and published for PlayStation 3 by From Software in Japan, and published for both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 by Namco Bandai Games internationally.[4] Previously referred to as Project Dark, Dark Souls is the spiritual successor to Demon's Souls.[5] It was released in Japan on September 22, 2011, on October 4 in North America, and on October 7 in Europe of the same year.[1] Like its predecessor, the game is known for its difficulty, which has prompted much interest and discussion.[6]

Development

The game was initially planned to be called Dark Race, "dark" in this instance denoting "cursed" people. However, the developer soon realised that the title could be taken as a racist reference. The producer subsequently tried to title it as Dark Lord but failed to get a trademark for it so they opted for Dark Ring.[7] However, just before the release, the developer realised that "dark ring" in British English is slang for "anus" and the title was changed to Dark Souls.[8]

Gameplay

The game consists of dungeon crawling in hostile environments and exploits the tension instilled by risk versus reward game mechanics and penalties upon player death. Dark Souls takes place in an open world environment, with the player able to travel to and from areas and explore various available paths. Dark Souls allows players to light Bonfires, which function as respawn locations.[9] These bonfires also replenish health, magic, and special items like Estus flasks - limited vials that restore health, but also respawn all enemies previously defeated, except for bosses and certain special enemies.[10] The player must fight their way through various locations and defeat bosses to progress.

Dark Souls features an elaborate online mode, very much like that of Demon's Souls, which is active whenever the console is connected to the internet (an Xbox Live Gold subscription is required on the Xbox 360 version). The online mode adds numerous dynamic interactions between the individual worlds players, including limited co-op and player versus player within certain conditions. Communication between players is deliberately limited.

Plot

Like its predecessor Demon's Souls, Dark Souls has a notably minimalistic plot. Events and their significance are often implicit and left to player interpretation rather than fully shown or explained. Much of the story and lore of the world is given to the player through dialogue from characters within the world, item descriptions, or the scarce cutscenes. It is up to the player to put the pieces together.

In the founding of the universe, the earth was unformed, covered in crags, and dragons held sole dominion over the world. However, The Fire of Lords along with the human race eventually came into existence for reasons long lost to time. From the fire emerged four powerful entities who harnessed the Fire of Lords to combat the dragons, eventually overthrowing them and launching humanity and their new lordly gods into a golden era known as the Age of Fire.

The protagonist is a male or female Undead, who has yet to become Hollow. He/she escapes from the northern Undead Asylum with the help of another undead and learns of the prophecy concerning a chosen Undead who leaves the Undead Asylum in pilgrimage and rings the Bell of Awakening in the land of the gods, Lordran.

Once the character has rung the Bells of Awakening, the gate leading to Sen's Fortress and Anor Londo is opened, and the Primordial Serpent Kingseeker Frampt is awoken. He tells the player that he is the Chosen Undead that must succeed Lord Gwyn and remove the affliction of the Darksign. It is implied that Frampt is very old and has awaited the protagonist's arrival for a very long time. To achieve this given task, the character must get the Lordvessel from the land of Anor Londo. When the task is done, the character must obtain the four powerful Lord Souls from Seath the Scaleless, the Four Kings, the Bed of Chaos, and Gravelord Nito, and then offer them to the Lordvessel.

However, in the Abyss if the player has not placed the Lordvessel on the altar at that point then he/she can instead meet Darkstalker Kaathe, a different Primordial Serpent who opposes Frampt. After informing the player that he/she is a direct descendent of the pygmy, who obtained The Dark Soul, Kaathe will present the protagonist with a different path: to end the Age of Fire and "usher in the Age of Dark". Kaathe stated that Gwyn had wished to "avoid the course of nature" and prolonged the Age of Fire and in doing so branded undead with the Darksign which only caused suffering. The Age of Dark will erase this curse.

After offering the four Lord Souls to the Lordvessel, with the help of either Frampt or Kaathe, the character must go on to defeat Gwyn, the Lord of Cinder. Once the character has slain him, the player is given a vague choice which affects the ending. By choosing to link the fire, the character continues the Age of Fire and is consumed entirely by the fire as it burns intensely bright. The screen then goes white, before fading to dark as the credits roll. By choosing not to link the fire, the protagonist instead walks out of the area and is greeted by Primordial Serpents who bow down to the character, accepting him/her as the Dark Lord and the Age of Dark (Humans) begin.

Reception

Famitsu gave the game a highly positive review, scoring it 37 out of 40, based on four scores of 9, 9, 9, and 10. One of the reviewers for Dark Souls described it as "a very hardcore dark-fantasy RPG" that is "role-playing right down to the roots," and stated that the "massive field map and powerful enemies serve to rev up both your sense of adventure and your sense of dread." Another reviewer stated that "the sheer happiness you get after the trial-and-error pays off and you overcome the challenge is absolutely impossible to replicate."[13]

GameSpot scored Dark Souls a 9.5/10, complimenting just about every aspect of it. Much praise was given to the online system, as well as the sense of jubilation felt when conquering boss fights after numerous failed attempts. They also suggested that casual gamers may struggle to progress, whereas RPG enthusiasts will thrive on the difficulty.

IGN gave Dark Souls a 9.0/10, praising the well-thought out level design, variety, strong emphasis on online features, excessively dark tone and atmosphere and deep gameplay. They also noted that it is not a game that one can simply jump into and play for plain enjoyment. They went as far to say that it is not a game for the timid and that the game requires both skill and strategy almost all the time. While praising the extremely high difficulty, they stated that "there's a difference between punishing, and downright unfair."

Eurogamer gave Dark Souls 9/10, saying "If adventure is to surprise and mystify you and invite you to uncover the secrets of a forgotten world, then Dark Souls is a great adventure game. If entertainment is fun without failure and progress without pain, you'll have to find it somewhere else. But you'll be missing out on one of the best games of the year."[12]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Anoop Gantayat (May 11, 2011). "Dark Souls Arriving First in Japan". andriasang. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  2. ^ Jayson Napolitano (September 29, 2011). "Big names behind Dark Souls soundtrack". Retrieved September 29, 2011.
  3. ^ "Face-Off: Dark Souls". Digital Foundry. October 5 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Anoop Gantayat (February 1, 2011). "Demon's Souls Followup Officially "Dark Souls"". andriasang. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  5. ^ Andy Robinson (February 4, 2011). "Dark Souls 'is not a sequel to Demon's Souls' - Dev". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  6. ^ Jeff Bakalar, Scott Stein, Dan Ackerman (October 7, 2011). "Is Dark Souls too hard?". CNET.com. Retrieved December 19, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-02-08-dark-souls-almost-called-dark-race
  8. ^ http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287907/dark-souls-almost-called-dark-ring-dark-race/
  9. ^ Parker, Max. "Hidetaka Miyazaki Talks Dark Souls". The Game Guy. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
  10. ^ Pickard, James. "Dark Souls hands-on preview [360/PS3]". Retrieved September 22, 2011.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h "Dark Souls". GameStats. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  12. ^ a b http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-03-dark-souls-review
  13. ^ a b Gifford, Kevin (09/14/2011). "Japan Review Check: Dark Souls". 1UP.com. Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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