BLACK SOULS
BLACK SOULS Review
BLACK SOULS is a unique RPG Maker title that blends classic JRPG mechanics with Souls-like difficulty and storytelling. Players praise its deep lore, rich narrative, and immersive world inspired by dark fairy tales and FromSoftware games. The game offers significant freedom of choice, allowing players to explore, interact, and make morally complex decisions that impact the world and characters.
However, the Steam version is heavily censored due to external regulations, removing many NPCs, areas, and story elements, making it nearly unplayable without an official patch available from the publisher's website. This patch restores the original content, including mature themes and gameplay depth. Combat is turn-based and accessible but can become easy when over-leveled. The story acts as a prologue to its sequel, BLACK SOULS 2, which many recommend playing for a fuller experience. The game is emotionally impactful, challenging, and offers multiple endings, but some bugs and UI issues persist.
Highlights
Players especially praise BLACK SOULS for its engaging and mature storyline that explores dark, complex themes through fairy tale motifs.
The freedom of player choice and open-world exploration are highly valued, giving a dynamic and reactive game world.
Combat mechanics are enjoyable, with a variety of viable builds and satisfying boss fights.
The soundtrack and atmospheric art style enhance the immersive experience.
Many consider it an outstanding Souls-like RPG with JRPG elements and recommend playing the patched version for the full content.
Criticisms
The Steam release suffers from heavy censorship, removing most of the game’s content and making it nearly unplayable without patching.
Some players find the combat too easy when over-leveled, causing mechanics like parrying and dodging to lose relevance.
The story feels incomplete alone, acting more as a prologue to the sequel, which can frustrate those expecting a standalone narrative.
There are minor bugs, UI inconveniences, and missing quality-of-life features in the Steam version.
Some criticize the community for being unwelcoming or toxic, which can impact new players’ experience.
Pros
- • Deep, mature story inspired by dark fairy tales and Souls-like lore.
- • Freedom to explore and make impactful moral choices in an open world.
- • Engaging turn-based combat with multiple viable builds and strategies.
- • Atmospheric soundtrack that enhances immersion and mood.
- • Multiple endings providing high replay value and narrative depth.
- • Strong character designs and memorable NPCs with complex interactions.
- • Patch restores full content, including censored areas and story elements.
Cons
- • Steam version is heavily censored and incomplete without an external patch.
- • Combat can become trivial when character is over-leveled.
- • Story feels like a prologue and leaves many questions unanswered alone.
- • Minor bugs and UI issues detract from polish in Steam release.
- • Lack of quality-of-life features such as easier inventory management.
- • Some players find the community toxic or unwelcoming to newcomers.
- • Game’s mature content may be off-putting or controversial for some.
Rating Criteria
Long, long ago, there existed a kingdom shrouded in dense mist: the Lost Empire. This mist twisted humans into terrifying beasts, plunging the world into despair. War raged endlessly. Heroes rose, seeking fame and glory. It is in this place you awaken—a nameless undead.