Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Decaying Dark Souls and an interest killed with kindness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/decaying-dark-souls-and-an-interest-killed-with-kindness/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/decaying-dark-souls-and-an-interest-killed-with-kindness/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/decaying-dark-souls-and-an-interest-killed-with-kindness/#comments Welcome to The Level Grind, a column that asks questions about game design and industry culture from the perspective of a game player.

Decayed Souls and interest killed with kindness
A few weeks ago I wrote about Dark Souls and how my initial impression of the game was, for the lack of a better term, "wrong." I'd given the game another shot after some convincing from a friend, and since the fanatical position on the game's brilliance had transitioned from boil to simmer.

It's easy to say I fell in love with Dark Souls, yet weeks have passed and I haven't played the game at all. Though my time was focused on other games for review, I wondered why the urge to delve deeper into From Software's complex world had subsided after my gushing editorial. What I've come to realize is that kindness is to blame.

Gallery: Dark Souls (Artorias of the Abyss)

Continue reading Decaying Dark Souls and an interest killed with kindness

JoystiqDecaying Dark Souls and an interest killed with kindness originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsmicrosoftOpinionpcplaystationproject-darkps3The-Level-GrindxboxFri, 12 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls claimed nearly 2.4 million sales worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/dark-souls-claims-nearly-2-4-million-sales-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/dark-souls-claims-nearly-2-4-million-sales-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/dark-souls-claims-nearly-2-4-million-sales-worldwide/#comments 2,367,000 people made good on their preparations to die in Dark Souls. As livedoor reports, From Software announced the latest global sales figures for the 2011 deathtrap at a recent press conference. Around half a million purchases came from Japan, the studio revealed, with the other 1.85 million or so made up from North America and Europe.

Copies which included the 'Artorios of the Abyss' DLC released last year comprised just under 700,000 sales. As ShackNews reports, according to Namco Bandai VP Carlson Choi the PC version represents "over 300,000" of that figure.

While Demon's Souls proved a surprise hit when Atlus brought it to North America, Dark Souls' sales performance may explain why its follow-up warrants a '2' tacked onto it rather than a new moniker. Even if it should be called Dragon's Souls...

JoystiqDark Souls claimed nearly 2.4 million sales worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwaremicrosoftnamco-bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3xboxFri, 12 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Getting Dark Souls all wrong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/getting-dark-souls-all-wrong/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/getting-dark-souls-all-wrong/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/getting-dark-souls-all-wrong/#comments This is Making Time, a column about the games we've always wanted to play, and the games we've always wanted to play again.

Getting Dark Souls all wrong
When Dark Souls first launched in October 2011, I picked it up immediately. Though that statement may seem to be tied to my love of the game's spiritual predecessor, the truth is I've never touched Demon's Souls. It was the rampant fan excitement for a new entry in From Software's action-RPG that drew me in. But Dark Souls didn't resonate with me.

It was a combination of elements that made it easy for me to shelve my copy: the continuous discussion of its incredible difficulty and the "if you don't like it, you don't get it" attitude from fanatics. I never planned to play Dark Souls again.

Early this morning, I wrapped up my fifth hour of the game on Xbox 360, after putting three-plus hours in on the (only worth playing with fan-made fixes) PC version. Dark Souls' hooks are firmly embedded under my skin.

Gallery: Dark Souls (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Getting Dark Souls all wrong

JoystiqGetting Dark Souls all wrong originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-Softwaremaking-timemicrosoftNamco-BandaiOpinionpcplaystationproject-darkps3xboxWed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Games for Windows Live issue kicks customers offline for four days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/games-for-windows-live-issue-kicks-customers-offline-for-four-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/games-for-windows-live-issue-kicks-customers-offline-for-four-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/games-for-windows-live-issue-kicks-customers-offline-for-four-da/#comments Dark Souls PC servers down cos of GFWL for 4 daysAn issue with Microsoft's Game for Windows Live servers is preventing some customers from accessing games that use the software. The ever-growing comment thread on Microsoft's support forums repeatedly mentions difficulties with Dark Souls and Age of Empires Online, but that could simply be due to the popularity of those games.

"Starting from last night - some of our users are experiencing an issue connecting, in game, to games that they have previously had no issues with. We are aware of this issue and are looking into what is causing it and for a resolution," noted a Microsoft moderator prior to the weekend.

Workarounds to the issue appear to be inconsistent, and don't seem to guarantee the problem will be resolved. We'll update if we hear about a resolution.

JoystiqGames for Windows Live issue kicks customers offline for four days originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsgames-for-windows-livemicrosoftpcproject-darkMon, 11 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls is $27 this weekend on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/dark-souls-is-27-this-weekend-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/dark-souls-is-27-this-weekend-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/dark-souls-is-27-this-weekend-on-steam/#comments Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is the weekend deal on Steam, cutting the masochistic experience by 33 percent to $26.79. You may be used to Steam deals dropping game prices deeper, but consider the price punishment an appetizer for what's to come.

The million seller franchise earned a spot in our Joystiq top ten for 2011 for being the Stockholm syndrome experience of the year.

