April’s issue of UK gaming magazine Edge has an extensive seven page feature on Dark Souls, revealing some brand new information on From Software’s upcoming fantasy RPG.
Here are some interesting snippets of information from the article:
Freedom To Explore
Dark Souls creator Hidetaka Miyazaki explains that he wants create a “sense of chaos” in each of the game’s locations. Each area, which has taken approximately six months to complete, will offer a “greater range of architecture types [than Demon’s Souls.]”
Miyazaki explains more:
“If we truly give the player freedom within the world and allow them to go any place they want to, then it’s our job to cater to the player’s will,” he says. He reveals that one moment players may “climb a ladder to reveal a beautiful horizon and in the next they could fall from ladder to land in a deep dark cavern.” Referring to the fact that Dark Souls will feature no loading times, he says he wants “people to be able to explore the world without interruption,” and reward well for doing so. The writer of the article refers to spotting a "giant red griffon, ten times the size of his character, hunched atop a suspension bridge" in the distance.
Too Difficult?
One thing that Miyazaki has stressed from the outset is that Dark Souls will be even more difficult than Demon’s Souls. It’s interesting to read about his thought processes for how he plans to achieve this. It’s clear he wants to make Dark Souls challenging but ultimately rewarding, by ensuring that players don’t get too frustrated.
“We want the player to be able to clear any obstacle simply by learning from mistakes and paying close attention. Then the reason for failure must always be clear and understandable. Every problem must have multiple solutions, so that players can tackle it in whichever way they want," he says. More experienced players will also be able to leave messages on the ground to warn novices of upcoming dangers in a single player mode that connects seamlessly with the multiplayer system.
The Beacon System: Will you help or hinder?
One of the most interesting snippets of information Miyazaki refers to is the Beacon system. We already know that players can light these beacons to help other players out. Reach one of these points and you’ll be able to pick up items and share information with other players. What we didn’t know, however, was that Miyazaki wants to give Dark Souls a competitive edge by allowing players to trick others by leaving them false information that may disrupt their objectives. It’s going to be a very interesting mechanic that adds a further edge to the gameplay. Are you going to trust any information you’re given?
Disguise Yourself
Miyazaki refers to the ability to hide from monsters by disguising yourself as an inanimate object like a broom or a barrel.
Losing Your Mind
We haven’t heard much about the Dark Soul’s storyline, but Miyazaki reveals some interesting information. He refers to the fact that as the story progresses players will lose their minds. “If the mind becomes too far gone then the character will become a zombie or monster," he says. "That is what you are fighting against in the game; this curse of not being able to face death." Indeed, Miyazaki doesn’t want you to die at all in the game, but live forever in the game world. "There is a completion point," he says. "But it’s a game where the user can choose not to complete it, just live in this world for eternity."
The April 2011 Issue of Edge, where you’ll find the full seven page feature, goes on sale on March 15.