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Dark Souls Remastered

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dark Souls Remastered
Item: Dark Souls Remastered
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMay 23, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperFrom Software

Overview

Dark Souls Remastered is a remastered version of the original game Dark Souls. The updated version of the game features graphical enhancements, an expanded online mode, and the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Dark Souls Remastered for its depth, richness, and unique storytelling approach. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and GameCritics appreciated the game's emphasis on exploration and attention to detail in uncovering the narrative, showcasing a sublime and mysterious lore that captivates players. FANDOM and The Digital Fix commended the game for its understated narrative, conveyed through item descriptions, level design, and environmental storytelling, creating a lonely world with weight and meaning. The narrative's dark and mysterious nature, focusing on discovery and exploration, was highlighted positively by GameCritics and The Digital Fix, adding to the overall allure of the game's storytelling. On the flip side, some critics found aspects of the story in Dark Souls Remastered to be challenging or obtuse. God is a Geek mentioned that the storytelling methods, such as environmental cues and item descriptions, could be frustratingly vague, potentially alienating some players. IGN Spain and Vooks noted the vagueness and ambiguity of the narrative, which contributed to a polarizing reception among players. Cubed3 pointed out a lack of natural flow and progression in the last act of the story, suggesting a potential inconsistency in storytelling pacing that may impact player engagement. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story of Dark Souls Remastered remained largely positive among the critics. In conclusion, the consensus among the majority of critics is that the story of Dark Souls Remastered is a standout feature of the game, praised for its depth, richness, and immersive qualities. The game's unique approach to storytelling through environmental cues, item descriptions, and exploration was widely appreciated, with critics like Guardian and Metro GameCentral highlighting the game's ability to create a dark fantasy world that challenges players to interpret and uncover its lore. While some critics noted challenges in understanding the narrative and pacing issues, the overall sentiment leans towards a highly positive reception of the story, making it a key component of the Dark Souls Remastered experience that resonated well with fans of the fantasy genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Dark Souls Remastered's captivating and immersive storytelling, praising its deep lore and unique narrative approach through exploration and environmental details. Some critics found the storytelling methods challenging, but overall, the game's dark and mysterious story adds to its allure. Despite some criticisms, the majority of critics agree that the story is a standout feature, creating a rich and engaging fantasy world that resonates with fans.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Dark Souls Remastered for its challenging and rewarding nature, with many highlighting its intricate level design, strategic combat mechanics, and immersive world exploration. Critics like Game Revolution and Trusted Reviews commended the game for faithfully recreating the original experience while offering improvements such as enhanced performance and stability. NintendoWorldReport appreciated the fair difficulty that requires concentration and strategic thinking, with each enemy encounter feeling like solving a puzzle. The combat system, based on stamina management and precise timing, was lauded by FANDOM for its methodical and satisfying gameplay experience. On the downside, some critics mentioned technical issues impacting the gameplay experience. God is a Geek and Multiplayer.it noted frame rate drops and control issues on the Nintendo Switch, affecting the timing of crucial actions like parrying and dodging. Softpedia mentioned bugs and quirks as minor issues that detract from the overall gameplay enjoyment. While the gameplay mechanics were generally praised, Game Revolution pointed out that some aspects felt less refined compared to later titles in the series, potentially affecting the overall experience for players expecting more polished mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Dark Souls Remastered. The game's challenging combat, intricate level design, and strategic depth were widely appreciated, with critics like Game Informer and GamingTrend highlighting the rewarding nature of the experience. Despite some technical issues and minor gameplay refinements, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be engaging, immersive, and true to the original Dark Souls experience. The game's ability to maintain its core gameplay elements while introducing modern improvements was seen as a testament to its enduring appeal and status as a classic in the action RPG genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praised Dark Souls Remastered for its challenging gameplay, intricate level design, and strategic combat mechanics, with improvements like enhanced performance. Some noted technical issues on the Nintendo Switch, but overall, reviewers found the game engaging, immersive, and true to the original, making it a classic in the action RPG genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Dark Souls Remastered are mixed, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics such as GameSpew and God is a Geek praise the improved textures, crisper visuals, and stunning lighting effects in the game. PlayStation Universe and Digitally Downloaded also appreciate the higher resolutions, smoother frame rates, and overall enhanced graphical effects. These improvements contribute to a more immersive and visually appealing experience for players, especially on platforms like PS4 and Xbox One. On the other hand, several critics point out some negatives in the graphics and visual design of Dark Souls Remastered. Softpedia and GameSpot mention downgraded visuals on the Switch version, with shorter draw-distances, diminished spell effects, and less impressive bonfires. Critical Hit and IGN Spain highlight the outdated textures, models, and visual effects that remain unchanged in the remastered version, affecting the overall presentation. Additionally, GamingTrend notes that some areas may appear more sterile due to subtle and sometimes dubious graphical updates. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards acknowledging the improvements in graphics and visual design in Dark Souls Remastered, particularly on platforms like PS4 and Xbox One. The enhanced textures, lighting effects, and smoother performance are widely appreciated, enhancing the atmospheric and immersive nature of the game. However, criticisms of the Switch version's downgraded visuals and the persistence of outdated graphical elements indicate that there are still areas for improvement. Despite some mixed opinions on specific platforms and graphical elements, the general sentiment is that Dark Souls Remastered succeeds in enhancing the visual experience for players, albeit with some room for further refinement.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Dark Souls Remastered. Positive feedback praises improved textures and lighting effects on platforms like PS4 and Xbox One. However, negatives include downgraded visuals on the Switch version and outdated textures and models. Overall, the game enhances immersion with better graphics but still has room for improvement.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Dark Souls Remastered received mixed reviews from critics across different platforms. Several reviewers praised the atmospheric and immersive sound design, with Guardian noting that the ambient noise in the game's environments enhances the eerie atmosphere, and NintendoWorldReport highlighting the impactful sound effects during combat and atmospheric music that contribute to the overall intensity of the game. Multiplayer.it also commended the compelling soundtrack for enhancing players' sense of magic, isolation, and danger, adding to the captivating fantasy world. On the other hand, there were significant criticisms regarding the audio quality in the Nintendo Switch version of the game. Critics like Game Revolution, Vandal, and Worth Playing pointed out issues such as audio compression, low-quality sound effects, and noticeable audio distortions that detracted from the overall experience. Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation highlighted the compressed and lacking sound design, with Meristation specifically mentioning very low-quality sound detected, affecting the gameplay, especially when using headphones. Additionally, critics like Everyeye.it and GameSpot mentioned audio distortions, delays in sound effects, and subdued audio quality compared to other releases. Overall, while some critics appreciated the immersive sound design and captivating soundtrack of Dark Souls Remastered, the consensus among reviewers leans towards the negative side due to the significant audio quality issues present in the Nintendo Switch version. The criticisms regarding audio compression, low-quality sound effects, distortions, delays, and overall muffled audio detracted from the gameplay experience for many critics. The discrepancies in audio quality across platforms, with the Switch version being notably inferior, were a common point of concern among reviewers. Despite some positive remarks, the prevalent negative feedback on the audio aspects of the game indicates a need for improvements in future patches to enhance the overall sound experience for players, as acknowledged by Jeuxvideo.com.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics had mixed feelings about the sound design and music in Dark Souls Remastered. Some praised the immersive atmosphere and impactful sound effects, while others criticized the poor audio quality in the Nintendo Switch version. Issues like audio compression, low-quality sound effects, and distortions dampened the experience for many reviewers. Despite some positive feedback, the consensus leans towards the negative side due to significant audio problems, especially on the Switch. Improvements are needed to enhance the sound experience for players in future updates.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, several critics noted some positives. Critics like Nintenderos and My Nintendo News highlighted stable frame rates and immersive features like HD rumble, showcasing a well-executed experience. Additionally, Worth Playing and Vooks mentioned improved frame rate performance compared to the original release, with only minor issues such as compressed audio and occasional frame rate drops. The Switch version was also commended for offering better performance than last generation's consoles, as noted by Vooks. On the flip side, criticisms for the Nintendo Switch version of Dark Souls Remastered were prevalent among reviewers. Critics like Everyeye.it and DarkStation pointed out resolution and frame rate issues, with sacrifices in visual elements and unreliable net code affecting the overall experience negatively. Additionally, Game Revolution and Impulsegamer highlighted persistent frame rate drops, especially in handheld mode, despite some improvements with patches. Collision bugs and oddities were also mentioned by Switch Player, indicating that the game still had rough edges on the Switch platform. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Dark Souls Remastered on various platforms is mixed. While some platforms like the PS4 were praised for stable frame rates and significant improvements in performance, as mentioned by Game Informer and PlayStation LifeStyle, others like the Nintendo Switch faced challenges with resolution, frame rate issues, and sacrifices in visual quality. The Xbox One version also received mixed feedback, with Shacknews mentioning improved frame rates but also glitches with the Havok engine. Despite some platforms showcasing enhancements in frame rates and stability, issues like frame rate drops, bugs, and technical limitations were still prevalent across different versions of the game, as noted by various critics such as Impulsegamer and GameSpot.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised the Nintendo Switch version of Dark Souls Remastered for stable frame rates and HD rumble but criticized resolution and frame rate issues, sacrifices in visual quality, and unreliable net code. While some platforms saw significant improvements, such as stable frame rates on PS4, the Switch version faced technical challenges. Overall, reviewers had mixed opinions on the game's technical performance across various platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Replay Value of Dark Souls Remastered has garnered positive feedback from several critics. Critics like Destructoid and PlayStation Country appreciate the game's longevity and the enjoyment of discovering new items and strategies, indicating good replay value. Digitally Downloaded highlights the intricate level design, hidden secrets, and multiple storytelling techniques that reward attentive players, enhancing the game's replayability. Vandal praises the game's depth, challenge, and level design, making it a recommended version for fans who want to experience the adventures of Lordran on the go, indicating a high level of replay value. On the flip side, some critics point out the limitations of the game's replay value. 3DJuegos notes that while the multiplayer enhancements and quality of life improvements may encourage players to revisit the game, the lack of significant changes to gameplay may limit long-term replay value for some players. Trusted Reviews suggests that for players who have already experienced Dark Souls, there may not be a compelling reason to purchase the remastered version, potentially impacting the replayability for returning players. Game Revolution mentions that while the game offers high replay value due to its world design and challenging encounters, compromised performance on the Nintendo Switch version may affect long-term replayability for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dark Souls Remastered offers a compelling and challenging experience with notable replay value, particularly for new players and fans of the series. Critics like GameSpew and God is a Geek appreciate the inclusion of the Artorias of the Abyss expansion, enhanced online features, and co-op play, which contribute to the game's replayability. Despite some criticisms about the lack of significant new content and potential performance issues on certain platforms, the enduring appeal of Dark Souls' gameplay, depth of lore, and satisfying mechanics make it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and returning players. Critics like Guardian and PlayStation Universe emphasize the unique and enduring qualities of Dark Souls that continue to captivate players, ensuring its status as a must-play title in the action RPG genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Dark Souls Remastered impresses critics with its deep lore, challenging gameplay, and high replay value. While some point out limitations like lack of significant changes for returning players, the game's intricate level design and hidden secrets make it a compelling experience for both newcomers and fans of the series. Despite potential performance issues on certain platforms, the enduring appeal of Dark Souls ensures its status as a must-play title in the action RPG genre.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Dark Souls Remastered, it is evident that the game received a predominantly positive reception. Critics such as God is a Geek on PS4 and Xbox Tavern praised the visual and performance upgrades, solid gameplay, and well-implemented online features, considering it the definitive version of the modern classic. Game Informer on PS4 also commended the captivating and challenging experience, noting improvements that make it worth the price of admission for console players. TheXboxHub on XBOX ONE deemed it a triumph, offering an enhanced version of the original game with a unique gameplay experience. These positive aspects highlight the game's ability to maintain its core essence while enhancing key elements for both newcomers and returning fans. On the flip side, some critics raised concerns about certain aspects of Dark Souls Remastered. Meristation on NINTENDO SWITCH and PlayStation Country on PS4 mentioned audio quality issues and laziness in addressing bugs and quirks as negatives, respectively. Game Revolution on NINTENDO SWITCH highlighted compromised performance and potential online play issues that may affect the overall experience, especially for newcomers. Despite these criticisms, the general sentiment suggests that the flaws identified did not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment and value of the game, as the majority of critics still viewed it positively. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans heavily towards Dark Souls Remastered being a very good game. Critics like Wccftech on PS4 and Impulsegamer on NINTENDO SWITCH considered it the definitive edition of one of the best games of all time, praising the improved visual experience and challenging gameplay that stayed true to the original. While some reviewers acknowledged minor issues such as technical limitations on certain platforms or lack of significant upgrades for some players, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. The game is recommended for both fans of the series and newcomers seeking a challenging and immersive gaming experience, with its enduring appeal and captivating gameplay making it a must-play for those willing to delve into its unforgiving world.

