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What is your favorite Souls game?
- Thread starter Korosenai
- Start date
Revolutionary
Member
Demon's > Bloodborne > Dark > Dark 2
eot
Banned
Dark Souls > Bloodborne > Dark Souls II
Haven't had the chance to play DeS yet
I suppose I'll need to fight them more times, but BB doesn't have any bosses that quite measure up to my favourites in Dark Souls. Then there's the lack of gear variety, the healing system, lack of NPCs, boring hub and the repetitive colour palette. Sure, BB is way more consistent than Dark Souls, but it doesn't have anything quite like Sen's. Finally, I also think Lordran is the best piece of world design out of all the games. Bloodborne's world is impressive, but it falls a tiny bit short for me.
Dark Souls also has my favourite soundtrack. Chilling in firelink, stepping in to fight Gwyn etc. it sticks with me.
Haven't had the chance to play DeS yet
I suppose I'll need to fight them more times, but BB doesn't have any bosses that quite measure up to my favourites in Dark Souls. Then there's the lack of gear variety, the healing system, lack of NPCs, boring hub and the repetitive colour palette. Sure, BB is way more consistent than Dark Souls, but it doesn't have anything quite like Sen's. Finally, I also think Lordran is the best piece of world design out of all the games. Bloodborne's world is impressive, but it falls a tiny bit short for me.
Dark Souls also has my favourite soundtrack. Chilling in firelink, stepping in to fight Gwyn etc. it sticks with me.
Actually when we had a thread about that pre-Bloodborne it came out that most people like Dark Souls best, even if they played Demon's first.
CountAntonius
Member
Souls 1= Souls 2
I haven't played the console exclusives. Dark Souls had a better designed world, more memorable characters, enemies and story. Dark Souls 2 however is great for PvP. Respec items, bonfire warping, arenas, ability to invade people after they beat the boss made it easier for me to try new builds without having to make another new character and get to NG+ over and over again. As a single player playthrough Dark Souls 1 can't be topped but as something I go back to every night for PvP Dark Souls 2 did a lot of things mechanically I hope they keep progressing.
I haven't played the console exclusives. Dark Souls had a better designed world, more memorable characters, enemies and story. Dark Souls 2 however is great for PvP. Respec items, bonfire warping, arenas, ability to invade people after they beat the boss made it easier for me to try new builds without having to make another new character and get to NG+ over and over again. As a single player playthrough Dark Souls 1 can't be topped but as something I go back to every night for PvP Dark Souls 2 did a lot of things mechanically I hope they keep progressing.
Magic Mushroom
Member
Bloodborne isn't a Souls game, even though it shares its DNA.
Amazing game though. Combat, level design and art direction are top tier.
That two-part 10/10 review in Edge nails its brilliance.
Amazing game though. Combat, level design and art direction are top tier.
That two-part 10/10 review in Edge nails its brilliance.
BruceLeeRoy
Banned
I honestly can't do it.
I love them all way too much and they all excel in different areas.
What?
Please explain
I love them all way too much and they all excel in different areas.
What?
Please explain
Frecklestein
Banned
Really tight between Dark 1 and Demon's. Dark was just such a special game, honestly. Got it on release, the community, the lore we all worked together in finding out, the mystery and I don't think FROM has even come close to Dark 1 in terms of community and storytelling.
Demon's has easily some of the best atmosphere and level design out of any of the games.
I guess I'll give it to OG Dark Souls with Demon's holding onto it's ankles while it tries to run away with the first place trophy.
I'll have to echo this a little as well. From a gameplay and mechanics perspective, PvP etc; Souls 2 is amazing. And would love to tweak it a little with some stuff I like from Demon's and put it in Souls 1
Demon's has easily some of the best atmosphere and level design out of any of the games.
I guess I'll give it to OG Dark Souls with Demon's holding onto it's ankles while it tries to run away with the first place trophy.
I'll have to echo this a little as well. From a gameplay and mechanics perspective, PvP etc; Souls 2 is amazing. And would love to tweak it a little with some stuff I like from Demon's and put it in Souls 1
Maybe people value superior art, superior level design, superior combat, superior bosses, superior enemy design etc etc...
BruceLeeRoy
Banned
JudgmentJay
Member
I need a bit more time with Bloodborne to give a final answer, but I'm thinking it's going to be DaS1 > BB > DeS > DaS2 for me.
A windmill on a clear day leading up to an invisible castle surrounded by invisible lava clouds is definitely great level design
Bloodborne certainly has the best level design and interconnectivity, with Dark Souls 1 close behind. In terms of overall quality I would say
BB = DkS > DeS > DkS2
Simply because the BB and DS tried hard to create that spider web, where DeS focused more on the initial difficulty mechanics and DS2 was playing catch-up for the others.
