Dark Souls Trilogy

Dark Souls Trilogy is a set containing three action RPGs: Dark Souls: Remastered, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin and Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades. Due to the fact that the collection contains improved/GOTY (Game of the Year) releases, we will also find the content of all expansions to the aforementioned productions - Artorias of the Abyss (DS), Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King (DS2), The Ringed City and Ashes of Ariandel (DS3). The Japanese studio From Software is responsible for creating all three titles.

Plot

The Dark Souls series is famous for its extremely heavy, dark fantasy world called Lordran, which used to be ruled by dragons, and which is now full of all sorts of extremely dangerous (and often giant) monsters. The action of individual games takes place in different lands (including the kingdoms of Drangleic and Lothric). In each installment of the cycle, players play as a different protagonist, but there are some similarities between the three characters: they are mute, undead (cursed) and have a specific title that defines their role in the story (Chosen Undead, Bearer of the Curse and The Ashen One).

A characteristic feature of the Dark Souls series is an unusual, minimalist narration - the plot is often conveyed only through fragmentary dialogues, descriptions of items and elements of the world. Many issues relating to the plot remain unexplained or are subject to the player interpretation.

Mechanics

The Dark Souls series is an action RPG, in which the world is observed from behind the hero (TPP camera). We start the game by creating our character - we can choose gender, appearance, name and basic parameters, which will quickly change during the game. The gameplay focuses on exploring locations, collecting items and fighting enemies. We have a wide range of weapons (each has its own, unique array of attacks and animations) and magic, offering something for all lovers of different game styles.

The Dark Souls cycle is characterised by extremely high level of difficulty. The game can only be saved in specific places - bonfires, where we can also spend our experience points and upgrade our equipment. When we do this, the monsters we have defeated reappear on the map. However, if we die before we reach a bonfire, we will lose everything we managed to acquire. The combat system has been designed to interact with this mechanics, forcing players to laboriously learn patterns and tactics - getting to know the weaknesses of a new creature often requires us to suffer numerous failures, resulting in the need to go through the whole map from scratch.

Game modes

The Dark Souls series combines a single player campaign with the mechanics of a multiplayer modes. We have the ability to summon allies who can help us in extremely difficult battles. Additionally, an invasion system implemented inthe games allows for attacking other players while they are trying to cope with the challenges posed by the game. It is also possible to leave notes that can either warn people of dangers, or mislead and drag them into a trap.

Technical aspects

The productions included in the Dark Souls Trilogy set offer solid three-dimensional visuals. In older games, graphics have been improved to better match modern standards. All three titles are characterized by a very interesting artistic style. Noteworthy here are designs of locations, equipment (basic equipment often looks quite realistic, which is not necessarily possible to say about more advanced weapons or armour), as well as truly grotesque models of monsters.

Last updated on 24 January 2019