I have no idea why no one is talking about this game, it looks insanely awesome, PS3 has been so weak on badass exclusives and this game looks like exactly what I expected out of this machine when I bought it. Apparently there are 3 versions available, all of which have English voices, but the Chinese version has english text as well! I'm probably going to be importing it soon unless they announce an official US version soon. Has anyone played the Chinese version? Is the English understandable or are the translations really bad? Anybody else considering importing this?

If you get it, tell us about it.

I'll just wait or not get it, like White Knight Chronicles.

I'll be sure to give a review if I get it...there's only a $10 premium if you get it off ebay. The difference with WKC is that WKC is definitely coming out in the US. They haven't announced this one outside of Asia. Its a shame Sony pooped the bed when it comes to RPGs this generation. With the power of this machine I thought we'd see some of the most amazing RPGs ever. Maybe Team Ico will turn things around but we haven't heard anything at all about that.

Actually we have been discussing it in this thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1073373) I plan to wait for any enhancements made to a full U.S. version myself.

Actually i got the Asia version of the game, it contain FULL english audio and text. The game is REALLY hard... and that make it really fun. Even a low level enemy can kill you if you are not careful. The boss a really epic, you feel like you really accomplish something when you kill them. There is no music in this game, some people might mind but i don't, add a scary feel the to game. There is a resident evil like feeling with this game... you feel VERY alone in some really dark place. Monsters often ambush you and make you go "WTF!!" The "coop" aspect is really unique. When you are still alive, you can summon up the 2 human player(if the leave there seal on the ground, ) If the help you defeat the boss, they will come back to life. When you summon a player, the come to YOUR world, meaning that join your game up where your at, if they die in your game, to go back to their world. To be able to help another player, you need to die first, so only your soul can play, meaning you only get 50% of your health, unless you find a ring that give you 20% more. Oh and since the game is always "online" you can't save and reload if you do something wrong... like killing an NPC lol There is a new game + when your done with the game... but i don't know what is kept since i haven't finished yet. Sorry if this is all gibberish lol Playing Resistance 2 at the same time :D Overall... i REALLY encourage you to buy this game if you like this kinda game, you will NOT regret it

Sweet and lol:)

Actually i got the Asia version of the game, it contain FULL english audio and text. The game is REALLY hard... and that make it really fun. Even a low level enemy can kill you if you are not careful. The boss a really epic, you feel like you really accomplish something when you kill them. There is no music in this game, some people might mind but i don't, add a scary feel the to game. There is a resident evil like feeling with this game... you feel VERY alone in some really dark place. Monsters often ambush you and make you go "WTF!!" The "coop" aspect is really unique. When you are still alive, you can summon up the 2 human player(if the leave there seal on the ground, ) If the help you defeat the boss, they will come back to life. When you summon a player, the come to YOUR world, meaning that join your game up where your at, if they die in your game, to go back to their world. To be able to help another player, you need to die first, so only your soul can play, meaning you only get 50% of your health, unless you find a ring that give you 20% more. Oh and since the game is always "online" you can't save and reload if you do something wrong... like killing an NPC lol There is a new game + when your done with the game... but i don't know what is kept since i haven't finished yet. Sorry if this is all gibberish lol Playing Resistance 2 at the same time :D Overall... i REALLY encourage you to buy this game if you like this kinda game, you will NOT regret it

Thanks for the info Cryptopsy! Sounds like the game has a bit of a Shadow of the Colossus type feel if you feel so alone...plus the big bosses definitely add to that. So the English text seemed pretty good to you? Its not badly translated for people who barely speak English anyway? Thanks again for the info!

And joeblow...what makes you think they'll "enhance" the game when it comes to the US? Do you think the translation will be better? That's the only thing I'm worried about...usually games don't change that much between regions, do they? Thanks for your input!

