This game is hard. I will not lie at all about it. I play video games on hard difficulties just for fun, but this game.... This game gives hard a new name. But enough about how hard it is, this game is legit and fun as anything I've played in a while. I played it once, returned it after i got stuck at some point, and once again i just needed to have the unforgiving win or lose gameplay that you cannot find anywhere else. The graphics are fantastic, the game itself has an ungodly amount of facets to it, you can play it over and over and it will still be new to you. Some things aren't explained at all, however, and this leads to confusion. I've found myself looking things up online myriad times. So, bottom line, if you are looking for a game that's cheap, fun, hardcore, difficult, and you have an internet connection, i strong recommend this game. 9 of 10.… Expand

pure awesome IF you can stand dying alot!

the game controls very well
the weapons all have there own style
the graphics are much better then i thought
music fits the game perfectly

and once you clear an area for the first time.... sit back and relax you earned it

must own for anyone that wants to die... a billion times

I feel this game is getting low scores from people who played it because they're not used to a game that is actually difficult to complete. Demon's Souls is one of my favorite PS3 games because it's so difficult. It's hard, it's frustrating, and sometimes it's just mean. But to be honest, it's what makes the game fun and unique.

One of the better games to come out in a very long time, every little thing in this game is perfect to me. The story itself is simple: you come to a cursed land (for whatever reason, one of the things the NPC says "Whether you're here to fight the demons or here for the power...") and you're tasked to fight off the major demon's in the land to fight off the fog. This would be cheesey IF it were portrayed cheesey. It is not full of itself (like a Final Fantasy game would be) and barely touches the main storyline. It has a dark setting to it, already making you feel weak from the start, therefore giving you the right idea from the start. The combat is very smooth and can be mastered with a little play (I say past 3 levels you should get the hang of it). The combat itself is not extremely hard, all you have to do is just dodge/block and you'll be fine. If you get hit, you will regret being hit (that is all I will say). The leveling system is very good in my opinion, but the only downside to it is that you have to plan on what you're focusing on or you'll screw up your character and not be able to equip certain items (or at least use them the way you want to). If you do screw up your character, the worst part of starting a new character is the creation. It has a very high replay value and I would be ok with just making a new character everyday. The every NPC is unique in their own way. Doing certain things will trigger new dialogue with the NPCs and helps you learn more of the land of Boletaria. When you enter 5-1, come back, and talk with the NPCs, they will share you their thoughts on Maiden Astraea and Garl Vinland (the final bosses of the 5 world), explaining how the fog clouded their souls and why they fight. Even some of the item descriptions have captured me, letting me now of it's previous owner/maker. The multiplayer design is absolutely brilliant. After 1-1, you can use three different stones: Blue stone (used when in soul form, allows yourself to be teleported to another persons world (if they accept your soul sign) and assist them, to which beating a boss gives you back your body, given after 1-1), Black stone (used when in another person's world, lets you go back to your own world, given after 1-1), and the Red stone (used when in soul form, you teleport yourself to another person's world (at free will) and you attempt to kill the person to gain your body back). So whether you feel like helping somebody or want to be a complete ass and kill somebody, they have allowed you to accomplish both in this game in a very easy and quick (I can't say quick for the blue stone though) way. All in all, a game that everyone should buy and play before Dark Souls release.… Expand

Demon

This is the Must Have Title for the Playstation 3. There are so few games with this much attention to detail as is in Demon Souls. Its hard, but never have I experienced a game with so much reward to the player for putting the time and Effort into a game.

Don't listen to people who say this game is too difficult. The difficulty can be challenging but thats what makes this game unique. Instead of mindless slashing you put in strategy and thought into each fight.

I absolutely HATE games that are too difficult. Demon's Souls is EXTREMELY difficult, yet the game is so incredibly good I can't tear myself away from it. If you're a hardcore RPG fan, there is nothing better than Demon's Souls.

Let's make this blatantly clear, Demon's Soul has the finest controls and gameplay mechanics in action RPG history. Using the should buttons for the respective arms (ex. L1 for shield, R1 for sword) is insanely intuitive and commanding your character to dodge and execute heavy attacks are brilliantly smooth. Every action has a heavy, realistic feel to it, so your sword swings and shield blocks will have lifelike responses. These ground breaking controls are complemented with beautiful visuals, stunning level design and extremely creative boss battles. For instance, one of the early levels will have you running through a castle timing your runs with the intervals of a dragon swooping down and breathing fire over your path. Scenes like this are so grandiose and epic in scale and really immerse you in this fantasy genre. The most crippling flaw of Demon's Soul is a lack of a compelling story. This game is truly gameplay oriented, meaning you will be going from level to level without really feeling like you've accomplished much for any characters or made a significant progression throughout a long winding engaging story, unlike games like Dragon Age or Elder Scrolls. But Demon's Soul is a game you definitely need to experience to fall in love with. It is a game of absolutely monumental scale and you really deserve to see it for yourself.… Expand

Demon's Souls in an excellent game and a well deserved Game of the Year for several publications. Two users have given the game a '3' citing the game's difficulty being too high. Demon's Souls IS difficult but it's never cheap and never unfair. From Software have got the risk / reward balance near perfection where you genuinely feel a simultaneous sigh of relief and surge of adrenalin when you get past that demon that just kept holding you back. The online is exceptionally good, leave messages to help others, join other worlds to help, have other players join you to help, or invade and disrupt someone else's progression. A brilliant twist on conventional cooperative and multiplayer gaming. Replay value is also unexpectedly high (for me, at least). After finishing the game, I immediately started New Game +. Upgrading weapons, spells, combat; it all comes together to be a very addictive experience. If you give up on Demon's Souls, you are genuinely missing one of the more unique experiences this generation. With the multiple ways to obtain help, there's really no excuse for finding it just too difficult. If you haven't yet tried it, you really should if RPG is your thing. It's not a game for everyone, granted; but for a niche game to enjoy such critical success really does speak volumes for the quality of Demon's Souls.… Expand

