Dark Souls III

Our analysis

Masterful refinement of Dark Souls formula with impressive level design and atmospheric immersion.

Our analysis

A solid Dark Souls entry with excellent world design balancing complexity and accessibility. Combat skills add meaningful depth, though magic needs rebalancing and some bosses are repetitive.

Our analysis

In this follow-up Mack defends his thumbs-down: Dark Souls III is a one-trick roll-dodge-hit boss game and a shallow fantasy RPG. He still calls it probably the best in its genre and a thumbs up for fans of that style.

Our analysis

An admittedly biased fan finds this likely-final entry lukewarm, praising the heightened body-horror enemy design and faster Bloodborne-influenced combat but lamenting how much it tunnels back into Dark Souls 1 rather than building on it. The level design feels less creative (too many cathedrals), loot is underwhelming with the starting longsword hard to beat, and the new magic meter just apes other RPGs. Familiar comfort, but repetitive and short on fresh ideas.

Our analysis

Dark Souls III successfully blends RPG systems, world design and fluid combat, with memorable enemies and challenging build options. The Japanese release also delivers excellent multiplayer connectivity, though some weapons and armor feel redundant.

Our analysis

Outstanding Souls game combining best of Bloodborne and Dark Souls. Excellent level design, boss battles, difficulty curve, atmosphere.