Dark Souls 3: My First Criticisms As A Newbie

So, you guys, I've finally taken the plunge. Yes, yours truly, the one who usually sticks to games where you can respawn with a smile and a pat on the back, has booted up Dark Souls 3. And let me tell you, it's been an experience. My first foray into this notoriously challenging world has left me with a whirlwind of thoughts, a healthy dose of frustration, and surprisingly, a growing sense of… respect? It's a game that doesn't hold your hand, not even a little bit. You're dropped into this desolate, dying kingdom with barely a clue, and it's sink or swim. The initial moments are less about grand quests and more about sheer survival. Learning the basics, like how to properly dodge (it's not just running away, folks, it's an art), how to manage your stamina (seriously, don't just mash the attack button, you'll regret it), and how to recognize enemy attack patterns, is a baptism by fire. The environment itself feels like an antagonist; crumbling architecture, lurking shadows, and the constant, oppressive atmosphere all conspire to keep you on edge. It’s this relentless pressure that defines the early hours, and while it’s undeniably tough, there’s a certain raw honesty to it. No tutorials holding your hand, just the brutal reality of the world you’ve entered. You have to earn every step forward, every discovered bonfire, every defeated enemy. This philosophy, while punishing, also makes every small victory feel incredibly significant. I'm still very much in the early stages, getting my bearings, but the sheer depth of what I've encountered – the intricate level design, the subtle lore woven into the environment, and the demanding combat – has already hooked me in a way few games have.

One of the biggest things that struck me early on in Dark Souls 3 is the sheer artistry involved in its world-building and enemy design. Seriously, guys, these developers at FromSoftware have created a world that feels ancient, broken, and utterly captivating. Every corner you turn, every dimly lit corridor you explore, is dripping with atmosphere. It’s not just about pretty graphics; it’s about how the environment tells a story. You see the decay, the remnants of past glories, the hints of what this world once was, and it paints a picture far more vivid than any explicit dialogue could. And the enemies! Oh, the enemies. They aren't just cannon fodder; each one feels like a meticulously crafted challenge. From the lumbering, grotesque Hollows to the more agile and menacing knights, their designs are both terrifying and, in a weird way, beautiful. Their attack patterns are unique, requiring careful observation and precise timing to overcome. It’s this enemy design that forces you to engage with the combat on a deeper level. You can't just button-mash your way through; you have to learn, adapt, and respect your opponents. The first time I faced a Black Knight, I was utterly destroyed. It was humbling, to say the least. But after several attempts, watching its movements, learning its tells, and finally finding that brief opening to strike, the feeling of accomplishment was immense. This is the core loop of Dark Souls 3, and it's incredibly compelling. The way the game subtly introduces new mechanics and enemy types, forcing you to constantly reassess your strategy, is masterful. It’s a constant dance of learning and execution, and when you finally nail a particularly tricky encounter, it’s incredibly rewarding. The subtle hints of lore scattered throughout, through item descriptions and environmental cues, also add another layer of depth that I'm only just beginning to uncover. It’s a game that respects your intelligence and encourages you to piece things together yourself, and that’s a rare and precious quality these days.

Now, let’s talk about the combat in Dark Souls 3. If there’s one thing that defines this game, it’s the deliberate, punishing, and oh-so-satisfying combat system. My initial encounters were, to put it mildly, rough. I died. A lot. More times than I care to admit, honestly. The stamina bar is your best friend and your worst enemy. Over-commit to an attack, dodge too many times, or try to block a heavy hit, and suddenly you’re a sitting duck, vulnerable to a swift and brutal counter. This constant need for resource management is what elevates the combat from a simple hack-and-slash to a strategic dance. You have to be mindful of every swing, every dodge, every block. It’s about patience, timing, and knowing when to press your advantage and, more importantly, when to retreat. The variety of weapons and their unique movesets also adds a significant layer of depth. Are you going to go for a quick, nimble curved sword, or a slow, heavy-hitting greatsword? Each choice changes how you approach combat, how you manage your stamina, and what openings you can exploit. I’ve spent ages just experimenting with different weapons, trying to find a playstyle that clicks with me. The parry system, while incredibly risky, offers the ultimate reward of a devastating riposte, but the timing window is so tight that pulling it off feels like a true test of skill. Even blocking has its nuances; different shields have different stability ratings, meaning you can’t just turtle your way through every encounter. The developers have really thought about every single aspect of the combat, ensuring that there’s always a risk-reward calculation to be made. It's this meticulous design that makes each successful encounter feel earned. You aren’t just overcoming an enemy; you’re overcoming your own mistakes, your own impatience, and your own lack of understanding. It’s a steep learning curve, no doubt, but the payoff for mastering these mechanics is incredibly addictive. It's this constant push and pull, this meticulous attention to detail in every sword swing and every shield bash, that makes Dark Souls 3 so uniquely engaging. It's not just about winning; it's about how you win, and the skill you demonstrate in doing so.

