Abandoned games: Demons Souls

Abandoned, but not forgotten

By now, every serious gamer is aware of the Souls franchise. Whether you first experienced the series in recent years with Bloodborne/Dark Souls 3, or if you're one of those admirers from the sidelines, there's no denying the impact FromSoftware and the Soulsborne series has made on the gaming industry.

And while in recent months we have celebrated a remaster of the first Dark Souls, did you know that there was yet a masterpiece that came before it? A game that actually set the bar for Dark Souls itself, and perhaps the entire franchise.

So why is it we never hear about this game? Well, Demons Souls was released in 2009 as a Sony exclusive title (much like Bloodborne). It was released with next to no marketing strategy, and it was so unappealing to Sony executives at the time, that they refused to publish it outside of Japan (that was actually covered by Atlus of America in the US, and Bandai Namco in the UK).

What if I told you Sony made a mistake?

Nothing quite like Demons Souls had ever hit the market before. The gameplay was clean and mechanically solid, yet it was incredibly challenging, and at times unforgiving. It was a punishing game that many critics met with high acclaim. It sold over 1 million copies wordwide.

I know what you're thinking 'so what, this is basically Dark Souls before Dark Souls, right?' Well...yes, and no. Yes, if you haven't experience Demons Souls, it does play quite similarly to Dark Souls. That being said, don't just assume that because the name Souls is in the title, you're getting more of the same.

Mechanics
By all means, Demons Souls plays very similarly and feels very similar to it's spiritual successor...but there are a few ways it differs.
- Rather than weight load being separated into 3 different classes, there's only 2 (under 50%, and above 50%).
- Dodging is still the best way to avoid enemies, but your window of a successful dodge is much smaller.
- Magic/Miracles are actually used in a similar manner, but there is an blue mp bar (the same system we see in Dark Souls 3 actually).

Health
Moon grasses are the items you will use to heal throughout your adventure. They do not replenish on their own, but they may be farmed off of enemies, or bought from npc's (such as Patches!)

Navigation
Unlike the somewhat open world experiences you get in Dark Souls and Bloodborne, Demons Souls relies heavily on the Nexus, and the worlds found within it. There are 5 different stages that you may teleport to via an archstone (somewhat like what we see in Bloodborne). Don't get me wrong, each world is vast, but this helps to drive home the concept that the Nexus truly is home base.

Weapons
Demons Souls features some of the most unique weapons in the entire franchise. There are a handful of basic weapons that you can level up via various stones to get different scaling effects (sound familiar?), however there are other weapons that serve entirely different purposes. The effectiveness of some weapons will vary depending on the tendency of your world (more on that later), while others will offer buffs or even hinder your character. Some are actually found hidden away in the game (sticking out of stones or monuments), and others you can buy off of vendors, or even make out of boss souls.

What truly makes this game stand out however, and the one true x factor, is it's world tendency system. Are you good at Demons Souls? Can you make your way through an area, with only one way back to the Nexus, clearing out all of it's enemies, without dying? If so, you shall be rewarded with a 'white' tendency (which will amplify your damage on enemies, lower their health, and allow you to interact with certain npc's).

However, if you struggle throughout your adventure, and fall victim to death too many times, you'll experience the game through 'black' tendency. It's the exact opposite of white tendency, and it can make your game a living nightmare. The only way to reset black tendency is to beat red npc's, or clear bosses in the area. Defeating invaders used to be an option as well, however the lack of online play makes this impossible now (more on the online in a bit).

World tendencies impact everything about the game. Not only in the sense that enemies (including bosses) are tougher, but also in how they affect npc's throughout the game. If your world tendency shifts to pure black, those npc's aren't going to help you in your quest...actually, they're going to try and kill you. It can really mess up your plans when that happens, so make sure to be careful. Speaking on npc's...be careful who you trust. That's all I have to say about that.

While there are many things to admire about Demons Souls, it certainly isn't without it's technical faults. While I wish I could play the game with an active online community (which would have likely flipped my experience on it's head), I'm also glad that I didn't have to deal with the cheaters out there.

