Video Game

Dark Souls III: A “Finale”

Posted by David McKenzie on

Video Game Review: Dark Souls III and Its Expansions

Overall Rating: 9.3/10

  • Gameplay: 9.5/10
  • Graphics and Art Design: 9.2/10
  • Sound and Music: 9.0/10
  • Replayability: 9.4/10
  • Performance and Optimization: 9.0/10

Introduction

Dark Souls III, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, was released in 2016 as the concluding chapter of the acclaimed Dark Souls series. Renowned for its challenging combat, intricate level design, and deep lore, the game has solidified its place as a seminal entry in the action role-playing genre. The experience was further enriched by two expansions: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.​

Gameplay (9.5/10)

Dark Souls III refines the series’ signature combat mechanics, offering a faster-paced and more fluid experience compared to its predecessors.​

Strengths:

  • Challenging Combat: The game demands precision and strategy, rewarding players who master its intricacies.​
  • Intricate Level Design: The interconnected world encourages exploration, with secrets and shortcuts that enhance immersion.​

Weaknesses:

  • Linear Progression: Some areas exhibit a more linear design, which may limit the sense of discovery.​

Graphics and Art Design (9.2/10)

The visual presentation of Dark Souls III is both haunting and beautiful, contributing significantly to its atmosphere.​

Strengths:

  • Atmospheric Environments: The art direction effectively conveys a world in decay, enhancing the narrative.​
  • Creature Design: Enemies and bosses are meticulously crafted, each with unique and unsettling aesthetics.​

Weaknesses:

  • Texture Quality: Some textures lack detail, particularly when viewed up close.​

Sound and Music (9.0/10)

The audio elements of Dark Souls III play a crucial role in establishing its mood and tension.​

Strengths:

  • Evocative Soundtrack: The music enhances the emotional weight of encounters, particularly boss battles.​
  • Ambient Sounds: Subtle audio cues contribute to the oppressive atmosphere, keeping players on edge.​

Weaknesses:

  • Repetitive Effects: Some sound effects, such as footsteps, can become monotonous over time.​

Replayability (9.4/10)

The game’s depth and variety encourage multiple playthroughs.​

Strengths:

  • New Game Plus: Players can restart the game with increased difficulty, retaining their character’s progress.​
  • Build Diversity: A wide range of character builds and playstyles offers fresh experiences in subsequent playthroughs.​

Weaknesses:

  • Predictable Enemy Placement: On subsequent playthroughs, enemy locations become familiar, reducing the element of surprise.​

Performance and Optimization (9.0/10)

Dark Souls III performs admirably across platforms, though some technical issues have been noted.​

Strengths:

  • Stable Frame Rate: The game runs smoothly on most systems, providing a consistent experience.​

Weaknesses:

  • Occasional Frame Drops: Certain areas exhibit performance issues that can hinder gameplay.​

Expansions Overview

1. Ashes of Ariandel

  • Content: Introduces a new snowy region, challenging bosses, and additional lore.​
  • Reception: Praised for its evocative environments and challenging encounters, though some criticized its brevity. ​

2. The Ringed City

  • Content: Adds expansive new areas, formidable bosses, and concludes the series’ narrative.​
  • Reception: Acclaimed for its intricate level design and fitting conclusion to the series, though noted for its high difficulty. ​

Conclusion

Dark Souls III serves as a fitting finale to the series, refining its hallmark mechanics while introducing new elements that enhance the overall experience. The expansions, Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City, further enrich the game’s world, offering players additional challenges and narrative depth. Despite minor technical issues and occasional linearity, the game’s depth, atmosphere, and replayability solidify its status as a modern classic.​

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