Dark Souls III Release Date and Collector's Editions Announced, New Gameplay Footage

The folks at Bandai Namco have announced a specific release date for Dark Souls III for the Americas and Europe today, together with details about the game's various editions. The title will come out on April 12, 2016 and depending on the region where you live, it will either come in three or four editions.

In the Americas Dark Souls III will come out in its standard edition, a Day One Edition that includes the game's OST and the official strategy guide, and a Collector's Edition that includes the Day One Edition content plus an art book, a cloth game map and a 10'' Red Knight statue.

Meanwhile, European players will be able to buy Dark Souls III in its standard edition, which will be automatically upgraded to the Apocalypse Edition that includes the game's OST for pre-orders, a Collector's Edition, which also includes a cloth game map, a Red Knight statue, an art book and three iron-on patches, or a Prestige Edition that also includes an even bigger figurine of the Lord of Cinder.

And even if you don't happen to be interested in the game's array of special edition and goodies, there's still a chance you might want to check out the new gameplay footage From Software has released on its official YouTube channel in anticipation of this week's PlayStation Experience. It showcases a new area and a new boss:


To celebrate the announcement of a release date Bandai Namco has also produced a new trailer that mostly comprises old footage:


Finally, here's the full press release:

BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC. ANNOUNCES DARK SOULSTM III RELEASE DATE, COLLECTOR'S EDITION AND DAY ONE EDITION FOR THE AMERICAS

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today released new video assets as well as announced a Collector's Edition, Day One Edition, and the release date for DARK SOULSâ„¢ III, their highly anticipated action role-playing game from famed Japanese developer FROMSOFTWARE. DARK SOULS III will be available throughout North America and South America on April 12, 2016 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One®, and PC via STEAM®. DARK SOULS III provides players with an all-new world filled with heinous enemies, hidden secrets, and captivating environments as they search to destroy the awakened Lords of Cinder and discover what has happened to this apocalyptic land.

The DARK SOULS III Day One Edition is priced at $59.99. Fans are encouraged to pre-order DARK SOULS III to make sure they secure their free Day One Edition upgrade, which includes the following items:

· DARK SOULS III software
· Prima Starter Guide
· Official DARK SOULS III Soundtrack
· Exclusive O-Sleeve packaging

The DARK SOULS III Collector's Edition is priced at $129.99 and will feature the following items:

· DARK SOULS III software
· Prima Starter Guide
· Official DARK SOULS III Soundtrack
· Official art book
· Cloth game map
· 10) Red Knight Statue
· Collector's box

The DARK SOULS III Day One Edition and Collector's Edition are exclusive to the PlayStation 4 system and XBOX ONE versions of the game and will be available at participating retailers while supplies last.