Masterpiece for minority
Dark Souls is a child of Japanese approach to control over protagonist and time management and western rogue-like RPG's in a way. Like in some of Japanese action-RPG games (see Monster Hunter for instance) every action takes some time. Swinging for a hit, casting spell, using items leaves player vulnerable and he must plan his steps thoroughly. More than that, in distinction from majority of RPG's, Dark Souls is not about numbers only. Top-tier armor and most powerful weapons won't save you from failure, because in this game knowledge about your surroundings and opponent's behavior is the key. And to mention rogue-alike games (and the subtitle of the game), prepare to die. Death here is not a failure, this is just common thing. But this game gives great sense of achievement after revealing secrets or defeating bosses because of that difficulty, complexity and absence of unnecessary help from the game itself. Game does not have a direct and detailed plot, but it has immersive, epic plot, and understanding it, answering all the possible questions is no less difficult, than beating final boss.
Speaking about lore, it is hard not to mention atmosphere. Dark Souls combines western and Japanese mythological motives in a very subtle way, creating several storylines, full with grief despair. Music by Motoi Sakuraba, playing in all locations of the game, keeps you in suspense, adding right emphasis to this chamber experience.
Sadly, Dark Souls could be ported better, but only some technical problems keep me from giving this game highest mark.