[PS3] Demon's Souls

[bstiff]

You missed the Cling Ring of all things early on. I think that's what you're getting heat for at this point!

Cling ring is kind of easy to miss as its off in the side tower and the path kind of points you past the blue knight. Not as bad as missing the cling ring, but I managed to loose the thief ring and purple flame shield in my first playthrough due to being overloaded, dropping them and then being killed by the blue dragon, then logging out.

[Spigot]

I GOT THE CLING RING!

I did, I really did!

[Xydarc]

Yeah, that's what it says in the guide and online, and I know I saved him in 1-1 (though I don't recall seeing him since other than once in the Nexus). What did Spig do?

Yeah, what did I do? That said, I don't have the ring either :(

You missed the Cling Ring of all things early on. I think that's what you're getting heat for at this point!

I think it's on a platform in his area in 1-1 that you have to jump onto from the stairs leading down if I remember right.
When you jump down and talk to Ostrava the first time, the Thief Ring is right there next to him.

I think it was Hawkzombie that said he was playing through the game w/o the Cling Ring, then Spigot teased him for it. Then Spigot mentioned he hadn't found the Thief Ring in 1-1, and I gave Spigot a lil of his own medicine.:p

Dammit, there isn't enough WT in 1-1 for Miralda to appear in body form. So I'm working through Stonefang, in NG+. I hope there's some blue phantoms waiting for Flamelurker.

[danhoo]

For the record, it was Camel that missed the Cling Ring, and Spig merely noted he was impressed by Camel's hardcore ability to play through > 50% of the game without it.

Yes, I just bothered to scroll through most of the thread to confirm this. I really should have used that time to play more Demon's Souls (cutting through Latria with anti-magic, currently)

[Spigot]

Yeah. I was being complimentary and then everyone was mean to me.

*sniff*

[Tayaya]

For the record, it was Camel that missed the Cling Ring, and Spig merely noted he was impressed by Camel's hardcore ability to play through > 50% of the game without it.

Yes, I just bothered to scroll through most of the thread to confirm this. I really should have used that time to play more Demon's Souls (cutting through Latria with anti-magic, currently)

That's what I get for not scrolling back in the thread!

We love you Spiggy! :D

[Xydarc]

I'm kind of at a loss as to what to do next. I am at Soul Level 30, and it would appear that Flamelurker is the next boss I need to beat, although he is kicking the crap out of me whenever I fight him. I tried the prison tower but wasn't particularly feeling confident in my ability to clear it, and 4-1 seems very uneven in its difficulty. I can handle some of the enemies with ease, but others beat me down in seconds.

Does it matter what order you go through the levels in? Is level 4 harder than level 3, which is harder than level 2? I asked this earlier but missed the response if anyone answered.

EDIT: I really think my problem is that I'm trying to do and see too much at once. I need to go chip away at Flamelurker until I beat him instead of checking out all the other levels.

SUPER DOUBLE EDIT: Another source of my frustration is that I missed getting the Cling Ring. I don't think I can just go back and find it, can I? As a result, I always end up helping someone kill the Armor Spider to get my health back before I can press on in new levels, and that gets old after a while.

I don't see why you couldn't go back and get it, set items like that have never disappeared on me before. Since you've beaten Phalanx all you need to do it go to his stone, turn around and run back toward the 1-1 area. when you get to the dreglings take a right and the ring should be next to the grate you opened at the top of those stairs. Alternatively, start at the 1-1 stone and it's on your left right before you go to Phalanx's room.

EDIT: Also, you've been playing at 50% health most of the time? You're officially hardcore.

Hats off to Camel for not finding the Cling Ring. I'm impressed!

I love the backhanded-ness of this. Anyway, I'm off to play some more.

PFFFFF! It's not like you ever HAVE to go to the bottom of those stairs to pull the lever that opens the gate to the ring.

