Dark Souls is the critically acclaimed spiritual successor to the game Demon Souls, which was released in 2009. An incredibly innovative role playing game, Dark Souls provides a completely unique concept few would dare to try to create, and makes for a once in a lifetime game playing experience. This ground breaking game has perfectly balanced intricate storyline with breath taking graphics and heart racing action, amounting to something that can be enjoyed by all. However, Dark Souls is not for the faint hearted... Endure spine chilling and tensely hostile environments as you travel though this vast and unwelcoming open world, a world that is home to a host of terrifying creatures and demons that want nothing more than to eviscerate you. Explore this twisted fantasy universe and trawl through dungeons, with both your wits and strength being constantly put to the test in this brutally dark and challenging third person RPG. You can choose from a wide and detailed variety of ten races for your character, including warrior, cleric, thief, sorcerer, hunter, and more. Each of these races have their own specialised skills, for example melee or magic, with upgrades to achieve and apply as you progress throughout the game, allowing you to truly tailor your character to your specifications. This game adds an additional feature when it comes to armour and weaponry, allowing you to forge them yourself should you not want to buy or scavenge for them. An extra twist is also presented, making death the main focus of the entire game play. This isn't always a bad thing though; dying is your education, and the theme of the cruel universe through which you trek. Within this punishing world, survival will be your utmost accomplishment, and your most impressive victory. The beauty about the combat in Dark Souls is that it will never truly pin you to a certain playing style; you can switch from a heavy warrior to a swift thief just by changing up your weapons and armour, and you can even become a mage or a healer by finding a sorcerer's catalyst or talisman, allowing you to be constantly fluid in your combat. Another interesting little twist in this game is the way that the bonfires you'll find placed around the world are checkpoints, where you can repair your items, refill your health flasks, and ensure it to be a respawn point should you die. Another thing you can do at a bonfire is spend the souls of your vanquished foes, which act as this game's currency, and which can be spent on levelling up, increasing your health, stamina, and magical abilities. There is also a definitive online co-op multiplayer experience within Dark Souls, which has you relying on other individuals throughout the game to share tips, strategies, and various knowledge to help you progress. You will be able to see the shadows of other players as they in turn trek through this vast, cruel world, and even the blood stains of where they have been smite. When you die, you will leave your own blood stain and become Hollowed, losing all souls that you have collected. However, should you make it back to your stain before being decimated again, you will regain everything that you had lost. Another resource you will be relying on throughout this game is your Humanity, gained only through items and by defeating horrendous and terrifying bosses, which can be used to light your own bonfires and revive yourself to Human. This incredibly imaginative game will transport you through this punishing universe, allowing you to write your own destiny, pulling you ever deeper with each victory, and completely immersing yourself in the darkness. Whether you come out alive is up to you. (Cat Emerson) Click Images To Enlarge