Dark Souls is a brilliant masterpiece, one of my favorites personally. This game deserves at least a nominee for GOTY.
Dark Souls takes place on the mystical land of Lordran. Now, in Dark Souls, the land is much more, I felt, darker, and much more harsh than its predecessor. In Dark Souls, you play as the nameless undead hero who is sent to Lordran on a journey to pretty much, save the world from darkness. Dark Souls('s?) story is slightly different than most, explained mostly through npcs and item's descriptions. It's lore is huge though, and you will always learn something new when you play through the game many more times! Story: 9/10
Now, lets get to the actual gameplay! Dark Souls plays very much like Demon Souls, where buttons will dodge, attack, block, parry, and activate. The combat is very rich and satisfying, especially when you take down that boss that's been getting you for quite some time! You can play as anything you want really, with you leveling up at checkpoint like things, called bonfires. Bonfires are pretty much what the Black Maiden was in Demon Souls, except much more helpful lol. At a bonfire, you can level up, store items, upgrade equipment ( once you've unlocked the ability. ) and more. It is also where you will refill your estus flasks, which serve as the health recovery in this, instead of the grass in Demon Souls. Now, it should be noted that this game is not for the gamers that flip out easily. In Dark Souls, much like Demon Souls, you need a very big supply of patience, for the harsh traps, bosses, and enemies you will encounter will inevitably kill you. But that is one of the key points, the amazing factor in Dark Souls. You learn. Each time you fall, you learn more about your enemy, and can return from the grave and finally vanquish that enemy. Once this happens, you can't help but feel satisfied and content with the deed.
Gameplay: 10/10
To the music! Dark souls has a very epic soundtrack, ( though I prefer Demon Souls ) and plays in certain areas as well as each boss. Drums and horns vibrate through the air as you dodge gigantic swings of axes and swords, and the melody of despair will play as you near your doom. Its a very appropriate soundtrack for the game, very dramatic, very big.
Soundtrack: 9/10
Last but not least, we have the graphics. Dark Souls has very gorgeous environments to say the least, whether its the deep, dark forests, or the damp, narrow depths, you will always be gazing at the beautiful area as you exterminate your enemies. From Software definately put alot of effort into making this world beliveable, which should also be noted that there is no longer a hub system. The world is immersive, and huge.
Graphics: 10/10
Overall, Dark Souls is a fantastic game, and should be noted on its success. Whether you are mad at the game or not, you have been warned before you make the purchase. ( on the back it says "Prepare to Die" ) So to say that this game is garbage or impossible is absurd. I have beaten this game 3 times now, and it is still amazing. It is not impossible if you strategize and develop over time. This game definately deserves to be a nominee for Game of the Year. Now what are you waiting for? GET THE GAME!
Overall: 10,000,000,000/10