I meant impressed in that I just couldn't fathom not having the Cling Ring. It really helps offset a lot of the penalties that you incur by dying. That you don't have it and made it as far as you have is impressive (seriously!)

Yeah. I was being complimentary and then everyone was mean to me.

*sniff*
The whole story with Spigot's apology. I am a fair man.:p

[Spigot]

See, it's all Katslover's fault.

Burn the witch!

[Banacek]

Patches is really lucky that I need Heavy Arrows, or else he'd be put down like the serial killer that he is.

[Gorvi]

I did go back and get my Thief Ring, no idea how the hell I missed that the first time around. Old Hero is a great way to get my body back, I can solo that guy like nobody's business. The only problem is getting the person I'm helping to hang back, the guy I helped last night actually sent me a PSN message to say thank you. :p

[Spigot]

This was an interesting little tid-bit from EEDAR

The Greatest Game Nobody Ever Heard

The research world loves absolutes as it helps remove the many variables that one must take into consideration when creating theories (or for a game researcher forecasting game sales). It is for the same reasons that scientists prefer to conduct their research inside vacuums. Demon’s Souls is probably one of the most statistically relevant games released in the gaming world as it helps answers an often asked question: how much would a high quality game sell if it was supported by no mass marketing, released by a little known publisher (no offense to Atlus), and was a new intellectual property. The answer is, about 30% less than the average in the Action/RPG genres. The average, of course, consists of games with marketing campaigns and games attached to established brands. Nonetheless, Demon’ s Souls is expected to sell well above 100,000 units in October, and can very well surpass 250,000 units by the end of the year, in North America, on the PlayStation 3, which is a tremendous accomplishment.

[Gorvi]

I really hope it sells that well, as a sequel would be great. I know, I haven't finished this one yet, but damn, if they can expand on the game, which is already great, that would be fantastic. Little did I know when I started this thread 14 months ago. :p

[Xydarc]

I really hope it sells that well, as a sequel would be great. I know, I haven't finished this one yet, but damn, if they can expand on the game, which is already great, that would be fantastic. Little did I know when I started this thread 14 months ago. :p
It's been a long, strange, awesome trip.:)

[Hawkzombie]

That's pretty awesome news. If anything this helps prove that certain games CAN do well in the Western Market.

[Xydarc]

Wow, DS has really become Invasion Central. I'm soul level 112, and I can't enter any area without being invaded 2-3 times.

[Goronmon]

I have this as the only title in my Gamefly queue currently, so we'll see how long before it ships out. With MW2 out yesterday, Assassin's Creed 2 out next week and Dragon Age, I wouldn't mind if it wasn't available for a bit.

[Gorvi]

Wow, DS has really become Invasion Central. I'm soul level 112, and I can't enter any area without being invaded 2-3 times.
I got invaded once this morning, but I was just about to enter the fight with the Maneater, so he got kicked out. I'd love to actually fight an invader when I'm ready for them, both times I've been invaded before that I was at the very beginning of the area and fighting an enemy already, they just came up and killed me before I could do anything.

[Banacek]

I got invaded once this morning, but I was just about to enter the fight with the Maneater, so he got kicked out. I'd love to actually fight an invader when I'm ready for them, both times I've been invaded before that I was at the very beginning of the area and fighting an enemy already, they just came up and killed me before I could do anything.

I've only been invaded once, just because I usually play in soul form most of the time. It's kind of annoying that you are stuck fighting with no chance to exit or escape if you wanted to. Anyway, I got the guy to fall off a cliff, but I didn't get anything for it. The funny thing was that I ran to avoid fighting the guy, but when I realized we had to fight I was killing him. Oh well.

