Info about DARK SOULS™: Prepare To Die™ Edition:

Official game description:
**New Content for PC**  
Dark Souls™: Prepare to Die™ Edition will include an untold chapter in the world of Lordran. Sent back to the past, player will discover the story when Knight Artorias still lives.  
*   New Bosses – Including Black Dragon, Sanctuary Guardian, Artorias of the Abyss.  
*   PVP Arena & Online Matchmaking System – Quick matching for players to play 1vs1, 2vs2 and 4 player battle royal.  
*   New Areas – Including Oolacile Township, Oolacile Sanctuary, Royal Wood, Battle of Stoicism which is the training ground for online PVP battles.  
*   New Enemies – Including Wooden scarecrows, Chained Prisoner, Stone Knight.  
*   New NPCs – Including Hawkeye Gough, Elizabeth (keeper of the sanctuary).  
*   New Weapons and Armor – Equip some from the new bosses, enemies, and NPCs
The Story
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Dark Souls is the new action role-playing game from the developers who brought you Demon’s Souls, FromSoftware. Dark Souls will have many familiar features: A dark fantasy universe, tense dungeon crawling, fearsome enemy encounters and unique online interactions. Dark Souls is a spiritual successor to Demon’s, not a sequel. Prepare for a new, despair-inducing world, with a vast, fully-explorable horizon and vertically-oriented landforms. Prepare for a new, mysterious story, centered around the the world of Lodran, but most of all, prepare to die. You will face countless murderous traps, countless darkly grotesque mobs and several gargantuan, supremely powerful demons and dragons bosses. You must learn from death to persist through this unforgiving world. And you aren’t alone. Dark Souls allows the spirits of other players to show up in your world, so you can learn from their deaths and they can learn from yours. You can also summon players into your world to co-op adventure, or invade other's worlds to PVP battle. New to Dark Souls are Bonfires, which serve as check points as you fight your way through this epic adventure. While rested at Bonfires, your health and magic replenish but at a cost, all mobs respawn. Beware: There is no place in Dark Souls that is truly safe. With days of game play and an even more punishing difficulty level, Dark Souls will be the most deeply challenging game you play this year. Can you live through a million deaths and earn your legacy?
Key Features:
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*   Extremely Deep, Dark & Difficult – Unforgiving in its punishment, yet rewarding for the determined – learn to strategize freely and conquer seemingly impossible challenges.  
*   Fully Seamless World – Explore a completely integrated world of dark fantasy where dungeons and areas are seamlessly intertwined, with great height.  
*   Mastery Earns Progression – Contains 60 hours of gameplay, with nearly 100 uniquely despair-inducing monsters & an incredibly nuanced RPG systems including: weaponry, armor, miracles, faith, and more. Player success depends on their eventual mastery of how and when to use the magic spells, choice of armor, the number of weapons, the types of weapons, and the moves attached to the weapons.  
*   Network Play – Players may cross paths with one another, invading each other for PVP battles, or to play co-op and take on giant boss encounters as a team.  
*   Flexible Character Development & Role Play – As the player progresses, they must carefully choose which of their character’s abilities to enhance as this will determine their progression style.  
*   Community – See other real players and empathize with their journey, learn from seeing how others died, find and leave messages for your fellow players; helping them or leading them into death.  
*   Symbolic of Life & Hope – The Bonfire is an important feature in Dark Souls for many reasons. Though in gameplay it serves as a health and magic recovery and a progression check point, it also happens to be the one place in the dark world where players can find a fleeting moment of warmth and calm.