The best game I've played in years! Even reading the very worst review on Metacritic from GamerVision had me excited to get this game. Yes this game is difficult and can be frustrating at times, but the payoff is huge when you progress (slowly) through the world. I love the level of difficulty because it basically forces you to become very comfortable with the controls, otherwise you will die constantly, no question. The game mood/environment reminds me of Shadow of the Collossus - mysterious, haunting and epic. It's nice to see a modern game buck the trend of constant CGI cut-scenes, frequent checkpoints and general hand-holding. So many games I've played in recent years aren't memorable because you burn through them in no time, almost like watching a movie. Don't get me wrong, I love blockbuster games like RE5/Gears/Drakes Fortune/Arkham Asylum etc, but the world needs games like Demons Souls too. Refreshing, difficult and different. If you want to try something original and challenging, I can't recommend Demon's Souls highly enough!!… Expand

Demon's souls was one of the best gaming experiences of my life. Yes, it was hard at first, but it got easier and easier. I played it so much, that in the end it was a little too easy. I even made it through the first playthrough without dying. The point of my review is that I don't want the reader to buy into the other reviews that say it is too hard or too unforgiving. You've got to beat the first level and then the game is no harder than you want it to be; you can farm souls and upgrade your character as much as you want before proceeding through the levels… Expand

Fracking AMAZING! It's like King's Field with great combat and amazing graphics.

Also, if you see a women wearing a golden mask show up in the top floor of your Nexus, kill her! She's evil!!

While the game is unforgiving, this is probably one of the better games on the PS3 out there. It reminds me of the Monster Hunter franchise in a way, only with better targetting.

Put plain and simple, Demon's Souls has the best and most balanced combat in any action RPG. You have freedom to develop your character and explore the bleak, beautiful world however you like, and no matter how you do it, but it's the challenging-but-fair gameplay that makes this game worth fighting through.

Demon

Not a game for everyone, but for those of us this game caters to it's unequaled in this generation. The "spiritual" sequel to Kings Field by the same company will kill you, but never unfairly. You have to adapt, change up your tactics and weaponry, and learn from your experience or you are missing the point and will get frustrated that brute force won't suffice. Almost every enemy in the game can and will kill you very quickly if you neglect to pay attention, and impatience is rewarded with quicker, more saddening deaths. Again, not a game for everyone, but as a fan of games like Kings Field, and Wizardry Tales of the Forsaken Land, this game delivers. I haven't played and enjoyed an RPG like this since the NES and early PSone days. If you're unsure rent it, you'll know after 2 hours or less if it's for you!… Expand

The best RPG of the generation. The person that was complaining about load screens, there's hardly any. With every death, you learn. You'll learn how to fight a certain enemy, what tactics to use, a trap to avoid, a different path to take, etc. It's an exhilirating experience, one that hasn't been felt in an RPG in this generation.

Demon's souls is a must have game. The reason it is must have is because it is one of the few games on the market in which you actually have to think as if you are in real life. Look at some of the negative reviews here. It is obvious many players expect every game to be a clone of each other and when a game like Demon's souls comes out with something original so many players have no clue at all how to play and think for themselves. It seems everyone expects to carry over last games skills into the next and that new games are only new raw meat cinematics. Demon's souls has broken free of the dime a dozen philosophy and offers a very fun and rewarding game with a high level of customization. The game is not difficult it's only perceived this way because players now a days are so immersed in clones of games they have lost the ability to think for themselves in anything unique without the same controls and guns ect as everything else on the market. You will really enjoy this game if you give it some pause and player discretion. Once you have settled in and used your mind a bit this game far exceeds any other title on the market online or offline. There are only two small complaints i have about the title. The first is you can only carry so much equipment but wear only two rings and magic targeting could be improved a little. Any complaints that the game is broken or too tough speaks more about the player than the game.… Expand

Not for the feint of heart. This game will challenge you, punish you, and overall just make you it's **** That said, playing and beating this game was probably my greatest videogame moment of late. The best way for me to describe this game is basically Zelda for adults. So if you like hack-n-slash, exploration, and a good challenge you will have a great time playing demon's souls.

one of the most rewarding gaming experiences i've had in close to 20 years of gaming. extremely difficult but not impossible game play forces the player to adapt and form a strategy to progress. i found myself grinning like a complete idiot after beating a few bosses. i can't wait for dark souls.

Wow, I must say this game totally blew me away! This game isn't nearly as tough as the reviewers have touted. (except for Maneater Ng++) I'm not an RPG'r but I was pretty much hooked when I completed the training level. Each level offers different and diverse enemies The levels can be qasi linear but each has a series of short cuts that will take you to various bosses. Combat is very satisfying! I loved the fact that you have to watch your stamina meter when attacking and defending. You won't last long if you're a button masher. The game looks and sounds great. The online function is brillant! There's no other feeling of excitement I get when I see that "black phantom has invaded your game". PvPing is also incredible aswell. I've logged in about 700 hours on this bad boy..do yourself a favor and give this game a shot.… Expand

This is a great Action/RPG experience that PS3 users have been wanting for a long time now. The game is difficult and doesn't reward impatient and players who don't think or adapt. The voices in the game aren't the best, and sometimes the enemies are just plain annoying. The only drawback I have thus far is everything is always in the same place and thus takes away from some of the replayability. If you want a great hardcore actionRPG this is it. However, if you are not sure, rent the game to check it out before hand.… Expand

great game. but, only after you get so mad at it that braking your 52 inch lcd starts sounding like a good thing, do you really start to enjoy it to the fullest. not sure where it happens but somewhere past the point of giving up it really pulls u in.

No one makes games like this anymore. I keep dying and playing, this game is difficult AND challeging, seldom you get frustrated though. Everytime time you die is because YOU made something wrong, and you learn with that mistake and don't make it again. It's a wonderful experience that everybody who has a PS3 must enjoy it. I recommend this to every person who consider himself a "hardcore gamer". Casual gamers will have a hard time but will enjoy it nonetheless.… Expand

This game is graphically one of the best on thr ps3 console and is also addicting. It took me 6 hours in my first sitting and didn't want to turn it off...could've easily been a 10, hoever without online chat capability this should be a must on any next gen console. Great job Atlus!!!

Everything said about this game having difficulty as ridiculous as Monster Hunter's is right... and I mean that in a good way. I rocked Monster Hunter and loved the challenge, and this game gives the same sense of accomplishment, if not, better.