You see, there is an easy glitch that enables you to duplicate consumables in Demons Souls (including souls), and while that wouldn't be as much of an issue by today's standards with matchmaking restrictions, this wasn't the same case with Demon's Souls. It wasn't uncommon for users to get invaded by somebody who had either raised their level through the roof, or simply used a spell hack enabling them to cast spells wildly, destroying their opponents with ease. It was a bit of a mess, and it's something that would NEED to be remedied, should a legitimate remaster ever come to fruition.

That being said, it truly would have been a blast to have shared in jolly cooperation in this game. It's very unfortunate that the servers are shut down for good, and in some ways, that in itself has hindered the game from truly reaching it's greatest potential. It happens to all games over time, but it's never a 'fun' thing to see happen to a game.

Whereas I've praised Dark Souls for having the best environments and atmosphere throughout the series, that's very difficult to do that now that I've played through Demons Souls. Each level is vastly different, and the enemies within them are varied and sometimes unpredictable (the squid faces in Latria Tower are among the worst enemies in the entire series). Even the ever so popular Blighttown pulls direct influence from the swamps and crevices of Valley of Defilement. Corridors are narrow, making for enemy encounters to become intimate and dangerous. I've seen all of these elements sprinkled throughout the various Soulsborne entries, and it just makes so much more sense now, having seen it all firsthand in Demons Souls.

And while you can farm enemies for souls and resources (you will likely have to in order to succeed), if you die, prepare for some serious makeup work. Unless you have a spell to return to the nexus, or one of the rare stones that allow you to do so, you have one way back. That's it. No extra bonfires (like the overabundance that you see in Dark Souls 3). Sometimes you can't even make your way back, and that's just the way it is.

Regarding the bosses...I have to say that while I'm not the most fond of all of the bosses in Demons Souls, there are many that must be beaten a certain way, and that just makes the game more engaging. You can't just hack and slash your way through every enemies health bar...you have to actually think and exploit weaknesses (in some circumstances). I was honestly impressed by the variety of boss battles and ways to win in them. If you die however, get ready to go all the way back to the beginning...and think twice before you decide to rush back to the boss's door (your world tendency could be hanging in the balance).

With all the hype and attention we give Dark Souls and Bloodborne, Demons Souls quietly sits in the background, smiling, knowing that it was truly the game that set the bar. It is to this day still a remarkable experience, one that all fans of the series should indulge in. It's truly a shame that many fans aren't even aware of it's existence, which led me to writing such an in-depth blog. Granted, my work won't reach the eyes of many, but the more I can influence, the better. Demons Souls simply deserves better, and has made it's mark on me as the true father of the franchise. If only Sony had it in them to see the potential in this game, enough to merit a true remaster...maybe some day. Until then, it shall continue to lurk in the fog.

Review scores are shite

Enslaved to the decimal system

Hello friends, and thanks for dropping by! It's been about a month or so since my last blog, and of course what better way to get back on track than to rant about how inept and inconsistent game critics can be. Let me show you exactly what I mean!

For today's example, we are going to reference good ol' IGN. Now I don't aim for this to be a malicious post, nor do I mean to discredit the hard work of many of the sites staff, but they really help to drive my argument home for today's blog.

Sonic Mania was a well received, classic Sonic title that was...pretty well received by fans. Source IGN itself rated the game an 8.7 - reviewer Heidi Kemps stating "Sonic Mania is a stellar example of a retro revival done right." Heidi gave a fair, well rounded review and shared her honest opinion of her experience to a positive overall score. No harm, no foul.

Enter Sonic Mania Plus - literally the exact same game, with a few minor additions including 2 new playable characters, expanded multiplayer options, and a new encore experience to wrap up the campaign. Everything else about this game remains intact - it is NOT a sequel, not a revision, just the exact same game...minus a couple small tweaks.

Heidi returns to review the Plus enhanced version of the game...only this time, coming out with an overall score of 7. I don't mean to be picky, but in the gaming world, the difference between a 7 and an 8 pretty well walks the line of 'good' and 'great'. Whether it affects you personally or not, it can make a difference with your audience.