Release date: Aug 24, 2012

Categories: Soulslike Combat, Action RPG, Exploration, Multiple Endings, Character Progression, Cooperative Multiplayer, Competitive Multiplayer, Boss Fights

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 85; verdict: Predatory Monetization Practices; summary: The analysis of user reviews reveals significant dissatisfaction with the company's monetization practices, particularly the perceived forced purchase of an overpriced remastered version of the game. Users feel manipulated and scammed, leading to a high level of frustration. However, there is also positive feedback regarding the quality of the game's content, specifically the DLC, which users find valuable and worth the price of entry.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: High Dependency on External Resources; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals a significant dependency on external wikis and guides for various aspects of the game, including exploration, understanding game mechanics, and overall progression. This reliance on external resources highlights potential areas for improvement in in-game instructions and guidance.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience of the game reveals significant technical barriers and issues. Key problems include performance issues with the game locked at 30 FPS and frequent frame drops, poor optimization requiring additional software like Proton-GE for compatibility, inadequate control schemes, and stability issues such as frequent crashes and black screens. These issues collectively contribute to a subpar user experience, necessitating considerable tinkering and adjustments to achieve playable conditions.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $40.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows a mix of opinions on the game's value. One review mentions that the game is not worth an exorbitant price like $1000, which suggests that the fair price is significantly lower. Another review recommends buying the game at full price, indicating that the full price is considered reasonable. Additional reviews highlight the game's positive aspects, such as its fun gameplay, challenging difficulty, and great story, which support the notion that the game is worth its price. The general sentiment is that the game is worth the investment, but not at an inflated price.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 400.0h
  - Story completion: 50.0h
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: 50.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that players often spend a significant amount of time playing Dark Souls, with mentions of hundreds of hours invested in the game. This indicates a high level of engagement and replayability. The typical total time to finish the game, including multiple playthroughs and extensive exploration, is often cited as several hundred hours. The main story completion time is less explicitly stated but can be inferred to be significantly shorter, likely around 40-50 hours based on typical RPG completion times. Session lengths can vary widely, but mentions of playing for several hours in a session are common. Endgame content, including new game plus modes and additional challenges, can add substantial hours to the total playtime.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Dark Souls offers a deeply satisfying and immersive experience with a steep learning curve and a strong sense of progression, enhanced by its seamless multiplayer integration and exceptional level design.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Mastering the game's mechanics and progressing through the story.
  - Time to anchor: 10h 0m
  - Friction: Steep learning curve; Slow pacing; Tedious design choices
  - Unlock drivers: Sense of progression; Multiplayer integration; Seamless level design
  - Conditions: Co-op play; PvP invasions; Exploration and discovery; Careful and strategic gameplay
- Player Archetypes:
  - Immersive Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Immersion and mastery of the game's world and mechanics.
    - Playstyle: Explores thoroughly, engages in multiplayer interactions, and appreciates the game's lore and depth.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: veteran; hardcore gamer
    - Reference games: Dark Souls III; Bloodborne; Elden Ring
  - Eager Newcomer (sale)
    - Motivation: Learning and exploring the game's world and mechanics.
    - Playstyle: Explores with guidance, seeks help, and is willing to invest time to understand the game.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: newbie; newcomer
    - Reference games: Dark Souls III; Elden Ring
  - Critical Comparer (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Comparing and contrasting with newer or similar games.
    - Playstyle: Critically engages with the game, often comparing it to newer titles.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: experienced player; critical gamer
    - Reference games: Dark Souls III; Bloodborne; Elden Ring


