You are thrust into a world of darkness, a world of demons. It's a place where humans with the Dark Ring are sent to succumb and transform into the living dead. You are soulless at the beginning of the adventure, and in order to regain your soul, you must emerge from the abyss to reach the land of the living...

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is, basically, last year's game but with the new DLC content and patches thrown in... however, I'm not sure if it wouldn't be cheaper to buy an old copy of the game and then buy the DLC content separately.

For gamers who like to have their hand held when playing games, Dark Souls will come as a nasty surprise. When you start, there's no real story, no tutorial, no help of any kind. You're pretty much thrown in at the deep end and have to learn as you go. Personally, this for me was a breath of fresh air. You learn the back story and rules as you progress.

When the game opens you are trapped in a dungeon, but a body is thrown into your cell. The body contains a key which you can use to make your escape. Once out of your cell you must navigate the maze of dungeons and various critters you stumble upon.

This is probably one of the hardest games you're likely to play. There's instant death waiting around every corner and it's vital that you keep your health topped up, as you could climb some stairs, only to be crushed by a rolling giant bolder, or enter a room with a giant beast who will flatten you with one punch.

Control clues are scattered on the floor which you can read and learn a new move or hint to what to do in a nearby room.

For me this was as close to a free roam Dungeons and Dragon (D&D) game that I've ever played. Yes there are other D&D games that are better, but none quite so "real". When you enter a room and are instantly killed it's frustrating because there was nothing you could have done - but then this is also how it would work in reality, sometimes there's nothing you can do but accept your fate.

The online play is interesting because you have the option to be kind to fellow gamers or ruthless. Likewise, you will meet many gamers some of who will help you on your quest and others who will abuse their power to serve their own needs.

While this game won't be to everyone's tastes, those that are looking for a challenge, and are prepared to put in the time, will be greatly rewarded.

9

Nick Smithson