Great game that is difficult but rewards skill over button mashing. Bosses are truly amazing to fight against and it is worth every penny considering the gaming experiences you get whilst exploring the world. Being chased by a dragon and a horde of soldiers along a long bridge was fantastic. Not a game for the casual gamer but for all those who love dungeon and dragons. The second best game I'vel played this year because the first will definitely be Uncharted 2.… Expand

Although not without is flaws, Demon's Souls is a brilliant new interpretation of what the RPG genre is all about. Stick out the steep learning curve and you will find one of the most rewarding games available today. I give this game a ten not because it is perfect (not possible) but because it well crafted, immensely enjoyable and most importantly, shaking up a stagnant genre. This is what an action RPG should be. Love it.… Expand

Absolutely spectacular. Don't be scared off by all the difficulty hype. I'm a big gamer, but certainly not the best. Yes, it's extremely challenging and you'll die a lot but - and it's a big but - death rewards you. You learn from your experience and you also get more currency - the amount you had dropped as well as all the new stuff you'll pick up along the way. There has never been a game like this that forces you to think, strategize and be so fully satisfied for your success. You don't need to be the hardest hardcore gamer to enjoy, just a regular person who is willing to work hard and use your noodle harder. Just don't expect to see your friends and family any time soon.… Expand

Game is the real deal. Would give it 11 if I could.

Demon's Souls is an absolutely amazing game. I rarely play through a game multiple times but with Demon's Souls the addition of New Game+ and the ability to shape your character skills without restriction keeps me playing

Absolutely essential for anyone looking for a challenging, yet highly rewarding and fun game. Excellent atmosphere, adrenaline-pumping boss fights, and a great online community. Demon's Souls is hands down the best action RPG of the past 5 years.

It's the difficulty I like the most with the infinite replay value and the best part is that it's not for the casual gamers only for the real hardcore gamers only babies who like graphics can stick with call of duty 2

This is one of the best action-RPG games ever made. Everybody is saying that it is very difficult but that's not true at all. It is challenging and will seem very difficult at first but when you learn how to play it and understand its ways, it is a breeze. Don't be put off by the reported difficulty. It is very well balanced with excellent swordplay, beautiful visuals and lots of immersion. If the game had a better presentation and a complex story we would be talking about the game of the decade. Still one of the best.… Expand

This game is amazing. Visually, I am somewhat suprised that they used the Havok engine because of just how beautiful it really is, and the bump-mapping (though shiny) really made the rest of the game darker. Honestly, the first play through the game is a learning experience, and is not so much difficult as it is surprising. After game completion, you know where things are. You can expect them. You know how to kill the Phalanx, very easily. But when starting a New Game Plus, the game becomes extremely difficult to play. With the Black-Eyed Stones, invasions become common on NG+, so just expect it. Some bosses seem impossible to kill without other players with you, so that the boss could alter it's attention for even just a moment. This game is hard. This game is pretty. This game is Dark, and this game needs to be played by everyone.… Expand

I won't give this a 10 even though I'm tempted to simply to bring the score up with the hope that more people will purchase and support FROM software and Atlus. "Demon's Souls" is a hard game, a fact which you knew before even reading this sentence. People who say it's too hard will slander it and claim that the difficulty is either cheap (Chess Red Eagle) or pretentious. If the game left the player no respite by having the enemies level up with you, therefore negating any leveling system (ala Final Fantasy VIII) then I would be inclined to agree. "Demon's Souls" rewards a slow, methodical and calculated approach. If you try and take on all of the enemies in the game as though this were "Gears of War", f course you will die and frequently. "Demon's Souls" difficulty allows the game to be immersive. How many games have you played where the storyline has something to do with a legion of enemies that are unstoppable, and yet, the main character can mow them down as though he has a flamethrower and the enemies are toddlers? "Demon's Souls" gets it right. It may be one of the few games of this generation to do so. It's difficult, but allows you to work at your own pace. It doesn't forgive recklessness, but allows you to learn enemy behaviour. If you put in the time and effort into making your character strong enough to complete the game, then it is an accomplishment. You feel satisfied - why? Because the main character wasn't always a hero - you turned him into one - you are the strength that overcame. The graphics are not the best of this generation, but they aren't as bad as "Dragon Age" (a good game, but the graphics are 'meh'). The story isn't in your face - it is quite subtle and the more you look around and take in the atmosphere, the more the story becomes apparent. I could go on and on about how this gem should not be missed for fear of a future where true innovation is ignored. Play this game and don't give up. The more you put into this game, the more it returns. Best game of the year? I believe so.… Expand

Anyone who gave this game less than an 8, didn't REALLY give this game a chance... My first character I gave up on and put the game aside. After reading other people talking about it, I decided to give it another go. I then created a character that fit more for my gaming style... That's when I fell in love... To overlook the simplicity is blasphemy. I LOVE not having to talk with NPC's just to get to the next part of the game or next quest. When you do, though, you are rewarded. It's an RPG at its simplest and an action platformer at its heart. I have NEVER spent over 200 hrs playing any one game... I've NEVER spent sooo many times beating and beating a game over again. I've started my third character and am glad to have it in my collection. I wont trade or sell this game as long as I can play it. Every game I've played since, seems simple and boring.… Expand

This game is one of the most in depth games that I am yet to play. The fact of the game is that you can construct your own path and play the game exactly how you want, all npc's besides one, are killable in this game, including key characters in the plot. Also the challenge is very hard and should put a true gamer to the test. Even when CoD 4-2 came out, I put that game down to get back into this one, and I'm already on my 4th playthrough, and it just gets more fun.… Expand

Best next gen game I have played so far. Great level design. Backtracking alleviated and removed as game progresses and you *earn* shortcuts. This game makes you feel like you earn stuff and you do master the rules, in time. If you are tired of games that water the experience automatically if you are crying, are completely linear never leaving a choice for where to go, to you- or have to save that princess Yet Again(tm), or you are missing the kind of atmosphere/scary mood that a game like Silent Hill 2 creates (and yet in a different way) along with true more arcade style action and implicit AD&D rules, this is the game for you. If you have little patience, don't like RPG's, think Zelda Wii is the best game Evar, or you can't stand ever losing, getting fueled interest by the challenge, then this isn't the game for you.… Expand

Amazing, very challenging, yet I am just 60% and spent around 80 hours playing woooooow

This game is very very difficult. Usually I would have given up playing a game this hard after 15 minutes, however, I'm on my 2nd week owning this game. I am still playing it and love getting my ass kicked on my first level for some reasons.