I am planning to import it, I am really not expecting a US version of this game. Too nichey, too difficult, too "hardcore" if you will. Since the Asian version is in English most of the folks interested will be buying that one instead of waiting.

And if it does get released in the US, I'm not expecting Sony to spend major bucks on enhancing it, because the game doesn't have great sales potential.

I am planning to import it, I am really not expecting a US version of this game. Too nichey, too difficult, too "hardcore" if you will. Since the Asian version is in English most of the folks interested will be buying that one instead of waiting.

And if it does get released in the US, I'm not expecting Sony to spend major bucks on enhancing it, because the game doesn't have great sales potential.

The only thing I'm worried about is it being too damn hard. Everything I've read has said it borders on impossible...that could get frustrating.

The only thing I'm worried about is it being too damn hard. Everything I've read has said it borders on impossible...that could get frustrating.

From what I read, it's a game that actually requires you to think, and plan your moves ahead of time, and execute well.

Granted, this makes it one of the hardest games to come out in the past several years, but it doesn't make it impossible. Most games used to be like that.

I have a friend of mine thats playing this right now, he said between this and killzone 2 he hasnt slept in days. He says DS is a really great game. he imported it from play asia and yes its in english.

I too am concerned about it being too damm hard from what he has said, I enjoy a good challenge but I'm at the age where I wanna have fun and a challenge but not to the point where you get pissed and quit playing. The graphics look great from what I've seen.

Just so everyone knows, if you're interested in this game and see that Play Asia is on backorder, you can get a copy on ebay. It'll cost you around $75, which is a $10 premium on a game with tax in the states, but I figure a $10 dollar premium on a game you have to import from halfway around the world isn't so bad. Just a heads up to help people find what looks to be an amazing game.

Question to anyone who's actually played the game:

I usually play a Mage in games like this. Considering the high level of difficulty (I'm not known for my amazing gaming skillz) would I be dooming myself by not playing a Melee character? In most games Melee characters are easier to play with. Is this the same in Demon's Souls? Thanks for the info!

From what I read, it's a game that actually requires you to think, and plan your moves ahead of time, and execute well.

Granted, this makes it one of the hardest games to come out in the past several years, but it doesn't make it impossible. Most games used to be like that.
Exactly, you don't charge in an unknown area without a shield on lol You need to be careful and think about what COULD be around the corner to own you ass lol Yes at the beginning the game is very difficult, you need to learn how if work and what to do. You can start "lvling" you character after you kill the first boss, make thing a bit easier after that, you need to get a lot of souls(the currency for both lvling up and buying stuff. Oh btw you CANT sell anything in this game) Upgrading you gears at the beginning is quite crucial.

As for the guy and a magic caster, actually they are quite powerful especially at the beginning, don't know about later on. Yes the game is hard, since you have to THINK in this game, it's not like every other game out there. But it is not impossible to do once you get the hang of thing, it's really fun and challenging... and make you so fu***** nervous lol And for a US release... i don't see why, if you are really interested in this game, you would not order for only 10$ more.

Actually we have been discussing it in this thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1073373) I plan to wait for any enhancements made to a full U.S. version myself.

Has anyone even said anything about a US version release? I havent heard a word

Has anyone even said anything about a US version release? I havent heard a word

Absolutely no word on a US release...SEGA got its ass kicked releasing Valkyria Chronicles, which was another niche japanese game. I'm wondering if noone is going to want to take a chance on this. Hell, by the time they release it over here everyone who REALLY wants it will already have it. And have lent it to 3 or 4 friends.

Absolutely no word on a US release...SEGA got its ass kicked releasing Valkyria Chronicles, which was another niche japanese game. I'm wondering if noone is going to want to take a chance on this. Hell, by the time they release it over here everyone who REALLY wants it will already have it. And have lent it to 3 or 4 friends.

I agree, I doubt there will be a US release..better just buy it from e bay or play asia if you want it

Short answer: Yes, import. I highly recommend this unique piece of gaming. Only condition: perseverance.

