Dark Souls III

I knew From Software before it was cool but admittedly never liked their low-budget games until Demon's Souls turned them around. This 5th entry in the larger series feels like the advertised conclusion, and more variations will (and should) come but this is a good place to end the DS narrative. The story is easier to figure out that in DS II and most of it is a semi-sequel to the 1st entry. Reference to my beloved Berserk manga (one of the inspirations for the franchise) are also at an all-time high and the overall experience is best described as a "greatest hits" of what came before. The upgraded presentation comes from Bloodborne, the world is best compared the DS 1 and the combat is a refined version of DS II. The infamous difficulty is hard to judge, as I became too accustomed by now, but it should fit in the middle, with Demon's Souls as the hardest and Bloodborne as the easiest entry. The always fun multiplayer works as it should and the ability to summon up to 3 helpers (1 additional enemy will then also get a chance to invade) will ease the sometimes merciless bosses. Half of these were the only "real" challenge to me and I settled on the Havel armor and the Fume Ultra Greatsword. Tank for life! I further recommend to show the highly atmospheric game to someone else, as my mother uncharacteristically watched the 2nd half of my run with great fun Newcomer should lastly start with DS1 or the faster Bloodborne and graduate to DS3. This "final" dish needs to be savored after all and I could use a polished Armored Core reboot.

Dark souls in its third instalment smoothed out its mechanics beautifully and in many ways was all I ever wanted after the first and second game. It is perhaps the least innovative of the three in new areas and threats but ultimately it's my favourite as it feels like a culmination of the first two games best qualities in one delectable masterpiece.

Challenging yes but new comers please understand, few games feel so rewarding and subtly complex. Each foe is a new pattern. Most weapons have distinctions in sword play / art. This adds a connections to your chosen gear/weapons that few other games can weave.

Love it and always will!

As a fan of action adventure games, it has been many years since I was satisfied with a game of that genre. Since playing DS3, I have been itching to find every souls-like game and own it. The game brought some so much joy, and anger, that it opened up that part of me that used to be so thrilled for a challenge, that it made me remember what challenging video games used to be like. The game's music, graphics, and movement, are nothing less than perfection, and for anyone playing these kinds of games for the first time, this is the go to.

I've played this game for some hours, and I can tell, it's amazing. At first glance it was really annoying and frustrating to get used to its gameplay dynamics and mechanics, but when I did, I found some stuff I haven't found in almost no other game: That guy you are playing is a normal person, and still you can beat em all (with some help and try hard). What I'm trying to say is, that you die a lot, but it's normal because that little guy is fighting against incredible creatures. God, even normal enemies can kill you sometimes. That's so realistic in my opinion. On the other hand, I found the game design outstanding. The creature's design is really unique and the environment and soundtrack are beautiful. The only thing I think that could have been better is the fighting mechanics. I'm not talking about enemies mechanics, but about the player mechanics. There are is a lot of potential that haven't been explored. Like real counter attacking, or more complex displacement.

This was my second Soulsborne game. After playing the Demon's Souls Remake on Playstation 5, I decided to give this a try. I've got to say, I enjoyed Dark Souls 3 even more.

I said the same about Demon's Souls but, as a newcomer to the genre, these games are unforgiving, frustrating and sometimes infuriating. But so, so rewarding.

The bosses are interesting and really well done. After beating one I felt an incredible sense of achievement. But even minor progression such as finding a bonfire, opening a gate or making a lift operational to create a shortcut feels so satisfying.

Character progression is great, with many customisation and build options.

The level design is genius. The way the levels interlink is remarkable. As you progress, you'll walk out of buildings to open vistas of where you've previously been or where you are about to go. And these rare, comforting moments are a nice touch.

Hidetaka Miyazaki has created something infatuating with these Souls games. I literally didn't play anything else during my 50 hours with the game. And I cannot wait to play the others.

Maybe Bloodborne next.