A couple of hours ago I heard of Dark Souls for the first time, the dark action-adventure RPG being developed by From Software. This was originally an exclusive title for the PlayStation 2 but will now be released on Xbox 360 too and from what I’ve read is really shaping up to be a great game that may well break the usual console mould.
The game focuses on dungeon exploration that combines tension and fear with depth and action sequences. The game itself is the successor to the PlayStation exclusive Demon’s Soul of which I have limited knowledge on. The original game in the ‘Soul Saga’ followed a linear level design set in the main locations of the gameworld whereas Dark Souls will take place in an open world environment.
The player battles with various weapons and abilities to survive in the dark fantasy world. The original also had online functionality that allowed players to share their play experiences without the need for direct communication. This looks like it was similar to Fable’s hero orbs that floated around the world however these were shown in the form of ghosts. Players could leave others messages on the floors to outline traps or strategies and some deaths were marked as blood splatters for other players so that they could watch a replay of the events and get an idea of what was coming up. Dark Souls will also open up a player versus player system and a new cooperative game design although neither option has been expanded on.
It has been outlined that Dark Souls will be ‘significantly harder’ then its predecessor, with more enemies and varied encounters. There will also be more weapons, spells and classes to progress through the game giving this a stronger replay value.
The previous instalment was known for moments where it lured you effortlessly and elegantly into a horrible trap and gave players a new way of working out puzzles. It was mischievous and dramatic – always looking for new ways of killing the player. This element of the gameplay has been exploited even further in Dark Souls giving it an even darker impression.
IGN got to play a recent demo and outlined that there were fire-breathing wyverns, monstrous undead knights and gargoyles to contend with.
Dark Souls is really shaping up to be a great action adventure with a clear eye on its goals. This really could offer something different and hopefully the coming months will give us even more opportunities to hear or see this game in action.
What was Demon’s Soul like? Are you anyone interested Dark Souls too?
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