That it's hardcore has already been mentioned, but I'd argue most of the frustration comes in the beginning. Demon's Souls is unforgiving and you learn by failing until you adjust. Once you do that, get over your pride and stop feeling like you're failing just because you died and the level reset, you'll start appreciating the captivating immersion it bought you. When you're playing DS, it's on. There's money/experience at stake when you die, levels resetting upon death before you open up shortcuts feel like you just accomplished nothing, and figuring any level out means that will happen on a regular basis. Enemies are nasty and require tactics, a calm mind and steady hands.

Plus it's literally on(line) and your world WILL be invaded by other players looking to revive themselves by killing you when you yourself aren't in spirit form. The game doesn't ask your permission and doesn't care where you are in the level or what you're doing. You get a big red banner and it's you or him/her. It's also an integral part of a major confrontation, but that's all I'll say. Let's just say I'm wide awake and focused when I play and the sense of threat is unlike any other game I know.

It's an exhilarating, scary experience that would never have been possible within the modern approach to game design where even if you lose, you really only lose 5 seconds of loading a checkpoint. The way you play changes completely when you have something to lose, be it experience or just gametime. This and the unique way the online interaction is done sets DS apart. The immersion comes at a price, but the feeling of adventure and accomplishment matches the risk.

Short answer: Yes, import. I highly recommend this unique piece of gaming. Only condition: perseverance.

That it's hardcore has already been mentioned, but I'd argue most of the frustration comes in the beginning. Demon's Souls is unforgiving and you learn by failing until you adjust. Once you do that, get over your pride and stop feeling like you're failing just because you died and the level reset, you'll start appreciating the captivating immersion it bought you. When you're playing DS, it's on. There's money/experience at stake when you die, levels resetting upon death before you open up shortcuts feel like you just accomplished nothing, and figuring any level out means that will happen on a regular basis. Enemies are nasty and require tactics, a calm mind and steady hands.

Plus it's literally on(line) and your world WILL be invaded by other players looking to revive themselves by killing you when you yourself aren't in spirit form. The game doesn't ask your permission and doesn't care where you are in the level or what you're doing. You get a big red banner and it's you or him/her. It's also an integral part of a major confrontation, but that's all I'll say. Let's just say I'm wide awake and focused when I play and the sense of threat is unlike any other game I know.

It's an exhilarating, scary experience that would never have been possible within the modern approach to game design where even if you lose, you really only lose 5 seconds of loading a checkpoint. The way you play changes completely when you have something to lose, be it experience or just gametime. This and the unique way the online interaction is done sets DS apart. The immersion comes at a price, but the feeling of adventure and accomplishment matches the risk.

Wow...what a review. And I didn't think I could be any more excited. My copy of Demon's Souls is in my mailbox right now and here I am at work, slaving away. Its terrible! Can't wait to go home and try it out!

Ok...I've played this game all night...5 or 6 hours...and now I know why its not getting released in the states. The difficulty is beyond ridiculous. It's like playing GoW on expert. I died at the end of the tutorial and they ended up spitting me out in some zone that I tried to hack my way out of all night. No can do. I played the same board over and over for about 4 hours. Art is awesome controls are decent concept amazing. Game, terrible.

Ok...I've played this game all night...5 or 6 hours...and now I know why its not getting released in the states. The difficulty is beyond ridiculous. It's like playing GoW on expert. I died at the end of the tutorial and they ended up spitting me out in some zone that I tried to hack my way out of all night. No can do. I played the same board over and over for about 4 hours. Art is awesome controls are decent concept amazing. Game, terrible.

lol you ARE suppose to die in the tutorial, it show your the difference between been alive and only in soul mode. Soul mode give you only 50% life, if you find the Cling Ring in the first part on the the game, it boost it to 70-75% of your original life. You can start lvling your character after you kill the first boss... and honestly, it's not really that hard to get there, just be patient, ALWAYS advance with your shield on, don't try to kill 10 enemy at the same time. Be cheap, with bow if you have to, everything to survive. And a hint for the first boss.... stock a good amount of firebomb, like 30-40 and it would be sooo easy.

