Dark Souls PC
April 11, 2012 11:32 AM Subscribe
Probably in my top 10 games of all time. Just those glimpses of the new content have me strongly considering sinking another 120 hours into this thing.
posted by naju at 11:39 AM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by naju at 11:39 AM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
I can't wait, though I'm afraid the graphics aren't going to stand up to the new resolutions. Doesn't really matter, though, it's going to be amazing.
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 11:40 AM on April 11, 2012
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 11:40 AM on April 11, 2012
Great news. I just hope people play it with a controller on their PC. If there ever was a game where mouse/keyboard controls are a bad idea, this is it.
posted by malphigian at 11:42 AM on April 11, 2012
posted by malphigian at 11:42 AM on April 11, 2012
If there ever was a game where mouse/keyboard controls are a bad idea, this is it.
Not having played this before, why is that, anyone?
posted by Edogy at 11:47 AM on April 11, 2012
Not having played this before, why is that, anyone?
posted by Edogy at 11:47 AM on April 11, 2012
Because the game is tuned for a console controller, and requires extreme precision at the hands of the player. Dark Souls is unflinchingly cruel to player mistakes, so trying to mouse+keyboard it will get you nowhere fast.
posted by higginba at 11:51 AM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by higginba at 11:51 AM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
This is gonna be the new Farmville
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 11:51 AM on April 11, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 11:51 AM on April 11, 2012 [4 favorites]
So you're saying that if I can successfully play Dark Souls with mouse & keyboard, I can play any game in the universe with mouse & keyboard?
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
posted by straight at 11:52 AM on April 11, 2012 [6 favorites]
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
posted by straight at 11:52 AM on April 11, 2012 [6 favorites]
I don't think mouse+keyboard would be that bad.
The main issue is obviously analog movement, but I can't remember that many times that default/run/walk speeds wouldn't be enough
posted by Cloud King at 11:53 AM on April 11, 2012
The main issue is obviously analog movement, but I can't remember that many times that default/run/walk speeds wouldn't be enough
posted by Cloud King at 11:53 AM on April 11, 2012
This game, more than any other outside a fighting game, was the most like learning an actual skill to me. As in, I went from horrifyingly bad, to slight improvement to a later recollection of how this seemed impossible but was now a breeze.
The main issue is obviously analog movement, but I can't remember that many times that default/run/walk speeds wouldn't be enough
A lot due to traps and well, dangerous scary monsters. Game just felt right for a controller.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 11:56 AM on April 11, 2012
The main issue is obviously analog movement, but I can't remember that many times that default/run/walk speeds wouldn't be enough
A lot due to traps and well, dangerous scary monsters. Game just felt right for a controller.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 11:56 AM on April 11, 2012
So you're saying that if I can successfully play Dark Souls with mouse & keyboard, I can play any game in the universe with mouse & keyboard?
I would not assume it will be harder with mouse and keyboard, it might be easier, but either way it will be *wrong*.
Because the game is tuned for a console controller, and requires extreme precision at the hands of the player.
This is basically what I mean.
I'm by preference a PC gamer, I pretty much only play console exclusives on my 360. I mention this because I'm far from a "console guy" and generally prefer playing games mouse+keyboard.
Dark Souls is one of the best games of the last decade, and one of the things that makes it great is how precise the design is, how tightly linked the entire game is with the controls. You bring is a mouse, with all it's sensitivity settings and variation from system to system, and there is no way it's going to be the same.
posted by malphigian at 11:57 AM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
I would not assume it will be harder with mouse and keyboard, it might be easier, but either way it will be *wrong*.
Because the game is tuned for a console controller, and requires extreme precision at the hands of the player.
This is basically what I mean.
I'm by preference a PC gamer, I pretty much only play console exclusives on my 360. I mention this because I'm far from a "console guy" and generally prefer playing games mouse+keyboard.
Dark Souls is one of the best games of the last decade, and one of the things that makes it great is how precise the design is, how tightly linked the entire game is with the controls. You bring is a mouse, with all it's sensitivity settings and variation from system to system, and there is no way it's going to be the same.
posted by malphigian at 11:57 AM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
I foresee interesting mods.
posted by Blue Meanie at 12:01 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by Blue Meanie at 12:01 PM on April 11, 2012
Because the game is tuned for a console controller, and requires extreme precision
... So you're saying that a keyboard and mouse would be better, then.
When one talks of extreme precision, one doesn't really refer to a controller. The reason they don't mix PC live gamers with console live gamers is because PC gamers have that much more control, it's not even a fair match.
posted by Malice at 12:03 PM on April 11, 2012 [5 favorites]
... So you're saying that a keyboard and mouse would be better, then.
