Tough Love, Dark Souls Style

I am honestly surprised that I even bought Dark Souls. Normally I would shy away from a game that is specifically known for being extremely difficult, but with all the bewildering good press that both it and its predecessor have gotten I kinda wanted to get in on the action. And you know what? I like it.

There is something about not being told anything specific about its mechanics, or how to proceed in this nearly open world that gives me a genuine sense of discovery. I mean, Ive gone into some games cold, usually old PC games and left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied that Im doing something wrong and cant seem to make any progress. Yet, even though Dark Souls has occasionally frustrating I know that if I can just make it to the next bonfire, or maybe grind out just a few more souls, or try that boss just one more time Im usually able to push through it and move on to something else totally new and alien. I have nothing against easy, breezy, games that seem nearly set on a linear path, but there is just an awesome feeling of achievement that I was able to figure out where to go or what to do with not much more than a few cryptic messages on the floor.

Of course its not all pleasant. The flip side of that coin is I have no idea what weapons I should upgrade, what spells are worthwhile, or what is the "normal" path I should be taking so as to not run into some giant dragon that is going to stomp me into the ground repeatedly while I mutter to myself "what am I doing wrong?" Sometimes all this freedom lets me run into some dead ends until I figure out there was another door to open or another stairway hidden in a room leading to a much easier route. Kinda makes me crazy wondering if this style of game is a refreshing change or maybe my time would be better spent finishing some other games where I know what the hell I am doing. But... maybe finishing Assassin's Creed Brotherhood can wait for another week. ;)