One of the best Action/RPG I have played. This is not a game for cry babies. You got to have a lot of guts and patience to beat this game. It's very challenging. i reccomend this game for every hadcore gamer.

An action RPG thats enthrawling and rewarding to those who play long enough to get good at the game. Not a pushover like so many action RPGs Demons souls requires a bit of gaming tallent. Beutiful graphics, giant bosses & battles to the death await all who dare. With the ability to trade "souls" for added stats for your character, repair & upgrade weapons & buy healing herbs the game is't as tuff as some say, More brutal than the onimusha series and more gothic than oblivion. One of the best games on this generation consoles period. Separate ratings. 1 to 10 higher is better. Game play 9.5 good timing is needed but the contact detection is very good. Graphics 9.6 althoe dark, the game looks absolutely stunning at times & just great the rest of the time. Sound 10. Very solid sound effects & music.… Expand

From a generation of gaming that is lacking games of its genre, Demon's Souls is really a shining star. Its is indeed unforgiving, but extremely rewarding and can keep your attention for weeks and months. Their is much to to via upgrades, getting more powerful weapons, learning spells. The combat is very well done and keeps the game fun even when you hit a tight spot. Their is a large amount of enemy variety and design, as well as a unique multi-player. For those who are looking for a good RPG, this is probably it.… Expand

Best game in this generation imo. It brought the meaning back to gaming! The game makes you learn it before you proceed any further. Unlikely to other games where you can rely on your last auto-save and rush through the enemy all guns blazing. It requires patience and thinking, it's not about how fast you can push the buttons or how quickly you can kill your opponents. If you think like that you have lost and like the guys who put a low score in this game. All i can say is, we done Atlus ..no game will be the same after Demon's Souls.… Expand

This is not a game for players who only know games of the past few years, where the difficulty has been reduced to allow for a more casual game experience. This game is tough, but it's a balance of risk vs. rewards. It's not like once you enter a realm you can't leave (as some of the low reviews here might suggest), and you are "forced" to continue on. At any time you can take the souls you earned and return to the Nexus and spend them. The enemies DO respawn when you re-enter the realm, but you've spent your souls so it doesn't matter all that much. You always have the choice of pushing onward, risking the souls earned, vs. returning to cash them in. That's the beauty of the system. I suspect some of the low reviews here aren't used to any REAL risk in their current day gaming adventuring, and this comes as quite a shock. This game isn't for everyone, no doubt. But those looking for a real challenge that demands hard choices with actual consequences, this game is second to none. My only gripe is that the interface icons on the stats are cryptic squiggles that are hard to remember (what do the 2 yellow swirvy lines mean again...agility? )… Expand

This game is not for the weak. If you like a game that gives you a VAT system, this game is not for you. If you want a game that is challenging and makes you work for progression, this game IS for you. Every time you get a new item, or beat a boss you have an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. I am level 148 and have beat the game a few times over... I recommend this game to the hardcore who love dungeon crawlers.… Expand

Best game of the year so far. I've never played a game with more relentless tension and atmosphere. Uncharted gets points for production value, but Demon's Souls gets the edge for shear design genius. Awesome dark fantasy.

Superb level design. Great customization.

No matter what words spawn from my mouth, they won't make this game any justice. By now everything has already been said about it, I can only express how much of a masterpiece it is, and how it has redefined the medieval RPG action/adventure genre. It's the game I always yearned for, and it will remain one of the best games not only of this generation but of all time. Probably the thing I love about it the most is how it kind of mixes adventure-hack slash with survival horror, haven't felt so anxious during a game since the early silent hill/resident evil. And the whole thing just kind of spells Lovecraft al over the place, i love it.… Expand

Demon Souls is the BEST RPG game ever!, its really underrated too, i mean how can an AMAZING game like this get a 7 or 8 while other **** games like Skyirm get 8 and 9, believe me.. you MUST buy this game.. Its really fun, the story is also AMAZING! You will really like this game, I highly recommend this game to everyone with a PS3

This game took me a while to get into. The combat seemed strange at first. Even took me a while to appreciate the graphics. I gave this game special treatment and decided to commit myself and play through this game to see what all the hype was about. Boy am I thankful I did. While playing this game I finally understood why every one loves the combat in this game. The combat has weight! You truly feel in control of your character, and must very intently involve yourself in the combat. If you are killed, it is because you were not paying attention, or simply got too excited, or maybe your gear is not up to par. No need for a story here. You are given a glimpse of what the story is about but even that quickly fades away as you create your own story while you battle monsters and demons in a far away place. It is easy for me to simply play for hours and feel that I am in that 'far away' place. The graphics did have to grow on me but i soon came to appreciate those as well. 9-10… Expand

Demon's Souls alone would be a good reason to buy a PS3. Even if there weren't others. It's not difficult, it just rewards patience and learning. Start your journey, you'll never forget it.

This game didn't look appealing to me at all when it first came out despite hearing rave reviews about it. Recently my friend made me start playing it and at first it was really hard and really frustrating but after you get past the first few bosses and level your character this game is a blast. You still die a crap ton but the game's beauty and fighting mechanics just amazed me time after time again. Think of all the dying as a teaching mechanism for getting really good at it. It's pretty hard to say that about very many other games. One of the most satisfying videogame play throughs I've ever experienced.… Expand

I just want to leave a rating but Metacritic is retarded about letting its users do so and does not allow them the ability to see their past ratings unless they leave a review.

Demon's souls is the best game I have played on the PS3 yet, in February 2012. The 3rd person gameplay with accurate controls, the simple yet effective user interface, lots of items and gear with upgrading possibilities, stat bonus/resistance system and the true RPG way of allowing you to build your character in any way you want make this game truly a joy to play. Truly a MUST BUY.

