Demon’s Souls Review

It’s got soul. And it’s super bad. Richard Walker cuts open From Software’s diabolically hardcore dungeon crawler.

When examined, bloodstains left on the ground project an image of how certain players met their end in that region, so you can avoid repeating the same mistake. You’ll quickly learn that running at full pelt anywhere can often lead to sudden death, so the slow and steady approach is invariably the best way to go.

Mastery of Demon’s Souls combat nets the most rewards as vanquished enemies relinquish souls for you to collect, which you can then use to purchase better weapons and armour back in the Nexus. Combat lacks the frenetic pace and excitement of a hack and slasher like Gaiden or Devil May Cry, instead adopting a slower, more strategic mechanic more akin to Gothic 3 or Risen.

Skirmishes also reward the patient players who are prepared to defend and wait for an opening to strike. Knowing when to dispense with your shield and lay into an enemy with both hands on your sword is also part and parcel of Demon’s Souls’ combat strategy. Naturally, failing to make the right tactical decisions can punish you immensely, sending you back to the Nexus with your tail between your legs.

As such, From Software’s alluring fantasy romp will fail to woo players more used to a conventional RPG title since any sense of progression is dispensed at a glacial pace. However, anyone looking for an RPG adventure that takes a refreshingly divergent route, utilising an online community to great effect, need look no further.

Demon’s Souls is undoubtedly a tough nut to crack, but if you’re prepared to dig beneath its hard shell, you’ll find a game that is compelling and deeply rewarding in equal measure.

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3 Responses to “Demon’s Souls Review”

1. Stuart says:

   November 13, 2009 at 5:31 pm

   Nice review, although not as favourable as many of the gushing ones I’ve read elsewhere!

   Shame this has no UK release date as yet, but I think I’ll be picking it up on import and getting more PS3 love once I finish Uncharted 2.

   Reply
2. Stinky Nutsack says:

   November 24, 2009 at 12:49 pm

   smegma!

   Reply
3. KTXL says:

   December 21, 2009 at 10:09 pm

   “so you can tweak the size and shape of your nostrils until you’re ready to collapse in a quivering, teary wreck.”

   That made me laugh. Nice. This game and Uncharted 2 are bringing me very close to a PS3 purchase. One more game and I won’t be able to resist.

   Reply