Immersion [i-mur-zhuh n, -shuh n] - Noun.
- a state of being deeply engaged or involved; absorption.
Applied to video games, the concept of immersion is difficult to intentionally create. It's certainly easy enough to understand, but much harder to produce in a convincing way. It's integral to creating an excellent experience, though-every player can relate to feeling completely consumed by a fantastic game, so as a result, nearly every game tries to achieve it. Demon's Souls, produced by From Software and published by Atlus, has immersion in spades. It drips with it. Overflows with it. It takes the player and completely envelops them in its world.
Forget everything you may have heard about the game being incredibly difficult or unforgiving. Categorizing Demon's Souls with such a narrow view and leaving it at that does the title an incredible injustice. What it actually does is submerge players deeply in its world and asks them to understand its reality. Every aspect of its identity is tied to a clear central vision. By crafting an absolutely logical, holistic world and going to great lengths to make it cohere in every way, the result is an experience unlike any other.
Soulsborne games are infamously difficult. But why has that difficulty been the secret sauce to success for many of these titles in the genre?
Rewarded effort feels good.
Starting out bad at something and getting better with practice makes accomplishments meaningful.
Getting through these games feels like a journey of self improvement, lol.
You only have yourself to blame if things go poorly, but in a similar way overcoming challenge is similarly a function of your own growth.
I think because the games are fair. Gamers can tell that it’s due to their own abilities and not some BS.
I've always loved the sense of adventure and wonder in these games. There's no hand holding, there are surprises and traps everywhere and you have to figure out what some items do. Beating a heide knight was like an accomplishment for me the first time and it felt good to earn that sword he dropped. I've spent hundreds of hours in souls games ever since Kings Field on PS1. The lore is incredible and it makes you think about the history of the world you're in. I can't wait for Shadow of the Erdtree.
It's the recipe of fair difficulty, presentation, boss battles and lore that attract me to these games. The From Souls games have always had a nebulous quality to them that I find fascinating. Demystifying them is a big part of the fun.
I think its the atmosphere and gameplay. Each of these games unique ways to play and unique settings/atmospheres that are in a league of its own.
The first look at gameplay from Demon Souls was shown off at the PlayStation 5 showcase a few days ago. Here's why we are excited for it.
Because it's a full blown next-gen from the ground up remake of one of the best games ever made, what more could anybody want?
This. It has legendary status among gamers for a reason. Technology has come a long way since, and we now get to combine the two!
Newcomers in particular are in for a real treat!
Having finished it back at release on PS3 (I even imported it from the US as it didn't release in Australia initially), I am excited to play again but hope it has some significant changes, fresh content, updated mechanics as it does show its age being the original souls game.
I wonder if we’ll finally be able to access the broken arch stone? Surprise new level?
When I first ordered it 12 years back I didnt like it, when I really got into it, I loved it and didn't get up until I got the platinum trophy for it.
Flame lurker still haunts me sometimes. And that crystal lizard farming with 1 in a mil drop rate.
Cant wait to do it all again with no load times, next get graphics and higher fps.
Agreed. The 6th area they never released in Retail would be nice.
Few more bonfires on select runs would also be nice, as dying was worse than the boss.
My prediction is they will make some fixes, but it will be controversial with fanboys bitching and whining about how it "ruined the game".
I pre-ordered the game so far for $830. Comes with a PS5 ;)
To Stevej336:
Canadian Prices. $630 for the PS5 plus tax.
My PS5 cost me $705. Then another $90 for the game pre-order.
I should have said $795, not $830.
Everything about Demons Souls screams next gen - something that cant be said for many supposed next gen titles. Souls games now have a cult following and DS is the one many haven't played. This is going to be HUGE for Sony and PS5. The marketing should be hitting overdrive around this game.
It's the only reason why I'm buying the PS5 at launch. Cannot wait to play this game.
The 'fear of missing out' is a natural trait of us social creatures. Of course, most of us naturally manage our FOMO because we have no choice. We can't play everything.
The FOMO kicks in pretty much every time a new game gets released. Somehow I’ve managed to resist buying RE3 and Doom Eternal though. It’s Desperados 3 that’s calling me right now though.
Incredible game! I imported it months ago.Loved every damn second of it.
There was a few really freakin weird parts in it tho.Things that, till this day, i don't understand.
Like walking through a portal as my character, than, being sent into another players game while wearing some weird tornado-ish type of helmet on.
And *I* was supposed to be his final boss fight.Poor guy never stood a chance against my spear & shield combo :(
Usually Gamecritics crushes games on the reviews.They gave the Mass Effect DLC a 0/10
Demon's Souls seems to be a major hit i thought it would get 6's and 7 but this looks like this years Valkyria Chronicles a major hit with critics
only on ps3.
nice review, too. it gave me a new perspective on how to play this game. now, if every review can look at demon's souls this way, then we have the best rated rpg this gen. i doubt that, of course. xbot reviewers liek edge and gayspot will just complain how mercilessly difficult the game is. eurogaymer would have if they knew that the game out be released outside japan.
nice score for an RPG. This game doesn't have jaw dropping graphics, the gameplay must be ACE. Definitely need to play it...
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This review is very well written. It also has suggestion to parents that this game is not for little kids. Very informative read.