Gallery: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition (PC)

JoystiqDark Souls is $27 this weekend on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwareNamco-Bandaipcproject-darkThu, 08 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 4 Golden takes an interesting page from Dark Souls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/persona-4-golden-takes-an-interesting-page-from-dark-souls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/persona-4-golden-takes-an-interesting-page-from-dark-souls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/persona-4-golden-takes-an-interesting-page-from-dark-souls/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
It's always around the month of May that I take a look at the lengthy list of daily decisions in Persona 4 and start to sweat a bit.

"Should I be going to the sports club so much? Shouldn't I be building my relationship with Yukiko?"
"Crap, I forgot to buy a book to read."
"Exams are coming up and I still haven't hit the first Knowledge threshold. I'm screwed."

More than most RPGs, Persona 4 is about the long game. It's set over the course of a full Japanese school year - from April to December - and there are important decisions to be made almost every day. Most of the time, you end up hanging out with various non-player characters, some of whom won't become friendly until you get to know a specific character. It's big, complicated, and stressful.

Gallery: Persona 4 Golden (Making Decisions)

Continue reading Persona 4 Golden takes an interesting page from Dark Souls

JoystiqPersona 4 Golden takes an interesting page from Dark Souls originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtlusDark-SoulsJRPGsOpinionpersona-4-goldenplaystationplaystation-vitavitaWed, 07 Nov 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls PC on sale for $19.90 on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/dark-souls-pc-on-sale-for-19-90-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/dark-souls-pc-on-sale-for-19-90-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/dark-souls-pc-on-sale-for-19-90-on-amazon/#comments PC download codes for Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition are on sale for $19.90 on Amazon. The code includes the full version of the game along with the Artorias of the Abyss expansion.

The Artorias of the Abyss DLC was recently made available on Xbox Live and PSN for $15. The Prepare to Die Edition PC code requires a Steam account for activation.

JoystiqDark Souls PC on sale for $19.90 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwareNamco-Bandaipcproject-darkSun, 28 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls DLC lands on PSN/XBLM October 24 in Europe [update: October 23 for NA]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/dark-souls-dlc-lands-on-psn-xblm-october-24-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/dark-souls-dlc-lands-on-psn-xblm-october-24-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/dark-souls-dlc-lands-on-psn-xblm-october-24-in-europe/#comments Dark Souls Prepare to Die DLC hits PSNXBLM October 24The Dark Souls 'Artorias of the Abyss' downloadable content is coming to Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network on October 24 in Europe and Australasia. The DLC contains the additional content of the Prepare to Die edition recently released on PC. It will cost 1200 MSP on XBLM, and $14.99 on PSN.

For those who view downloads on the same level of an invading player robbing them of all their souls, a Prepare to Die retail edition for consoles is headed to Europe and Australasia on October 26. There remains no word on it being brought to North America.

Update: We have an update on the Dark Souls Facebook page, albeit a confusingly worded one. When deciphered, it seems to indicate the Artorias of the Abyss DLC is coming to North America on October 23. It reads:
DARK SOULS : Artorias of The Abyss
Dark Souls(R): Prepare to Die Edition[TM] is coming to consoles and will be available for purchase via digital download on both the PlayStation(R)Network and Xbox LIVE(R) on :
October 23, 2012 in North America
October 24, 2012 in Europe

Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss will include sprawling new maps and environments, new boss characters, enemies, non-player characters (NPCs), an arsenal of new weapons and armor and additional challenging content for unrelenting heroes to face as they return to the deadly world of Lordran. Darkness born in the forests of Oolacile is expanding and engulfing the kingdom and all of its people. Only the strongest players will be able to stop the encroaching darkness. Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss will include an online match-making feature allowing console gamers to showcase their skills against other Dark Souls players around the world.

October 24 matches up with the European date for the DLC. Given that, we think the update means to say the additional content from the Prepare to Die edition i.e. the Artorias DLC is coming to XBLM and PSN on October 23 in North America.

Of course, we can't discount this being another nefarious Dark Souls puzzle designed to lull us into a false sense of security. So we're off to find a bonfire. Don't wait up.

Gallery: Dark Souls (Artorias of the Abyss)

Continue reading Dark Souls DLC lands on PSN/XBLM October 24 in Europe [update: October 23 for NA]

JoystiqDark Souls DLC lands on PSN/XBLM October 24 in Europe [update: October 23 for NA] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwaremicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3PSNrelease-dateXBLMxboxWed, 19 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco: Dark Souls developer's 'easy mode' comments were mistranslated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/namco-dark-souls-developers-easy-mode-comments-were-mistrans/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/namco-dark-souls-developers-easy-mode-comments-were-mistrans/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/namco-dark-souls-developers-easy-mode-comments-were-mistrans/#comments After comments from Dark Souls director Hidetaka Miyazaki spread across the web like a Great Chaos Fireball, Namco appears to be doing some damage control. In an interview with Metro, Miyazaki's comments - as they were originally translated - hinted at the possibility of creating an easier difficulty mode for the notoriously tough Dark Souls, or at least doing a better job of helping players understand "the messages behind our difficult games."

Namco contacted Metro saying that Miyazaki's quotes were mistranslated, and in fact he made no mention of decreasing the difficulty at all. According to Namco, what he actually said was, "I am thinking about how to make everyone complete the game while maintaining the current difficulty and carefully send all gamers the messages behind it." This, says Namco, was the "true intention" behind Miyazaki's statement.

