DARK SOULS™: REMASTERED
Action
Single-player
Multi-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Remote Play on Phone
Remote Play on Tablet
Remote Play on TV
Family Sharing

Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps.

Developers: QLOC FromSoftware, Inc.
Publishers: FromSoftware, Inc. Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release Date: May 23, 2018
Price (USD): $39.99
Current Players: 5.6k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(92%)
level design
atmosphere
rewarding
genre-defining
community
difficulty
exploration
remaster changes
clunky controls
boss design
difficulty curve
technical issues
obscure story
Reviews of Dark Souls portray a tapestry of admiration and frustration. While many view it as a genre-defining masterpiece with rich atmosphere and rewarding exploration, others encounter frustrating mechanics and technical issues. The difficulty divides opinion; some find it rewarding, while others deem it unnecessarily punishing. Despite this, the game maintains a cult status, praised for its impact and enduring community spirit.

Positive Points

  • The game is celebrated for its intricate level design and interconnected world that offers rewarding exploration opportunities.
  • The atmosphere, art direction, and world-building are highly praised, creating a captivating and immersive experience.
  • Dark Souls is seen as a genre-defining title that pioneered the Souls-like genre, appreciated for its influence and legacy.
  • Many players find the game's challenging combat to be rewarding once mastered, offering a satisfying sense of achievement.
  • The game has a strong and loyal community with features that encourage unique multiplayer interactions.
  • Negative Points

  • Numerous players criticize the game's clunky controls and mechanics, calling them outdated and frustrating.
  • Some reviewers mention specific bosses and levels, such as the Bed of Chaos, as poorly designed and infuriating.
  • The game is often labeled as having an unwelcoming difficulty curve, which can be discouraging for new players.
  • Technical issues and bugs persist even in the remastered version, affecting the overall experience.
  • The game's obscure story and lack of guidance are cited as major points of confusion and frustration.
  • Mixed Points

  • The difficulty and design choices, such as runbacks, are both praised for adding challenge and critiqued for being tedious.
  • While some love the game's emphasis on exploration and open-ended paths, others find it leads to frustrating dead ends and confusion.
  • The remastering changes, particularly graphical and lighting adjustments, receive both praise for improvements and criticism for losing original charm.
  • Common Themes

  • The transformative nature of the game, where initial frustration often turns into deep appreciation upon mastering the challenges.
  • A strong sense of nostalgia and reverence for the impact Dark Souls has had on the gaming industry and culture.
  • A persistent debate over whether the game's challenging elements are genuinely engaging or unfairly frustrating.
  • The community-driven element of discovering secrets and strategies is a key part of the game's enduring appeal.
  • Updated 2/13/2026, 12:01:43 AM UTC