everyones review sounds the same, really great, really unique, really hard

lol you ARE suppose to die in the tutorial, it show your the difference between been alive and only in soul mode. Soul mode give you only 50% life, if you find the Cling Ring in the first part on the the game, it boost it to 70-75% of your original life. You can start lvling your character after you kill the first boss... and honestly, it's not really that hard to get there, just be patient, ALWAYS advance with your shield on, don't try to kill 10 enemy at the same time. Be cheap, with bow if you have to, everything to survive. And a hint for the first boss.... stock a good amount of firebomb, like 30-40 and it would be sooo easy.

Are you telling me the gigantic ******* with the club is unbeatable? I played the board after you go to the nexus, its impossible to. Maybe I should give up on playing a mage and choose a melee character. *sigh*

Are you telling me the gigantic ******* with the club is unbeatable? I played the board after you go to the nexus, its impossible to. Maybe I should give up on playing a mage and choose a melee character. *sigh*

The first boss, who WILL kill you, he is beatable... but you die after anyway, because that the way it was meant to be lol And playing the board? sorry frenchy here no idea what that suppose to mean lol But where do you keep dying? The first world is not THAT hard ;)

Ok...I've played this game all night...5 or 6 hours...and now I know why its not getting released in the states. The difficulty is beyond ridiculous. It's like playing GoW on expert. I died at the end of the tutorial and they ended up spitting me out in some zone that I tried to hack my way out of all night. No can do. I played the same board over and over for about 4 hours. Art is awesome controls are decent concept amazing. Game, terrible.

That's exactly what I said, it's like that for most of us. Dying in the tutorial had me as confused as you, I scoured the net looking for a way to go back. Until I realised I was meant to die and play in spirit form for the first part. Forget souls for the moment and don't expect to run through and dominate. No one does at the beginning. I made it to the castle wall on my first night, got skewered by a turtleing knight on one side and by a parrying counter-lancer on the other. All souls lost and I quit for the night. Sound familiar? I play a Hunter and couldn't even afford arrows for the first 10 or 15 hours, which made me an average melee class in leather.

Give yourself time to adjust to methodical and tactical play. Block, sidestep, look for an opening (enemy launches attack or is off-balance because you blocked etc.), don't ever mash the attack button and watch your stamina. Manage enemies by leading them where you want to fight, pulling singles or shoving them off edges. A good thing to try right at the beginning of 1-1 on the bridge is to kill the guys there with back attacks. This gets you in the habit of watching for patterns, waiting, then move and strike when they're vulnerable. Play with the easy enemies until you get a feeling for the combat, don't worry about dying ro losing souls for the moment.

If there's something in particular that gave you grief, speak up.

That's exactly what I said, it's like that for most of us. Dying in the tutorial had me as confused as you, I scoured the net looking for a way to go back. Until I realised I was meant to die and play in spirit form for the first part. Forget souls for the moment and don't expect to run through and dominate. No one does at the beginning. I made it to the castle wall on my first night, got skewered by a turtleing knight on one side and by a parrying counter-lancer on the other. All souls lost and I quit for the night. Sound familiar? I play a Hunter and couldn't even afford arrows for the first 10 or 15 hours, which made me an average melee class in leather.

Give yourself time to adjust to methodical and tactical play. Block, sidestep, look for an opening (enemy launches attack or is off-balance because you blocked etc.), don't ever mash the attack button and watch your stamina. Manage enemies by leading them where you want to fight, pulling singles or shoving them off edges. A good thing to try right at the beginning of 1-1 on the bridge is to kill the guys there with back attacks. This gets you in the habit of watching for patterns, waiting, then move and strike when they're vulnerable. Play with the easy enemies until you get a feeling for the combat, don't worry about dying ro losing souls for the moment.

