Demon Souls, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne - The Tempering Trio

Anyone who has played any of the "Souls" games (including Bloodborne) should either have a chill run down their back, a fit of rage, or a profound excitement when the topic comes up. I am of the latter group.

Prepare to Die

The "Souls" games, all made my From Software and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki are absolute masterpieces. For four amazing reasons.

1) Difficulty

2) Themes

3) Visuals

4) Soundtrack

None of the "Souls" games have an exlpicit plot, rather than a general (but amazing) lore that is often hidden from the players. Also, none of the NPC's of the game have a particularly strong role, although tragic stories. (Spoilers: Most Die)

Not only NPC's Die

So why are these games so amazing? Why have they won countless awards in an industry that is (supposedly) going straight down the crapper? It is because they allow you to overcome odds, struggle, grow, and triumph! Often in an extremely trying way. They have the Japanese Spirit.

And they are also very, very pretty.

Praise the Sun!

Alright, so besides being absolutely incredible, MUST play games, why is the "Souls" series relevant? It allows its players to undergo change just as Japanese characters usually do.

The best thing about Japanese characters is that they change in such profound ways, or at least through profound reasons. Compared to Western characters, whose motivations and transformations are generally weak, Japanese characters are tons more interesting.

Step aside Buffy.

So in the Souls series, how will you transform like a Japanese Character? Does your character change, or do you as a player change? This is what is so interesting about the Souls series, it is hard to tell! In the dark and lonely worlds presented in the Souls games, you often venture out alone to temper your own body and spirit. If you are into roleplaying, your character will undergo huge changes. You as a player, will also change. You have to change in order to win. Confidence will have to increase. You will need to be fearless, but also very cautious. You must learn, and be tenacious. You must be willing to accept defeat, and take great risk.

Bonfires - The only safe place

The Souls series is very good at taking players out of their comfort zone, tearing them up, and hammering them into a new person. How effective is this strategy? In the game: flawless. In real life: it is hard to tell. At the very least, the Souls series sparks imagination once again in its older players. Another difficult adventure is always welcome.

Good Luck