Even without including remasters, Dark Souls III is the third game released by From Software in as many years. While last year’s Bloodborne was a fresh take on the formula, Dark Souls III is an enhancement of something more familiar.
Releasing these many games in quick succession generally leads to franchise fatigue, but the things that make these games unique and special are just as impressive in Dark Souls III. Whether you are fighting another boss or unlocking the twentieth shortcut, the thrill of wonder and adventure never lets go.
The world isn’t as well connected than the one found in Bloodborne and the original Dark Souls, but the shortcuts within areas loop around in an impressive manner. Equally impressive are the bosses, especially in the second half of the game. But the level of quality is not high and as a result some areas feel like they don’t belong. Not only are they artistically generic in an otherwise beautiful game, elements such as encounter design, enemies, shortcuts and the boss itself do not have that confidence or a strong sense of identity.
Two in particular are downright frustrating to navigate. Not only is the general speed of combat faster, actions such as drinking an Estus Flask to regain health happen quicker. Several other changes made in Bloodborne carry over including the complete removal of the armour upgrade system.
In addition to this, the game now has two Estus Flasks — one for health and another for Focus Points. FP is utilised every time players want to use magic or another stance for their weapon, which gives them access to new attacks. Players can now determine how much of each flask they want to carry from a collective pool. The regular style of playing Dark Souls was better in almost all situations.
Dark Souls III feels like a mesh of brilliantly crafted levels and bosses with the leftovers that could not make it in the previous games. This constant jump in quality is frustrating, as the game can go from cleverly designed memorable areas to boring.
But the low points of the game only catch you off guard because the rest of the game is outstanding. It, most definitely is, the send-off the series deserves.