If there's something in particular that gave you grief, speak up.

Thanks, Liersi, I appreciate the help. As mad as I was when I wrote that, I'm not about to give up on this game. Its just too damn cool. I was just never one to play games like this on the harder difficulties so its gonna be extra difficult for me.

Can anyone tell me where the magic shop is in the Nexus? I see the item holder and the blacksmith but I thought I read somewhere there's someone who sells magic. I'm a mage and I'd like some new spells. Thanks!

nm...there he is. Guess I had to kill the first boss.

Can anyone tell me where the magic shop is in the Nexus? I see the item holder and the blacksmith but I thought I read somewhere there's someone who sells magic. I'm a mage and I'd like some new spells. Thanks!

nm...there he is. Guess I had to kill the first boss.

There are 2 other magic trainer also... you got to free them first to have them in your nexus.

DR,

I'd been meaning to post the wiki link: http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/intro

Lots of good info there. Save the boss souls for later, good items and/or spells can be crafted from them.

And congrats on killing Phalanx! You're over the worst of the learning curve and the game proper begins. Leveling up (Maiden in Black: seek soul power) and teachers are locked before this point as you found out, so is the multiplayer (the blue and white stones you received). Naming convention for the worlds and sublevels in the wiki is numbered clockwise when you look at the portal stones in the Nexus from the wide stairs. The one where you started is the first on the left, world 1. Every sublevel is guarded by a demon, so you played 1-1. I'd recommend focussing on 2-1 and 1-2 next. Make use of the co-op to ease frustration and don't forget to spend your souls on levels, spells and possible upgrades before you hit the wild. You can't lose what you no longer carry.

More and more people are playing, today was especially noticeable. Servers were getting hammered and both co-op requests and invasions were plentiful. We tried playing a level at one point but kept getting interrupted by invaders. Some of them were scary people obviously well equipped on their second or third character. I was killed instantly by a backstab from a guy with a huge Claymore who was invisible most of the time. Yeah, backstabbed with a 2-hander. They have a downtime incoming tomorrow, bet they're putting up more servers to deal with the unexpected player load.

This is how Fable should have been.

DR,

I'd been meaning to post the wiki link: http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/intro

Lots of good info there. Save the boss souls for later, good items and/or spells can be crafted from them.

And congrats on killing Phalanx! You're over the worst of the learning curve and the game proper begins. Leveling up (Maiden in Black: seek soul power) and teachers are locked before this point as you found out, so is the multiplayer (the blue and white stones you received). Naming convention for the worlds and sublevels in the wiki is numbered clockwise when you look at the portal stones in the Nexus from the wide stairs. The one where you started is the first on the left, world 1. Every sublevel is guarded by a demon, so you played 1-1. I'd recommend focussing on 2-1 and 1-2 next. Make use of the co-op to ease frustration and don't forget to spend your souls on levels, spells and possible upgrades before you hit the wild. You can't lose what you no longer carry.

More and more people are playing, today was especially noticeable. Servers were getting hammered and both co-op requests and invasions were plentiful. We tried playing a level at one point but kept getting interrupted by invaders. Some of them were scary people obviously well equipped on their second or third character. I was killed instantly by a backstab from a guy with a huge Claymore who was invisible most of the time. Yeah, backstabbed with a 2-hander. They have a downtime incoming tomorrow, bet they're putting up more servers to deal with the unexpected player load.

Shoot, man, I used the Phalanx and Tower Knight souls...what items did I miss out on? I hope they're big weapons, cause I'm a mage anyway.

Argh, Phalanx is a spear, but Tower Knight is the Total Protection spell. I'm sorry for not saying this in bold when you got the game, and I'm mad at the creators for allowing it. The good thing is that both only have that one use, other boss souls make you chose. If you play through again on New Game + you can get the souls again, otherwise you'd have to restart if you want the spell. Yeah, I know...