Most negative critics of this game have no patience. They're accustomed to modern games, which allow you to rush through them, mindlessly smashing buttons and spamming healing items. This game requires you to trade blows with your enemy, manually dodge, block, and parry attacks, while waiting for a clear opening before attacking. These people can't handle this game which requires you to observe your enemy's movements and attacks, rather than rushing in to every enemy hammering buttons and repeatedly chugging healing items. If you're dying a lot, and repeating the same part of the game over and over and over again.. it's because you have no patience, and you are not putting forth any effort to learn from your mistakes.

Regarding the story: This game has a clear story so long as you talk to NPCs, read item descriptions, and realize the link between bosses and the storyline provided by NPCs and cutscenes.

Regarding the multiplayer aspect: Players cannot invade your game at any time and kill you. Very specific requirements must be met. First of all, any area in which you have defeated the boss, players can never invade you in that area. Second, you must be in Human form. You spend the majority of the game in Soul form, which means for the majority of the game, other players cannot invade your game.

In regards to the lack of checkpoints/save points: As you explore each level, you unlock shortcuts (such as opening a gate, or activating an elevator), allowing you to skip most of the level, should you need to return to the level again. You don't need a checkpoint when you can skip most of the level.

Now for some complaints of my own:

Lack of stat explanation in relation to equipment. It is not intuitive, not to mention the seemingly arbitrary icons used for stats.

After defeating a boss or recovering your souls, large text and graphics are overlayed on the screen, while the game is still live. This is terrible design for any game.

FPS drops in specific parts of the game.… Expand

I loved demon souls but I would not recommend it to everyone. It has become such a controversial game recieving every single review score from 0 -10 by different people. Whether or not you like it depends on your taste. It annoys me when I read reviews of people claiming the game is too difficult and so it's crap. If difficulty isnt your thing then this game isnt for you and thats fine. I have no interest in sports games but I dont go around posting on websites that fifa is crap, Its just not my kind of game. Now i'm not saying the game is perfect, it has some flaws like occasional framerate drops and the occasional unfair death which is annoying but overall I found it very enjoyable. The sense of accomplishment when you defeat a tough boss or complete a tough area is incomparable really, Also I think the game for the most part is fair, I played it offline the whole way through with no online help or guide and I didn't ''die hundreds of times'' like so many people claim they did nor did I ''spend hours grinding'' It was VERY hard and I think I died about 40 or 50 times throughout the course of the game. People also complain about getting set so far back when you die and losing all of your souls but that is vital to the game experience in my opinion because it gives you something to lose! it had a DONT DIE OR ELSE!! kind of feel to it. Thus I would baby-step my way through certain areas scanning everything and shield up at all times with my heart in my mouth afraid to die. It made the game so intense. I wouldn't be nearly as careful or take as long if The punishment was to restart back 10 seconds to the nearest checkpoint. That pretty much summed up the game for me, intense and enjoyable. It does suck when you die but you do learn. You realise right i may pay closer attention to traps triggered by such and such or OK that guy was very well hidden I should lure him out with arrow shots so he does
not have a vantage point advantage over me etc etc. There,s way more examples but its strategic and that.s the point. In short the game is not for everyone like I said earlier but if you would like an intense addictive game that is rewarding and enjoyable demon souls is well worth your time. Possibly my favourite game on ps3.… Expand

Before I continue, I will type a disclaimer...THIS GAME WILL NOT PLEASE EVERYONE! My brother and I both played this game. He enjoys fun, relatively less-challenging games and first person shooters while I enjoy highly-technical fighting and action games. He acknowledged that it was a great game, but put it down permanently after a few hours. I am still playing it with multiple profiles and it has never gotten old. If you are unsure about your game preference, borrow or rent this before buying it, and make sure you beat at least two bosses before passing judgement on it. Now, on to the actual review:

The story is great, not because it is terribly confusing, but because of the subtlety. A mad king awakens the Old One in order to gain the power of the soul arts (magic). As a result, demons spew forth and feast upon men's souls, leaving soulless zombies to attack those who are still sentient, tumbling the world of Boletaria into chaos and providing nourishment for the more powerful demons. The last bastion of humanity (the Nexus) has trapped your soul, preventing you from dying until you help put the Old One back to sleep. While I just summarized the plot in three sentences, the various NPCs you meet continue the story, with convincing voice acting that explains how each of them were affected. Some stories are sad, some terrifying, and none are happy; such is the land of Boletaria. This is a land of horror-fantasy where success looks bleak, enemies always seem to have the advantage in either power or surprise (or both), and boss battles actually force you to stop outside the boss chambers and think to yourself, "Am I really ready for this?"

Any protagonist braving the dangers of Boletaria needs to have a ridiculous amount of determination, and the gameplay reflects that. You will die. A lot. And you will repeat things after you die. You also lose all your souls, which are both currency and XP points in this game (you can either use them to buy items or use them to level up). Lost souls are deposited in a bloodstain at the location of your most recent death, and touching it gives them all back to you. Death before touching it, however, causes it disappear forever, along with all your souls! While this may sounds tedious, it was my experience that it was a great provider of accomplishment. Every time you die, you learn something new about the world you are in, such as, "There's a zombie in the shadows over there!" or "That enemy is waaaay too powerful!" On the next playthrough, you adjust. In short, while there is a lot of repeat, areas you have traversed multiple times prove virtually no challenge after a few attempts, provided you are actually playing the game the way it is meant to be played, and not expecting to blast through the enemies like in most games currently on the market.

This in and of itself would make for a great game, but the multiplayer makes it almost perfect. Taking a completely innovative approach, you join a multiverse of other human players in the world of Boletaria. Each game is treated as a parallel universe, meaning that each player is the one and only PC in their version of Boletaria, but there are ways to connect to the other worlds out there. Even in normal play, ghostly apparitions of real players on the PSN can be seen in your game, going through their own actions, completely oblivious of your observation. Deaths of other players leave spectral bloodstains in your world, where you can touch them to see a replay of the last ten seconds before their death (which can warn savvy players of what lies ahead). Players can write messages on the ground that can be read by all people online, giving hints or misleading other players. And, of course, you can temporarily join another player as either friend or foe, helping them defeat a boss demon or trying to murder them for their souls and a chance at getting your living body back.

