PlayStation LifeStyle » Demon’s Souls

Demon’s Souls Servers Extended into 2012

Cameron Teague — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:35:24 +0000

With the sequel Dark Souls just around the corner, one wouldn’t have been surprised if Atlus had announced that online support for Demon’s Souls was cancelled. However the publisher went a complete opposite direction, announcing that the company has extended Demon’s Souls’ online servers into 2012.

Demon’s Souls took the gaming world by storm two years ago when it released, bringing a new meaning to the word “hard”. Manager of PR and Sales at Atlus, Aram Jabbari, had the following to say:

While it comes at significant cost to us and although it has been over two years since the game revolutionized the notion of multiplayer and online functionality in an RPG. Our commitment to the game and the fans that turned it into an incredible success remains as strong as ever. While the reality is that one day the servers will ultimately close due to operation and maintenance costs, that day is not today, nor will it be this year. We’re excited to continue to support one of the most significant, influential games in recent memory into its third year, and we’re planning to hold more tendency events for our loyal, beloved fans. If you’ve been waiting to try Demon’s Souls or held off with concern that it was too late to join in, the truth is that there’s never been a better time to see what all the talk and awards are all about.

Dark Souls was released in Japan on September 22nd, and will be released for PlayStation 3 and 360 on October 4th in North America and on October 7th in Europe.

Dark Souls Release Date Confirmed Via E3 Trailer

Zak Islam — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:06:52 +0000

The North American and European release date for From Software’s Dark Souls has been revealed. The launch confirmation appeared in the role-playing game’s E3 trailer.

Dark Souls is currently scheduled for a launch on October 4th in North America, which was confirmed via the game’s E3 trailer below. The title’s European publisher, Namco Bandai, confirmed that the game will be released in European territories on October 7th. Additionally, Dark Souls will release in Japan before the title’s western launch on September 15th.

Check out Dark Souls E3 trailer below, which details the game’s main story line:

Tags: GameTrailers.com, Dark Souls – E3 2011: Exclusive Story Trailer HD, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Referred to as the spiritual successor to one of this generation’s most difficult games, Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls will not boast the same difficulty the PlayStation 3 exclusive delivered, with game director Hidetaka Miyazaki stating:

Yes, actually there was a lot [of content] that was too difficult and we had to pull. You may not believe it but there are things that are a bit too spicy, aspects that prevent you from eating (laughs), we’re trying to avoid those.

For more on Dark Souls be sure to check out PlayStation LifeStyle’s extensive previous coverage.

Catherine Off to Good Start, Demon’s Souls Hanging Around

Cameron Teague — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:09:55 +0000

The numbers are in for Catherine, well sort of, but things are looking very good early on for the sex starved game from developer Atlus. In the latest financial report from Index Holdings, the parent company of Atlus, they have said that Catherine is off to a very good start. While no specific numbers were given, sales of the game in Japan have surpassed their expected 150K mark.

In the same report by Index Holdings, we learn that Demon’s Souls is still selling, with the company saying that the game is still favorable in North America. It is still amazing to see the kind of legs Demon’s Souls has had, especially in North America.

This is all great news for an amazing company like Atlus and we can only hope this helps to fund Persona 5 for the PlayStation 3.

[Via]

Demon’s Souls Haunting Amazon with Cheap Price

Cameron Teague — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:47:24 +0000

With summer creeping up on us many of you might be thinking about hitting the beach or the lake and getting some sun. Amazon on the other hand, wants you all to stay in doors and get ready to be killed again and again.

Demon’s Souls is one of the most unforgiving and difficult games of recent memory, and if you haven’t tried it but feel like being tortured to death slowly while having a blast, then you need to pick this up now for just $15! Added in to this already sweet deal is the fact you will get the soundtrack for the game packaged in.

So go ahead, pick up the game and tie that controller to your hand; you might want to throw it a few times during your playthrough.

