5/5 ★ – xeothe19th's review of DARK SOULS™ III.

System Played(s): PS4, PC Summary: Easily 5/5. I came back to this game multiple times before I finally completed it. What drew me away and stopped me from finishing it? Im not sure, but this game is definitely a masterpiece. There were times I would be exploring the mostly segmented world level design, like the Ringed City, and I'd think to myself "I like this more than Elden Ring". Gameplay (10/10): When I return to the original question in the summary, the answer is, it's rough starting out in the world of Dark Souls III, as it should. Often you get lost, and don't know which way to go. All of this is fine, because the game picks up, and picks up hard. The combat system is simpler than Elden Ring. Bosses are slower, and that's ok, because the player is slower, and can hardly jump. The fighting is deliberate, and tactical. The weapons are impactful, and memorable without theatrical weapon arts. The Astoria Greatsword (Scaling Dex UGS?) has quickly become one of my favourite weapons in any Souls game. The base game was already awesome enough (even though the Soul of Cinder was a bit underwhelming as a Final Boss), but the DLCs just make the game all the more awesome. The Ringed City will forever have a place in my thoughts as one of the most theatrical conclusions to a trilogy ever. Graphics (10/10): - Do graphics look potato? Yes. The score comes from seeing the potato graphics and still stopping to look around. In the darkness of the Ringed City, where the ember on your character model casts a dim glow on your sinister surroundings. In the window of a chapel over looking ancient ruins long since deserted. It goes to show that graphics doesnt really matter, as long as you can connect with the player's imagination. Also, the Fallen Knight armor is peak SoulsBorne drip (maybe tied with Hunter's Armor from Bloodborne). Soundtrack (10/10): - I'm a sucker for a good soundtrack. As I write this, I'm listening to the Firelink Shrine theme, and I'm oddly calm. The boss soundtracks go hard for even minibosses like the Champion's Gravetender. Such a masterpiece. Replayability (10/10): - I played the game 3-4 times just to get all achievements. And as I write this review, Lothric is calling me again. One day, I'll return there, Astoria Great Sword on my shoulder, eyes full of wonder. Conclusion (10/10): - Dark Souls 3 was definitely a worthy conclusion to the series overall. Such a great game. I'm glad I stuck with it to finish it, after all these years.