Should I play Demon's Souls first?

I'm getting a PS3 this November and the review on GameSpot really sold me on Dark Souls, I'm a huge RPG fan and it looks great.

Is there a deep story or anything? Should I play Demon's Souls first? I heard Demon's Souls is hard as hell, but the review for Dark Souls seemed like its not as hard, and that sort of appealed to me. I don't want to try my hardest to get through Demon's Souls getting really angry at the game when all I want to do is play Dark Souls. ANYWAYS!

Do I need to play Demon's Souls to understand Dark Souls?

As far as i've heard, Dark souls is not a sequel at all to demon's souls....more like a spin-off. I think you would be fine with going for Dark Souls first if you want. Keep in mind though I haven't played Dark Souls so someone can correct me if i'm wrong.

From what I heard, Dark Souls is even harder. I'd play the first one first to get the hang of everything.

Also, the story was pretty much non-existant in Demon's Souls. Considering the GS video review said nothing at all about the story in Dark Souls, I can only assume it is the same this time as well.

Also, the price: $60 for Dark Souls now or $20 or less for Demon's Souls.

the first one isn't needed since the story (well very limited story) doesn't seem to continue in any way. Though, the difficulty is supposed to be harder in the new one, and apparently you can't abuse magic as much which instantly makes it harder. The first is definitely worth getting and should be pretty cheap now, and the second looks to be even better so really go for both (though, if having to choose just one go right into the new one).

I would play Demon's Souls first. It's still a fantastic game (my fave RPG of all time) and will be cheaper than Dark Souls. Plus, getting Demon's Souls first means there's something to look forward to once you've beaten it. Playing the other way around might make Demon's Souls look bad in comparison if Dark Souls is better.

playing the first one will let you know what to expect even though its not a sequel

I highly recommend you to play Demon's Souls first, or Dark Souls might end up becoming a bad experience for you (and Demon's Souls as a result) since its supposed to be much harder! Once you get the feel of Demon's Souls mechanics, I think it'll make your Dark Souls experience much more enjoyable and not as punishing for a first-timer entering the series. Dark Souls isn't going anywhere and Demon's Souls is really cheap, theres no rush!

well you dont need to since the focus of these games isnt on story, its all about the gameplay. ill warn you though that ive had demons souls for more than 1.5 years and havent beaten it yet, simply because i dont have the time to sit their and continue to die so many times without progression, i barely progress in the game lol. you are meant to die and meant to die ALOT. but on the other hand im not much of an RPG guy, and maybe i just suck at the game lol. anyways have fun if you buy one of these games.

As others have mentioned, Demon's Souls is not required to play but I strongly recommend you do. It's a great game to start with and from what my work buddies tell me, Dark Souls is even harder.

Understand that both games are hard and very unique. That's what makes them so amazing. You will die, a lot, you will be frustrated to heck but you will keep coming back because the feeling of accomplishment and progression is top level. Not many games can give the vibe and feel of danger and atmosphere.

Play Demon's Souls first. ;)

You should because it's easier, and it's just a game that you should have in your collection. Not to mention the fact that it can be had for cheap right now, and by the time you're done with the Dark Souls might get a price drop.