This has become a rather lengthy review, and it is time to cut it off. The reason I ramble on is because this game is really a shining jewel amongst PS3 games. It is just a pity that it is not accessible to everyone, but to make it easier would detract greatly from the game. What I have described is only a fraction of what Demon's Souls has to offer, so if you think it will appeal to you, go rent or buy a copy, take out a few demons, and see if it is your speed.… Expand

Do you remember the old gaming times with NES? games such as Castlevania and Super Mario Bros. They were hard as f##k and took dozens of attempts to even get to the end boss. But still they were enjoyable and really fun to play. Demon's souls is like a 3D HD child of those games. It's hard, it's unforgiving and holy s##t is it fun to play! I won't spoil the little there is to an story, but let's just say that you are a brave hero who travels the lands to fight evil. And 95% of the time that evil kicks your ass and cleans his ass with whats left of your body and then throws it to the demon dogs to play with... more or less. Demon's souls is a western style Japanese role playing game with a difficult, but rewarding combat and great sense of exploration. You level up your hero and get new equipment and kill lots of monsters and so on. This games dark themes make sure that you never feel safe and every single enemy might just be your doom. Words can't explain the awesomeness of this game, so let me just say this: Go buy this game just now! trust me, it's worth it. After about 100 deaths you will be a fearsome killing machine!… Expand

When your playing this game, it starts to feel fairly slow paced, as you slowly churn your way through the meat grinder, and more often then not, you'll die when you encounter a new enemy. But everytime you meet them, you learn there tricks, so when you meet them again, your able to counter them more effectively. You die, and die, and die, and die. Then one day when your playing the game you look up and realize... I haven't died in a while? And thats when it hits you. You've gotten much, much better at the game, you've conquered those who have impaled, decapitated, incinerated you to death many many times. IT makes the Achievements on the 360 and the Trophies on the Ps3 look like childs play. And then you get tea bagged by a giant spider, and the process starts all over again. Or if your a very angry person, a Ps3 controller in your HDTV.… Expand

These people giving it low scores are hilarious. They seriously just upset this game is getting so much praise that they have to downscore it. Nothing about this game is "bare-bones," "tedious," or bad in any way. I've played every sort of rpg from old school NES, PC, SNES, to all worthy next-gen rpg's, and this game is completely refreshing. It's comparable to shadows of the colossus and Zelda in terms of extraordinary. If you like the previous 2 games, you'll love this game.… Expand

One of the very best games to come out this year...The best game out this generation...and my top 5 for best games of all time. This is a demanding game. But also very rewarding. The truth is, if you suck at games..This is not a game you'll want to play..if you're good at games then this is a dream come true. Graphics are good..acting is decent...and gameplay is the best around. The difficulty is all in strategy..how to fight the bad guy you're up against. If you figure out how to kill them..then you'll always know how. Also, this game does not kill you. You kill you. This game is a stern mistress but any death to come to you is a result of your own ineptitude.

IN closing, amazing game..i've been around the block. i've owned every console since Atari and played most of every great game to come out across all the different platforms..and this is in my top 5..not an easy mark to hit..but one this game does easily.… Expand

This game is perfect in every way it reminds me of retro games to be honest this game deserves a perfect score as it seperates the serious gamer from all the rest as this is no game for someone who just cant take dying in a game or is too used to the mainstream rubbish the gaming industry spews out this game should entice every hardcore retro gamer who is used to a challenge this game makes you truly feeel like a human in a demons land where you have little chance of survival but you struggle on despite than it requires the players wit and cunning and logical thinking for them to survive. this game worlds or levels whatever you wish to call them seem massive for just one level and the details of teh demons are amazing the game consists of all the RPG elements so thi is a must for RPG fans and may appeal to anyone who likes a challenge or who is just a hardcore gamer there may be loading screen but they arent as long as other games out there and they are there because the game doesnt lot up the level as you are playing as it causes many bugs in the level it is more polished to load it up before hand. overall this game is fantastic and should please hardcore gamers retro gamers and gamers who love challenges however gamers who cant take dying alot or getting sent to the start of a level even though you can open gates for shortcuts and anyone who cant play a game without logically thinking how to ebat an enemy this isnt for you.… Expand

This game is phenomenal. It's difficult, especially compared to other dungeon crawlers (Diablo is the most mainstream comparison). However, when you die in a game like Diablo, it's really frustrating, it's a downer and it discourages you to keep playing and makes you want to end that session. However, dying in Demon's Souls makes you want to keep going, to go find your body and reclaim your souls, and to continue, especially when you know what you did wrong - even if you don't know what to do (the first dragon in the game comes to mind) thinking up a solution, even if it isn't the one the game wanted you to come up with, is really satisfying.… Expand

Fantastic game! It is hard as hell, push your patience to the limits. But if you play it with your head you will very satisfied. After you kill your first bosses you will feel invincible. :P
For those who comment the game with low scores, learn to play it first. If you don't know how to pass some level search for help in the web. There are very useful hints that the game don't show.

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Portuguese players:

Para os tugas que querem comprar este jogo, recomendo.
Vão-se cansar de morrer mas vão aprender, e vão-se tornar mais fortes. Tem aí coisas escritas por aqueles que deram má nota que não são totalmente verdadeiras. São uns frustados que só querem é colinho. Isto não é um God of War onde se desbrava caminho. Não é um Neverwinter Nights onde a história é o ponto mais importante e os seus elementos rpgs. Aqui o medo assombra-te. Vais ter medo ao percorrer certos túneis. Mas no final vai saber bem derrotar um boss maior do que tu 20 vezes. ;) Usem muito o modo online. Ficam a conhecer os bosses e os mapas com a ajuda de outros jogadores. É de outro nivel este jogo.
Não lhe dou 10 porque existem algumas falhas. Mas não acho que a dificuldade seja uma delas. São pequenas falhas que nem merecem apontamento de tão pequenas que são. :)
Vejam vídeos e outras reviews se tiverem dúvidas.… Expand

Awesome game, sorry it's to hard for some of you. There's a ton of reviews that state the games difficulty, most gamers probably just ignore it though thinking that it "won't be to hard for me". If you missed out on NES and SNES days, then you probably aren't ready for what you are about to get yourself into. If you are an older gamer, this game isn't very hard, you just need to be prepared, pay attention, and use your brain..not just your fingers. All the "I can't sell loot, it's pointless" or the "it's 2009 you shouldnt have to start all over each level" naysayers come accross as transparent. Take the spoon out of your mouth and try something differant. ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!?!… Expand

This is a very polished and unique game. It's been so long since I've played something wonderful like this! This game requires deep thinking for combat. Giving low reviews only shows how some gamers like games to be easy. This game is all about progression. And progression feels good.