Dark Souls Gets New Spooky Screens

Zak Islam — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:52:46 +0000

After Dark Souls‘ announcement, many assumed that the game was a direct sequel to From Software’s Demon’s Souls. Now, although Dark Souls‘ developer has stated that the title is in no way a successor to the PS3 exclusive Demon’s Souls, these new screenshots for Dark Souls show the various similarities to the game.

A new batch of screenshots has been released for Dark Souls; showing how the game has taken inspiration from Demon’s Souls. Check out the shots below:

Dark Souls is currently scheduled for a release in Japan this year, and will most likely make its way into the West during the opening stages of 2012. The game’s world size will be 1.5 times the size of Demon’s Souls and will be releasing on both the PlayStation 3 as well as the Xbox 360.

Still No Voice Chat in Dark Souls, but More Co-Operative Variations

Jonathan Leack — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:42:22 +0000

Demon’s Souls has remained one of the most surprisingly well-thought out games this generation, and some would even go as far as saying that it is the best RPG in years. While the latter is arguable, there’s no denying that the gameplay mechanics set forth were fresh and exciting. However, the co-operative play was a a bit of a nuisance when attempting to play with friends, so the question is, will Dark Souls suffer the same fate?

When questioned about the co-op and how it will differ from Demon’s Souls, development director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared that while there will still be no voice chat in Dark Souls, there will at least be more variation. Hiyazaki said:

…for this game, because we are trying to achieve an original sort of game standard, we have deliberately not put in any voice chat. And, again, the network system is not to support multiple people at the same time but to enhance the single-player mode.

He also stated:

In terms of ways to cooperate, the number of variations has increased from Demon’s Souls.

In order to play with friends in Demon’s Souls, it was required that you were within 10 levels of one another, and met at a central summoning point. After rigorously battling to play with a friend or two, it became apparent that From Software had no intention for friends to play together, or at least not without jumping through hoops first. While Miyazaki didn’t elaborate on what will give the co-op in Dark Souls more variation, its mere mention is welcomed.

Would you prefer to see invite capabilities in Dark Souls? Or do you prefer the network-related nature of Demon’s Souls? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Source]

Dark Souls’ “Too Difficult” Content Pulled

Zak Islam — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:11:17 +0000

From Software’s Demon’s Souls achieved a large percentage of its reputation from the PS3 exclusive’s notorious difficulty. The game’s spiritual sequel, Dark Souls – although a completely brand new game – will retain some of the difficulty which made Demon’s Souls a favorite amongst gamers. However, the developers have confessed some of the “too difficult” content from Dark Souls has been pulled.

Don’t worry, though; while the title will be as “difficult as possible” game director Hidetaka Miyazaki has assured gamers that the team are aiming for the player to actually finish the game. Phew.

Miyazaki told CVG:

Yes, actually there was a lot [of content] that was too difficult and we had to pull. You may not believe it but there are things that are a bit too spicy, aspects that prevent you from eating (laughs), we’re trying to avoid those.

Miyazaki also stated that the studio has guidelines on how to perfect the game’s difficulty:

We have some set rules that we use to define difficulty, anything that doesn’t abide by those definitions isn’t included,” he explained. “This is to stay with the core ideas and philosophies relating to the difficulties of the game. A good example is the player’s skill level, reflexes and control, which is something we don’t want to make a large factor that contributes to the difficulty.

Dark Souls, which was recently detailed, will launch in Japan this year.

Demon’s Souls Spiritual Sequel Officially Named, Detailed

Paulmichael Contreras — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:42:37 +0000

Demon’s Souls was quite a success for From Software/Atlus, and definitely warranted a sequel. A while back, a trademark filing was spotted for what could be a potential sequel to one of 2009′s best RPGs, and its name, along with a few details, have finally been revealed.