When one talks of extreme precision, one doesn't really refer to a controller. The reason they don't mix PC live gamers with console live gamers is because PC gamers have that much more control, it's not even a fair match.
posted by Malice at 12:03 PM on April 11, 2012 [5 favorites]
New Content
Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will include an untold chapter in the world of Lordran where the player must stop the spread of darkness at all costs by facing and defeating [Spoiler, the king of spoilers]
posted by 2bucksplus at 12:05 PM on April 11, 2012
Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will include an untold chapter in the world of Lordran where the player must stop the spread of darkness at all costs by facing and defeating [Spoiler, the king of spoilers]
posted by 2bucksplus at 12:05 PM on April 11, 2012
i can't even talk about this game because i love it so much that anything i say about it comes across as absurd hyperbole. i finished it three times and each playthrough was radically different. i ... oh god ... look, i've got to go.
posted by neuromodulator at 12:08 PM on April 11, 2012 [5 favorites]
posted by neuromodulator at 12:08 PM on April 11, 2012 [5 favorites]
It's not just precision for me. There's also something weirdly... physical about the sense of control you have - there's a sense of weight, time and cost to every action you take. It sounds silly, but flicking the analog stick to an exact degree and then pulling the right trigger on your controller often feels like a momentous decision and the difference between life and death (with real consequences.) It's not like you're firing off rapid machine gun shots. Swing a heavy sword, and you better make sure it connects because it's the only chance you get. It's still playable as hell on a mouse and keyboard, but tapping the 'e' button just wouldn't seem to have the same physicality.
posted by naju at 12:10 PM on April 11, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by naju at 12:10 PM on April 11, 2012 [3 favorites]
When one talks of extreme precision, one doesn't really refer to a controller. The reason they don't mix PC live gamers with console live gamers is because PC gamers have that much more control, it's not even a fair match.
For a very specific genre of game -- first-person shooters, which basically involve precision-clicking on things until they die -- this is true. Dark Souls is not a first-person shooter.
Consider also that keyboard+mouse sacrifices one kind of precision (movement, which is strictly digital on a keyboard) in exchange for another kind (aiming), and it's my understanding that it's important to move carefully in this game.
(I haven't tried it yet, because I don't have a PS3. Hopefully this will be rectified soon.)
posted by neckro23 at 12:11 PM on April 11, 2012
For a very specific genre of game -- first-person shooters, which basically involve precision-clicking on things until they die -- this is true. Dark Souls is not a first-person shooter.
Consider also that keyboard+mouse sacrifices one kind of precision (movement, which is strictly digital on a keyboard) in exchange for another kind (aiming), and it's my understanding that it's important to move carefully in this game.
(I haven't tried it yet, because I don't have a PS3. Hopefully this will be rectified soon.)
posted by neckro23 at 12:11 PM on April 11, 2012
... So you're saying that a keyboard and mouse would be better, then.
When one talks of extreme precision, one doesn't really refer to a controller. The reason they don't mix PC live gamers with console live gamers is because PC gamers have that much more control, it's not even a fair match.
Read my post again, as you seem to have missed my point.
Again, I generally prefer mouse and keyboard. We are not talking about an FPS game here, where I agree with your assessment.
This is a third person game where the game is carefully tuned to a dual stick control, for combat, for camera, and for movement (where the PC has no way to do analog movement, WASD is a poor substitute). That's what I mean by precision, the game is designed to work in harmony with the controller.
Yes, with proper sensitivity settings it might be that the PC version is easier. That also is kind of sucky.
Anyway, any PC gamer should have a controller to hook up for other games, I'd just strongly recommend you use it for this one.
posted by malphigian at 12:13 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
When one talks of extreme precision, one doesn't really refer to a controller. The reason they don't mix PC live gamers with console live gamers is because PC gamers have that much more control, it's not even a fair match.
Read my post again, as you seem to have missed my point.
Again, I generally prefer mouse and keyboard. We are not talking about an FPS game here, where I agree with your assessment.
This is a third person game where the game is carefully tuned to a dual stick control, for combat, for camera, and for movement (where the PC has no way to do analog movement, WASD is a poor substitute). That's what I mean by precision, the game is designed to work in harmony with the controller.
Yes, with proper sensitivity settings it might be that the PC version is easier. That also is kind of sucky.
