This is another good blanket rule to come to terms with before you even put the disc in. Remaining positive will save your ass from going hollow, so don’t get discouraged despite your frustration. FromSoft created an experience that was intended to be seen through to completion, so no matter how much difficulty you have with an area try to keep in mind that it was designed to be overcome, not to make you give up. The developers made an exceptionally difficult game, yes, but think about how much work went into it: The intricate level design, the breathtaking setpieces, the unique boss battles, the thought-provoking split endings.
Let’s take this step by step.įrom Software Wants You to Beat Their Gameīefore I bother talking about anything else, this is the number one thing to remember.
Now, to be clear, I’m not promising you’ll magically love this game after reading my article (though if you do I still claim full credit), but taking the following points into account may help turn your white-hot hatred into a sort of smoldering appreciation at the very least. I’m not here to draw parallels, I’m here to talk about Dark Souls, so buckle up! Perhaps my guidance will allow you to see the tender, beautiful side to this beast, and just like Belle you’ll learn to love the monster you once despised for imprisoning your father and locking you up with a bunch of talking furniture. Hush, sweet readers, and let me show you the way. “Why is it so hard? Why do so many people like this abomination?! Is there even a god?!” “Tell us how! Reveal your secrets!” I hear you scream as you fall to our knees, clutching the key that opens the safe that you banished your copy of Dark Souls to. However, my initial impressions turned out to be a bit misguided.
It didn’t feel like the difficulty had a point at first, it felt like it was just difficult for the sake of being difficult, like it was some sort of novelty whose only draw to gamers was “I bet you can’t beat me,” preying on their natural stubbornness in the face of a challenge. I was no stranger to difficulty, but this game rubbed me the wrong way.
It’s true that video games have been a huge part of my life since, well, almost forever, and that may make me seem biased, but keep in mind I hated this game at first. We get it, Wim Hof, you’re SO impressive.ĭark Souls is a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s entirely possible to enjoy this game without being a hardcore, difficulty-seeking pro.