Excellent gameplay and a chilling atmosphere work together wonderfully in this game, but the intense difficulty make this best suited for hardcore gamers. The game's greatest failing is its nearly non-existent story, which may come as a surprise to the average JRPG fan. However, fans of serious gameplay and insane difficulty will not be disappointed in this game.

I would give it 9.5/10;) Just love it. It can be a bit scary and very hard. I have a manual in chinese so it was quite hard to understand world tendency and what to do next. So more info hade been great in the game. But maybe that add to the experience?! I put away all my other games AND bought the deluxe edition on ebay for $109. I want to do it all again and again and again.. And I usually never play a game 2 times!… Expand

Fantastic Game, but one you really need to invest in, it ain't a pick up and play, it takes hours to hone your skills ans startegies, but haven't enjoyed a game so much since vagrant story

Gamervision should go play some disney game or something! IF your a OLD SCHOOL HARD CORE GAMER! then you don't wana miss it. YES, this game takes the n00bs, chew them up and then spit them out. BUT so did the 1st Armored core game. Then they eventualy dumbed it down for all the n00bs and the end result was AC4 & FA. I hope Form Software NEVER makes that mistake again! This I a good game ... EVER ps3 owner should try it.… Expand

Totally unforgiving, the whole design is about making the experience ever more difficult and convince you as a player that you're not good enough and you should pass (and go play more accessible games). The magic is that it works! I'm not patient at all with games but I feel like I have something to prove with Demon's Souls and I want to keep moving forward no matter how slow or how long it takes me to get there. To be played with a different mindset, like one reviewer put it "Demon's Souls gives you an ultimatum; get good, or die. They just don't make many console games like this anymore." If you're ready to accept a ridiculous level of difficulty, if you're ready to replay the same bits over and over again and if you're in a mood for a medieval/ fantasy action RPG, go for it. But be warned, it's extreme and it's what makes it exceptional! I'm already thrilled and scared to play the game again. It directly enters my top list of favourite games! Even with flaws I want to give it a 10, not because it's perfect (it's not) but because it's fantastic and unique!… Expand

This review may seem biased and only meant to upset the very low scores pansies are giving this game, and you'd be partially right to think that way. Except that Demon's Souls is truly a masterpiece just as it's also and adquired taste. The gameplay works and it's infinitely rewarding, the story not so much but the atmosphere this game has invites you to get lost (and stay lost) in a world inmmersive as no other you have played in years. Every different character you create will change the experience for you, and you will love to master every new approach each class and weapon/magic brings into it. Or maybe you won't, and that means you are pretty much a pansy (nevermind your "taste") but that's ok.… Expand

This is one of the key reasons to buy a PS3. This is a top notch Action game with amazing environments, fantastic gameplay, and truly rewarding difficulty. When you die in this game, and you will die, you do not get frustrated and feel the game is cheap. You know why you died, and it almost always your own mistake. The levels are amazingly designed from a huge sprawling castle to a hope draining prison guarded by brutal mind flayer guards. I cannot recommended this enough for anyone who enjoys fantasy themed games and does not mind a little difficulty.… Expand

This game is one of the best console Action RPG's this year. The game is built on an old school foundation of when you die you start all the way back at the beginning and loose all of your souls. Dieing though is usually the result of not being good enough to progress so your constantly learning and improving as the game goes on.

Its amazing its brutal and relentless if you enjoy rpgs and your not one to get discouraged by failing this game is for you. the amount of perseverance needed is matched by none the combat is like nothing ive played before it blows oblivion away. Its in no way a game for the casual player you need to put time and alooot of effort into overcoming an enemy but when you do man it feels awesome never played a game like it.… Collapse

One of the best games of the year. It's a VERY challenging game but it also rewards you for you efforts. Has some very nice ideas for Online community and it will give you hours and hours worth of Dungeon Crawling. It's a must have game if you're a RPG fan, specially in this Generation of games where we've received so few good RPGs.

Truly an amazing experience that fans of rpg games and action games will love. In fact this is a game I recommend every one to try. Its deep with a long adventure tons of story not to mention the amazing on-line system that makes this simple looking game turn in to a MMO. Seriously you will feel that this game is a MMO after you start playing it on-line. It really takes the experience to a whole new level. I HIGHLY recommend this game to every one. If i could give this game a 11 I would.… Expand

This game is one of my 3 favorite playstation 3 exclusives, little big planet & pixeljunk monsters being the other 2. DS is of course nothing like those two, except that it's multiplayer. It pushes the action rpg genre to new heights, and is, for this action rpg lover, the most compelling game released on the system thus far. I think of it as a "shadow mmo", since you constantly see other players, but you aren't always interacting with them.… Expand

Fantastic game play with a truly innovative Multiplayer experience. Minor AI shortcomings keep this title from being as difficult as it should be, with several trivial bosses.

yes, it is a very challlenging game & you will die alot at first but .....what an awesome game i htink the challenge is what makes it fun...

I cant really even begin to express how much i love this game. Few games get developed as such these days and even fewer are getting sold but a name like ATLUS and FROM software is enough to apeal to the niche market of the -true- hardcore gamer. This is a game where everything matters, your movement and positioning matters, colision detection matters, badly judged attacks or parry skills matters, diyng GOD DAMN matters. This game will make "stat grinders" squeel in frustration and brand the game as "unforgivable" and "stupid" because the game will not make them the favour of going with their waters. If you consider yourself a hardcore gamer and enjoys a -true- challenge rather than the endless stat grindfest that other games have you going through then look no further than Demon's Souls. A dungeon crawler game to end all dungeon crawlers. Step into the game and love and every second of your (many) deaths or simply cry about your incompetence.… Expand

Extremely good game. Probably one of the best I ever played. No doubt the game of the year 09.

