From Software has developed a user-friendly stable of games over the past few years. Demon's Souls on PS3 was perhaps the third easiest game I have ever played, and Dark Souls was a wonderfully relaxing return to the mechanics and fast-paced battles of its spiritual precursor. I don't think I died once! The tutorials took up about a third of the games' run times, and the controls were stupidly simple. The much ballyhooed Capra Demon was a breeze!
......ALL LIES!
If you didn't already know, homie, now you know (+1 half-eaten cookie for anyone that understands the reference). The "Souls" series offers a fantastic challenge, with weighty combat and absurdly powerful beasts. The most harmless of the enemies can still send you to the "YOU DIED" screen with a few well-placed hits, and the terrifying monsters you attempt to flee from will destroy you in one fell swoop. So frustrating, yet so SATISFYING! Like the struggle to make homemade pizza on the first try..."where is the pepperoni?" "how do I make the crust?" "wait, this isn't my house!" You get it. You fight and fight and fight and the struggle pays off! Usually. Though I would encourage you to play both Demon's Souls and Dark Souls before enjoying this title, this works as an effective entry point to the series if you only have a "new-gen" console. It's also a bit more newcomer-friendly than the other two, and with all three DLC packs thrown in, Scholar of the First Sin is worth every penny to both regulars and new arrivals (used, it's around 5,499 pennies. Ya know, just in case you're gonna be that guy/gal that dares to pay in rolls of change).
One of the best strategies in the game: FLEE!
Graphics and Sound
Seeing as this is the definitive release of the game, the graphics better be damn good! As I'm reviewing the Xbox One version of the title, some may wonder "what's the frame rate?!" to which I will say "Away, cur!!" The game didn't exactly stretch the hardware on last-gen systems, but it looked solid. My initial playthrough of Dark Souls 2 last year went smoothly, and frame-rate hitches didn't rear their ugly heads too frequently. Still, the Xbox 360 version could have used a bit of extra polish in the looks department. Thankfully, Scholar provides an upgrade across the board. There were only two occasions that I recall where the framerate took a major hit, and one of those was thanks to my internet cutting out. The framerate stays consistent throughout most all of the game, smooth as can be at around 60 fps. The textures have also been touched up, with what used be generally muddy environments now detailed...uh...rocks I suppose. And mud.
But seriously, the game looks crisp and moves well. The various enemies you encounter are well-designed, and many bosses are a sight to behold! Behemoths at the end of the mazes you run through. Many environments are also a sight to see, and they would be wonderful to take in if you weren't being set upon by rabid dogs and sneaky hollow knights! Death is truly around every corner, and the landscapes you battle across are built well enough to keep you guessing as to where enemies will sprout from. The gear you discover and equip often has minute details, and it's a testament to the design team that there are so many cool pieces of equipment. With so many varied creatures and structures, the game is a looker. Not a system seller, but definitely a marked improvement over the vanilla original.
Enemy or ally? You decide!
Music is pretty rare in the game, but when it makes its forbidding arrival, it's suitably epic. The lack of music enhances the tension throughout the encounters as you await the tell-tale sound of footsteps (claw steps as well?) and eventual clash of steel or flurry of magic. The sound of a broadsword clanging off of a narrow stone hallway's wall is painful to hear (knowing your equipment is degrading and you likely missed an opportunity to finish an opponent), and the satisfying crunch of an arrow finding its mark never fails to elate. You will feel the rush of a close call after you roll across the stone steps of a a castle's battlements, giant hammer smashing into your previous position. The voice acting is rock solid, and the sounds of monsters are captured just as well. An impressive package of sound and fury indeed!
