Should I Play Dark Souls or Demon Souls First?
The Dark Souls and Demon Souls series are notorious for their challenging gameplay, intricate storytelling, and atmospheric environments. With the recent releases of Dark Souls remakes and Demon’s Souls re-release, many players are facing the dilemma of where to start their journey in this dark and mysterious universe. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of playing the games in order and highlight the key differences between Dark Souls and Demon Souls.
Direct Answer
To answer the question straightforwardly, we recommend starting with Demon’s Souls, the original game in the series. Demon’s Souls was released in 2009 and is a groundbreaking game that set the standard for the action-adventure genre. It may not have the same graphics as Dark Souls, but its gameplay, world, and characters are deeply interconnected and lay the foundation for the entire series.
Key Differences
Before we dive into the games’ worlds and mechanics, it’s essential to understand the main differences between Dark Souls and Demon Souls:
• Story: Dark Souls and Demon Souls have two separate stories, although there are connections between them.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Demon’s Souls introduced many mechanics that are not found in Dark Souls, such as the ability to choose your own build (stat distribution) and a focus on exploration and experimentation.
• Atmosphere and World: While both games have dark atmospheres, Demon’s Souls’ world is more restrictive and linear, whereas Dark Souls offers a vast open world to explore.
• Boss Battles: Dark Souls is known for its complex and challenging boss battles, whereas Demon’s Souls’ boss battles are often simpler but still demanding.
Why Play Demon’s Souls First?
• Lay the Foundations: Demon’s Souls established many of the concepts, mechanics, and storytelling devices that are used in the rest of the series, making it essential to experience this game first.
• Understanding the Series’ lore: Demon’s Souls is a crucial part of understanding the Dark Souls world’s lore and backstory. Players will gain insight into the world’s history and characters by playing this game.
• Influential Gameplay Mechanics: Demon’s Souls introduced the stamina-based combat system, and Demon’s Souls’ challenging level design and atmosphere were praised by critics and fans. By playing Demon’s Souls first, you’ll have a better understanding of how these mechanics are used in Dark Souls.
Key Considerations
If you still have doubts about where to start, consider the following:
• Level Design: Demon’s Souls is known for its short levels and interconnected design. You’ll need to remember which doors you opened to get back to where you came from.
• Death: Death is permanent in Demon’s Souls. While this can be a hurdle for some players, it adds to the sense of accomplishment when you eventually complete the game.
• Atmosphere and Mood: Demon’s Souls’ dark atmosphere and challenging environment will set the tone for the rest of the series, preparing you for the challenging world of Dark Souls.
Conclusion
While you can play Dark Souls and Demon Souls in any order, we highly recommend starting with Demon’s Souls, the original game that started it all. Playing the games in order will not only provide a richer gaming experience but also a deeper understanding of the Dark Souls universe. Whether you choose to play Demon’s Souls or Dark Souls first, remember that the order doesn’t matter – both games are essential parts of this iconic series.