Demon’s Souls: The Secret to Unlocking Its True Potential

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In today’s world, FromSoftware is widely recognized for hit games such as Elden Ring and Dark Souls. However, it was 2009’s groundbreaking game, Demon’s Souls, that paved the way for these seminal titles to exist. If you enjoy FromSoftware’s more recent games, I highly recommend delving into this earlier release. Even those who have already played Demon’s Souls might find a refreshing experience by revisiting it.

Unfortunately, only PlayStation 3 users can experience the original “Demon’s Souls,” but for those without a PS3, there’s an option to play the 2020 remake exclusively on PS5. This new version maintains a strong resemblance to the original game’s concept.

Before the creation of “Bloodborne” and “Sekiro”, when “Elden Ring” was merely an idea in Hidetaka Miyazaki’s mind, FromSoftware was a significantly diverse studio. It had earned respect, primarily through cult-classic series like “Armored Core” and “King’s Field”, but these were far from the influential cultural phenomena that “Dark Souls” would become. FromSoftware also experienced some setbacks with projects like “Ninja Blade”, which is hard to imagine in 2025, given their current success streak. However, “Demon’s Souls” significantly altered FromSoftware’s image and design approach, introducing the world to Hidetaka Miyazaki as a game director. Although it’s smaller than “Elden Ring”, it’s still an experience worth having directly.

Why Demon’s Souls Begs a Replay

Demon’s Souls Is One of FromSoftware’s Most Replayable Games

Each game created by FromSoftware offers a rewarding experience that encourages multiple playthroughs. Many aspects of these games, such as obtaining every Boss Soul Weapon in Dark Souls 3 or fully upgrading all Prosthetic Tools in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, can’t be accomplished during the initial gameplay run. As a result, starting new game plus (NG+) is often necessary to experience everything these games have to offer. Interestingly, some argue that Demon’s Souls stands out as the most replayable game in this collection due to its unique features and challenges.

In essence, the compactness of “Demon’s Souls” sets it apart from later games by FromSoftware. It appears rather modest compared to their current collection, placing a stronger emphasis on combat over exploration. This is evident in its reduced number of wandering and decision-making moments when choosing paths. Consequently, players are able to concentrate more on refining specific gameplay styles across multiple playthroughs, as the action element dominates the overall experience.

The Northern Regalia, one of Demon’s Souls‘ most powerful weapons, can only be obtained during NG+.

Additionally, the non-linear structure of “Demon’s Souls” adds to its appeal. When paired with its concise nature, it becomes rewarding to replay the game. Changing the sequence in which you confront the Archdemons can significantly alter your total experience, whether you’re playing a new game plus or starting fresh. This decision influences character advancement and equipment acquisition. Similarly, choosing a different order for exploring each region offers a unique twist to your journey.

Demon’s Souls Is Worth a Replay for FromSoftware Fans

If you haven’t revisited the world of Boletaria in Demon’s Souls since 2009, or if you’ve only recently finished exploring it with the 2020 remake, there’s a wealth of value in going back to this game. After playing games like Elden Ring, it’s intriguing to retrace the roots of modern FromSoftware, appreciating the foundation for their unique design philosophy, especially with the benefit of hindsight. For those who appreciate gaming history, Demon’s Souls is a must-play, and even a single playthrough may not fully uncover all its mechanical depth. Additionally, it’s fascinating to see what FromSoftware created back in 2009 and observe how their approach to game development has changed since then.

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2025-03-21 14:37