Gameplay
Now, for the true meat of the experience (or tofu, if you don't eat meat...choose your favorite vegetable if you don't mess with tofu either!). Devil May Cry this is not, and that's okay. Beginning with a mysteriously vague cutscene giving you something that resembles a story set-up, you are dropped into the world of Drangleic and left to fend for yourself pretty quickly, soon after a character creator that works well enough. A number of classes are offered, but to suggest the best class would be pointless, as everyone will get a different feel from the game. I chose the knight build, but the game allows you to level up as you please, with the class choice more of a basis for your character and less of a restriction (so you can use whatever equipment you please, as long as you level up the proper stats). The initial area has stone tablets that offer the controls, but knowing the controls is only the starting point for REALLY learning them. Each weapon differs in weight, changing attacks, and learning the shift in momentum between a lumbering two-handed great sword and a swift rapier is key to success. There are hundreds of weapon and armor combos, and though it's not a "lootfest" in the sense that Diablo has gear everywhere ALL THE TIME, there are plenty of exciting treasures and rare super weapons to be found. I was still annoyed that the weapons degrade with use, but such a system forced me to consider my backup stances and weapons and added a whole new element of strategy to boss encounters in particular. My favorite mace shattered in a pitched battle, and though disheartened for a moment, I drew a sword enhanced with flame and finished the job. As important as weapons and armor are in the game, the balance of battles are just as important.
You will be constantly running into new enemy types, many of which require you to use a different weapon or approach to detect weaknesses. Obviously, fire salamanders can shrug off a thrown firebomb (duh fire!), but a lightning arrow fired from a carved dragon bone bow can work wonders (just one of many examples). Experimenting with different combat maneuvers is a necessity to learn and survive, and it's part of the game's charm. You are not told, "Hey this boss is vulnerable to poison!" It's all about having a strategic approach to combat. In fact, some sections are nigh unbeatable with a magic-caster if the abomination is resistant to magic, so guess what? Try another approach. Your stamina meter controls the period of time you can run (and hide, it's okay no shame in this game!) or fight, and once exhausted, you leave yourself open to a possible critical hit. The encounters rely on conserving and/or using your stamina wisely, such as tanking it and taking hits with a massive shield (essentially waiting it out for a massive blow to destroy the enemy) or dodging and rolling and quickly striking with hopeful precision. It's easy to rage at the game and ruin your television with a well-placed controller chuck, but push on through and you'll reap the rewards.
One thing is certain: you will get "got!" The game is rarely cheap, though, and I probably died more times diving out of harm's way and off a cliff in flight than when I was locked in a mortal struggle (it did help that I beat the game once before on 360...shhh). Each time you lose, you have an opportunity to learn. That four-hit combo that you hadn't seen before? Well, now you know that stupid knight has it, and now you can endeavor to defeat it. The sense of discovery not only in arriving at a new, dangerous location but in coming face-to-face with a new threat really gives this game a satisfying feel. It's rewarding to defeat the bosses without being struck down once, and though there are sections that have enemies packed together in such a way that you may wonder aloud if the developer is trying screw you over (THE BONFIRE WAS RIGHT THERE!!!), each obstacle is surmountable with the right amount of tact.
Although the story is not fully fleshed out, I kind of liked the way you float among NPCs, gleaning tidbits of information and discovering new items. The NPCs you come across can often help you in major battles as well, and if you play your cards right AKA don't let them die a horrible, painful death, they'll hook you up with some free stuff (not crappy coupons either). Many of them offer a wide selection of items for purchase, and, in an almost cruel twist of fate for newcomers, you use your "souls" to purchase such items. So your "souls," earned when defeating enemies or infrequently discovered in chests, are used to level up your character, upgrade your current weapons, or purchase items. This makes you consider your options after each big take...do I use my souls to buy some new armor and maybe level up or do I upgrade my favorite sword and hope for the best?
Multiplayer, the final piece of this experience, is a bit hit or miss with me. A good single-player character build may not work too well in the realm of multiplayer combat. You can invade others' worlds and ruin their day by slaying them and earning your keep in your chosen covenant, or you can cooperate with others to defeat the toughest bosses. There are a number of these covenants, many which tie in directly to your multiplayer performance and reward you with covenant-specific gear. I gave a look to all of them, and which you choose really depends on your play style (don't want to give TOO much away). I enjoyed helping others defeat insurmountable odds, but I was annoyed to no end by someone like cornxonxthexcob1530 (not a real gamer tag that I know of) appearing as a phantom in my game and cursing me right before I reached a mini-boss. Progress lost. Controller squeezed angrily beneath my sweaty palms. Multiplayer is optional, but you are missing out on an integral feature of the game if you play in offline mode. At least give it a shot, you may enjoy it more than I did! Damn invasions...One final gripe would be the inconsistent first-person targeting system for ranged weapons. I didn't run into the problem too often, but there were a few times where my character kept moving in and out of the fps camera while I was aiming. No big deal.