For its part, Metro admits (as it did in the original interview article) that the translation "wasn't very good." Still, the outlet states that "the sentence in question always seemed pretty unambiguous."

JoystiqNamco: Dark Souls developer's 'easy mode' comments were mistranslated originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwareHidetaka-Miyazakimicrosoftpcplaystationproject-darkps3xboxFri, 07 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls creator ponders easier mode, idea of satisfying gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/dark-souls-creator-ponders-easier-mode-idea-of-satisfying-gamep/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/dark-souls-creator-ponders-easier-mode-idea-of-satisfying-gamep/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/dark-souls-creator-ponders-easier-mode-idea-of-satisfying-gamep/#comments Dark Souls PC specs pop up on SteamDark Souls director Hidetaka Miyazaki says he wants his games to be described as "satisfying rather than difficult." Speaking with Metro, Miyazaki considers whether he should make another difficulty mode so everyone can complete the notoriously challenging game.

"However, I suppose gamers do not particularly prefer easy games. What they want is interesting and worthwhile games to play, so I think it is natural that hindrance or stress that does not attribute to such interesting and worthwhile elements will be removed in the end," says Miyazaki. "If the number of easy games is increasing nowadays, I guess it is because difficulty is not related to interesting and worthwhile game elements in many games among players."

Dark Souls - despite or because of its oppressive difficulty - has sold over a million units globally and greatly contributed to Namco Bandai's fiscal fortitude.

JoystiqDark Souls creator ponders easier mode, idea of satisfying gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsHidetaka-Miyazakimicrosoftnamco-bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3xboxTue, 04 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxed Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition heads to consoles October 26 in Europe, Australasia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/boxed-dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-heads-to-consoles-octob/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/boxed-dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-heads-to-consoles-octob/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/boxed-dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-heads-to-consoles-octob/#comments Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will be released as a boxed product for consoles, Namco Bandai has announced. Launched (and modded!) this week on PC, the Prepare to Die Edition features all of the original Dark Souls content along with a new expansion called "Artorias of the Abyss" and brand new PVP matchmaking. This new console edition will launch in Europe and Australasia on October 26. For those who already own Dark Souls on console, the new content is slated for a downloadable release as well.

We've contacted Namco Bandai to see if the retail edition is headed to North America as well.

Continue reading Boxed Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition heads to consoles October 26 in Europe, Australasia

JoystiqBoxed Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition heads to consoles October 26 in Europe, Australasia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australasiaaustraliadark-soulseuropefrom-softwaremicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3xboxMon, 27 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls PC's resolution issues fixed by modder in 23 minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/dark-souls-pcs-resolution-issues-fixed-by-modder-in-23-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/dark-souls-pcs-resolution-issues-fixed-by-modder-in-23-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/dark-souls-pcs-resolution-issues-fixed-by-modder-in-23-minutes/#comments Dark Souls PC's resolution issues fixed by modder in 23 minutesA fan-made mod appears to have fixed Dark Souls: Prepare to Die's resolution issues, dramatically improving the game's graphics in the process. What's more, the modder was able to complete the fix within 23 minutes of the game's release.

There had been concern leading up to the PC version of Dark Souls, with From Software acknowledging that Prepare to Die would likely release without expected optimization. Producer Daisuke Uchi had told Digital Spy earlier this month that the original game's frame-rate issues would not be fully fixed, while Eurogamer raised alarms over Prepare to Die appearing to be locked at 1024x768 resolution.

With all that in mind, NeoGAF user Durante spent the week before the game's release preparing a 'dll framework' to fix the problem. When the game launched earlier today, he only needed 23 minutes to finalize the code required to render it at a higher resolution. What's most surprising is how much better Prepare to Die now looks, with Durante's mod seemingly curing the unmodded version of its blurriness. The before and after screenshots are striking.

While fans are delighted with the fix, the speed of one modder's work to improve Prepare to Die's resolution so dramatically forces questions to be raised. We've approached Namco Bandai for comment but the publisher declined to say anything at this time.

You can download Durante's fix here.

JoystiqDark Souls PC's resolution issues fixed by modder in 23 minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsdark-souls-prepare-to-die-editionfrom-softwaremodsnamco-bandaipcFri, 24 Aug 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls PC requirements make sure you're prepared to die]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/dark-souls-pc-requirements-make-sure-youre-prepared-to-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/dark-souls-pc-requirements-make-sure-youre-prepared-to-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/dark-souls-pc-requirements-make-sure-youre-prepared-to-die/#comments Dark Souls PC specs pop up on SteamDark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is set to hit Steam on August 24, but before you ready your deathbed, make sure you actually can expire. Steam lists the following PC requirements for Prepare to Die Edition:

OS: Windows XP , Windows Vista, Windows 7, or newer
Processor: 2.6 GHz Dual-Core
Memory: 1 GB (XP), 2GB (Vista/7)
Hard Disk Space: 4 GB
Video Card: 512 MB RAM, ATI Radeon 4850 or higher, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT or higher
DirectX(R): 9.0c
Sound: Direct Sound Compatible

Steam also says "multiplayer requires microphone headset support," but that isn't true, Namco Bandai tells Eurogamer. Prepare to Die Edition will not support in-game chat at all, it turns out.