Argh, Phalanx is a spear, but Tower Knight is the Total Protection spell. I'm sorry for not saying this in bold when you got the game, and I'm mad at the creators for allowing it. The good thing is that both only have that one use, other boss souls make you chose. If you play through again on New Game + you can get the souls again, otherwise you'd have to restart if you want the spell. Yeah, I know...

Hi Liersi,

I'm a little confused, I talked to all the people in the Nexus and noone offered to turn either of the souls into an item, so I assumed they were just souls to cash in. Who do you get to turn boss souls into items for you? Also, is the total protection spell worth starting over for? I'd be able to beat the first and probably second board pretty easily at this point, but I wouldn't amass the gigantic stockpile of healing items I currently have. Thanks for the help.

I haven't leveled my Magic to where I can use Total Protection, but afaik it's a strong shield against physical damage. Being able to sponge more hits is a big advantage. Sure, the game's tactical and most big damage can be avoided, but we all know how it goes out here in the real world. Sh*t happens. From what people say, Total Protection is a powerful tool and butt-saver.

Check the wiki for details on which boss souls can be traded in for what items and/or spells at which NPC. Some have to be freed in game before you can use them (like the magician Freke who's incarcerated in 3-1). They will be available in the Nexus afterwards. The blacksmith in question is located in 2-1, down an elevator that doubles as a neat shortcut about halfway through the level. He will require you to bring him the soul of boss demon 2-2 (Flamelurker) to unlock boss soul upgrades for the other souls. Keep talking to him until you are prompted to hand over the soul. The spells, from what I know, only require you to free or otherwise activate the respective master in the playing field and come in possession of the soul. The standard guys in the Nexus aren't good enough to deal with the really good stuff.

I haven't leveled my Magic to where I can use Total Protection, but afaik it's a strong shield against physical damage. Being able to sponge more hits is a big advantage. Sure, the game's tactical and most big damage can be avoided, but we all know how it goes out here in the real world. Sh*t happens. From what people say, Total Protection is a powerful tool and butt-saver.

Check the wiki for details on which boss souls can be traded in for what items and/or spells at which NPC. Some have to be freed in game before you can use them (like the magician Freke who's incarcerated in 3-1). They will be available in the Nexus afterwards. The blacksmith in question is located in 2-1, down an elevator that doubles as a neat shortcut about halfway through the level. He will require you to bring him the soul of boss demon 2-2 (Flamelurker) to unlock boss soul upgrades for the other souls. Keep talking to him until you are prompted to hand over the soul. The spells, from what I know, only require you to free or otherwise activate the respective master in the playing field and come in possession of the soul. The standard guys in the Nexus aren't good enough to deal with the really good stuff.

Figures, lol. Well...back to the drawing board. I want that spell...it sounds useful.

But is it this hard?:eek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivTgBHkRCU4

I can't watch that video cause I'm at work, but its pretty hard.

Liersi,

Quick question for you, man. I want to get early access to the better spells, so I'm in the process of rescuing Freke from 3-1. For offensive spells, I know you need to access 1-3 before you can find the witch...but I have no idea how to gain access to the gigantic door where you fight the tower knight. Mind pointing me in the right direction? Thanks for the help.

PS The game is amazing hard but I take the blunt off by using the weak healing items. I try to carry 99 into a new board with me. I've already burned through about 50 on 3-1! But I haven't been dieing as much! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!

IIRC, 1-3 opens up after you beat 2-3.

I know the video was posted for laughs (and laugh I did, wow), but no it's not only not that hard, it's not that kind of difficulty in the first place. It's more about finding the right strategy and dying in the process. Executing a working strat isn't hard after the controls are hotwired into your brain (say, 10h?). Very much unlike that Mario madness, where even when the poor sob knows exactly what to the split second timing kills his ass over and over again.

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