Even after eight years after release, FromSoftware’s legendary action RPG Dark Souls III remains captivating. When we revisit in 2024, we will look into the draws of this classic game that reimagined the experience. In this review, Learn why Dark Souls III is still an amazing game in 2024.
The Foundation of Greatness
The critically acclaimed trilogy found a suitable finish with Dark Souls III, which was published in 2016 for $59 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. It brought the series’ difficult fighting, complex level design, and enigmatic narrative to an almost flawless level. The game was instantly and enduringly successful, breaking 10 million copies sold by 2020 and ranking as Bandai Namco’s fastest-selling title at the time.
Narrative and World-Building
In the game, the world is on the verge of an apocalyptic cycle and is situated in the Kingdom of Lothric. Players explore a crumbling terrain rich in environmental stories and mysterious individuals in Ashen One. Years after its debut, people are still debating and analyzing the game’s storyline, which is based on player interpretation and discovery.
Combat and Gameplay
The faster-paced action of Bloodborne and the meticulous fighting of its predecessors were well-balanced in Dark Souls 3. The already complex fighting system gained another level of strategy with the inclusion of Weapon Arts. The series’ boss fights, like the Abyss Watchers and Nameless King, were designed to be as challenging, and rank among the best in gaming.
DLC: The Final Chapters
The two DLC packs for the game, The Ringed City and Ashes of Ariandel, provide a suitable conclusion to the trilogy. One of the greatest DLCs ever released for a video game features The Ringed City often in particular. This provides the Dark Souls tale with a satisfactory ending and some of the most difficult bosses.
Modding
The Convergence mod focuses on expanding the game’s magic system. This mod introduces new classes, weapons, and significantly altering enemy placements and boss fights. The Convergence offers a dramatically different Dark Souls 3 experience, with enhanced visuals and reimagined gameplay mechanics.
Followed by perhaps the most comprehensive mod available, Cinders. This mod introduces an almost overwhelming number of new features. Cinders provides a customizable experience with new classes, gameplay modes, rebalanced combat, and quality-of-life improvements.
The still-in-development mod, Archthrones, aims to be a total conversion that reimagines Dark Souls III in a structure similar to Demon’s Souls. It will feature new areas, bosses, and mechanics inspired by later FromSoftware titles like Elden Ring. Archthrones represents an exciting future for the game’s modding.
Pros and Cons
Dark Souls III pros would be the expert level design that enhances exploration. The game offers a rewarding challenge, encouraging players to improve their skills. Its beautiful setting is filled with secrets, complemented by an excellent tactical combat system.
Its cons, however, are its repetitive late-game bosses and areas. At times, the game can feel confusing, which may frustrate players. Some players might also experience framerate dips that detract from their overall experience.
Dark Souls III Game Review
Dark Souls III in 2024 is more than just a well-preserved classic; it’s a living, evolving game experience. The original game is still a masterpiece of action RPG design, with challenging stages, crisp fighting, and a stunningly gorgeous setting. But Dark Souls III’s modding community has taken it to new levels, guaranteeing its replayability and relevancy even eight years after its initial release.
For newcomers, the vanilla experience of Dark Souls III still offers one of the best action RPGs ever created. For veterans, the wealth of mods available provides nearly endless opportunities to rediscover and reimagine the game. In an era where games often fade from relevance within months, Dark Souls III’s appeal stands as a testament to its status as a true masterpiece of the medium.