The PC version comes with a new expansion, Artorias of the Abyss, which features an untold chapter in the world of Lordran. The expansion will be sold as DLC for PS3 and Xbox 360 versions this winter.

JoystiqDark Souls PC requirements make sure you're prepared to die originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulspcproject-darkrequirementsspecsSTEAMThu, 21 Jun 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls fans can 'Prepare to Die' on Steam and consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/dark-souls-fans-can-prepare-to-die-on-steam-and-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/dark-souls-fans-can-prepare-to-die-on-steam-and-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/dark-souls-fans-can-prepare-to-die-on-steam-and-consoles/#comments Image
The additional content in the PC version of Dark Souls will be released as DLC for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions "this winter," IGN reports. The expansion, called "Artorias of the Abyss," will cost $15 through the consoles' respective marketplaces.

There's also good news for those planning to buy the PC "Prepare to Die Edition" in August. Namco Bandai informed IGN that the game will be released not just on Games for Windows Live, but on Steam as well, negating the need for any further petitioning.
[Thanks, Logan!]

JoystiqDark Souls fans can 'Prepare to Die' on Steam and consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artorias-of-the-abyssdark-soulsDark-Souls-Prepare-to-Die-Editiondlcfrom-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationproject-darkps3steamxboxThu, 31 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/#comments ImageNamco Bandai saw a net income of 1.9 billion yen ($24 million) in its fiscal year 2012, with help from strong US sales of Dark Souls and Ace Combat Assault Horizon. Dark Souls sold 1.19 million units across the US and Europe, while Ace Combat Assault Horizon sold 1.07 million units in Japan, the US and Europe.

Across all platforms, Namco sold 23.3 million software units, led by 8.5 million for PS3, 4.2 million for PSP and 3.2 million for Xbox 360. Revenue from Namco's mobile sector increased, although number of paid subscribers dropped from 3.34 million to 2.15 million year-over-year. Sales of Namco's arcade game machines grew from 56 billion yen ($701.3 million) in FY 2011 to 73.4 billion yen ($919.2 million) in FY 2012.

JoystiqNamco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-combat-assault-horizondark-soulsfinancialsfy-2012microsoftmobileNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3pspsonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls sells 1.19 million copies across North America and Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/dark-souls-sells-1-19-million-copies-across-north-america-and-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/dark-souls-sells-1-19-million-copies-across-north-america-and-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/dark-souls-sells-1-19-million-copies-across-north-america-and-eu/#comments One man's pain is another's pleasure. Never has this been more true than in the case of Dark Souls, as the sadistically difficult RPG continues a slow creep toward two million sales. As part of today's Namco Bandai financials, the company revealed sales in the United States and Europe reached 1.19 million copies.

Publishing in Japan was handled by From Software, which revealed last November that the game had shipped 370,000 units in the region.

Having punished console players within an inch of their sanity, Namco Bandai will launch Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition on PC August 24.

JoystiqDark Souls sells 1.19 million copies across North America and Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3xboxTue, 08 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls for PC announced, masochism begins August 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-souls-for-pc-announced-masochism-begins-august-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-souls-for-pc-announced-masochism-begins-august-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-souls-for-pc-announced-masochism-begins-august-24/#comments Image
The long, perilous journey through months of sinister rumors about Dark Souls trekking to PC is finally at an end. Namco Bandai announced today that internet petitions do have some validity, and that Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will launch on PC August 24.

Prepare to Die Edition will feature new bosses, and beyond that PC players should be prepared to face a relentlessly difficult (but satisfying) experience.

Gallery: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition (PC)

Continue reading Dark Souls for PC announced, masochism begins August 24

JoystiqDark Souls for PC announced, masochism begins August 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsDark-Souls-Prepare-to-Die-EditionNamco-Bandaipcproject-darkWed, 11 Apr 2012 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: It still looks like Dark Souls is coming to PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rumor-it-still-looks-like-dark-souls-is-coming-to-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rumor-it-still-looks-like-dark-souls-is-coming-to-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rumor-it-still-looks-like-dark-souls-is-coming-to-pc/#comments ImageAfter a long, difficult and treacherous battle, it appears Dark Souls may finally be coming to PC. Congratulations, warriors -- your petitions may have once again vanquished the initial convictions of yet another development studio.

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is set to launch in August, a story in German magazine PC Action says (as found by NeoGAF user Anarkin and confirmed by us). Prepare to Die will feature new bosses, but everything else will be a direct translation of the PS3 and Xbox 360 title, according to Anarkin's report from the cover of PC Action.

Publisher Namco Bandai has previously hinted at a PC version of Dark Souls, if it appeared enough fans would play (buy) it.

JoystiqRumor: It still looks like Dark Souls is coming to PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsDark-Souls-Prepare-to-Die-EditionmicrosoftpcplaystationPrepare-to-Dieproject-darkps3xboxSun, 08 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dark Souls PC announcement imminent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/rumor-dark-souls-pc-announcement-imminent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/rumor-dark-souls-pc-announcement-imminent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/rumor-dark-souls-pc-announcement-imminent/#comments Head over to the official Dark Souls Facebook page, and you may discover a new "app" that says "an announcement is coming." The app is nothing more than a brick wall, which will seemingly be broken down once it reaches enough likes. While we'd like to think the wall hides a stack of delicious, fluffy pancakes, evidence points to the impending announcement of a PC version.