TL;DR

Dark Souls Remastered received mostly positive reviews for its visual upgrades, solid gameplay, and online features, with critics praising it as the definitive version of the classic game. Some critics noted issues like audio quality and bugs, but overall, the game is considered very good and recommended for fans and newcomers alike.

MONSTER

Reviews

174 reviews found

100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Jun 4, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

After seven years its mystery has diminished, but it’s still among the best of the best.

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100

Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Nov 6, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dark Souls Remastered demands patience and tenacity, offering a unique and rewarding experience for those willing to embrace its challenges.

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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Oct 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the Switch release of Dark Souls: Remastered, calling it sublime and the definitive way to experience the game. It also mentions that it offers a daunting, rewarding experience that can be carried anywhere with no losses.

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IGN

Nintendo Switch

Oct 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Dark Souls Remastered as a fantastic port, with the option to play in handheld mode being the best thing about the Switch version. The reviewer found it to be a fresh new way to experience a familiar adventure.

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GamingTrend

Nintendo Switch

Oct 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dark Souls: Remastered is praised for being an expansive, challenging masterpiece with superb performance on the Switch, despite not adding significant changes from the original release.

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Video Chums

PlayStation 4

Jun 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dark Souls Remastered is a graphically enhanced version of the original, but may be disappointing to some fans expecting more. Some parts can be frustrating, but mastering them brings a sense of accomplishment.

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Atomix

PlayStation 4

Jun 4, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Well-executed remaster modernizing the game while staying true to its core elements, making it a worthwhile purchase for both newcomers and fans of the series.

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We Got This Covered

Nintendo Switch

Oct 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly praises Dark Souls Remastered on the Nintendo Switch, calling it a fantastic conversion and one of the most compelling apps on the system, highlighting the game's addictive gameplay loop and the joy of playing a full-fledged version of Dark Souls on the go.

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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Oct 31, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dark Souls: Remastered is the improved version of one of the most influential and unforgettable games ever made, delivering a mysterious and expansive world to be explored.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Jun 3, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Considered a triumph, offering an enhanced version of the original game with some persistent issues, recommended for its unique gameplay experience

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