But still...

You got that right. The exact same game...given a few new additions, and suddenly your score drops off a point. How exactly does this work? Magic perhaps? Or perhaps recovering from a long night at the office? How one can take a game - one that they seemingly enjoyed very much, and change their impressions that much based on a few small additions to the same core experience, baffles me.

And this leads me to the point of this blog - reviews and review scoring is old hat bollocks. Opinions are like assholes - everyone has one, and yet each of them spews shit (in one way or another).

Now, that's not to say people shouldn't have opinions, or that they shouldn't share them. I like writing impression blogs (as I have for a few games now), and sharing my opinion for people to either take or leave. That's their choice. I don't, however, believe that labeling a finite number on a title and kicking it out to the public, especially in the case of big name reviewing sites, is rational either (especially in cases of such vast inconsistency).

Credibility and I dare say trust comes with experience and repetition. Both are earned over time through a series of trial and tribulation. Consistency is key when earning the respect of an audience - without that, there is nothing to invest merit into. Now you can argue about the individuality of each reviewer, and that they are entitled to say/feel how they want when it comes to being a critic. Yes, yes they certainly are - however when you are representing a bigger picture, the reputation of a wholesome group or unit, you are obligated to stay within a certain level of consistency, in my opinion, in order to serve justice to the masses that frequent your site as a reference. Otherwise, you're going to piss people off.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I'm just calling it like I see it. A review is, and always will be, subjective at it's core. One person's opinion may vary drastically from another person's. That's fine. That being said, when you go to review a product, one that contains the exact same material and content as it's predecessor, and you magically decide to change your mind on the game (because of a few additional new tweaks)...well, that just comes across to me as downright contradicting.

So read what you want. Write what you want. The world is YOUR burrito, after all. Just remember that being consistent goes a long way when it comes to gaining credibility.

Why 2 years later, Doom is still the best

Rip and tear, until it is done

Doom is a timeless franchise, one that has aged ever so gracefully (especially with the recent release of Doom 2016). It's a game that you can easily pick up on a whim, no matter how far separated from the first person shooter genre you are, and just enjoy every last second of demon blasting.

It's also still the best first person shooter on the market.

A bold statement to make, for sure. With various other titles including Call of Duty, Battlefield, Overwatch, Destiny, Far Cry, and even Halo, it's a very cocky claim to say that Doom IS the very best in it's genre. But it is, and here's why.

You see, Doom 2016 really didn't do anything outside of the box. At least, not nearly as boldly as the original designs for Doom 4 suggested. It seemed as though id Software considered going the common route of following the leader, and creating another cookie cutter shooter...but they scrapped all of that, went back to the drawing board, and went back to the series roots.

When a genre becomes defined by regenerating health bars, cliche campaigns, zombie modes, and even up and coming battle royale gimmicky, it's hard not to just tag along with the cool kids. As if to say "hey, everyone else is doing it, why don't you?". Doom didn't have to do that - there was never a need to. The formula is pretty plain and simple - make a solid, clean shooter, and keep the audience engaged throughout their experience. Doom did all of this by staying true to form, and even incorporated a little humor in there as well.

The weapon mechanics were slightly revamped, and the game touts odd collectibles (see Doom Guy above), as well as upgrades and runes - all of which are optional of course. The campaign was built with a fairly linear objective and path in every level, yet the arenas are engaging, well constructed, and full of fun power-ups and various resources to help you slay hordes of demons with style. Numerous secrets are also packed into the map, giving you the incentive to explore and actually dig a little bit. It's an old age formula but guess what? It still works, and it works well.

Unfortunately for other series such as Call of Duty, we're seeing the genre go far off into unoriginal, and dare I say unwanted territory. Loot boxes have plagued the genre horribly in recent years, becoming a trend in popular titles Overwatch, Call of Duty, Star Wars Battlefront II, and many more. It's a disgusting way for developers to try and squeeze extra money out of us, despite charging a premium $60 price tag for games. It's ludicrous, and it's downright distasteful. Why can't the quality of a game itself merit it's value, causing it to earn more money simply because it is indeed a good game? Are we that far away from quality control these days?