As spotted in the latest issue of Japanese magazine Famitsu, the game’s official title is in fact Dark Souls. It remains a spiritual successor to Demon’s Souls. So expect a completely different world and story compared to Demon’s Souls. A major change in this title is a heavy emphasis on exploration – all fields are seamless, and whatever you see in the landscape you can eventually travel to. So every castle or fortress on the horizon can be found and explored. There is also not going to be a map, but rather just a “position display marker.” The masochistic among you needn’t be worried, either, as the developers are aiming to make the game just as challenging as Demon’s Souls, which should make it just as rewarding as before when you learn from your (and others’) past mistakes.

But that’s not all – creating your character will not be bound to certain classes, and you will have more freedom when it comes to the style of play that you use (how this is going to pan out was not elaborated). Of course, there will be more spells and items than in Demon’s Souls, as well as new animations for new weapons. Online play makes a return here, and includes both co-op and PvP. Messages can still be left behind as well as ghosts to be viewed as hints on what not to do at a given location. However, Soul Tendency has been dropped due to dedicated servers being quite the expense/hassle. From Software did mention they do have plans to get players to “engage in mutual role playing,” but these plans are still under wraps.

Do you like where From Software is headed with this spiritual successor? Sound off in the comments below, and stay connected with PlayStation LifeStyle for more on this game as the news breaks.

Demon’s Souls Online Servers Staying Online for A While to Come

Paulmichael Contreras — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:50:02 +0000

Games that have online features integrated so tightly such as in Demon’s Souls present a big problem. The developer or publisher, Atlus in this case, may take their servers offline once the game has been out for so long, essentially rendering the online portion of the game useless. However, it looks like fans of this game can rest easy, as Atlus has pledged online support well into 2011.

In a recently-spotted press release, Atlus has committed “to maintain the servers responsible for the game’s groundbreaking online interactivity to its second anniversary.” So that means the game will have online connectivity until at least October 6, 2011. Also mentioned in the press release is a new “Pure White World Tendency” event. Beginning today and running until early 2011, it will give new recruits to the game an easier time starting out. Hardcore fans were not left out, either, as the event offers “access to the many secrets and otherwise inaccessible paths unlocked by the tendency shift.” So anyone who gets or receives this game over the holidays can be assured they can enjoy the game (and by that, we mean cursing the gods of Boletaria) to its fullest at least until October 6th.

Dark Souls Appear as Namco Bandai Trademarks an Epic Sequel

Jonathan Leack — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 17:06:40 +0000

Many consider Demon’s Souls to be one of the most prolific RPGs of the generation, and rightfully so. The game packs a punch with its difficulty, but completing the game’s slew of dungeons is as rewarding as it is satisfying. The game was so successful that its developer announced a sequel not long after the game’s international releases. Although to this point the sequel has been known as Project Dark, there’s no doubt that it’s only a placeholder, and we might just have the final title in-hand.

If you’re wondering what the new multiplatform Demon’s Souls title by From Software is going to be called, then look no further. Siliconera has uncovered a trademark which shows Namco Bandai has registered the title Dark Souls. Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls. Same thing. See for yourself below:

It shouldn’t be long before Namco Bandai announces the name for its upcoming RPG, and even more important, a release date.

Thanks to Siliconera for the image!

Demon’s Souls Getting a Deluxe Re-release for Anniversary

Corey Schwanz — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:12:20 +0000

To celebrate their most successful title ever, Atlus USA will be re-releasing the Greatest Hits version of the obnoxiously difficult Demon’s Souls on November 16th with some very nifty extras.

This Tuesday, those people who have yet to pick up Demon’s Souls will have a hard time turning away this deal. For the Greatest Hits price of just $29.99, players can pick up not only the game, but the soundtrack as well as a lovely art book! It looks like it will be the same stuff from the Deluxe edition that came out as a pre-order exclusive last year. But hey! Beggars can’t be choosers, right?

