From Software's Souls IP is a true unicorn of gaming. From the cult-classic beginnings of Demon's Souls on PlayStation 3, the series has ridden its unforgiving philosophy to popularity and beyond with Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2, the latter of which is still seeing DLC installments. As a result, there's a very particular air to the Souls scene, a unique mix of enthusiasm and cultural saturation that every game should strive for. There's no ambiguity among Souls fans; they know why they keep coming back to the games, and they know precisely what they want out of them. Many players very correctly (and humorously) compare their aviditythe thrill of being stomped into the pavement by a new boss, of having no idea how you can get past that horde of enemies, and so onto masochism. This is where Bloodborne comes in, From Software's E3-revealed, PS4-exclusive Souls installment. Though it lacks the titular suffix, Bloodborne has Souls in its veins and has long since been deemed the spiritual successor to Demon's Souls. It marks the new-gen debut of the beloved series, and the biggest opportunity for change it has ever hada potent chance to both refine and innovate. Here are 10 of the biggest check boxes on that list of refinements and innovations.
A freelance games writer, you say? Typically battling his current RPG addiction and ceaseless perfectionism? A fan of horror but too big a sissy to play for more than a couple of hours? Spends far too much time on JRPGs and gets way too angry with card games?
Well that doesn't sound anything like me.
