DARK SOULS™: REMASTERED is widely regarded as a challenging and atmospheric action RPG that has left a lasting impact on players over the years. Players praise its intricate level design, haunting world, and rewarding combat mechanics that encourage patience and mastery. The remaster improves visuals and performance, notably offering 60fps gameplay and fixing issues like Blighttown lag. The game’s lore and environmental storytelling, though minimalistic and sometimes cryptic, add depth to the experience. Many players describe it as a life-changing journey, with a strong sense of accomplishment after overcoming tough bosses.
However, the game is not without flaws. Critics highlight frustrating aspects such as excessive runbacks, clunky controls, uneven difficulty spikes, and some unfinished or poorly designed areas (notably Lost Izalith). The online component is marred by hackers who can permanently disrupt player progress, and the NPC questlines are easily missed, which some find detracts from the narrative experience. Despite these issues, the game remains a beloved classic and a must-play for fans of the genre.
Players consistently praise the game's masterful level design and interconnected world, which create a believable and immersive environment. The combat system is challenging yet fair, rewarding methodical play and timing. The atmospheric art direction and soundtrack enhance the haunting and mysterious tone. Boss fights are memorable and provide a strong sense of achievement. The remaster’s improved graphics and stable 60fps performance, especially in notoriously problematic areas like Blighttown, are widely appreciated. The lore, though subtle, is rich and invites exploration, making the game stand out as a unique narrative experience in gaming.
Common criticisms focus on the game's punishing difficulty often stemming from long runbacks after death rather than pure combat challenge. Controls and movement are described as clunky or janky by some players, impacting fluidity. Certain areas, particularly Lost Izalith, feel unfinished or rushed. The online multiplayer suffers from hacker invasions that can irreversibly kill NPCs and break progress, which is a major deterrent. NPC questlines are poorly communicated and easy to miss, leading to frustration. Additionally, some players find the RPG systems overly complex or poorly explained, and the story presentation minimalistic to a fault.
Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps.