33| Dark Souls

Released: October 04th, 2011

Definitive Version: PC; Also on: PS3, Xbox 360

Once upon a time video games were difficult to complete. You see back in the day gaming was based in the arcades. And the premise of the arcade was simple, you insert coins into the machine to play the game. As such games were designed around this concept, in which the more the player died, the more quarters they put into the machine. Games were made very difficult because once you beat them you no longer had a reason to insert more cash to play. Even console based games subscribed to this model to a degree. Due to games being constrained on cartridges and other small sized media, it was difficult to create a lengthy game without an insane price tag. As such, developers created games that were very difficult to beat as it would take players dozens of hours just to complete half a dozen levels.

Eventually times changed, arcades went the way of the dodo and games moved on to disc based media. As a result the pressure to create difficult games faded away. While this had many advantages, it wasn't without its downsides. By far the biggest downside is that games became very easy. By the time the first decade of the 2000s rolled around what was seen as "difficult" in a video game was quaint compared to the hardcore shooters and action games of the past. It wasn't until a sleeper hit titled "Demon's Souls" was released on the Playstation 3 in 2009 set a counterculture against the industry norm. Known for its unforgiving difficulty, execution based mechanics, and near non-existent handholding, it was an anti-thesis for everything games were doing at the time. In 2011 the game received a spiritual sequel called "Dark Souls" which was an improvement in everyway.

The concept of Dark Souls isn't unique at all. It's a simple dungeon crawler with action-based combat. The goal of the games are for the player to explore the map and defeat all the enemies and bosses in their way. It is a very simple premise. What makes the game stand out is how ingenious its design is.  For starters the level design is second to none. The layout of the area is simple enough that one is able to guide oneself to where they should go next, but is open enough for them to actually have to explore the area. On top of that, the entire map is interconnected and practically non-linear, allowing the player to encounter whatever area or boss they wish.

The combat is equally if not even more impressive. Rather than focus on being a twitch action game, such as Bayonetta, the combat is slow and methodical. This may be a turnoff at first, but it quickly becomes addictive as it makes every hit count. A single mistake can cost the player an entire battle. That said, the combat system is also very flexible as it involves a lot of strategy and tactics. The game is designed in a "class" based system, though the player can control where their stats go to when they level up. One can chose to become a master swordsman, axeman, lancer or be a pyro or mage. There is a lot of versatility at play.

The intricate dungeons combined with the unforgiving but strategic combat pave a mighty road toward the boss of each area. The developers of the game, From Software, were sure that the bosses lived up to the journey. Dark Souls has some of the most intimidating and "epic" boss encounters in any video game ever. What's more is that From Software didn't rest on their laurels. Each boss is unique as they mix things up a bit, some tower over the player with huge crushing attacks, other's are the of a similar size of the player but with swift and cunning attacks, while other bosses will call for aid as the player has to focus on two, three, four, or even five opponents at once.

Presentation wise the game is fantastic. Usually RPGs follow two trend lines: either be colorful and cartoony like most JRPGs or be monotone and serious like most WRPGs. Dark Souls seems to take in aspects of both of these types. While the game is serious to the point of being down right depressing, the world is beautiful and very rich in color. This is aided by the area selection as throughout the title the player will be traveling through lush forests, icy caverns, the darkest of dungeons, and even something reminiscent of hell itself. The game has a nice high fantasy feel to it and it is so easy getting lost in its world. The game's soundtrack is also something to beholden. It's dark orchestral score meshes with the game perfectly and really brings the world to life. The bombastic nature of the music in the boss battles manages to push them even more over the top.

It wouldn't be right mentioning Dark Souls without talking about it's unique multiplayer component. Throughout the game players are able to leave messages to give hints, tips, and even tricks to others in how to progress the game. To add on to that one can summon other players in helping them defeat specific bosses and enemies. Though the real stand out feature is the ability for a player to invade another's game. This either results in both players battling one another or a sneak kill from the intruder.

The Souls series is one that started from being viewed as so niche that Sony refused to publish it and Atlus, a company infamous for publishing niche titles, had to pick up the ball, to becoming a multi-million selling franchise. From Software took a massive gamble in creating a title that was at odds against industry trends. It turned out to be a risk well worth taking as it catapulted the developer from being the red-headed stepchild of the industry to becoming a superstar. They eventually developed the, inferior, sequel Dark Souls 2 and the, worthy, third entry Dark Souls 3. However, no game in the franchise has yet managed to capture the "magic" of the original Dark Souls