Anyway, any PC gamer should have a controller to hook up for other games, I'd just strongly recommend you use it for this one.
posted by malphigian at 12:13 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
Oops, just noticed a misdirected a reply/quote, sorry about that.
posted by malphigian at 12:15 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by malphigian at 12:15 PM on April 11, 2012
When one talks of extreme precision, one doesn't really refer to a controller. The reason they don't mix PC live gamers with console live gamers is because PC gamers have that much more control, it's not even a fair match.
It depends on what kind of precision you need. If I want pinpoint aiming? There's a reason I'd never ever ever play an FPS on my XBox. But in a third-person game designed from the ground up for analog movement and camera control, WASD is not going to work. I experienced that firsthand with Arkham Asylum. Then I bought a controller.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 12:18 PM on April 11, 2012
It depends on what kind of precision you need. If I want pinpoint aiming? There's a reason I'd never ever ever play an FPS on my XBox. But in a third-person game designed from the ground up for analog movement and camera control, WASD is not going to work. I experienced that firsthand with Arkham Asylum. Then I bought a controller.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 12:18 PM on April 11, 2012
My PS3 copy is still sitting unopened since Xmas. I can feel it's hate for me from across the room.
posted by WinnipegDragon at 12:18 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by WinnipegDragon at 12:18 PM on April 11, 2012
So Dark Souls is something I should play, then? After I finish Ico?
posted by seanmpuckett at 12:20 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by seanmpuckett at 12:20 PM on April 11, 2012
i can't breathe
posted by neuromodulator at 12:20 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by neuromodulator at 12:20 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
I will sum up the entirety of the conversation: This game is not about AIMING which you need a mouse to do best, it is about moving precisely. You need a joystick with analog control. The end.
Dark Souls is definitely one of the best games I have ever played. And darlin, I have played them all.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 12:21 PM on April 11, 2012 [6 favorites]
Dark Souls is definitely one of the best games I have ever played. And darlin, I have played them all.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 12:21 PM on April 11, 2012 [6 favorites]
Okay, I will try to lay some things out here: the thing is, it's not just a good game, but I really interesting game as well. There are some really fascinating game mechanic ideas that profoundly shape the experience of playing it, as well as some deep design philosophy aspects to it (story told not in any traditional narrative forms but as emergent from mechanical and environmental details) that are really astounding.
And I get that we've been taught a language by gaming in general that this game speaks against, so you get to the Tomb of the Giants and get knocked off a ledge into insta-death for the tenth time, you're like, "This fucking game sucks and is not fun." But somewhere around the fiftieth time (I made that up), you begin to accept the language it communicates in, and this magical transformation happens where suddenly instead of being a gamer playing a hard game, you're a character in a harrowing environment, and you long for daylight and no more eyes glittering at you from the darkness. And I think about those eyes, now, afterwards, and it was well worth the frustration of those first 49 falls.
This fucking game.
posted by neuromodulator at 12:29 PM on April 11, 2012 [7 favorites]
And I get that we've been taught a language by gaming in general that this game speaks against, so you get to the Tomb of the Giants and get knocked off a ledge into insta-death for the tenth time, you're like, "This fucking game sucks and is not fun." But somewhere around the fiftieth time (I made that up), you begin to accept the language it communicates in, and this magical transformation happens where suddenly instead of being a gamer playing a hard game, you're a character in a harrowing environment, and you long for daylight and no more eyes glittering at you from the darkness. And I think about those eyes, now, afterwards, and it was well worth the frustration of those first 49 falls.
This fucking game.
posted by neuromodulator at 12:29 PM on April 11, 2012 [7 favorites]
This is good news, but Dark Souls is not a "hardcore RPG". That would typically refer to a old-school party based RPG with heavy emphasis on stats and little on action. Dark Souls is a hardcore ACTION game with some RPG elements.
(shakes cane)
posted by Justinian at 12:29 PM on April 11, 2012 [8 favorites]
(shakes cane)
posted by Justinian at 12:29 PM on April 11, 2012 [8 favorites]
It'll use Games For Windows Live, too, as sort of a bonus, if you like bonuses that suck.
posted by notmydesk at 12:30 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by notmydesk at 12:30 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
Anyway, any PC gamer should have a controller to hook up for other games, I'd just strongly recommend you use it for this one.
I've never felt the need to do this except for flight sims and I'm guessing a flightstick isn't ideal. Can I just use my XBOX 360 controller somehow?
posted by Justinian at 12:31 PM on April 11, 2012
I've never felt the need to do this except for flight sims and I'm guessing a flightstick isn't ideal. Can I just use my XBOX 360 controller somehow?
posted by Justinian at 12:31 PM on April 11, 2012
Get off mah lawn, Dark Souls! Come back when you need to eat apples and bury your poop!