And, by evidence, we mean the Australian magazine PC PowerPlay, which strongly suggests Dark Souls will be featured in its April issue. An image of the magazine has popped up on NeoGAF, revealing a page styled after Dark Souls' infamous "YOU DIED" screen. The magazine is due on shelves April 18, so we should likely know exactly what's going on by then.

The possibility of a PC version of Dark Souls cropped up earlier this year when a Namco Bandai forum admin suggested users make a petition for the project. A week later, Namco took notice of the petition, with the admin telling users they had the company's attention and that "the future is in your hands."

JoystiqRumor: Dark Souls PC announcement imminent originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3xboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai takes note of Dark Souls PC petition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/namco-bandai-takes-note-of-dark-souls-pc-petition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/namco-bandai-takes-note-of-dark-souls-pc-petition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/namco-bandai-takes-note-of-dark-souls-pc-petition/#comments We never thought we'd say this, but here goes: someone noticed an online petition. Namco Bandai threw down the gauntlet, tasking a masochistic PC audience with drumming up signatures for a potential PC port of Dark Souls. Over 64,000 of them responded.

Namco Bandai community manager Tony Shoupinou dropped into the forums to say that his bosses approached him after the news broke. "If you wanted to have the attention of Namco Bandai Games, now you have it," he wrote in a post. "The future is in your hands, and I hope you will keep supporting this. I make a personal objective to make sure every relevant people in Namco Bandai Games is in touch with this formidable effort."

It's hardly confirmation that a port is incoming, but at least you've gotten Namco-Bandai's attention -- and knowing is half the battle.

JoystiqNamco Bandai takes note of Dark Souls PC petition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwarenamco-bandaipcproject-darkFri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls admin suggests PC could happen with a petition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/dark-souls-admin-suggests-pc-could-happen-with-a-petition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/dark-souls-admin-suggests-pc-could-happen-with-a-petition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/dark-souls-admin-suggests-pc-could-happen-with-a-petition/#comments Petitions come and petitions go, but when an employee of Namco Bandai suggests Dark Souls could get ported to PC with a few thousand signatures, we take notice. Administrator shoupinou responded to a request for a PC version of Dark Souls with the following advice:

"There is always possibilities to have games adapted on PC and the good news is that Dark Souls is not a 100% typical Console game so the adaptation is possible. Now to make things happen, let's say the demand has to be properly done. someone to make a successful petition?"

There is a petition gathering steam as we speak -- 36,668 signatures as of this writing -- and if you're a PC or Dark Souls fan, we don't see any danger in adding your own to the fight. Unless the CIA is using it to compile a list of suspected terrorists or something.

JoystiqDark Souls admin suggests PC could happen with a petition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaipcpetitionplaystationproject-darkps3xboxSun, 08 Jan 2012 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Platinum's Kamiya hoping to announce his own game in 2012, Fumito Ueda loves Portal 2, and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/platinums-kamiya-hoping-to-announce-his-own-game-in-2012-fumit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/platinums-kamiya-hoping-to-announce-his-own-game-in-2012-fumit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/platinums-kamiya-hoping-to-announce-his-own-game-in-2012-fumit/#comments Since Bayonetta's late 2009/early 2010 debut, director Hideki Kamiya has gone relatively quiet. And while he remains that way for now, it seems we may see some movement from him this year, as he told 4Gamer in its big "looking back on 2011" Japanese developer feature (via Andriasang) that he "would like to announce a new game and make a comeback on the game scene and be known as more than just some guy who posts on Twitter," as his hope for 2012. Bizarrely, he didn't name a single favorite game from the last year, choosing instead to say "nothing in particular" struck his fancy, while Nintendo's eShop "3D Classics" were his favorite entertainment content last year.

The feature also features a cadre of Square Enix devs, who hilariously all named Skryim their favorite game of the year (with the exception of a single producer), while the no longer Sony-affiliated Last Guardian creative lead Fumito Ueda put Portal 2 at the top of his list. He was also quick to point out that "The Last Guardian is in development, with the staff hoping to meet expectations even though with each game they taste the difficulties of creation." Okay then!

Catherine and Dark Souls also got nods from a variety of devs, as did Super Mario 3D Land. And hey, you know where we stand.

JoystiqPlatinum's Kamiya hoping to announce his own game in 2012, Fumito Ueda loves Portal 2, and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catherinedark-soulsfumito-uedahideki-kamiyaplatinumplatinum-gamesportal-2square-enixsuper-mario-3d-landFri, 06 Jan 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Dark Souls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-dark-souls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-dark-souls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-dark-souls/#comments It's a crying shame that, for the uninitiated masses, Dark Souls will primarily be remembered for its considerable difficulty. It's an absolutely true shame, of course. To my recollection, no other game's punishment caused my brother to literally break a controller in a fit of rage, delete his save and write a chart-topping tribute song before his hatred could subside.

It's not all death and discouragement, however. Though every twist and turn of Dark Souls' menacing and lovely locales plays host to a preset lineup of fiends (many of whom can kill you with a sideways glance), there is a strange progress to the proceedings. It may come after hours of un-progress, but it comes -- and when it does, it comes correct.

