Dark Souls Preview
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The RPG formula is improved by adding some gameplay elements you didn't know were missing, as well as rewriting a few rulebooks. Demon's Souls showed players that dying would have serious repercussions and should be avoided, that multiplayer in an RPG can be a big improvement and that making a game tough as nails would increase the player's sense of accomplishment tenfold. Dark Souls introduces us to some fantastic new gameplay elements such as a new weapon system, where every weapon you wield will be significantly different from another, even within the same class. You'll think twice about trading in your pike for a +1 pike as it might be lighter and easier to swing. This kind of thinking increases a player's bond with his/her weapon and encourage them to use it better rather than get rid of it each time one with better stats turns up. The only way I can think to improve this is the ability to name your weapon, I'd love to finish the game with a wooden sword called (Gary the wonder sabre).
Also featuring is From Software's unique approach to multiplayer. In Demon's Souls players could leave messages to one another within the game world warning of traps etc. Players also had the ability to join one another's game to lend a hand or invade another player's game to slaughter them mercilessly. Miyazaki promises a more in-depth cooperative experience and the inclusion of more competitive modes. On a related note, players can find campfires dotted around the game world, acting as safe zones for players to spawn and gather to share their experiences. Details are thin but I'm expecting players will be able to recommend strategies to one another about the upcoming dungeon. These pseudo-online features will no doubt help players gain access to help should they need it, but won't be thrust upon them should they want to go into danger solo.