SOMEONE DESCRIBE THE NEW BOSSES. Draw me pictures if you must.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 12:32 PM on April 11, 2012
SOMEONE DESCRIBE THE NEW BOSSES. Draw me pictures if you must.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 12:32 PM on April 11, 2012
Can I just use my XBOX 360 controller somehow?
Yup, they work with PCs. But they'll probably rebalance the controls for k/m too.
posted by neuromodulator at 12:32 PM on April 11, 2012
Yup, they work with PCs. But they'll probably rebalance the controls for k/m too.
posted by neuromodulator at 12:32 PM on April 11, 2012
So Dark Souls is something I should play, then? After I finish Ico?
It's one of the best games I've ever played, but I do not recommend it to everyone.
Dark Souls runs directly counter to the popular trends in modern game design. That is, low challenge games with a steady supply of rewards and no punishments. Dark Souls is hard, but you will feel as if you have earned your rewards.
And maybe more importantly, you'll know you deserve your punishments. The difficulty is rarely fickle, and it's pretty much always your fault when you die.
This is all aside from the other aspects I love, like the bizarre melancholy atmosphere. The intricate, dreamlike level design. The sad drifter NPCs and their poetic near nonsense dialog. The unique and genius integration of multiplayer.
But no, it's not for everyone.
This was the best of the original trailers for the game I think.
posted by malphigian at 12:33 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
It's one of the best games I've ever played, but I do not recommend it to everyone.
Dark Souls runs directly counter to the popular trends in modern game design. That is, low challenge games with a steady supply of rewards and no punishments. Dark Souls is hard, but you will feel as if you have earned your rewards.
And maybe more importantly, you'll know you deserve your punishments. The difficulty is rarely fickle, and it's pretty much always your fault when you die.
This is all aside from the other aspects I love, like the bizarre melancholy atmosphere. The intricate, dreamlike level design. The sad drifter NPCs and their poetic near nonsense dialog. The unique and genius integration of multiplayer.
But no, it's not for everyone.
This was the best of the original trailers for the game I think.
posted by malphigian at 12:33 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
Can I just use my XBOX 360 controller somehow?
You'll need this if it's a wireless one. Wired controllers are native (for 7, at least.)
posted by griphus at 12:33 PM on April 11, 2012
You'll need this if it's a wireless one. Wired controllers are native (for 7, at least.)
posted by griphus at 12:33 PM on April 11, 2012
I'm sure you're right OnTheLastCastle. Don't mind me. I'm just an old fart who's been gaming exclusively with a keyboard for 20+ years. I've hardly ever touched a controller and I'm set in my ways. I've successfully enjoyed games like Assassin's Creed, Sands of Time, Arkahm Asylum, and Tomb Raider (including Guardian of Light) with mouse & keyboard. Other people could probably play them better (or enjoy them more) with a controller, but I doubt I could.
I'm not trying to recommend playing Dark Souls without a controller, I'm just hoping it's an option. Think of it as an accessibility issue for the handicapped.
posted by straight at 12:34 PM on April 11, 2012
I'm not trying to recommend playing Dark Souls without a controller, I'm just hoping it's an option. Think of it as an accessibility issue for the handicapped.
posted by straight at 12:34 PM on April 11, 2012
SOMEONE DESCRIBE THE NEW BOSSES
"Black Dragon", a huge dark dragon and "Guardian of the Tomb", sort of a manticore (lion with wings, snake tail, lazer eyes, etc.) Scans are out there.
posted by 2bucksplus at 12:38 PM on April 11, 2012
"Black Dragon", a huge dark dragon and "Guardian of the Tomb", sort of a manticore (lion with wings, snake tail, lazer eyes, etc.) Scans are out there.
posted by 2bucksplus at 12:38 PM on April 11, 2012
I'll grab one of those wireless receivers for the 360 controller if the game doesn't play well with mouse and keyboard, thanks. I could use a game with some actual challenge. Most games these days can't even be said to have a difficulty level as they are so easy even on the "hard" ones.
posted by Justinian at 12:39 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by Justinian at 12:39 PM on April 11, 2012
Probably in my top 10 games of all time. Just those glimpses of the new content have me strongly considering sinking another 120 hours into this thing.
Ooh!
It'll use Games For Windows Live
Meh.
posted by xedrik at 12:41 PM on April 11, 2012
Ooh!
