10 Incredibly Calm Moments In Otherwise Intense Games

5. Ash Lake €“ Dark Souls

Much has been made of the unforgiving nature of the Souls franchise, but few note the bizarre sense of calm that is present throughout much the game's world. Of course for the most part, Dark Souls is an exercise in masochism and perseverance. The precision combat, haunting environments and overbearing difficulty often drains players to the point of making them wish they'd never bothered picking the game up in the first place. Every now and again however, From Software throws a glimmer of hope into the melting pot of agony, whether it's the jarringly buxom Gwynevere, Princess of Sunlight or the instantly arresting aesthetics of the Ash Lake area. While Ash Lake does greet players with an array of menacing enemies, it's also by far one of the most tranquil areas in the game, with its blue-tinged backdrop and silky white sand underfoot; players find themselves in a defiantly serene locale. Having just fought their way through The Great Hollow, gamers are greeted at first by the area's harmonious visuals, and then by the sight of a bonfire: that's as good as it gets in the world of Dark Souls.