2015.9 | Dark Souls

End Soul Level: 90
Completed in: 34hrs 23mins

OK, I think this is super key to the Souls game so I will mention the bits I used help / guide for:

- Getting into The Abyss (did not know the game had a 'set order' so confused me on how to jump down to The Abyss without dying, turns out I had to get another boss item before going there)

- Somehow having in my mind that after 40, Endurance is diminishing returns. Though once I got to that point in levelling up, it was pretty obvious anyway, but still.

Other than that, was a full blind playthrough and man did I make a mistake going dex build. Did not come across a great dex weapon until I was into the game considerable hours which was a bit annoying but just made getting that weapon feel so good. After upgrading that weapon, the game became pretty easy honestly but not as easy as my Demon's Souls run using magic.

The level design and unlocking shortcuts were done very smartly in this game and it fills you with dread as you traverse the lands like no other game ever. As you travel further from the bonfire, you are basically shitting your pants, just praying another bonfire appears soon. 

There was a case I travelled a long distance from bonfire and came across a big looking enemy, and instead of having a go and risk losing my soul, which were considerable amount by that point, I travelled all the way back to the bonfire, grinded a bit until I had bit more souls so I can upgrade, then with my minimal amount of souls I went back out to where that big enemy was. Whom, it turned out, I could beat easily. But it just goes to show how fearful the game makes you.

So it really does feel like a dangerous adventure you survive and want to brag to your friends about. And MAN, did it feel good to BEAT this game. Yes, BEAT. It's one of the few games, if not only, where I feel like I can say I BEAT the game, instead of merely "completing" it. You don't complete Souls, you beat it. It's a tough hard fought battle, and you get weary and think of yourself worthless, but hang in there and you get an awesome adventure.

9/10.