It'll use Games For Windows Live
Meh.
posted by xedrik at 12:41 PM on April 11, 2012
I know it's anathema to a lot of Souls fans, but I'd love to see some sort of invite-a-friend co-op in the PC version. Maybe hidden behind an options screen if they're concerned about it spoiling the atmosphere for first-time players. I'll gladly grab a PC copy just to support it and for a second playthrough with a framerate that might top 5fps in Blighttown, but I'd be crazy excited if I could look forward to running around, falling off ledges, getting stabbed by black phantoms and seeing the occasional YOU DEFEATED with my partner rather than an internet random.
posted by emmtee at 12:44 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by emmtee at 12:44 PM on April 11, 2012
The site says something about matchmaking on the PC version, so that might be the case.
posted by neuromodulator at 12:56 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by neuromodulator at 12:56 PM on April 11, 2012
I have avoided this game because by and large, I hate hard games. I play everything on easy. I was one of those guys who ignored Jonathan Blow and used a walk-thru for the later levels of Braid, because I hate frustration and repetition. I'm in it for the experience and the story.
That said, you guys are making me think about changing my mind and trying this. The superlatives people are saying about it are just off-the-charts intriguing.
posted by jbickers at 1:01 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
That said, you guys are making me think about changing my mind and trying this. The superlatives people are saying about it are just off-the-charts intriguing.
posted by jbickers at 1:01 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
This Fucking Game.
posted by stratastar at 1:02 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by stratastar at 1:02 PM on April 11, 2012
...I hate frustration and repetition. I'm in it for the experience and the story.
Skip Dark Souls
posted by 2bucksplus at 1:06 PM on April 11, 2012
Skip Dark Souls
posted by 2bucksplus at 1:06 PM on April 11, 2012
Yes, everything I know about Dark Souls tells me This Game IS Not For You.
posted by Justinian at 1:09 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by Justinian at 1:09 PM on April 11, 2012
I don't really have that much of an issue with GFWL. I had to use it for GTA4 and Bulletstorm and it was fine. Kind of annoying but not really a big deal
posted by Cloud King at 1:20 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by Cloud King at 1:20 PM on April 11, 2012
Got the first one for the console and found it extremely boring (and I hadnt even got to the repitition yet)... is this any better?
posted by utsutsu at 1:24 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by utsutsu at 1:24 PM on April 11, 2012
The game isn't difficult in a sense that something like Ninja Gaiden Black or a high level Quake match is difficult, it's much more about being fully aware of your surroundings and limitations and being patient enough.
If you ever get stuck on a boss, you can always fight through several optional areas to get more experience for leveling or weapons, summon an NPC player to tank for you, or summon someone online to help you
posted by Cloud King at 1:26 PM on April 11, 2012
If you ever get stuck on a boss, you can always fight through several optional areas to get more experience for leveling or weapons, summon an NPC player to tank for you, or summon someone online to help you
posted by Cloud King at 1:26 PM on April 11, 2012
I don't really have that much of an issue with GFWL.
I hate you.
Nothing personal, mind -- it's purely a vague, abstract sort of floating hatred that hangs around the dark corners of my hard drive, where those games used to be. Used to be.
Anyway, yeah, I hate you.
Sigh.
(gazes longingly at empty sectors)
posted by aramaic at 1:31 PM on April 11, 2012
I hate you.
Nothing personal, mind -- it's purely a vague, abstract sort of floating hatred that hangs around the dark corners of my hard drive, where those games used to be. Used to be.
Anyway, yeah, I hate you.
Sigh.
(gazes longingly at empty sectors)
posted by aramaic at 1:31 PM on April 11, 2012
See, for me, the sense of exploration gained from this game is unmatched. This contains some spoilers, but anyone who has finished it would probably enjoy reading it, or if you're on the fence, it might pique your interest further.
posted by neuromodulator at 1:35 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by neuromodulator at 1:35 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
Mega Man meets Baldur's Gate. This game will make you hate it... and possibly yourself.
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:40 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by RolandOfEld at 1:40 PM on April 11, 2012
I'm so pumped. I've been wanting to play this series ever since I played King's Field for the PS2.
posted by codacorolla at 1:51 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by codacorolla at 1:51 PM on April 11, 2012
This contains some spoilers, but anyone who has finished it would probably enjoy reading it
Holy hell, the level of detail and thought put into the game's world is astonishing.
posted by naju at 1:52 PM on April 11, 2012
Holy hell, the level of detail and thought put into the game's world is astonishing.
posted by naju at 1:52 PM on April 11, 2012
I love this game, even though it hates me. Learning to use a sword in DS feels like actually learning to use a sword, with range, weight, momentum, openings and angles of attack all requiring your attention; even a small mistake against a weak enemy can leave you dead. Learning to survive in DS feels like fighting your way through a hellish morass of evil spirits and twisted monstrosities; it requires bravery, observation, quick reflexes, patience, or failing all that a hellish determination and the occasional (or frequent) dirty trick.