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Highly praised game quality (weight 0.32): The game is frequently described as excellent, outstanding, and a masterpiece, with many players finding it worth their time and investment. It is often considered one of the best games ever played.
- Excellent level and world design (weight 0.25): The game's level and world design are praised for being intricate, interconnected, and immersive. The design encourages exploration and is visually stunning.
- Satisfying and unique combat system (weight 0.25): The combat system is highlighted for being weighty, satisfying, and rewarding. It offers a variety of weapons and demands precision and strategy, making it a standout feature.
- Fun and rewarding gameplay (weight 0.24): Players find the gameplay fun, enjoyable, and rewarding. The game offers high replayability and a challenging experience that keeps players engaged.
- Engrossing atmosphere (weight 0.19): The game's atmosphere is described as dark, intriguing, and immersive. The detailed and atmospheric world draws players in and keeps them engaged.
- Dark Souls comparison (weight 0.18): The game is often compared to Dark Souls, being described as a masterpiece and one of the best in the souls-like genre. It stands up to the hype and is highly influential.
- Challenging but fair difficulty (weight 0.14): The game is noted for its challenging and punishing gameplay, but it is also seen as fair and rewarding. Players appreciate the tough but rewarding difficulty.
- Sense of achievement (weight 0.12): Players feel a strong sense of achievement and satisfaction when overcoming the game's challenges and difficulties. This joy of overcoming obstacles is a memorable aspect.
- Preference for original version (weight 0.1): Some players prefer the original version of the game over the remastered edition, citing better visuals, shading, lighting, and VFX. The original version is seen as having a certain charm.
- Teaches perseverance and patience (weight 0.09): The game is noted for teaching valuable life lessons, encouraging patience and perseverance. Players appreciate the rewards that come from persevering through challenges.
- Unique gameplay mechanics (weight 0.09): The game offers unique and challenging gameplay mechanics that are complex and technical. These mechanics provide a variety of gameplay experiences.
- Deep RPG mechanics (weight 0.09): The game features deep RPG mechanics and a good level system. The world design is deep and the game design is considered peak.
- Great world building (weight 0.07): The game is praised for its great world building, which is rewarding and addictive. The world is rich and detailed, with fascinating lore.
- Demanding boss fights (weight 0.07): The game features challenging and rewarding boss fights that are varied and well-designed. Players appreciate the difficulty and variety of bosses.
- Variety of gameplay modes (weight 0.07): The game offers a variety of gameplay modes, including both cooperative and competitive multiplayer elements. This variety adds to the game's depth and replayability.
- Seamless multiplayer integration (weight 0.07): The game's multiplayer integration is described as seamless and innovative. It includes both PvP and cooperative elements that are well-integrated into the gameplay.

Common complaints:
- Poor PC port quality (weight 0.22): The PC port of the game is widely criticized for its poor optimization, terrible resolution, and clunky controls. Players frequently mention it as one of the worst PC ports, highlighting issues with game design and overall quality.
- Gameplay and functionality issues (weight 0.15): The game suffers from various gameplay issues, including clunky gameplay, bugs, and multiplayer problems. Players report that the game feels broken and has a poor gameplay experience with a short gameplay time.
- Outdated graphics quality (weight 0.11): The game's graphics are criticized for being old and of low quality. Players mention low-resolution textures, muddy graphics, and outdated visuals that detract from the overall experience.
- Scattered and obscure lore (weight 0.1): The game's lore is scattered in tiny fragments across item descriptions, obscure NPC dialogue, and easily missable events. Players find the world interconnected but confusing, with progress locked behind obscure shortcuts and hidden keys.
- Clunky and outdated controls (weight 0.09): The controls in the game are described as uncomfortable, difficult, and clunky. Players find the controls outdated, which makes the game difficult to recommend.
- Rushed second half (weight 0.08): The second half of the game is criticized for feeling rushed and unfinished. Players report that it is weaker and worse than the first half, indicating a drop in quality.
- Requires fan patches (weight 0.07): The game may require additional software like DSFix for a smoother experience. Players mention that the PC port has issues that need these patches for better performance.
- Unfair game design (weight 0.07): The game is criticized for being unfair at times, with design moments that feel unfair by modern standards. Players find certain aspects of the game to be an unfair slog.
- Steep learning curve (weight 0.06): The game takes a long time to learn and has a steep learning curve. Players mention that it requires a lot of time and nerves to progress, which can be challenging.
- Broken and monotonous combat (weight 0.06): The combat system in the game is criticized for being broken and monotonous. Players find the combat boring and repetitive.
- Technical problems (weight 0.06): The game suffers from various technical problems and bugs. Players report technical stumbles and issues with the port, affecting the overall experience.
- Prepare to Die Edition flaws (weight 0.06): The Prepare to Die Edition is criticized for being a terrible port and incredibly flawed. Players do not recommend this version of the game.
- Lack of online features (weight 0.06): The original version of the game has no online features and is no longer for sale. Players mention the removal of online features as a drawback.

