At Gamescom 2015 the world finally got its first look at FROM Software‘s latest punishing entry to their magnanimous flagship Souls series. Following the release (and re-release) of Dark Souls II and the more recent gothic, eldritch horror of Bloodborne, Dark Souls 3 currently has the internet in an uproar for all the right reasons.
Several trailers and gameplay demos have emerged showing off some of the most gorgeous and deliciously dark environments FROM have ever put to pixel. One of the main reasons people are excited for this entry is the fact that everything we’ve seen so far indicates a return to the mood and mechanics that dragged the niche Japanese developer into the global spotlight with the release of Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls 1. Seemingly drawing on the successful elements of their past releases, Dark Souls 3 simply oozes atmosphere to the same degree that Bloodborne did, whilst retaining the medieval setting and nuanced RPG gameplay that made Dark Souls 1, and perhaps to a greater extent Demon’s Souls, so very popular.
Whilst there are a lot of things that aren’t currently known about the title, there is plenty to garner from the trailers and demos. For instance, in keeping with the frantic, breakneck mechanics made popular by Bloodborne, combat in Dark Souls 3 appears to be faster and more fluid. However, as a Souls game it does appear to emphasis caution and restraint á la Demon’s Souls, rather than the aggressive pre-emption of Bloodborne.
The newest entry also includes the addition of special moves specific to certain kinds of weapons. Known as ‘Weapon Arts’, these abilities seem to function in a similar way to Bloodborne‘s ‘Trick Weapon’ mechanics, although ‘Weapon Arts’ appear to require a resource which is re-charged by resting at bonfires.
With series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki firmly at the helm and his promise at E3 2015, fans can rest assured that the intricate, interwoven world design Souls is renowned for will make a triumphant return. As always, exploration will be vital to progression through the opening of shortcuts and the finding of secrets.
One finally thing that has audiences intrigued is the ability for players to build their own bonfires. Whilst you most likely won’t be able to create one every 5 feet and cheese your way through the game, introducing new mechanics involving the bonfire is interesting. For Souls fans, the importance of the faint glimmer of warmth in an otherwise dark and dangerous world resonates in a very meaningful way and giving players the opportunity to build their own is sure to add a whole new layer of depth and signifance. Whether this will affect the game’s online features in any way is yet to be seen, but it is fascinating addition all the same.
What little is known about the story also seems very intriguing. As the ‘Age of Dark’ finally establishes its grip on the world and Fire subsides, past heroes who sacrificed themselves to ‘keep the torch lit’ return from the grave as the ‘Lords of Cinder’ in one last ditch effort to rekindled the ‘Age of Fire’. Being a Souls game with Miyazaki in charge, no doubt the narrative will be deep, complex and very well hidden.
Excitement for a new Souls game was also kindled by the fact that several members of the Twitch and YouTube communities, particularly the livestreamers of Soulbrandt (including Peeve Peeverson, Oroboro the Ninja and DreadedCone) were invited to stay in a German castle by FROM to play a hands-on demo of Dark Souls 3. Their impressions indicated that the game does indeed feel more like Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls 1, which is exactly what fans have been clamouring for.
Following the indication that Dark Souls 3 will feature mechanics similar to Dark Souls 1, several livestreamers took the initiative to return to the latter and bring the community with them in preparation. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect opportunity to pick up a copy of the first game and experience the brutality and triumph for yourself. If you plan on getting Dark Souls 3, the practice may very well save your life.
Dark Souls 3: Terrifying Things Trailer – Gamescom 2015
16 Minutes of Dark Souls 3 Gameplay – Gamescom 2015
Dark Souls 3 is currently scheduled for release on PC/PS4/Xbox One early 2016.
Check out IGN‘s article here.
Check out GameSpot‘s article here.
Check out Polygon‘s article here.
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