As for the DLC, the game includes all three major packs: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King. All three add on new (and quite pretty!) areas for you to die in, adding multiple bosses and over ten hours of extra gameplay. They're meant to be played after you complete the main game, as some parts are quite difficult. I lost count of the curse words I used to pelter one boss with after my weapon proved most futile. If you like the main game, you'll enjoy these new areas just as much. I would share so much more, but part of the fun is the discovery as I said before. Enjoy the surprise of a club crushing your lovingly outfitted avatar!
This is THE definitive edition of the game, and if you missed out on the DLC on your PS3 or 360, this is worth a full purchase. If you beat everything and want to play an updated version on your new system, this is definitely for you, most esteemed and dedicated fan! Newcomers, don't be afraid. Traverse the white light and join the ranks of the Undead! It may take a little while to get used to, but the rewards can be great. It's arguably the most user-friendly Souls game. If you're still afraid, go play the Witcher 3 and revel in its majesty! Or Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer (it was worth a shot). Keep riding the wave, my friend(s). A second opinion will be coming soon!
Graphics: The graphics have been updated to a crisp level and they are much more detailed than before, though they're still not system sellers (I seem to say this a lot...). The silky smooth framerate is an excellent addition, allowing you to enjoy the excellent art design and monstrous bosses. Oh and spells.
Sound: The rarely used music is epic and often accompanies your arrival into an unbearable boss battle. Definitely a plus! Voice acting and battle sounds fit like an engraved gauntlet (they're good!).
Replay Value: I completed all there is to see including DLC in less than 60 hours, though first-time players will undoubtedly take longer to push through the content. There is a ton of value here, with innumerable secrets to find and a new game+ option. Multiplayer is a mixed bag, but the covenants associated with it could take up to 10 hours of your time (and that's just for one). Overall, you're getting at least 75 hours of value out of this, and if you must see all the content and then some, you're going to pour over 100 hours into it.
Entertainment Value: An already excellent game with a new-gen update and full stable of DLC, Scholar of the First Sin will give you hours upon hours of challenge. If you're up to it, steel yourself and prepare to die. And learn. And die. And then TRIUMPH. A must-have "RPG" for any PS4 or Xbox One owner. Go play the first two!!
Any questions about games/movies/sports? Ask away! I will respond in a timely manner.
You will be constantly running into new enemy types, many of which require you to use a different weapon or approach to detect weaknesses. Obviously, fire salamanders can shrug off a thrown firebomb (duh fire!), but a lightning arrow fired from a carved dragon bone bow can work wonders (just one of many examples). Experimenting with different combat maneuvers is a necessity to learn and survive, and it's part of the game's charm. You are not told, "Hey this boss is vulnerable to poison!" It's all about having a strategic approach to combat. In fact, some sections are nigh unbeatable with a magic-caster if the abomination is resistant to magic, so guess what? Try another approach. Your stamina meter controls the period of time you can run (and hide, it's okay no shame in this game!) or fight, and once exhausted, you leave yourself open to a possible critical hit. The encounters rely on conserving and/or using your stamina wisely, such as tanking it and taking hits with a massive shield (essentially waiting it out for a massive blow to destroy the enemy) or dodging and rolling and quickly striking with hopeful precision. It's easy to rage at the game and ruin your television with a well-placed controller chuck, but push on through and you'll reap the rewards.
Blasted phantoms...
One thing is certain: you will get "got!" The game is rarely cheap, though, and I probably died more times diving out of harm's way and off a cliff in flight than when I was locked in a mortal struggle (it did help that I beat the game once before on 360...shhh). Each time you lose, you have an opportunity to learn. That four-hit combo that you hadn't seen before? Well, now you know that stupid knight has it, and now you can endeavor to defeat it. The sense of discovery not only in arriving at a new, dangerous location but in coming face-to-face with a new threat really gives this game a satisfying feel. It's rewarding to defeat the bosses without being struck down once, and though there are sections that have enemies packed together in such a way that you may wonder aloud if the developer is trying screw you over (THE BONFIRE WAS RIGHT THERE!!!), each obstacle is surmountable with the right amount of tact.
