As you avoid environmental perils and defeat enemies, you'll earn “souls” which can be used to level up your character. You start the game locked away in an asylum, and after learning the ropes, escape into the sprawling open-world map of Lordran. Gameplayĭark Souls blends together RPG leveling mechanics and brutally tough third-person combat for an addictive yet incredibly punishing gameplay experience.

Playing as an unnamed hero afflicted with the disease, you must explore Lordran while searching for the truth behind their humanity. Our story begins with humanity struggling from a mysterious disease that resurrects them upon death and slowing begins to rot their mind. In short, Dark Souls takes place in a fantasy world once ruled by dragons, but at the start of the game, the dragons have been destroyed and the world has been overtaken by four legendary creatures.įueled by icons of power known as the “Lord Souls”, these four ancient beings have begun to lose their hold on the world, as humans begin to rise in rank. This lack of clarity adds another element of surprise and suspense to the experience, as you're rarely sure what will come next.

Apart from an opening cutscene that sets the stage, most of Dark Souls' story must be gathered from investigating the environment, talking to various NPCs, and reading item descriptions. Challenging combat with risk/reward mechanicsĭark Souls is a game that's rich with lore, world-building, and story, but it's not told in the traditional way.

While it might be a bit tough for some players, Dark Souls offers a combat experience unlike any other. With incredibly punishing combat, a beautiful but dark world, and some seriously impressive boss designs, Dark Souls has earned the right to be called one of the best RPGs ever made. The game offers little in the way of guidance or navigation, leaving players to go on a personal adventure of discovery and exploration. As you explore the twisting paths that lay before you, you'll gain a clearer understanding of the plight of Lordran and what you can do to save it. Taking place in the dreary yet evocative world of Lordran, players must navigate a deadly world full of horrifying monsters and seemingly unbeatable bosses. Dark Souls is a crushingly difficult third-person action game developed by FromSoftware and is a spiritual successor to their popular title, Demon's Souls.

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