The environment deserves mention, too -- it's like a bleaker Gormenghast; ICO smeared with gore. Interacting with NPCs is about as bizarre, disheartening and suspicious as you imagine it would be to deal with lost, trapped spirits doomed to a slow, inescapable slide into insanity and torment.
It's a horrible game. I adore it.
posted by Drexen at 1:57 PM on April 11, 2012 [4 favorites]
The environment deserves mention, too -- it's like a bleaker Gormenghast; ICO smeared with gore. Interacting with NPCs is about as bizarre, disheartening and suspicious as you imagine it would be to deal with lost, trapped spirits doomed to a slow, inescapable slide into insanity and torment.
It's a horrible game. I adore it.
posted by Drexen at 1:57 PM on April 11, 2012 [4 favorites]
...And then you get to NG+ and you really learn to fight.
posted by 2bucksplus at 2:01 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by 2bucksplus at 2:01 PM on April 11, 2012
I think I just realized that every beautiful vista in the game isn't just there for prettiness, it's there to give you a vantage point with which to spatially understand the entire game world on a macro level...
posted by naju at 2:04 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by naju at 2:04 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
I do wish they'd slightly tweaked the visual indicators so it was more do-able to play without a HUD (which I think greatly increases the immersion in pretty much any game, but especially ones like this, and, say, STALKER). Wearing the blue tearstone ring gives you a good indication of when you're close to death, but it would have been nice if they'd taken a little more from Dead Space or something on that aspect.
posted by Drexen at 2:05 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by Drexen at 2:05 PM on April 11, 2012
You learn to play Dark Souls in a way you don't learn to play other games. It's not "hard" in our traditional way of talking about games. You don't have to be the fastest, you don't have to know all sorts of arcane combos. You have to watch how an enemy moves, and deflect or dodge his attacks while getting past his defenses. It's exhilarating to feel the focus. You'll lose time in delightful concentration.
Also, it is the most cohesive game world I can remember being in. You see things off in the distance and they are always a place you eventually get to no matter how impossibly far and small they seem. No part of the world is just window dressing.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 2:05 PM on April 11, 2012
Also, it is the most cohesive game world I can remember being in. You see things off in the distance and they are always a place you eventually get to no matter how impossibly far and small they seem. No part of the world is just window dressing.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 2:05 PM on April 11, 2012
Oh, and I forgot to add. If you really get in trouble, if you feel like your soul and your sanity are slipping away, if you feel like the sheer tonnage of horror and brutality is going to crush you to a greasy stain: never give up hope, and always keep your eye on the faint, tiny flickering shred of sunlight that still makes it to you. Because there is no soul so corrupted, no fetid oubliette so dark and deep, no insane giant strong enough to overcome the power of JOLLY COOPERATION. Praise the Sun!
posted by Drexen at 2:17 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Drexen at 2:17 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
I haven't played a console-to-pc port in a long time, but they have always tended to be somewhat lame and unquestionably inferior to the console versions.
Is that no longer the case with the new generation of consoles? Could the PC version of Dark Souls meet or even exceed its console counterparts? I ask because I've waffled on buying a PS3 strictly to play Dark Souls a couple of times, and a really nice PC port would make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
posted by I Havent Killed Anybody Since 1984 at 2:26 PM on April 11, 2012
Is that no longer the case with the new generation of consoles? Could the PC version of Dark Souls meet or even exceed its console counterparts? I ask because I've waffled on buying a PS3 strictly to play Dark Souls a couple of times, and a really nice PC port would make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
posted by I Havent Killed Anybody Since 1984 at 2:26 PM on April 11, 2012
PC ports are generally pretty great nowadays (at least with a controller, the control part of the part is often crappy still). In fact usually look better than their console counterparts. E.g. Arkham Asylum, Saints Row the Third.
posted by malphigian at 2:32 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by malphigian at 2:32 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
Yes, the PC version of Dark Souls will mostly likely run much more smoothly, at higher res, and look nicer all-round (PC specs allowing). This is especially nice given that inconsistent framerate is one of DS's few problems. Also I agree with the above comments: I'm sure DS would be playable on mouse+keyboard, but you really are shooting yourself in the foot if you don't play it as it was designed - with a controller (ideally PS3-like).
posted by Drexen at 2:36 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Drexen at 2:36 PM on April 11, 2012 [1 favorite]
And I get that we've been taught a language by gaming in general that this game speaks against, so you get to the Tomb of the Giants and get knocked off a ledge into insta-death for the tenth time, you're like, "This fucking game sucks and is not fun."