Schweinehund
Member
Dark Souls > Dark Souls 2 > Demon Souls > Bloodborne.
The more I play Bloodborne I think the more my opinion of it slides. It has some weird design decisions and the technical issues hurt it quite a bit. The most positive thing I can say about it is the melee combat is refreshing.
The more I play Bloodborne I think the more my opinion of it slides. It has some weird design decisions and the technical issues hurt it quite a bit. The most positive thing I can say about it is the melee combat is refreshing.
I never really got into the huge customisation options or PVP, so Bloodborne essentially trimmed the excess fat for me and gave me exactly what I liked in a different setting and with better combat systems. Dark 1 and 2 have better bosses by far, but Bloodborne's world and level design (bar like 2 areas) is consistently amazing.
Bloodborne > Dark > Dark 2
Gothic Horror is better than Medieval Fantasy anyway.
Bloodborne > Dark > Dark 2
Gothic Horror is better than Medieval Fantasy anyway.
Neon Pavlova
Member
Think you hit the nail on the head with this observation.
Hence so many people choose Dark 1 as it was the first multi platform release and, as such, had a wider exposure than DeSouls.
For me DeSouls is favourite, with BB and Dark 1 equal second. Haven't played Dark 2.
cpp_is_king
Member
I platinumed DaS and Bloodborne, and i beat DaS 2 but no platinum and am currently playing SotFS again. I would rate them BB > DaS > DaS 2. Not sure about DeS since I didn't play it.
The combat is really what does it for me in Bloodborne, and i love how connected the world is. I think the worlds of BB and DaS 1 are about equally good, so I give the edge to BB because of the art design. The combat? What to say, BB just hands down owns the shit out of every other game.
I put DaS 2 last because i forgot how stupid and aggravating the max hp reduction on death is, i hate how slow dodging feels, i hate how long it takes to pop an estus flask and the silly hitboxes. I still really like the game, but it's just a step backwards in many ways
Fwiw i played all the games in order, BB still wins for me. My only complaint is its replayability
The combat is really what does it for me in Bloodborne, and i love how connected the world is. I think the worlds of BB and DaS 1 are about equally good, so I give the edge to BB because of the art design. The combat? What to say, BB just hands down owns the shit out of every other game.
I put DaS 2 last because i forgot how stupid and aggravating the max hp reduction on death is, i hate how slow dodging feels, i hate how long it takes to pop an estus flask and the silly hitboxes. I still really like the game, but it's just a step backwards in many ways
Fwiw i played all the games in order, BB still wins for me. My only complaint is its replayability
1) dark souls
2) dark souls 2
3) demon's souls
4) bloodborne
Bloodborne, for all of its self evident strengths, suffers harsh penalties in my eyes for its extremely streamlined game systems. Every Souls game before BB I wanted to play again and again and try out new character concepts. Every dungeon or boss held the possibility of valuable or interesting finds. Bloodborne just isn't like that. The sense of victory is rewarding, but sometimes you want an actual reward to go along with that sense of victory reward. I finished BB and it feels pointless to play it again. There's no reason to start a new character because there's no way to really do things that differently. Every character is essentially the same. I made my character focused on bloodtinged with 30 bloodtinge stat, thinking this would be the way to be different, but all it did was make me a slightly weaker version of everyone else, because even with a +8 evelyn and 30 bloodtinge, the damage from a bullet is pretty unremarkable.
PVP in Bloodborne is also the worst of any Souls game. Fast movement and fast healing means you have to kill eachother 8 times over, and then farm more blood viles for the next fight. Every character being basically the same also makes the PVP less interesting. There's no strategizing to the builds, at least not like with other Souls games.
The reason I ranked DS2 above Demon's Souls is because I had more fun in it. I know Demon's started it all and has some really memorable stuff in it, but it's just not as fun to me, and I never liked the Nexus and separated levels stuff. I want one world.
2) dark souls 2
3) demon's souls
4) bloodborne
Bloodborne, for all of its self evident strengths, suffers harsh penalties in my eyes for its extremely streamlined game systems. Every Souls game before BB I wanted to play again and again and try out new character concepts. Every dungeon or boss held the possibility of valuable or interesting finds. Bloodborne just isn't like that. The sense of victory is rewarding, but sometimes you want an actual reward to go along with that sense of victory reward. I finished BB and it feels pointless to play it again. There's no reason to start a new character because there's no way to really do things that differently. Every character is essentially the same. I made my character focused on bloodtinged with 30 bloodtinge stat, thinking this would be the way to be different, but all it did was make me a slightly weaker version of everyone else, because even with a +8 evelyn and 30 bloodtinge, the damage from a bullet is pretty unremarkable.
