Ep 16. Dark Souls III

Zero Punctuation is a web series starring Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw, in which he reviews video games in a humorous, fast-paced, and brutally honest manner. In season 10 episode 16, Yahtzee tackles Dark Souls III, the latest entry in the notoriously challenging action role-playing game series.

First off, Yahtzee praises the game's visuals, calling it "the most visually stunning of the series". The Gothic, medieval-inspired setting of Lothric is beautifully detailed and filled with varied environments such as castles, swamps, and catacombs. The character designs are also impressive, with grotesque monsters and menacing knights that add to the game's atmosphere.

However, Yahtzee notes that the real challenge of Dark Souls III lies in its gameplay. The game is notorious for its punishing difficulty, with enemies that can easily overwhelm unprepared players. Yahtzee praises the game's combat, which he describes as "deliciously weighty and impactful". The game's weapons and spells have a real sense of weight and momentum, and landing a successful hit on an enemy feels satisfying.

However, the game's difficulty can also be a source of frustration. Yahtzee notes that the game is often unfair in the way it punishes players. For example, enemies can stagger players even when they are mid-swing, leaving them vulnerable to a follow-up attack. Additionally, some enemies have unpredictable attacks that can catch players off-guard, leading to quick deaths. Yahtzee admits that this level of challenge will be appealing to some players, but it may be a turn-off for others.

Another aspect of Dark Souls III that Yahtzee praises is its sense of exploration. The game's world is interconnected, allowing players to traverse between different areas in a non-linear fashion. The game also encourages players to explore every nook and cranny, as hidden areas often contain valuable items and shortcuts. However, Yahtzee notes that the game's lack of a map can make navigation difficult, especially in complex areas like castles and dungeons.

One of the biggest changes in Dark Souls III is the Focus Points system, which replaces the mana system from the previous games. Focus Points are used to cast spells and perform special attacks with weapons. Yahtzee praises the system, as it eliminates the need to carry multiple spellcasting items and simplifies the process of using magic. However, he notes that the game is still heavily biased towards melee combat, and players who focus on magic may struggle in some areas.

Overall, Yahtzee gives a mixed opinion of Dark Souls III. He praises the game's visuals, combat, and exploration, but notes that the game's punishing difficulty can be a turn-off for some players. He also admits that the game's lack of direction and guidance can be overwhelming, especially for new players to the series. However, he concludes that the game is a must-play for fans of the series and those who enjoy a challenge.