Prince of Persia (the one with the spike-filled pits) says hi.
posted by ersatz at 3:38 PM on April 11, 2012
Prince of Persia (the one with the spike-filled pits) says hi.
posted by ersatz at 3:38 PM on April 11, 2012
Dark Souls is the game that has come closest to making me want to buy a current-gen console. Until it came out and I started to read about it, I was happy with my hundreds of hours of Trackmania and increasingly proficient console ports. But then Dark Souls came out and I immediately realized that it was my kind of fantasy and my kind of weird AND my kind of beautiful all rolle up into one game, and I almost (but not quite!) became weak.
What I'm feeling right now is the kind of excitement that loosens the bowels. It's exhilaration that loops in on itself and becomes a fight-or-flight response. My Xbox 360 controller is plugged in, and now I'm just biding my time until August.
posted by BV at 3:55 PM on April 11, 2012
What I'm feeling right now is the kind of excitement that loosens the bowels. It's exhilaration that loops in on itself and becomes a fight-or-flight response. My Xbox 360 controller is plugged in, and now I'm just biding my time until August.
posted by BV at 3:55 PM on April 11, 2012
So what if they designed it for a 2 mouse setup? OK, that is a really stupid idea, but that would be... interesting. Maybe an easter egg. Though I'd rather they get the controller controls down. I do have to say I've never played it, and hearing how it's like Ninja Gaiden in it's difficulty (or harder), I don't know if I'd really want to play it.
I love mouse/keyboard, but there are times when the controller is just more *right* for a game. The only issue about "tightly tuned controls" when it comes to PC is the wide variety of specs. If your system is just near the level of tuning it would feel off, even using a controller, it wouldn't matter what the control is. At least with a console you have something that the game can completely optimize for.
posted by symbioid at 4:10 PM on April 11, 2012
I love mouse/keyboard, but there are times when the controller is just more *right* for a game. The only issue about "tightly tuned controls" when it comes to PC is the wide variety of specs. If your system is just near the level of tuning it would feel off, even using a controller, it wouldn't matter what the control is. At least with a console you have something that the game can completely optimize for.
posted by symbioid at 4:10 PM on April 11, 2012
Great atmosphere and swordplay. But it drove me crazy in a bad way. I couldn't stop thinking about it, and it frustrated the hell out of me. I live in a college neighborhood, so I put it back in the box, and attached a sticky note saying "This game will ruin your life. You're welcome." Poor kid.
Seriously, if you're not a "hard core gamer" in the strictest old-skool sense skip this one. Way too hard and frustrating. And repetitive. Certainly very creative though.
My thought on this for PC is that if they allow you to truly quick key potions, bombs, etc., to different keys, it could make it slightly more bearable. Having to switch items then select "use" in the heat of battle was too difficult for me.
Guess I suck, but I don't care. I'm a better person without Dark Souls.
posted by jeff-o-matic at 4:19 PM on April 11, 2012
Seriously, if you're not a "hard core gamer" in the strictest old-skool sense skip this one. Way too hard and frustrating. And repetitive. Certainly very creative though.
My thought on this for PC is that if they allow you to truly quick key potions, bombs, etc., to different keys, it could make it slightly more bearable. Having to switch items then select "use" in the heat of battle was too difficult for me.
Guess I suck, but I don't care. I'm a better person without Dark Souls.
posted by jeff-o-matic at 4:19 PM on April 11, 2012
(I left the game out on a mailbox for a kid to pick up for free)
posted by jeff-o-matic at 4:20 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by jeff-o-matic at 4:20 PM on April 11, 2012
You gave Dark Souls to a child?!
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 6:02 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 6:02 PM on April 11, 2012 [2 favorites]
At some point I was wondering what happened to the level designers of yore. Apparently they summoned them all to work on Dark Souls. What a fucking genius went into the insanity and intricacy of the level-design.
posted by stratastar at 9:29 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by stratastar at 9:29 PM on April 11, 2012
I hear it'll let you, finally, build curved roads.
posted by oxford blue at 11:27 PM on April 11, 2012
posted by oxford blue at 11:27 PM on April 11, 2012
OMG OMG. I finished this game twice then got stuck on Forest Hunter PvP. Then I had to arrange to have the disc removed and hidden somewhere I will never find it. It's brilliant. I'll probably have to buy it again, even though I'm a bit down on From and Namco Bandai at the moment for the crushing disappointment of Armored Core V.