PVP in Bloodborne is also the worst of any Souls game. Fast movement and fast healing means you have to kill eachother 8 times over, and then farm more blood viles for the next fight. Every character being basically the same also makes the PVP less interesting. There's no strategizing to the builds, at least not like with other Souls games.
The reason I ranked DS2 above Demon's Souls is because I had more fun in it. I know Demon's started it all and has some really memorable stuff in it, but it's just not as fun to me, and I never liked the Nexus and separated levels stuff. I want one world.
Pretty much. Souls combat is plodding now suddenly. I mean it is different but it is just not as much fun as BB. I think for melee players BB destroys souls in terms of combat. Of course I hate range based builds. Mage builds are boring and simply not satisfying IMO so I am not missing out much in BB.
cpp_is_king
Member
It's funny I've always been a sword and shield person too, Bloodborne has converted me. Now going back to DaS 2 I'm going with a light armor 2H weapon build
SoraanTribal
Member
Mine would probably go something like Dark Souls (my first "Souls" game) > Bloodborne = Dark Souls II > Demon's Souls.
I personally really enjoyed Dark Souls II, so it's just barely below Dark Souls 1 for me. Dark Souls 1 mainly wins because it was so unique to me at the time and the interconnected world was aces. I played Demon's Souls after Dark Souls 1, and I felt like it was incredibly easy. Easiest of all the Souls games. To be fair, I was a mage and I feel like they were way overpowered in that game.
I personally really enjoyed Dark Souls II, so it's just barely below Dark Souls 1 for me. Dark Souls 1 mainly wins because it was so unique to me at the time and the interconnected world was aces. I played Demon's Souls after Dark Souls 1, and I felt like it was incredibly easy. Easiest of all the Souls games. To be fair, I was a mage and I feel like they were way overpowered in that game.
Pound_lb003
Member
I'd argue it feels way more polished. It feels barebones if you were literally expecting the same structure RPG as DeS or DkS.
But, what I came to realise, is there is the same kind of variety, just distilled into a smaller section of weapons, builds still kind of exists, just in a different way.
But seriously, due to it's distilled nature, it feels like the most polished Souls game I've ever known. The combat is just sublime.
autoduelist
Member
Demon's Souls is the correct answer, although the real correct answer is 'whichever one you play first'.
The final 10% of Dark Souls says hi.
I never felt like Bloodborne was "barebones", feel free to elaborate on that. I'm still learning new things about the game a week after I finished it, and I still have a lot left to do.
10101
Gold Member
There is hope then
TBF I haven't played too much yet, I do need to give it more of a chance.
sixteen-bit
Member
DeS but I played that one first.
Neff
Member
A windmill on a clear day leading up to an invisible castle surrounded by invisible lava clouds is definitely great level design
Bloodborne certainly has the best level design and interconnectivity, with Dark Souls 1 close behind. In terms of overall quality I would say
BB = DkS > DeS > DkS2
Simply because the BB and DS tried hard to create that spider web, where DeS focused more on the initial difficulty mechanics and DS2 was playing catch-up for the others.
I can't agree. While Bloodborne features many connections and huge level design, I don't feel they connect areas in any meaningful or interesting way, since the game features more dead ends than the average Souls game, usually terminating in an optional boss which rewards defeat with an item for Chalice Dungeons, which let's face it is difficult to get excited about. There's really only one significant route through the game, all said and done, although I did get a big kick out of exploring.
Dark and even Demon's are much better at simultaneously offering you several progressive threads you can indulge at your leisure, and the great part is they almost always go somewhere new, wheras Bloodborne is mostly a game of shortcuts.
If there's a Bloodborne 2, this is something I'd like them to pay more attention to. The atmosphere and amazing aggressive combat more than make up for it, though.
SodiumBenzoate
Member
If BB ran at 60 fps then it would be no contest.
However, as it is I can't play it for more than 2 hours, max, without getting a headache. Dark Souls 1 (with DSFix obviously) still is the champion for me.
Also my PS3 broke before I could play Demon's. Can we please get this on PSNow?!?!?
However, as it is I can't play it for more than 2 hours, max, without getting a headache. Dark Souls 1 (with DSFix obviously) still is the champion for me.
Also my PS3 broke before I could play Demon's. Can we please get this on PSNow?!?!?
JimmyJones
Banned
Dark Souls 1 > Dark Souls 2 = Bloodborne. Never played Demon Souls.
