Photo Credit: Bandai Namco
Reviewed by: Samuel Dynes
May 10th, 2016
May 10th, 2016
The Dark Souls series has developed a huge reputation for being a difficult set of games. “Difficult” is actually an understatement when it comes to this game, it doesn’t quite do it justice. Dark Souls 3 is a grueling test of patience and reflexes which comes together to produce one of the more satisfying experiences in gaming.
Dark Souls 3 is an Action-RPG mechanically similar to the other games in the Souls series, and that isn’t a bad thing. You fight enemies in the overworld and collect their souls, which is the global currency used to level up your character and purchase items. When you die you drop all of your souls at the place of death, and you have a chance to retrieve them. If you die again on your way back to collecting your souls, then you lose them forever. This high risk, high reward style of gameplay is arguably what keeps players coming back, and it is what makes the game stand out in an otherwise crowded genre.
Dark Souls 3 is more or less a sequel to the first game in the series, the second game is almost entirely ignored. The main character is known as the “unkindled,” rather than “chosen undead,” and the goal is to return the five Lords of Cinder to their thrones in order to link the first flame which was introduced in the first game. This is also the final game in the series that ties everything together.
Despite the tried and true formula, Dark Souls 3 introduces a new type of attack into the game called battle arts. Every weapon type has a unique battle art that adds an extra layer of originality in a game that already provides many diverse playstyles. Another change made to the weapons system is shield types. Some shields will allow you to parry an enemy’s attacks, while others will allow you to utilize your right hand weapon’s battle art. Dark Souls 3 also includes faster paced combat than previous entries in the series. That may turn some people off to the game, but I think it works well. These new combat mechanics are a welcome addition to the game, and they complement the already solid mechanics well. There are also nine covenants in the game, with some covenants from earlier games returning. These all add an extra twist on co-op and PvP that will keep the game interesting for years to come.
Dark Souls 3 is more or less a sequel to the first game in the series, the second game is almost entirely ignored. The main character is known as the “unkindled,” rather than “chosen undead,” and the goal is to return the five Lords of Cinder to their thrones in order to link the first flame which was introduced in the first game. This is also the final game in the series that ties everything together.
Despite the tried and true formula, Dark Souls 3 introduces a new type of attack into the game called battle arts. Every weapon type has a unique battle art that adds an extra layer of originality in a game that already provides many diverse playstyles. Another change made to the weapons system is shield types. Some shields will allow you to parry an enemy’s attacks, while others will allow you to utilize your right hand weapon’s battle art. Dark Souls 3 also includes faster paced combat than previous entries in the series. That may turn some people off to the game, but I think it works well. These new combat mechanics are a welcome addition to the game, and they complement the already solid mechanics well. There are also nine covenants in the game, with some covenants from earlier games returning. These all add an extra twist on co-op and PvP that will keep the game interesting for years to come.
A player in the Warrior of the sun covenant, one of the nine potential groups to be a part of in Dark Souls 3.
Photo credit: Bandai Namco
Photo credit: Bandai Namco
A couple of things the Souls series is known for are the epic boss battles and deep exploration, and I’m happy to say that both return in this entry. The world layout is similar to the first Dark Souls in terms of size and the way everything connects with each other, as opposed to the linear checkpoint oriented world of Dark Souls 2. The bosses in the game all have multiple forms. One boss in particular starts off seeming like a giant man with a halberd, and then transforms into a giant monster after his health is dropped to about half. This adds an extra layer of intensity to every fight, and it keeps the player on edge the entire time.
This game is spectacular. It’s a well crafted send-off to the Souls series, filled to the brim with lore references and even some cameos. Veterans will recognize the nods to previous titles instantly, but it’s subtle enough so that newcomers don’t entirely feel left out. That being said, this game is great for veterans and newcomers alike, despite being the third entry in the series. It’s a love letter to the hardcore fans of the original, and definitely not a title that anyone should miss.
This game is spectacular. It’s a well crafted send-off to the Souls series, filled to the brim with lore references and even some cameos. Veterans will recognize the nods to previous titles instantly, but it’s subtle enough so that newcomers don’t entirely feel left out. That being said, this game is great for veterans and newcomers alike, despite being the third entry in the series. It’s a love letter to the hardcore fans of the original, and definitely not a title that anyone should miss.