I have no idea how it could be made playable for keyboard and mouse, though. For a start, you'd need a mouse with at least four buttons.
posted by A Thousand Baited Hooks at 1:40 AM on April 12, 2012
I have no idea how it could be made playable for keyboard and mouse, though. For a start, you'd need a mouse with at least four buttons.
posted by A Thousand Baited Hooks at 1:40 AM on April 12, 2012
The whole world is just drenched in a palpable sense of menace so every time you beat a boss or get a breather overlooking a beautiful vista it's like the curtain pulls back for a second. But it's impossible not to press on immediately and throw yourself back into the murk.
The environments/level design in this game are exquisite. I just hope the PC release fixes the frame rate issues in places like Blighttown.
posted by mean cheez at 6:02 AM on April 12, 2012
The environments/level design in this game are exquisite. I just hope the PC release fixes the frame rate issues in places like Blighttown.
posted by mean cheez at 6:02 AM on April 12, 2012
With a name like Blighttown it's hard not to think it might be intentional.
posted by oxford blue at 6:37 AM on April 12, 2012
posted by oxford blue at 6:37 AM on April 12, 2012
I didn't get too far into Dark Souls because I didn't have the time I felt I needed to dedicate to understanding its intricacies. But if you haven't played it, I will say that finishing the tutorial felt like a major accomplishment.
posted by Elementary Penguin at 8:33 AM on April 12, 2012
posted by Elementary Penguin at 8:33 AM on April 12, 2012
Just FYI, Demon Souls is PS3 only, Dark Souls is also on the XBox.
All you need to use your xbox controller on a PC is a bluetooth adapter. Wired ones are USB and you can pick up a used generic one from Gamestop for $25.
posted by daHIFI at 11:43 AM on April 12, 2012
All you need to use your xbox controller on a PC is a bluetooth adapter. Wired ones are USB and you can pick up a used generic one from Gamestop for $25.
posted by daHIFI at 11:43 AM on April 12, 2012
All you need to use your xbox controller on a PC is a bluetooth adapter. Wired ones are USB and you can pick up a used generic one from Gamestop for $25.
While you're at it you might want to pick up two, just in case you break one in rage after finally beating the Taurus Demon on your fifth try and promptly falling off a ledge to your death a second later. Like, er, someone I know did.
posted by Blue Meanie at 1:22 PM on April 12, 2012
While you're at it you might want to pick up two, just in case you break one in rage after finally beating the Taurus Demon on your fifth try and promptly falling off a ledge to your death a second later. Like, er, someone I know did.
posted by Blue Meanie at 1:22 PM on April 12, 2012
This is probably a good place to mention that the servers for Demon's Souls (not Dark) are going offline on May 31. I never did actually beat it (!), so I can't say for sure how much of a difference that makes (no notes, no Phantoms either helping or invading ... what else am I missing?) but if anyone was thinking about playing it, now looks like the time.
posted by Amanojaku at 2:38 PM on April 12, 2012
posted by Amanojaku at 2:38 PM on April 12, 2012
Really? It's a "greatest hits" game, they've been promoting it, etc. That's kind of lame.
posted by neuromodulator at 3:13 PM on April 12, 2012
posted by neuromodulator at 3:13 PM on April 12, 2012
Really? It's a "greatest hits" game, they've been promoting it, etc. That's kind of lame.
Yup.
I suspect it's mostly a matter of concentrating their efforts on Dark Souls nowadays (1.5 million or so sold vs. 200k for Demon's Souls), but they've actually been pretty upfront about the servers not staying around forever, and they've pushed back the shut-off date a couple of times now.
posted by Amanojaku at 9:39 AM on April 13, 2012
Yup.
I suspect it's mostly a matter of concentrating their efforts on Dark Souls nowadays (1.5 million or so sold vs. 200k for Demon's Souls), but they've actually been pretty upfront about the servers not staying around forever, and they've pushed back the shut-off date a couple of times now.
posted by Amanojaku at 9:39 AM on April 13, 2012
Only 200k? Wow. Lots of people have the opinion that Demon's Souls is a superior game to Dark Souls. Both are highly worth playing. I think the multiplayer adds a great deal of enjoyment to the Demon's Souls experience. Including one pretty surprising sequence that I won't spoil.
posted by naju at 11:57 AM on April 13, 2012
posted by naju at 11:57 AM on April 13, 2012
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posted by 2bucksplus at 11:33 AM on April 11, 2012