Overview

Dark Souls is a dark fantasy action role-playing game series developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the series began with the release of Dark Souls in 2011 and has since become renowned for its challenging gameplay and intricate world-building.

Development

The series originated as a spiritual successor to FromSoftware's 2009 title, Demon's Souls. Due to Sony's ownership of Demon's Souls, FromSoftware collaborated with Bandai Namco Entertainment to develop Dark Souls, allowing for a multi-platform release. Hidetaka Miyazaki directed the series, emphasizing a design philosophy centered on player challenge and discovery. The development process involved a guided freeform approach, with Miyazaki steering designers while allowing them creative latitude.

Gameplay

Dark Souls is played from a third-person perspective, focusing on exploration and combat within interconnected environments. Players navigate the kingdom of Lordran, battling a variety of enemies using melee weapons, ranged attacks, and magic. A core mechanic is the use of bonfires, which serve as checkpoints that restore health and resources but respawn most enemies upon use. The series is known for its high difficulty level, requiring players to learn from mistakes and adapt strategies to progress.

Games in the Series

Dark Souls (2011)

Released in 2011 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Dark Souls introduced players to the kingdom of Lordran. The game was later ported to Windows as the Prepare to Die Edition, featuring additional content. It received critical acclaim for its depth and challenge.

Dark Souls II (2014)

Dark Souls II, released in 2014, continued the series' legacy with new settings and mechanics. It was praised for its improved graphics and expanded multiplayer features.

Dark Souls III (2016)

The third installment, Dark Souls III, launched in 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. It was both critically and commercially successful, with critics calling it a worthy and fitting conclusion to the series. It sold over 10 million copies by 2020, making it the fastest-selling game in Bandai Namco's history at the time.

Reception and Legacy

The Dark Souls series has been met with critical acclaim, with the first game often being cited as among the greatest video games of all time. The series' challenging gameplay and intricate world design have influenced numerous other titles, leading to the creation of the 'Soulslike' subgenre. As of 2024, the series had shipped over 37 million copies worldwide.

Related Media

Beyond the main games, the Dark Souls franchise has expanded into other media. A comic book series debuted alongside Dark Souls III in 2016, and a board game adaptation was successfully funded through Kickstarter, releasing in 2017. The series' music, composed by Motoi Sakuraba and Yuka Kitamura, has been performed in live concerts, and a limited edition vinyl box set was released in 2017.

Influence on Game Design

Dark Souls has significantly influenced modern game design, particularly in the action role-playing genre. Its emphasis on stamina management, risk and reward mechanics, and environmental storytelling has been adopted by various titles, including 'Nioh', 'Hollow Knight', and 'Bloodborne'. The series' interconnected world design has also inspired games like 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' and 'Metroid Dread'.