Whether you're waiting for Elden Ring and wanting to check out some older Fromsoft games or are just looking to experience the Dark Souls series for the first time, this video aims to cover the basics of the Dark Souls series, some of the differences between the games, and which on I think is the best one to start with.
1:14 - What Is The Dark Souls Series?
2:48 - Dark Souls
4:02 - Dark Souls II
5:53 - Dark Souls III
7:05 - So Which Should You Start With?
The Dark Souls series got its start in 2011, although Fromsoftware had been releasing games since the 90s and those games DNA can definitely be seen in the more recent games. In particular, King’s Field, is generally regarded as a precursor to the soulslikes with Demon’s Souls marking the start of the genre in 2009. The Dark Souls games take place in a dark fantasy setting filled with dangers like knights, dragons, and demons. There is an intoxicating risk/reward loop as you explore the world, wanting to see what’s around the corner, but also risking your currency by continuing into the unknown. Your choice to continue on or go back to a save point feels like it has weight, since dying has much more of a consequence than just reloading from a previous save. Every step feels like it matters and the games are full of little victories of making it safely to the next checkpoint. The boss fights, with a few exceptions, feel fair, asking you to use the skills you have learned throughout the levels to beat them, all while trying to keep from losing your souls, sprinting to your bloodstain to pick them back up before squaring up on the boss. This loop feels immensely rewarding and is usually a selling point for soulslike fans, but the unforgiving and obtuse nature of these aspects can also turn some people off from enjoying it. And I think that’s understandable too, as what’s fun for some can be awful for others and ultimately we’re all playing games to have a good time.
