- "Only embers remain..."
- — Dark Souls III promotional tagline.
Dark Souls III (Japanese: ダークソウルIII, Hepburn: Dāku Sōru Surī) is an action role-playing video game developed by From Software. It was officially announced on June 15, 2015 at E3. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 24, 2016 in Japan, with a worldwide release scheduled for April 12 of the same year. A code was given to users who pre-ordered the game to play Dark Souls on Xbox One.
Plot
Set in the Kingdom of Lothric, the player is tasked to survive an oncoming apocalypse brought about by the ongoing conflict between the Age of Fire and those branded with the Darksign as with previous iterations of the series. To survive this event, the player character must face the Lords of Cinder, previous heroes who linked the fire, as the cycle of Light and Dark continues and no matter what you do, darkness will return and repeat itself forever.
Gameplay
Similar to Dark Souls II, fast travel is available from the beginning of the game provided the player character places the Coiled Sword at Firelink Shrine.
Players are able to reallocate stat points as well as reconfigure character creation at the Rosaria's Bed Chamber bonfire in the Cathedral of the Deep up to five times per playthrough.
New Game Plus makes a return. After the player has finished the game, they have a choice to begin a new game immediately or at a later time via the bonfire in Firelink Shrine. New Game Plus is optional. Players will retain all equipment, upgraded character attributes, and consumables with the exception of keys. The game's difficulty is increased each subsequent playthrough up to NG+7.
Weapon Degradation is almost non-existent.
The Summoning and Cooperative Play system from the first two games remains for the third installment.
In addition, the game offers a Co-op code system where you can input a code under the network tab in the options menu. This code bypasses all cooperative gameplay mechanics to play with friends. During this session, weapons from more powerful players are scaled down to match the lower level cooperator's weapon enhancement. This is intended to balance cooperative play.
Illusory Walls also remain.[1]
A Focus Points system (or FP), similar to the one found in Demon's Souls, has been added which governs skills and Spell Casting. The FP bar can be refilled by resting at a bonfire or by drinking from the Ashen Estus Flask.
An Ember system, similar to the humanity mechanic from the first game, replaces the Human Effigy of the second game. The character becomes kindled by consuming an Ember which increases the player character's health by 30% and allows them to summon other players to their world. This is similar to the Soul/Body Form system of Demon's Souls.
Players may be invaded while "Enkindled" if the area boss has not been defeated. However, certain hostile summon signs may be present while enkindled in worlds where the area boss has been defeated. It is also possible to be invaded by the Watchdogs of Farron on the Road of Sacrifices while un-kindled.
Downloadable content
Ashes of Ariandel
- Main article: Dark Souls III: Ashes of Ariandel
Ashes of Ariandel is the first downloadable content (DLC) for the game Dark Souls III. It was released on October 21, 2016 for Xbox One, and on October 24, 2016 for PlayStation 4 and PC.
The Ringed City
- Main article: Dark Souls III: The Ringed City
The Ringed City is the second downloadable content for Dark Souls III. It was released on March 28, 2017.
DLC Gallery
Special editions
The Fire Fades Edition
- Main article: Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition
In April 20th, 2017, From Software announced the Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition of Dark Souls III including the Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City DLC.[2]
- This edition includes the original game and the two previously released pieces of downloadable content: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- The Japanese release coincided with the launch of an 80-page Japanese guide and map.[3]
- Dark Souls III - Deluxe Edition includes the same content as The Fire Fades Edition.
Reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Publication | Score |
| Destructoid | 8.5/10 |
| EDGE | 9/10 |
| Famitsu | 38/40 |
| Game Informer | 9.3/10 |
| GameSpot | 8/10 |
| Gamesradar | 4.5/5 |
| Giantbomb | 4/5 |
| IGN | 9.5/10 |
| PC Gamer | 94/100 |
| Polygon | 7/10 |
| Aggregate scores | |
| Aggregator | Score |
| GameRankings | 90/100 |
| Metacritic | 89/100 |
Galleries
Promotional images
Cinematic trailer
Promotional screenshots
Concept art
Leaked images
Videos
Trailers