Self-improvement in games typically comes in forms that are mechanical (you level up and gain five magic points!) or educational (now you know where the spike traps are). Dark Souls' core tenet of repetitious short-burst failure paired with a wildly open-ended RPG character progression system blends both methods perfectly. What's more, it offers an intensely terrifying risk/reward system for ever-precious Souls; fortunately, your Brains are never jeopardized.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Dark Souls

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2011: Dark Souls originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwarejoystiq-best-of-2011microsoftnamco-bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3xboxMon, 02 Jan 2012 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls patch brings lots of tweaks, plenty of nerfs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/dark-souls-patch-brings-lots-of-tweaks-plenty-of-nerfs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/dark-souls-patch-brings-lots-of-tweaks-plenty-of-nerfs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/dark-souls-patch-brings-lots-of-tweaks-plenty-of-nerfs/#comments Were you able to skirt around the considerable difficulty of Dark Souls by finding potent tactical combinations, like casting Iron Flesh and Homing Soulmass in tandem to turn yourself into an invincible, automatic killing machine? Well, you can't do that anymore: Dark Souls patch 1.05 was recently released, adding a handful of new features, tweaking a few abilities and outright nerfing some spells, including the two mentioned above.

The update is the same as the Japanese patch that went live some time ago. You can check out a full list of translated patch notes over on Eurogamer. Many condolences for the imminent death(s) of your poor, poor hero.

JoystiqDark Souls patch brings lots of tweaks, plenty of nerfs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwaremicrosoftnamco-bandaipatchplaystationproject-darkps3updatexboxWed, 23 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls ships 1.5 million worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/dark-souls-ships-1-5-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/dark-souls-ships-1-5-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/dark-souls-ships-1-5-million-worldwide/#comments Namco Bandai is expanding its captive audience for Dark Souls, the grim action-RPG that critics and fans like, loathe and then love. According to developer From Software in Japan, 1.5 million vectors for its brutal challenge have shipped to stores worldwide.

North America has received the largest Stockholm Syndrome shipment of 620,000 units, followed by Europe with 470,000 and then Japan (370,000), where Dark Souls was published by From exclusively on PlayStation 3. The game's gauntlet landed in Asia last on October 18th, shipping 40,000 copies to that region.

We'll be keeping an eye out for Dark Souls' commercial performance in North America once the NPD releases the next round of statistics. How effective is word of mouth, we wonder, when it's whispered seductively through prison bars?

JoystiqDark Souls ships 1.5 million worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwaremicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3shipmentsxboxWed, 02 Nov 2011 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Non-spooky savings: Amazon's buy 2, get 1 free sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/non-spooky-savings-amazons-buy-2-get-1-free-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/non-spooky-savings-amazons-buy-2-get-1-free-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/non-spooky-savings-amazons-buy-2-get-1-free-sale/#comments Look, just because it's Halloween season doesn't mean everything has to be Halloween oriented, okay? We love costumes and candy as much as the next website, but if we see the word "spooktacular" one more time we're going to straight-up gouge our own brains out.

Amazon, at least, has the common courtesy to run a non-festive, yet entirely excellent buy 2, get 1 free sale in lieu of the expected, ghoulish sales promotions extended by other corporations. The sale applies to a boat-load of fresh hotness like Batman: Arkham City, Dark Souls and The ICO and Shadow of the Colossus Collection, so check it out if you'd rather spend $120 on new games rather than new cavities.

JoystiqNon-spooky savings: Amazon's buy 2, get 1 free sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamazonbatman-arkham-citydark-soulsdshalloweenICOmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3saleShadow-of-the-ColossuswiixboxSun, 30 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls speed run is a tour de force of tolerance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/dark-souls-speed-run-is-a-tour-de-force-of-tolerance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/dark-souls-speed-run-is-a-tour-de-force-of-tolerance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/dark-souls-speed-run-is-a-tour-de-force-of-tolerance/#comments
Generally speaking, speed runs fall into one of two categories: "That's completely nuts" and "I should feel bad for ever trying to play this game." Most speed runs can be classified as the former; incredible displays of memorization and timing that reduce hour-long sequences into minutes. They're fun to watch, and sometimes even educational.

Speed runs like SexyShoiko's Dark Souls play-through, however, make us ashamed of the countless hours we've painstakingly bled into this unforgiving beast of a game. Over a series of seven YouTube videos (part 1 above, 2 through 7 after the break) SexyShoiko manages to topple the entire title in less than an hour and a half, which is completely bewildering. We'd call him/her a masochist, but that term seems inapplicable to someone who is quite clearly the master of their own domain.

[Thanks, everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Dark Souls speed run is a tour de force of tolerance

JoystiqDark Souls speed run is a tour de force of tolerance originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3speed-runxboxSun, 16 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 12 kicks it atop UK charts for second week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/fifa-12-kicks-it-atop-uk-charts-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/fifa-12-kicks-it-atop-uk-charts-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/fifa-12-kicks-it-atop-uk-charts-for-second-week/#comments
FIFA 12, despite a 68 percent drop in sales, remained the forward on the UK charts for a second week. EA announced last week that it estimates the title sold over 3.2 million units globally during its launch week.