DaciaJC
Gold Member
Not for all. I generally play the Souls games as a fast-rolling swordsman wielding his weapon with both hands and shunning shields. I won't deny Bloodborne's frantic pace can feel invigorating, but I still prefer the fighting system of Dark Souls (specifically the first game, the other two Souls games have enough annoying quirks to them that I rate them below BB in terms of melee combat). Rolling feels more consistent than the quick-step dodge, parrying isn't dependent on a consumable item, poise allows for additional options in how you tackle an encounter, and I don't find transforming attacks nearly as useful as being able to switch your weapon from a one- or two-handed moveset.
Friend. Play DS2. It's the best Souls game at the moment. People just hate it because they think only Miyazaki can make Souls games, when the fact is, the whole studio is talented and people would know that if they played pre Miyazaki games like King's Field. Or they think it's stupid because you take a lift up to a lava based level, and the "world design sux lol". Whatever, it's the best game of them all if you like gameplay. Play it.
Edit: I'll note that I started "souls" games with Demon's Souls but have been a fan of FROM/agetec/ASCII since the PS days.
Primethius
Banned
Bloodborne > Demon Souls > Dark Souls >>> Dark Souls 2
The first three are all absolute masterpieces. DS2 is missing the soul that made those three special though.
The first three are all absolute masterpieces. DS2 is missing the soul that made those three special though.
Neff
Member
Well said.
Demon's Souls was an incredible experience and introduction to the games. I bought it not long after it came out after reading about the challenge and it broke me. I sold it but kept thinking about it and a few months later bought it again and beat the game.
Dark Souls was amazing as well and definitely refined things for the better, I thought. I may have enjoyed Dark Souls more than Demon's but the initial introduction to the series probably makes Demon's more memorable for me.
Bloodborne has to be my favorite, however. I beat it last night and have to say it's an incredible game. I really like the pace of the gameplay and the atmosphere. It is the first Souls game where I didn't follow a guide while playing and that definitely made me enjoy it even more.
I haven't play DS II yet as I held out at release with hopes of a PS4 version. I hope to pick it up in the next couple weeks.
BB over Demon's Souls over Dark Souls.
Dark Souls was amazing as well and definitely refined things for the better, I thought. I may have enjoyed Dark Souls more than Demon's but the initial introduction to the series probably makes Demon's more memorable for me.
Bloodborne has to be my favorite, however. I beat it last night and have to say it's an incredible game. I really like the pace of the gameplay and the atmosphere. It is the first Souls game where I didn't follow a guide while playing and that definitely made me enjoy it even more.
I haven't play DS II yet as I held out at release with hopes of a PS4 version. I hope to pick it up in the next couple weeks.
BB over Demon's Souls over Dark Souls.
Omega Ultimus
Member
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is about to usurp Dark Souls I place in my list of favorite games of all time...and I haven't even played the DLC, yet. Perhaps I'll go more in-depth with a review later (after I finish it), but this is an impressive experience that I urge everyone to try.
That said, I have yet to play Demon's Souls and Bloodborne.
That said, I have yet to play Demon's Souls and Bloodborne.
I love all of them including Bloodborne, but I think I'll go with Dark Souls 1. It's the one I have the least complaints about, it's an amazing game with a great DLC which added a lot more to the base game (even small stuff like the Sif cutscene). I haven't played the DLC for Dark Souls 2 yet and I hear it's really good, I'll check that out some day.
When it comes to the technical side of things Dark Souls 2 is easily the best one (PC).
Dark Souls > Demon's > BB > Dark Souls 2.
When it comes to the technical side of things Dark Souls 2 is easily the best one (PC).
Dark Souls > Demon's > BB > Dark Souls 2.
Shmeagatory94
Member
For me its Dark Souls 2 > Dark Souls 1 > Bloodborne > Demon Souls
Demon's Souls was my first so I'm sentimental about it, but if I was going to rank them on a personal list -
BloodBorne (utter perfection IMO, one of the two games I've ever bothered to get a platinum trophy for),
Demons Souls (the first kiss is still the deepest),
Dark Souls (I seriously will never forget that one boss fight under the full moon in the grave yard),
and lastly-
Dark Souls 2 (even though it's the worst as far as my taste is concerned, it's still an absolutely outstanding game).
BloodBorne (utter perfection IMO, one of the two games I've ever bothered to get a platinum trophy for),
Demons Souls (the first kiss is still the deepest),
Dark Souls (I seriously will never forget that one boss fight under the full moon in the grave yard),
and lastly-
Dark Souls 2 (even though it's the worst as far as my taste is concerned, it's still an absolutely outstanding game).