Toughness meets today in a striking game that is reminiscent of old school 2D dungeon crawlers like NetHack and Rogue.
All this is back, and with some very nice twists, in Demon's Souls. A simple but compelling back story launches you into a world where heroism means having the courage to fail and come back for more. You'll have to analyze attack patterns, equip yourself properly, and use the right tactics as you slug it out with a generous plethora of demons. The goal? To collect souls and stones, so you can upgrade your stats and equipment. Then, to slug it out with the Big Boss, and free the world from its tyranny.
Visuals are nice, and very much in keeping with a world whose souls have been ripped away by demons. A definite limbo feel to the place.
Gameplay is tight, and whether you choose to wield a melee weapon, a ranged weapon, or the might of magic or the gods (or a combination of these), you'll be satisfied.
Fans of Morrowind aren't going to like the fact that you can't go on a zillion-and-one side quests. But why try to duplicate that series unique approach?
The multiplayer and world-invading options open up many more ways and reasons to explore this game.
Highly recommended for those who have patience and the ability to think both strategically (developing one's character) and tactically (fighting demons).