Debuting in second was the high-profile Rage from id Software, but the real surprise this week is Dark Souls premiering in third, with masochists rejoicing everywhere in their pool of tears and bruised egos.

Last week also saw 2K Sports' NBA 2K12 debut strongly at number 12, seven seats higher than last year. This will be EA Sports' second year letting 2K Sports gorge itself on NBA cake without competition. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading FIFA 12 kicks it atop UK charts for second week

JoystiqFIFA 12 kicks it atop UK charts for second week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyDark-Soulsfifa-12fifa-soccer-12microsoftplaystationps3RageUKxboxMon, 10 Oct 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls collector's edition running into retailer issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/dark-souls-collectors-edition-running-into-retailer-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/dark-souls-collectors-edition-running-into-retailer-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/dark-souls-collectors-edition-running-into-retailer-issues/#comments Knights in white satin After some were upset that Namco Bandai changed the contents of the Dark Souls collector's edition, now it looks like many fans won't be getting the collector's edition at all. Co-optimus reports that online retailer Newegg didn't receive any copies of the collector's edition at all, while it appears that Best Buy's supply isn't enough to satisfy all pre-orders.

To rectify the situation, Newegg will be offering $20 gift cards to all those who pre-ordered the game, while Best Buy will offer $20 cards for anyone who doesn't receive their collector's edition as expected. Kind of a bummer, to be sure, but as Co-optimus points out, twenty bucks is almost enough to buy the full, printed Dark Souls guide, which features more content than the digital mini-guide included with the collector's edition.

The art book, however, can't be replaced, which is unfortunate because there really are some spectacular designs in the game.

JoystiqDark Souls collector's edition running into retailer issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buydark-soulsmicrosoftneweggplaystationproject-darkps3xboxWed, 05 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls director details the monsters that will be killing you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/dark-souls-director-details-the-monsters-that-will-be-killing-yo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/dark-souls-director-details-the-monsters-that-will-be-killing-yo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/dark-souls-director-details-the-monsters-that-will-be-killing-yo/#comments Die already! The many creatures of Dark Souls all feature some lovely design elements, though their predilection for constantly killing you might prevent you from appreciating their more artistic qualities. Thankfully, PlayStation Blog has gathered up several of the different monster designs, accompanying them with commentary from Dark Souls' director Hidetaka Miyazaki.

The headless, one-legged horror pictured above is a Titanite Demon, which Miyazaki noted was "the product of a lot of brainstorming when we weren't able to narrow down the theme," adding that, "from the game perspective, we needed 'an ore demon that forges weapons', and he was ultimately selected for that role."

Miyazaki clearly forgot the demon's defining feature, namely that he's a dirty butthole and we hate him.

JoystiqDark Souls director details the monsters that will be killing you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsmicrosoftplaystationproject-darkps3xboxWed, 05 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls collector's edition contents (slightly) altered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-collectors-edition-contents-slightly-altered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-collectors-edition-contents-slightly-altered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-collectors-edition-contents-slightly-altered/#comments Digitize me, Fred! When we received our review copy of Dark Souls, we noticed the collector's edition contents weren't exactly as they were described back in May. Don't worry, if you pre-ordered Dark Souls in North America, you're still getting all the same bonus content, albeit in a different format. The package still comes in a metal tin and features a copy of the game and a hardbound art book.

What's changed, however, is that the mini strategy guide, behind-the-scenes videos and original soundtrack are no longer included on physical media, but are instead via a download token. Meanwhile, the UK version is a little different as well. It turns out the UK version does include the soundtrack and behind-the-scenes videos on physical discs, both of which reside in pockets in the art book's cover. Not included with the UK version, however, is the metal tin.

Hopefully, that clears things up. Not that it's going to matter much after the Capra Demon kills you for the millionth effing time.

JoystiqDark Souls collector's edition contents (slightly) altered originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsmicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3xboxMon, 03 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls review: Brick walls and pancakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-brick-walls-and-pancakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-brick-walls-and-pancakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/dark-souls-review-brick-walls-and-pancakes/#comments I imagine a large, imposing brick wall. Upon closer inspection I notice that, while the wall is solid, it's not impenetrable. Upon even closer inspection, I detect the faintest whiff of something delicious. Resolute to claim whatever lay on the other side, I set about smashing into the wall. After hours of chipping away, the wall tumbles down. On the other side, a perfect stack of mouth-wateringly fluffy pancakes. Immediately beyond the pancakes, another brick wall and, again, an intoxicating aroma emanating from within.

The cycle of Dark Souls is essentially the same: Hours of diligent, often frustrating work followed by a surprising, often spectacular payoff. I just hope you really love pancakes.

Gallery: Dark Souls (5/11/11)

Continue reading Dark Souls review: Brick walls and pancakes

JoystiqDark Souls review: Brick walls and pancakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsmicrosoftplaystationproject-darkps3xboxMon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls prays for you in 'All Saints Day' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/dark-souls-prays-for-your-soul-in-all-saints-day-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/dark-souls-prays-for-your-soul-in-all-saints-day-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/dark-souls-prays-for-your-soul-in-all-saints-day-trailer/#comments
What we're appreciating most about Dark Souls' marketing campaign is how it repeatedly warns about the game's difficulty. It's not gonna be a "how hard could it be?" situation like Demon's Souls. Nope, the cards are on the table.

