STACK April 2016 Issue 138

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A common misconception about
Souls games is that they're
primarily designed to be
"difficult". Many writers will proudly tell
you that these games are not for
cowards or newcomers and that
invariably, you'll throw your controller,
gnash your teeth, and be crushed by
this punishing game.
Close, but not quite.
In reality, Souls games are designed
well, and difficulty is a result of this.
Dark Souls III is no exception. Yes, it
expects you to die. But it also expects
the player to learn from death, and
come back stronger.
In a similar way, Dark Souls III has
taken the best from its predecessors.
It has the distinct, atmospheric areas
of Demon's Souls; the powerful
characters of the original Dark Souls; the
mechanical improvements of Dark Souls
II; and the heady thrills of Bloodborne's
frantic combat. This is the final game in
the Dark Souls franchise, and players
can expect to experience the best of
everything that has come before.
Combat in Dark Souls III remains
reactionary. Before you go into an
encounter, you consider your strengths,
what type of enemy you'll be facing, and
how best to exploit their weaknesses.
To this end, the new tools at your
disposal are "weapon arts". Weapon arts
are special moves (activated with L2)
that differ based on the weapon you
wield. For example, the Longsword's
weapon art allows you to break
an enemy's guard with a powerful
uppercut. In contrast, the Bandit Knife's
weapon art enables your character to
dash with increased speed, unlocking a
more aggressive playstyle. Combat has
always revolved around the weapon you
wield, and this relationship has been
strengthened in Dark Souls III.
Every Souls game has given players
the option to choose a starter class with
different weapons and spells, but this
is the first time every playstyle feels
viable. For example, bow-only builds
have never been a popular choice, but
the short bow now has a fast-firing
mode, and quick-shots that become
available after you roll. The pyromancer's
‘pryomancy hand’ now includes a close-
range L2 attack, fleshing out the ranged
options we've always had. And finally,
there are now a wide variety of spells
and miracles in the early-game.
YouTube personality VaatiVidya is widely regarded as a leading
authority on FromSoftware’s Souls canon.This month he reviews
the final chapter in the Dark Souls trilogy, Dark Souls III, for STACK.
visit GAMES FEATURE
50 APRIL 2016
GAMES
You can find his YouTube channel here