So let's get Dark Souls out of the way first. Over the last couple of years the 'Souls games saw a massive resurgence in popularity, as being they'd existed as 'that game' we know we had to get around to experiencing, when a lack of necessary next-gen titles started to emerge, many of us turned to this series as a test of our mettle - along with our sanity. Truth be told the difficulty of these has been overhyped, but it doesn't take away from it being built on solid foundations. Hardcore Souls fans will tell you every single thing is fair, and the 'You Died' death screen that's burned into your cerebellum is of your own volition, but that doesn't explain the random torching you'll receive at the start of part one, or the shoddy weapon detection hit-boxes found throughout part two. The experience these games provide remains relatively unmatched - although Lords of the Fallen looks set to have a pretty good stab at its crown this year - but that doesn't take away from the fact the barrier for entry is set at Olympian level, something only the most devoted of players will ever get over.