Even essential game modes, including death matches, team battle, and free for alls, all are now being interwoven with gimmicky weapon systems, purchasable unlocks, cosmetic bullshit, and much much more. It's completely ridiculous and unacceptable for a game to throw a half baked, shortened single player campaign in with a fleshed out multiplayer experience that you can't even have full access to unless you purchase additional content, including weapons, maps, and other necessities that should come with the game in the first bloody place. In the case of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, there is no campaign to be found - yet nobody says a word about it. Oh, but there is of course a new battle royale mode akin to the success of fucking PUBG and Fortnite.

And yet, I look right back at Doom 2016. A game coming from a franchise with a history of quality. Hell, even the simplistic multiplayer is fair, it's consistent, and all of it's content is available for players to access FOR FREE. id Software and even Bethesda have done right by keeping the game simple, and sticking to it's roots. I'd rather run rampant playing Doom's multiplayer than jump back into Destiny's lackluster, uninspired shitstorm of DLC reliant campaigns and wasted efforts of recycled assets and bosses that have been used over and over again to the point that you don't even care what you're doing anymore, you just shoot the damn gun at the bad guy.

Pathetic.

I'm so very grateful that Doom and shooters like it still exist, and that they still have a fairly strong support system. The campaign alone is timeless, and it's just a jolly good romp. Smashing demons seldom gets exhausting, and when it does, I can still jump into an online multiplayer match with ease. It grasps the essence of truly enjoying a first person shooter by providing modern day nuances and style to a classical formula, one that refuses to stray from the elements that make the genre so damn fun in the first place.

Grateful, indeed.

Impressions: Dark Souls Remastered

The same game, with a new coat of paint

So, you decided to dive back into Dark Souls, eh? The world of the undead, where you prepare yourself to die over, and over, and over again. What the hell is wrong with you?

Dark Souls originally released in 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and while a masterpiece at the time, the game wasn't without it's faults. Glitchy bugs would knock you out of the map, cheap enemies were destined to slaughter you numerous times without fail, and poor frame rate  lacking of consistency in the ever daunting Blighttown were all frustrations that simply became a necessary evil in order to enjoy the game.

Frame rate issues aside, all of these frustrations remain.

That being said, there's obviously a lot to love about this game, even in the year 2018. It's Dark Souls - the game that literally every video game since has been compared to, numerous times. It's a staple in the gaming industry, and rightfully so.

It's challenging, but it's mostly fair. You can set up your character to cater to any build you want (magic, pyromancy, tank, or maybe a little bit of everything). I personally prefer to get a great sword and maul my way through the game, but that's just my style. There's really no 'wrong' way to play Dark Souls, unless you're a dirty, pathetic, lifeless shell of a corpse hacker.

Full disclosure, my evaluations are based on playing Dark Souls: Remastered on a base PS4 Slim model. Whereas I can play with peace of mind, PC gamers are being riddled with hackers infiltrating their worlds and ruining their adventures before they even begin. Hackers are cheating the systems coding, altering spells and causing users to suffer from curse, egghead, weapon breaking, and other awful experiences early in the game (as well as causing innocent users to be banned). It's distasteful, it's annoying, and frankly it's immature as all get out.

Still, the at it's core,  it's an utter delight. The fresh coat of paint is a welcomed addition to the game, and the enhanced 60fps really does make the experience feel smooth. I did notice a couple awkward areas where the game would stutter to no end (close to the Firelink if you are hopping around the top of the ruins, and in an elevator in New Londo), but on the whole, the experience is greatly improved. Even the dreaded Blighttown is no match for these new renovations.

Unfortunately however, the same bugs of old remain. The game can be glitchy at times, and even downright unfair. I have found myself able to do a double back stab with enemies numerous times, an issue that was actually fixed in the previous version. It would seem that the teams who worked on the 'Remastered' edition missed a couple of basic fixes and adjustments that were made in the previous game, and that's...well, sad.