JoystiqDark Souls prays for you in 'All Saints Day' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsmicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3xboxWed, 28 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dark Souls players punished for playing early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/rumor-dark-souls-players-punished-for-playing-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/rumor-dark-souls-players-punished-for-playing-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/rumor-dark-souls-players-punished-for-playing-early/#comments According to Japanese gaming blog Esuteru, folks who managed to grab illicit, pre-launch copies of Dark Souls are being punished by developer From Software. The site says that members of the dev team are dropping horrifically overpowered, maximum level Black Phantoms into the environments of players who grabbed their copy of the game through a retailer that broke street date.

We're having a hard time corroborating the story, but it certainly sounds like something which the characteristically cruel From Software would do. In fact, we'd be surprised if those players even picked up on the retribution. They probably assumed their constant, repeated defeat was just par for the course.

JoystiqRumor: Dark Souls players punished for playing early originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwarejapanmicrosoftplaystationproject-darkps3xboxWed, 21 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How the world of Dark Souls got so dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/how-the-world-of-dark-souls-got-so-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/how-the-world-of-dark-souls-got-so-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/how-the-world-of-dark-souls-got-so-dark/#comments

Namco Bandai has broken up Dark Souls' prologue into chunks, we're guessing, because taken all at once it would be too much drama. In this excerpt, we see a war between impressive, powerful beings -- which helps to explain why the game world becomes so inhospitable to regular knight types later.

JoystiqHow the world of Dark Souls got so dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsfrom-softwaremicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3xboxSat, 10 Sep 2011 02:01:00 EST<![CDATA[From Software profiled in latest Dark Souls vid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/from-software-profiled-in-latest-dark-souls-vid/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/from-software-profiled-in-latest-dark-souls-vid/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/from-software-profiled-in-latest-dark-souls-vid/#comments
What's missing from this profile of From Software, developer of Dark Souls, is that we figured the studio culture would involve randomly unplugging equipment to redo hours of work. You know, get the team in touch with Demon's Souls players.

JoystiqFrom Software profiled in latest Dark Souls vid originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-Softwaremicrosoftplaystationproject-darkps3xboxWed, 07 Sep 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls continues the prologue in ghastly poetic verse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/dark-souls-continues-the-prologue-in-ghastly-poetic-verse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/dark-souls-continues-the-prologue-in-ghastly-poetic-verse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/dark-souls-continues-the-prologue-in-ghastly-poetic-verse/#comments Another day in the lava pit
Continuing the series of prologue videos for Dark Souls is today's extra creepy, lyrical reading of Part 2. It seems that at least one more entry awaits, wherein all will be explained (presumably). We'll start steadying our shields now in anticipation.

JoystiqDark Souls continues the prologue in ghastly poetic verse originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsmicrosoftnamconamco-bandaiplaystationproject-darkprologueps3xboxFri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls prologue is kind of depressing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/dark-souls-prologue-is-kind-of-depressing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/dark-souls-prologue-is-kind-of-depressing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/dark-souls-prologue-is-kind-of-depressing/#comments Another day in the lava pit
Demon's Souls is a depressing game, not only because of its occasionally crushing difficulty, but because it's always just so damned grim. Based on this new prologue video, it appears Dark Souls intends to keep up the trend. It's hard to imagine it being much darker but, hey, this is only part one.

JoystiqDark Souls prologue is kind of depressing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3xboxSat, 27 Aug 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls trailer hopes to lure the unwary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/dark-souls-trailer-hopes-to-lure-the-unwary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/dark-souls-trailer-hopes-to-lure-the-unwary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/dark-souls-trailer-hopes-to-lure-the-unwary/#comments Oh dear.
Look, Dark Souls is super hard. We played it, we know. You might watch this trailer, listen to its rockin' music and think, "Hey, this looks like a cool, hip new game." Now, that thought isn't wrong per se ... just make sure you're fully informed. Take a moment to slow the video down and see what you're getting into.

Take the frame above, for example. You see that giant wolf? It has a giant sword in its mouth. As if a giant wolf weren't enough of a challenge, said giant wolf is also a trained swordsman. Or swordswolf. Whatever. Just look before you leap, that's all we're saying.

JoystiqDark Souls trailer hopes to lure the unwary originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3xboxTue, 23 Aug 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls trailer takes computer-on-human violence to a new level]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/dark-souls-trailer-takes-computer-on-human-violence-to-a-new-lev/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/dark-souls-trailer-takes-computer-on-human-violence-to-a-new-lev/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/dark-souls-trailer-takes-computer-on-human-violence-to-a-new-lev/#comments Dark Souls magician guy
Man, even the trailers for Dark Souls are difficult. The latest, from Gamescom, is a veritable buffet of player death. You say dragons are too easy to slay? How about we give them a torso made of teeth? Steely-nerved readers can watch the trailer above. Find a gallery of slightly less stressful images below.

Gallery: Dark Souls (Gamescom 2011)

JoystiqDark Souls trailer takes computer-on-human violence to a new level originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsmicrosoftplaystationproject-darkps3xboxThu, 18 Aug 2011 06:00:00 EST