The Unforgiving Learning Curve: Embracing Failure in Dark Souls 3

Let’s be real, guys, Dark Souls 3 is not for the faint of heart. The learning curve is less of a gentle slope and more of a sheer cliff face. My initial hours were a constant cycle of entering a new area, getting overwhelmed by enemies I didn't understand, dying, respawning at the last bonfire, and trying again. It’s a brutal introduction, and for some, it might be enough to make them put the game down and never look back. But here’s the thing: that’s kind of the point. The game actively discourages a casual approach. It demands your attention, your patience, and your willingness to fail. And in failing, you learn. You learn enemy attack patterns, you learn the layout of the levels, you learn which attacks leave you vulnerable, and you learn the importance of every single Estus Flask you chug. This process of trial and error, while frustrating, is incredibly effective. It forces you to be methodical and observant. I found myself spending more time watching enemies than attacking them initially, just trying to identify their tells. The game doesn't give you a quest marker to tell you where to go, or a pop-up explaining every single mechanic. You have to discover these things for yourself. This sense of discovery, tied directly to overcoming challenges, is what makes Dark Souls 3 so unique. It’s like solving a complex puzzle where the pieces are deadly enemies and treacherous environments. When you finally overcome a boss that has been kicking your teeth in for an hour, it’s not just a victory; it’s a testament to your perseverance and your ability to adapt. You earn that win. It's this constant reinforcement of learning through failure that makes the game so incredibly addictive for many. It’s a cycle that, while punishing, also offers an immense sense of accomplishment. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but for those who are willing to embrace the struggle, the rewards are substantial. The feeling of finally conquering a seemingly insurmountable obstacle is unparalleled in gaming, and that’s largely down to the game’s commitment to making you work for every bit of progress. This unforgiving nature, while initially daunting, is ultimately what makes the journey through Lothric so memorable and rewarding.

The Souls System and Progression: A Delicate Balance

Alright, so let's dive into the Souls system and how progression works in Dark Souls 3, because it's a pretty unique mechanic that really defines the game. You gain souls from defeating enemies, and these souls aren't just a currency; they're your experience points. You take these souls to a bonfire, where you can level up your character, improving stats like Vigor (health), Endurance (stamina), Strength, Dexterity, and so on. This is your primary way of getting stronger and adapting to the challenges thrown at you. But here's the kicker, guys: when you die, you drop all the souls you were carrying on your current life. You then have a chance to return to the spot where you died to retrieve them. However, if you die again before you manage to retrieve your dropped souls, those souls are lost forever. This creates this incredibly tense mini-game every time you respawn. Do you risk venturing back into that dangerous area, potentially facing the same enemies that killed you, just to reclaim your hard-earned souls? Or do you cut your losses and press on, hoping to gather more souls along the way? It’s a constant gamble that adds another layer of strategic decision-making to the game. I’ve definitely had moments where I’ve carefully, painstakingly navigated back to my bloodstain, only to be taken out by the same enemy or a completely new threat, losing a significant chunk of souls in the process. It's soul-crushing, pun intended! This system forces you to think about your run. Are you carrying too many souls and should you head back to level up? Or are you confident enough to push forward? It also encourages different playstyles. Some players might prefer to “farm” souls in safer areas to level up incrementally, while others might take the high-risk, high-reward approach of pushing through dangerous zones with large soul caches. The way souls are used for everything – leveling up, upgrading weapons, and even buying items from merchants – makes them incredibly valuable and the risk of losing them, acutely felt. It’s this delicate balance between progression and the ever-present threat of loss that makes the Souls system in Dark Souls 3 so compelling and, frankly, a little bit stressful, but in the best way possible. It’s not just about getting stronger; it’s about managing risk and making smart decisions with your accumulated power.

My Early Impressions: A Punishing but Rewarding Journey

So, to wrap up my initial thoughts as a total newbie to Dark Souls 3, I have to say, it’s been a wild ride. It’s punishing, it’s demanding, and it’s often downright frustrating. I’ve died more times in the last few days than I probably have in the last year of gaming combined. However, amidst all the dying and the despair, there’s this undeniable sense of accomplishment that keeps me coming back. Every small victory, whether it’s finally defeating a tough enemy, discovering a hidden path, or even just figuring out how to effectively use a new weapon, feels incredibly significant. The game doesn't coddle you; it throws you into the deep end and expects you to learn to swim. And as much as I’ve grumbled and thrown my controller (not really, but almost!), I’ve found myself genuinely impressed by the intricate level design, the atmospheric world-building, and the deep, strategic combat. It’s a game that respects your intelligence and your perseverance. It doesn't spoon-feed you information; you have to seek it out, observe, and learn from your mistakes. This approach, while incredibly challenging, makes every breakthrough feel truly earned. I’m still very much at the beginning of my journey, and I know there are countless more challenges and bosses waiting for me. But despite the steep learning curve and the frequent deaths, I’m hooked. The satisfaction of overcoming obstacles that once seemed impossible is incredibly addictive. It’s a testament to the game’s design that it can evoke such strong emotions, from sheer frustration to elation, all within the span of a few minutes. I’m excited, and honestly a little terrified, to see what else Dark Souls 3 has in store for me. It’s definitely a game that requires patience and a willingness to embrace failure, but for those who can push through, the rewards are immense. It’s a truly unique gaming experience, and I’m eager to continue exploring this dark and mysterious world. It’s a game that’s making me rethink how I approach challenges in other media, and that’s a powerful thing indeed.