Introduction
I remember inserting that Dark Souls disc into my Xbox 360 back in 2011. I had only got a rough idea of what I had just got myself into at the time. It wasn't a new game; it was an experience that would set me up for a test in ways I couldn't imagine, aggravate me to a level of frustration like never before, and eventually leave its impression on me. I've played and beaten Dark Souls several times—some solo, some with a friend—and it's safe to say it's one of those games that I always find myself coming back to.
As a gamer with a long history of playing video games, I have witnessed trends rise and fall but Dark Souls has stuck. It's got a place among my all-time favorites, and I'm always up for returning to its world. Since this isn't exactly a critique as much as a retrospective look at the game at hand, I feel as though it's time to look at both what made Dark Souls so special in the first place, what continues to captivate the hearts of so many, and how well the Remastered version holds up. I hope I will be able to bring back the memories of some who have played it and perhaps even persuade a few entrants to give it a try.
A Game That Defined a Genre
When Dark Souls first hit the scene, it wasn't just another action RPG—it was something truly special. The world didn't know of the developers behind FromSoftware, as they were not a household name during their first game's release. They made a couple of niche titles, but nothing on the scale that Dark Souls would eventually become. Led by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the team of developers put everything they had into one game: a game that was not only challenging but punishing—in a good way, though.
Dark Souls didn't just acquaint us with another new world; it practically created a whole new genre. The term "souls-like" is tacked onto many games today, and it all started here. The game was tough in its brutality toward the player, using intricate world-building and a "figure it out yourself" approach. And, of course, remember the memes? Praise the Sun is now part of gaming culture, and that's all thanks to Dark Souls.
The Beauty of Difficulty
So there's an elephant in the room—Dark Souls is, in no uncertain terms, hard. Really, really hard. But that isn't the whole story. The beauty of Dark Souls doesn't stem from its brutality or the way it often pumps acid into your challenge-griddled veins; rather, it comes from the way it treats difficulty. The challenges are not there just to be difficult; it becomes a form of learning. Every time you die—and trust me, you will die a lot—you learn something new. Maybe it's an enemy pattern you've just discovered, or you find a better approach to solving a problem.
I remember my first playthrough—going solo and grinding through every inch of the game. Each boss I defeated felt like a personal victory. Then there was the time when I played the Remaster on Xbox One with a friend. Sharing those moments, strategizing together, and even consoling each other after a brutal defeat—it was that much more of an experience. Dark Souls has the ability to ensnare players with each moment as they play solo or co-op.
Dungeon Master: World-Building and Atmosphere
One thing that is particularly distinctive about Dark Souls is its world. Lordran is not merely a stage; it is also an extremely important character. The richness of the interlocking levels—really, just the sense of place—is truly a work of quiet brilliance. Every area has its vibe: for example, the eeriness of Ash Lake, the suffocation of Blighttown.
Simply exploring Lordran is one of the most rewarding things to do in video games. Every time you find some new passageway or something hidden, you will feel like you truly earned that little gem. It is immensely rich in lore and history, most of which is for the player to put together. For me, playing on the PC with improved graphics has only added to these experiences. To this day, I still discover new details.
Character and Enemy Design
Dark Souls swarms with awe-inspiring characters, each having a story, many of them enigmatic and mysterious. Take the case of Solaire of Astora, full of positivity, or that of Siegmeyer of Catarina, whose fateful tale is written inside the lore—these characters are much more than mere NPCs; in a way, they become an inherent part of Dark Souls.
And then there are the enemies and bosses. From the domineering Ornstein and Smough to the twisted Bed of Chaos, each battle is different and requires a varied strategic approach. The bosses, as is fitting, are some of the best in gaming. Each triumph feels like a massive triumph, especially when you consider the lore behind each one. Knowing the backstory of people like Artorias or Solaire is a completely different thing.
Gameplay Mechanics
Dark Souls is a game of mastery. On the surface, the system behind the in-game combat is rather simple: attack, block, dodge. But to every action, there is a reaction, and each one will cost you some amount of stamina, so you must really think hard about it before you do it. And then there's the RPG element: leveling up, choosing your equipment, managing resources—it all adds to the complexity.
What makes Dark Souls truly special, though, is how it all comes together. Tough and fair. You learn something every time you die and it feels totally earned every time you're victorious. The formula is not messed up in the Remaster, but the game becomes approachable. Improved frame rates, a few quality-of-life changes, plus some added accessibility courtesy in this remaster, make it a great way for newcomers to experience the game while giving veterans, like me, a reason to dive back in.
The Remaster: Improvements and Nostalgia
When I first heard about the Dark Souls Remaster, I was in two minds. Could it really recapture the magic of the original? For the most part, it does. The Remaster brings the game into the modern era with higher resolutions and smoother frame rates, especially noticeable on PC and modern consoles.
But not all the changes are so universally loved. The better frame rate in areas like Blighttown certainly does make sections of the game a bit easier. Some of the visual reworkings—such as lighting redesign—have received mixed reactions. Still, the core of Dark Souls very much remains the same. For those new, the Remaster is the best way to experience this classic. For those who have been to the depths and back, it's a chance to relive the magic with a new lick of paint.
A Game That Lives On
Looking back at it today, it's easy to see why Dark Souls has been around this long. It's not just the difficulty or the world—it's how everything comes together just right to create an experience like no other. Dark Souls isn't just a game, it's a journey. It's flawed, sure. The second half of the game indeed has its issues, and these difficulties may put off pro gamers. But these are some of the flaws that make Dark Souls an outstanding game. It is a game that challenges, frustrates, and eventually rewards in a way that very few can.
Conclusion
If you've ever played Dark Souls, I hope that this review brought back at least a few good memories and maybe made you want to play the game once again. If you've never tried this game, I recommend doing so with my whole heart. Yes, it is going to be tough, but also, it is the most satisfying game you will play in your life.
And don't forget: more comes later. Coming up, I will take a dive into the lore and story of Dark Souls. Stay on the lookout for that article.