Summary
Soulsgames may have been popularized and iconized viaDark Souls, but there would be noDark Soulswithout its predecessor—the humble and singularDemon’s Souls.Demon’s Souls’ segmented warp structure and macrocosmic World Tendency systemare certainly distinct, for better or for worse, while its core tenets as an action-RPG would be adapted to the punishingly difficultDark SoulsforFromSoftware to refine itinto the classic and revered formula that is ubiquitously known and beloved today.
Demon’s Souls Carved a Long and Hard-Earned Path for Soulslike Success
Asthe prototypicalSoulsgame, it’s impossible to exaggerate how bewilderingly influentialDemon’s Soulshas been in the last decade and a half. For all intents and purposes, 2009’s PS3-exclusiveDemon’s Soulsis the skeletal framework forDark Souls’ tissue. Now, all subsequent FromSoftware action-RPGs and Soulslikes have continued adding onto that anatomical structure with organs and a nervous system.
Nearly every favorable characteristic of FromSoftware’s modern gamescan be traced back toDemon’s Souls, whether players adore gimmick bosses, PvP invasions, or quest-related NPCs. World Tendency is now a relic ofDemon’s Souls’ past, though, and its game-affecting conditions and consequences don’t seem to be missed terribly.
It is neat that it allowed for unique events and difficulty alteration, but reaching Pure White Tendency in each world or concerning oneself with how to properly manipulate Character and World Tendencies so that otherwise locked content can become available is an unnecessary headache that FromSoftwarewas arguably right to shelve thereafter.Demon’s Soulsitself is archaic and with each new IP FromSoftware produces the original Soulslike game is pushed further into obscurity and obsolescence, which is ironic considering howwithoutDemon’s Soulsthere would likely be noElden Ringnor its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC15 years later.
WhatDemon’s Soulssuffers most from a decade and a half later is how dated its bosses are in terms of being elementary in design with relatively abysmal AI—Demon’s Souls’ Maneatersalone are evidence of this atrocity.
FromSoftware’s Demon’s Souls is No Longer the Best Way to Play the Original ‘Soulslike’
The2009Demon’s Soulswas developed by FromSoftwarewhereas the 2020Demon’s Soulsremake was developed by Bluepoint. So, while obviously less impressive in terms of visuals or performance, the former maintains a level of authentic charm.
That said, the remake is basically the same game but with a fresh coat of paint and modern quality-of-life features, making it the undeniable go-to of the two due to current-gen accessibility. Being able to send items to storage or warp between archstones without needing to go back toDemon’s Souls’ Nexus overworld hub—once an Archdemon is felled, that is—gives the remake an added efficiency that the original does not possess. The remake was a launch title for the PS5 and is not only commended as a reimagining of the original but also in terms of current-gen fidelity.
Indeed, the remake is one of the only instances where visuals were held in superb regard among theSoulsgames and is still considered the best-looking despite not being a FromSoftware title. EachSoulsgame has a stalwart fanbase, but the originalDemon’s Souls, entombed on the PS3, has aged the worst graphically.
FromSoftware’s games have always had tremendously gorgeous art direction, to be clear, but their fidelity hasn’t made a dramatic or considerable bound sinceBloodborneshy of a decade ago.
Demon’s Souls’ remake is quite distinguished in its visual polish, particularly its unique animation styles, and confidently dates FromSoftware’sDemon’s Soulsas a result. The only reason to hop back onDemon’s Soulsfor PS3 instead would be a nostalgic element, seeing as that’s where the game was conceived, and the fact that the 2009Demon’s Soulswas actually developed by FromSoftware. Even with the fine craquelure in its oil painting laid bare, knowing that the original, unrefinedDemon’s Soulsis a FromSoftware game while the remake is not may be enough to sustain purists and loyalists alike.
Demon’s Souls
WHERE TO PLAY
Deep beneath the Nexus, the Old One has awakened. A mighty demon horde pours into Boletaria, devouring the souls of men. Called upon by a maiden in black, you go forth to lift the curse…Revolutionary Online PlayLeave hints, view the deaths of past players, work cooperatively or invade another’s game!Unrestricted ChoiceDesign your character starting from class and weaponry all the way down to facial features. Then, decide whether to progress with the story or chart your own path through the open world.Ever-changing WorldWatch the world around you shift according to the actions of you and your fellow players on the PlayStation Network. Different enemies, items, and events may trigger, leading to very different consequences.