Although the story is not fully fleshed out, I kind of liked the way you float among NPCs, gleaning tidbits of information and discovering new items. The NPCs you come across can often help you in major battles as well, and if you play your cards right AKA don't let them die a horrible, painful death, they'll hook you up with some free stuff (not crappy coupons either). Many of them offer a wide selection of items for purchase, and, in an almost cruel twist of fate for newcomers, you use your "souls" to purchase such items. So your "souls," earned when defeating enemies or infrequently discovered in chests, are used to level up your character, upgrade your current weapons, or purchase items. This makes you consider your options after each big take...do I use my souls to buy some new armor and maybe level up or do I upgrade my favorite sword and hope for the best?
Multiplayer, the final piece of this experience, is a bit hit or miss with me. A good single-player character build may not work too well in the realm of multiplayer combat. You can invade others' worlds and ruin their day by slaying them and earning your keep in your chosen covenant, or you can cooperate with others to defeat the toughest bosses. There are a number of these covenants, many which tie in directly to your multiplayer performance and reward you with covenant-specific gear. I gave a look to all of them, and which you choose really depends on your play style (don't want to give TOO much away). I enjoyed helping others defeat insurmountable odds, but I was annoyed to no end by someone like cornxonxthexcob1530 (not a real gamer tag that I know of) appearing as a phantom in my game and cursing me right before I reached a mini-boss. Progress lost. Controller squeezed angrily beneath my sweaty palms. Multiplayer is optional, but you are missing out on an integral feature of the game if you play in offline mode. At least give it a shot, you may enjoy it more than I did! Damn invasions...One final gripe would be the inconsistent first-person targeting system for ranged weapons. I didn't run into the problem too often, but there were a few times where my character kept moving in and out of the fps camera while I was aiming. No big deal.
Big swords mean big hits!
As for the DLC, the game includes all three major packs: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King. All three add on new (and quite pretty!) areas for you to die in, adding multiple bosses and over ten hours of extra gameplay. They're meant to be played after you complete the main game, as some parts are quite difficult. I lost count of the curse words I used to pelter one boss with after my weapon proved most futile. If you like the main game, you'll enjoy these new areas just as much. I would share so much more, but part of the fun is the discovery as I said before. Enjoy the surprise of a club crushing your lovingly outfitted avatar!
This is THE definitive edition of the game, and if you missed out on the DLC on your PS3 or 360, this is worth a full purchase. If you beat everything and want to play an updated version on your new system, this is definitely for you, most esteemed and dedicated fan! Newcomers, don't be afraid. Traverse the white light and join the ranks of the Undead! It may take a little while to get used to, but the rewards can be great. It's arguably the most user-friendly Souls game. If you're still afraid, go play the Witcher 3 and revel in its majesty! Or Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer (it was worth a shot). Keep riding the wave, my friend(s). A second opinion will be coming soon!
9.0 out of 10
Graphics: The graphics have been updated to a crisp level and they are much more detailed than before, though they're still not system sellers (I seem to say this a lot...). The silky smooth framerate is an excellent addition, allowing you to enjoy the excellent art design and monstrous bosses. Oh and spells.
Sound: The rarely used music is epic and often accompanies your arrival into an unbearable boss battle. Definitely a plus! Voice acting and battle sounds fit like an engraved gauntlet (they're good!).
Replay Value: I completed all there is to see including DLC in less than 60 hours, though first-time players will undoubtedly take longer to push through the content. There is a ton of value here, with innumerable secrets to find and a new game+ option. Multiplayer is a mixed bag, but the covenants associated with it could take up to 10 hours of your time (and that's just for one). Overall, you're getting at least 75 hours of value out of this, and if you must see all the content and then some, you're going to pour over 100 hours into it.
Entertainment Value: An already excellent game with a new-gen update and full stable of DLC, Scholar of the First Sin will give you hours upon hours of challenge. If you're up to it, steel yourself and prepare to die. And learn. And die. And then TRIUMPH. A must-have "RPG" for any PS4 or Xbox One owner. Go play the first two!!
Any questions about games/movies/sports? Ask away! I will respond in a timely manner.
A wonderful gif courtesy of tumblr!
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