This sickeningly sweet deal seems to only be an Amazon exclusive, so head over there to order one! If you hear any other news about a deal like this, be sure to let us know in the comment’s below. Still need some convincing? Pull up the Amazon link and THEN read the review, because I’m sure you’ll get it after hearing what a terrific game the title was.

[Via]

Demon’s Souls 2 Hinted at by SCEJ

Zak Islam — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:30:31 +0000

Judging by the critical and commercial success Demon’s Souls received upon its release, it would only make sense that Sony would jump on the opportunity to unveil a sequel. Although the game’s developer From Software may be busy with Project Dark, SCEJ has still given hope of a Demon’s Souls successor.

SCE Japan Studio’s Takeshi Kajii told The Guardian:

“At the moment, my answer is ‘no sequel!’. However, we have been encouraged by all the players, and this title is so well supported, and besides we like this title so much…. Well, this is my own feeling, but I think one day we could bring you another Demon’s Souls…”

Would you like to see another Demon’s Souls or is the first one keeping you occupied? Let us know via the comment section below.

Demon’s Souls Resonates Success for Atlus

Jonathan Leack — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 09:22:53 +0000

Although Demon’s Souls has remained an epicenter for blood-pressure raising cruelty, it has managed to be incredibly successfull. Somewhere between the gorgeous fantasy setting and unforgiving gameplay lies a game that many have spent weeks if not months engaging. As a result, sales have been solid and Atlus USA is reaping the spoils.

Atlus USA’s fiscal 2010 report has revealed that the company has seen major growth since the previous yearly report. The details reveal that the RPG blockbuster Demon’s Souls accounted for $40.7 million dollars in sales and was the major game changer for the company.

Support for Demon’s Souls was recently extended by Atlus into March 2011 around the time that a Greatest Hits version was announced. In addition, a similar game from the same developer was announced temporarily titled Project Dark which is scheduled for a release in 2011.

Are You Strong Enough to Speed Run Demon’s Souls?

Corey Schwanz — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:01:34 +0000

Demon’s Souls, the ungodly difficult PlayStation 3 exclusive, has frustrated players for hours upon hours with no end in sight. Unless you are this guy, who has a speed run that seems too incredible to be true.

From Software’s Demon’s Souls is hard. Really hard. While not impossible, as the platinum trophies for this game will attest, it is definitely not a game for the weak of heart. But that’s why people flocked to it in droves. The immensely high difficulty curve and unforgiving nature of the game is what was so popular and ultimately led it to become the publisher’s most successful title ever. But gamers are a dedicated bunch. So dedicated in fact that one person was actually able to beat the entire game in less than one hour.

No lie! It seems an impossible feat, but YouTube user alternalw did just that, and uploaded his proof for all to see. Instead of fighting enemies, he just avoided nearly every enemy in the game, with the exception of bosses. But even then, one must know this game inside and out.

Be warned though, the videos will contain spoilers.

Click here to view the embedded video.

My hat is off to that. In fact, I don’t think I’ll be putting a hat on ever again. Do you think you could ever do something like this? What video game achievement are you most proud of? Let us know in the comments below.

Demon’s Souls Becomes Atlus’ Most Successful Title

Zak Islam — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:23:29 +0000

Demon’s Souls came. It conquered. It joined the PlayStation 3′s greatest line-up hits. After all the game’s success publisher Atlus has said the title is its most successful in the company’s history.

Atlus U.S.A today announced that Demon’s Souls is the most successful title in the company’s two decade existence. In celebration of the game’s first birthday, Atlus thanked fans for their continued support of the title. Atlus said:

“If ever there was a game championed and made a success by its fans, this would be it. Here’s to many more groundbreaking online action role-playing experiences. Your support over this past year will never be forgotten.”

The famed publisher also announced in wake of the joyous news that it will be splitting the game’s world tendency into two events, starting today by shifting it to Pure White until October 18th, with the rest of the month will be shifted to Pure Black.

[Via]