Gameplay feedback:
- Challenging and demanding gameplay (weight 0.24): The gameplay is challenging and requires a lot of time, effort, and patience. It demands skill, determination, perseverance, and critical thinking from the player.
- Complex and strategic combat system (weight 0.22): The game features a complex combat system that is both challenging and rewarding. It requires players to master various weapons and movesets, and it emphasizes strategic combat mechanics.
- Emphasis on exploration and discovery (weight 0.19): The game encourages exploration and discovery, often rewarding players with tangible benefits. The exploration mechanics are intertwined with puzzle-solving and atmospheric elements.
- Character building and customization (weight 0.15): Players can customize their characters and create different builds, allowing for a variety of playstyles and character progression.
- Story-driven and lore-rich (weight 0.11): The game is story-driven with a focus on narrative and lore. It combines adventure gameplay with deep storytelling elements.
- Multiplayer and co-op features (weight 0.11): The game includes multiplayer features, both cooperative and competitive. Players can engage in co-op gameplay and PvP elements.
- Variety of weapons and armor (weight 0.08): The game offers a wide variety of weapons and armor, contributing to diverse combat experiences and character customization.
- Unique boss encounters (weight 0.06): The game features unique boss designs and encounters that require specific strategies to overcome, adding depth to the combat experience.
- Soul-loss mechanic on death (weight 0.06): The game features a soul-loss mechanic where players lose souls upon death, adding a layer of challenge and risk to the gameplay.
- Interconnected world design (weight 0.06): The world design is interconnected, encouraging exploration and providing a seamless experience as players navigate through different areas.
- Side quests and NPC interactions (weight 0.06): The game includes side quests and interactions with NPCs, adding depth to the storyline and providing additional content for players to engage with.
- Four-directional dodging mechanic (weight 0.06): The combat system includes a four-directional dodging mechanic, adding a layer of complexity and strategy to the combat mechanics.

Performance notes:
- Performance improvements with DSFix (weight 0.26): The game's performance can be significantly improved with the use of the DSFix mod. This mod helps with frame rate issues, resolution problems, and overall smoother gameplay.
- Mods for enhanced performance (weight 0.26): Various mods, including DSFix, are often required to enhance the game's performance. These mods can unlock higher frame rates, improve textures, and resolve other performance issues.
- Resolution and graphical issues (weight 0.23): Players have reported issues with low resolution, pixelated graphics, and poor lighting. The game is often locked at 720p resolution, which affects the overall visual quality.
- Optimization and control issues (weight 0.18): The game has poor optimization, leading to various performance issues. Additionally, players have reported problems with controls, including clunky controls and controller detection issues.
- Crashing and technical problems (weight 0.17): The game is prone to crashing and has various technical problems, including save data corruption and black screen issues. Some players have reported that the game is completely unplayable due to these issues.
- Remastered edition improvements (weight 0.05): The remastered edition of the game offers a higher frame rate and a more optimized experience. Players have noted that the remastered edition runs better and provides a more enjoyable gameplay experience.
- Compatibility with different devices (weight 0.04): The game has been reported to run well on certain handheld devices with specific configurations. Some players have successfully run the game on devices like the Steamdeck with the help of mods and tweaks.
- Mixed experiences with high FPS (weight 0.04): Running the game at higher frame rates, such as 60 FPS, can sometimes cause unexpected issues or incidents. While some areas benefit from higher FPS, others may experience problems.

Recommendations:
- Play the Remastered version (weight 0.25): Multiple clusters recommend playing the Remastered version of the game due to its seamless coop, better online play, and overall improved experience.
- Challenging and rewarding (weight 0.16): The game is noted for its challenging gameplay that offers rewarding experiences and is recommended for those who enjoy a challenge.
- Game is highly recommended (weight 0.15): The game is highly recommended to a wide audience, including those who enjoy challenging and rewarding experiences, as well as those new to the genre.
- Try other FromSoft games (weight 0.13): Recommendations to explore other games in the Dark Souls series or other FromSoft games for a different or potentially better experience.
- Highly immersive experience (weight 0.12): The game offers a highly immersive and engaging experience, making it a must-play for fans of atmospheric storytelling.
- Worth trying for fans (weight 0.12): The game is worth trying for fans of challenging, immersive, and emotionally deep storytelling games.
- Technical tips and fixes (weight 0.09): Various technical tips including using DSFix, cloud saving, and specific build recommendations to enhance gameplay.
- Use DSFix or mods (weight 0.08): Suggestions to use DSFix or other mods to improve the gaming experience, especially for those who own the original version.
- Gamepad recommended (weight 0.08): It is recommended to use a gamepad for this version of the game, as it enhances the gameplay experience.
- Use guides or wiki (weight 0.06): Recommendations to use guides or check the game progress section of the wiki to help with gameplay.
- Consider other editions (weight 0.04): Suggestions to consider other editions or platforms for playing the game, such as the PS3 version for free online play without hacking.
- Recommendations despite issues (weight 0.03): The game is recommended despite some technical issues, highlighting its overall value and unique experience.