Aside from lacking any original content however, this is one of the better ways to play Dark Souls. Some have argued that this release was meant to cater to the younger generation players who missed out. Others have reiterated that this is merely an 'HD port' rather than a Remaster. I'm merely content being able to play the game again, and on my Nintendo Switch of all devices, too!

...oh wait.

Of Cavemen (and Women) and Video Games

Ahh, the video game community. The misfit family reunion that nobody ever wants to think about, talk about, or hear about. The most vocal group of people you could ever meet with the most resounding backlash and harsh opinions to ever pool together over a common cause.

One that nobody cared about. 

Oh, hello friends and thank you for stumbling across my blog! I wanted to take a little time to talk about Battlefield V, a game that neither I nor anyone really knows anything about other than the few small trailers and images that have recently leaked from Dice and EA.

Interestingly enough, the game seems to take place during a WWII timeframe, but what's this?? It features WOMEN warriors?? Oh dear oh dear. Well that's alright, Battlefield has ALWAYS been more historically accurate than Call of Duty. It's ALWAYS been a realistic war experience, so I'm sure it'll be fine...

What the...what's this?? What are those outfits??? That's not World War II at all!!! Is...is that The Boss from Metal Gear Solid? And a clown!? How COULD they possibly do this to US, the video game community!? This isn't historically accurate at all! They are literally PISSING on history, and my great great grandfather is rolling in his grave because of this TRAVESTY!!!

*and scene*, great job everyone!

Seriously. What is wrong with you, internet? If you think that was a dramatic reaction to what I've revealed to you so far, then just google Battlefield V, or I'll do you one better, look up #notmybattlefield on twitter.

It would seem that all sorts of overly opinionated crybabies have gotten their panties tied in a knot because their beloved shooty shoot franchise is, in fact, being a video game. Yes, it's true, in a world where developers can do whatever they want, however they want, real life people have yet again thrown a giant piss party over the fact that a video game may not be exactly what they want it to be.

A travesty, for sure.

Cucks and feminist alike have taken to twitter to voice off their resounding disapproval for a video game, and it couldn't be any more glorious! Let's take a look at a few examples, shall we??

User Vulpes Inculta writes:

"It really hurts to have to say this, but I am not wasting my money on this piece of trash. This is so offensive and disrespectful and is a SJW piece of shit thing. If you wanted to do this, you could've made up your own war, not disrespect the memory of WWII...#NotMyBattlefield"

Of course. Every Battlefield experience to this point has been spot on, with absolutely no wavering factors or historical blemishes. We have to cater to the SJWs now, with this "piece of shit thing". Sad.


Fem warrior Miella in glasses speaks out with great vigor!:

"It's so funny how so many crybabies (all of them are men) are saying "buuu you need to learn about WWII, no women, buuuu" but hey

- Virginia Hall (spy)
- Susan Travers
- "The Czech nurse" (an unknow assassin who killed nazis)

and more and more and more #NotMyBattlefield"

You sure showed those boys! Those 3 examples clearly prove your vast insight of WWII, and the involvement of women. So silly, and clearly it's all men who are crying out in backlash!

Wait a minute...


mike jones keeps it real:

"Don't expect the black community to support this game if all you do is put as tokens #EA #notmybattlefield"

Of course, user complaints would never feel complete without pointing out some good old fashion racism. Shame shame, Dice.


But why bother even hiring a staff to fix things up? Helmet Preub has you covered: 

"#NotMyBattlefield
FIX IT DICE Remove Women from every faction except for Russian snipers and French resistance if it’s in the game. 

Lower the pace of the game. 

Make the colorful graphics a dark dusty one. 

Slow down tank speed. 

Remove the ridiculous soldier customization."

Obviously if one man can call out all of your issues with one simple tweet, then you've just found the holy grail of game development! Slow them tanks down, increase the dark and dusty tenfold!!!


All of these are fine examples of the greater community, voicing their unwavering, masterfully crafted opinions. With upstanding voices like these, what more could the AAA industry possibly need?

...where's my Tylenol.