One of my faves this gen (I own the 360 and PS3), haven't stopped playing it since purchased mid December so that means the likes of Unchartered, ACII, GTA LC stories and MW2 are getting overlooked at the moment. I have played those other games a bit (all Christmas presents) but I always find myself being drawn back to DS. I don't call myself a hardcore gamer and would normally become frustrated with endless deaths but this game is so special I keep coming back for more. No other game I've played in the last few years comes close in terms of rewarding gameplay and punishing a 'charging in' kind of attitude. You get to learn that slow progress is generally the key due to the fact that you restart the level and lose your collected souls if you die, which then makes you treat every enemy encounter with the respect it deserves. Quite simply, it's fantastic. I'm in the UK so had to import a US copy which is the first time I've ever had to do that as any other game I've wanted had been released over here, had to be done though is this game is that special.… Expand

This game is amazing. I have been a gamer for a long time and my main genres are RPG's, Racing, and Sandbox with some FPS and i gotta tell you this might be the greatest game ive ever played. The graphics are great, the story and backstory is pretty deep and the RPG elements are right there with the likes of oblivion. And for weaklings like MiKE and know how to play an RPG and level up your character so the game is not so hard (except for that damn world 5-2 LOL) then you will be rewarded with a great game and a staple to next gen gaming and RPG's. With great graphics, story, custimization, and zelda type combat that is fun and simple at first and then very rewarding later this is the greatest next gen game ive ever played right over the likes of Twilight Princess, Infamous, Mass effect, and oblivion. Demon Souls is a masterpiece dont be scared like MiKE and try it out.… Expand

This is what games should be like. Rewarding. There are too many games where you can just waltz in and kill everything. I dont understand why developers are making their player base stupid. Gaming used to be about skill. Now it seems like its just about items that make the game stupid simple.

Yes, we get it, this game is difficult. But the difficulty is being exaggerated greatly. Yeah, you die. Quite a few times. But you learn from each death, and you incorporate that into your strategy to kill the giant dragon god with a mouth full of death and fire. The game is epic. The multiplayer is amazing and rewarding. The mechanics are tight. In my eyes, this game has only one flaw, and that is that it ends.… Expand

This game is by far an instant classic! Its the gaming experience I have been waiting for from this gen. Playing it made me feel like I was 14 again. Its so fun and engaging. The atmosphere is really immersive, and you really believe that your there. The online components are revolutionary and very creative. Immediately signing you in to the PSN when you start up, your level of player to player interaction is unbelievable, and actually brought back memories of the old multiplayer Arcade days. Playing games like double dragon, or that Simpsons game when you were having trouble defeating a boss or a stage and someone would come up, place a quarter in and help you out. The ability to challenge players to duels also brings back memories of the old Street Fighter days. Its a really fun, and unique experience that shouldn't be missed. Its EXTREMELY difficult. But that's one of the reasons why I love it.… Expand

You will notice a trend with any low scores given to this title

Up until now I had nearly lost all interest in video games. Demon's Souls has revived my long lost love for gaming. The insane difficulty and addictive gameplay is just what I've been looking for! I haven't moved from my couch in over 48 hours!

One of the most addicting and refreshing games of the year, it's hard to put down the controller. The World Tendency system and the online multiplayer will ensure that you never run out of things to do.

This game is not so much "hard" as it is demanding. Demanding focus, patience, and detemination. It's a game that insists I take it seriously; instead of catering to my inherent laziness, Demon's Souls makes my every choice, every reaction, each corridor I travel valuable by the very fact that I have survived (up to that point!) it's incessant attempts to turn me back, keep me out, and make me sorry for even trying. This is not only a great game, it is an important game. (There is also plenty on the web in the way of FAQs, wikis & forums to make up for the lack of handholding in-game.) … Expand

Easily one of the best games I've played, not just on the system but in my entire life of gaming. In a time where the gaming industry has removed all the sharp edges from games, its nice to see at least one developer still realizes that gamers want a challenge to keep them coming back for more. Demon Souls offers probably the most rewarding and satisfying game experience I've had in a very long time. And no, it's not just stockholm syndrome, the game is excellent. The graphics are good, the art direction is top notch, character customization is staggering, allowing you to custom tailor your character to your play style, the world is as beautifully immersive as you could possibly ask for, there's near infinite replay value, and that's just scratching the surface of why this is a great game. Demon Soul's employs lots of new and innovative concepts that add new dimensions of depth to the experience, something that is absent from most mainstream games these days. I could sing this game praises all day, but nothing substitutes for simply playing it yourself. Ignore the cries of petulant, frustrated gamers and pick up a copy of this game for yourself. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.… Expand

Demon's Souls is the only game released in the last 10+ years that has actually challenged me and required me to think about what I am going to do before I do it. The game is tough, but it is still possible to complete without a scratch if you know what you are doing. A combination that I haven't seen pulled off this well... ever before. Rating for game's difficulty / challenge: 10 The game has one of the coolest combination of environments and adversaries in any game that I have ever played. Even at higher levels and with many hours of experience I still feel goose bumps when a dark night notices me and raises his shield to run at me with a broadsword. Rating for visuals and atmosphere: 10 The game utilizes one of the most innovative ideas for multiplayer that has ever been implemented. The player driven notes system and the phantoms are the coolest idea I have seen. they force players to help each other while still allowing you to try and take out your frustrations on other players. Rating for innovations: 10 A must have for any hardcore gamer. Keyword: HARDCORE… Expand

This game is an awesome challenge. Especially after the spoon feeding gamers have been receiving over the last couple of years. This game is a challenge - if you like to be challenged, if you like a dark desolate world, if you like unique multiplayer experiences then you owe it to yourself to check out Demon's Souls. The feeling of accomplishment you get after beating each section (boss) is second to none. I can't wait to finish Uncharted 2 so I can get back to Demon's Souls.… Expand

Inmersive, magicall a really dep experience full of twists and silk smooth animations a mist have, a true jewel of this generation , on terms of gameplay is rewarding and challenging trully a masterpiece a opiece of art.