Other player notes:
- Compatibility with multiple platforms (weight 0.03): The game is noted for its compatibility with Linux, Steam Deck, and Steam OS, making it accessible to a wider range of players.
- Game rarity and collectibility (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the game's rarity and the aspect of collectibility it offers.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.25): Players are frustrated primarily due to the game's technical issues, including crashes, performance problems, and poor PC porting. The game's high difficulty, lack of guidance, and perceived unfair mechanics, such as forced PvP and punitive measures, also contribute significantly to this frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.14): Players feel satisfied when they overcome the game's numerous challenges, such as defeating difficult bosses and progressing through tough areas. The sense of accomplishment and the rewarding nature of the game's combat system also contribute to this satisfaction.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.13): Players experience nostalgia due to personal memories and experiences associated with the game, including reminiscing about the original version and its impact. The game's unique aspects and its status as a classic in the Souls franchise also evoke nostalgic feelings.
- Joy (weight 0.06): Players find joy in overcoming obstacles, achieving mastery, and discovering new areas and secrets within the game. The sense of accomplishment and the enjoyable gaming experience contribute to this joy.
- Admiration (weight 0.05): Players admire the game's overall quality, including its well-crafted world, level design, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay. The game's impact on the industry and its unique charm also contribute to this admiration.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Players are excited by the game's challenging but fair gameplay, the discovery of hidden mechanics and secrets, and the immersive world. The diverse gameplay elements and the sense of surprise and exploration contribute to this excitement.
- Disappointment (weight 0.04): Players feel disappointed due to the game's perceived flaws, unmet expectations, and negative comparisons to other games. The removal of online features and the game's poor handling by the developers also contribute to this disappointment.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.03): Players enjoy the game's overall fun and challenging experience, including its rewarding combat and exploration. The game's unique atmosphere and the positive experiences despite difficulties contribute to this enjoyment.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players express love for the game's design, mechanics, and the interconnected world. The emotional attachment and the intention to replay the game despite its frustrations contribute to this love.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Players feel anger due to the game's control issues, poor PC port, and frustrating gameplay mechanics. The companies' actions and the game's issues, such as not detecting controllers, also contribute to this anger.
- 赞赏 (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game's design, story, and rewarding mechanics. The game's challenging nature and the detailed analysis of its elements contribute to this admiration.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Players are in awe of the game's interconnected map, beautiful art design, and immersive atmosphere. The intricate level design and the game's artistic qualities contribute to this sense of awe.
- 感动 (weight 0.01): Players are moved by the game's story, character arcs, and the personal growth experienced through overcoming challenges. The emotional journey and the game's overall impact on their lives contribute to this feeling.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game's incredible level and world design, considering it a favorite. The recommendation to replay the game and the learning to appreciate its design contribute to this appreciation.
- Pride (weight 0.01): Players feel pride in their accomplishments, such as reaching significant areas like Anor Londo and defeating bosses with minimal gear. The sense of improvement and achievement contributes to this pride.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Players are interested in the game's dark fantasy style, unique level design, and its trend-setting nature. The game's ability to introduce players to new types of games contributes to this interest.
- Accomplishment (weight 0.01): Players feel a sense of accomplishment from overcoming the game's numerous challenges. The rewarding nature of the game's combat and progression systems contributes to this feeling.
- Praise (weight 0.01): Players praise the game's excellent foundation and design, considering it a great game. The game's overall quality and impact on the industry contribute to this praise.}