Iconic Soulslike role-playing title
Dark Souls III is a role-playing game from FromSoftware, serving as the conclusion to the Souls trilogy. Known for its unforgiving difficulty and its dark but beautiful world-building, this fantasy experience follows the Ashen One, an undead being tasked with performing an ancient ritual. This includes defeating the Lords of Cinder who once fulfilled their duty.
Released in 2016, Dark Souls III is a monumental game that solidified FromSoft as a developer and Soulslikes as a subgenre. For more content, check out its DLCs such as Dark Souls III: Ashes of Ariandel and Dark Souls III: The Ringed City.
Link the fire in a dying world
Although not direct continuations of each other, the Souls games all take place in a dark fantasy world, and their respective premises revolve around an ancient Fire. In Dark Souls III (DS3), you play as the Ashen One, a failed Lord of Cinder who must seize the defiant Lords of Cinder and link the fire. DS3 shares a lot of content with Dark Souls: Remastered, such as the Firelink Shrine and the picturesque Anor Londo.
In terms of design, it retains the so-called desiccated beauty, highlighting its unique appeal in a cursed and dying world. Aside from the visually upgraded locations from DS1, there are new areas to explore. Since this game also marks Hidetaka Miyazaki’s return after skipping Dark Souls II, the same haunting vibes and a more solid world-building connection with Dark Souls 1 are to be expected.
Once more into the darkness
In terms of gameplay, From Software seems to have learned from the weapon system that it introduced in its PlayStation-exclusive title, Bloodborne. While the combat remains heavy and paced - with patience and defensive play still a virtue – Dark Souls III feels faster.
It also introduces a new magic system that ties spells and miracles to a mana bar. This is consumed as you play but can be topped up with a new Ashen Estus Flask. This works identically to the health-regenerating Estus Flask seen in previous games, but now you must decide the balance of uses you have in each. Yes, you can trade health for mana, allowing magic users to play more aggressively.
More melee-focused fighters also use the mana bar and Ashen Flask. New combat styles and stances are available for every weapon and consume mana to use. This adds more variety to fights, with substantive differences between weapons increasing tactical options. For example, a light Rapier’s unique stance allows for the fast execution of multiple moves. By comparison, a Great Sword lets you shoulder charge, before launching opponents into the air with a powerful upward swing.
A worthy conclusion to the trilogy
In the perilous world of Dark Souls III, every step is a test of courage and skill, every battle a triumph or a bitter lesson. With its haunting atmosphere, punishing difficulty, and intricate level design, it's a journey not for the faint of heart. Yet, for those willing to embrace its challenges, it offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and immersion. While not for everyone, for those seeking an unforgettable gaming experience, Dark Souls III beckons with its dark allure.