[Gorvi]

I've only been invaded once, just because I usually play in soul form most of the time. It's kind of annoying that you are stuck fighting with no chance to exit or escape if you wanted to. Anyway, I got the guy to fall off a cliff, but I didn't get anything for it. The funny thing was that I ran to avoid fighting the guy, but when I realized we had to fight I was killing him. Oh well.
That's mainly why I haven't been invaded really, but I've kinda decided that I'm going to stop doing that. It's so easy for me to just solo the Old Hero for someone that I'll just do that whenever I lose my body. :p

I still haven't invaded anyone myself yet, I should try that.

[Tayaya]

I've only been invaded once, just because I usually play in soul form most of the time. It's kind of annoying that you are stuck fighting with no chance to exit or escape if you wanted to. Anyway, I got the guy to fall off a cliff, but I didn't get anything for it. The funny thing was that I ran to avoid fighting the guy, but when I realized we had to fight I was killing him. Oh well.

You got the satisfaction of knowing he not only didn't kill you, but lost a soul level as well since he died by the environment. That'll teach 'im.

[Banacek]

You got the satisfaction of knowing he not only didn't kill you, but lost a soul level as well since he died by the environment. That'll teach 'im.

Haha, well, that does make me feel better :)

[Banacek]

Can you fight the Old Hero more than once?

[Gorvi]

Can you fight the Old Hero more than once?
If you're helping someone out, sure. I killed him the first time Monday night, then lost to the Maneater about 15 minutes later. So, since he was so easy, I just went back to the Old Hero's stone, dropped my sign, and soloed him for the guy I helped while he ran around like a chicken with it's head cut off getting himself hit. :p

[Banacek]

Oh, he's that easy? 4-2 here I come.

[Gorvi]

Oh, he's that easy? 4-2 here I come.
As long as you fight him right. Equip a Thief's Ring and take him out at range, preferably with arrows since you can stay a good distance away. He's pretty much blind, so as long as he can't hear you moving around you're good. You'll have to dodge attacks a couple of times, but nothing too hard.

4-2 is a pain in the ass, though, at least in some spots. You have those ghosts that the reapers spawn, and they'll hide in some annoying spots. Also, some of them have a really nasty eye laser type attack that can do quite a bit of damage if you're not careful. It's a rather short level, really, it can just be tricky to get through.

[Banacek]

As long as you fight him right. Equip a Thief's Ring and take him out at range, preferably with arrows since you can stay a good distance away. He's pretty much blind, so as long as he can't hear you moving around you're good. You'll have to dodge attacks a couple of times, but nothing too hard.

4-2 is a pain in the ass, though, at least in some spots. You have those ghosts that the reapers spawn, and they'll hide in some annoying spots. Also, some of them have a really nasty eye laser type attack that can do quite a bit of damage if you're not careful. It's a rather short level, really, it can just be tricky to get through.

Can't you just snipe the reapers? That's what I did for the first one at least. Made farming souls a breeze. I haven't gone past that door at the bottom of the chamber yet.

[Gorvi]

Can't you just snipe the reapers? That's what I did for the first one at least. Made farming souls a breeze. I haven't gone past that door at the bottom of the chamber yet.
That's what I was doing too, and when I first entered the next cave, that's what I was going to do, but he's positioned in such a way that you can't actually aim at him or target lock from where you are unless you're sitting right where one of the ghost things spawn. You can get lucky and use Firebombs like grenades to take that first one out, but you'd have to get really lucky for aiming. I hit him once and then ended up falling to my death.

What I ended up doing, and this was not something I was comfortable with since I've been playing a mostly ranged charcter the whole time, is just charging the ghosts, killing them with my sword, and making my way down to the reaper, who I then shot with arrows as I didn't want to risk getting too close and getting hit with his one hit death move. I think there are two more reapers you need to kill like that, and a room with slugs and these slow moving lights that will shoot at you, and that's it.

[Banacek]

That's what I was doing too, and when I first entered the next cave, that's what I was going to do, but he's positioned in such a way that you can't actually aim at him or target lock from where you are unless you're sitting right where one of the ghost things spawn. You can get lucky and use Firebombs like grenades to take that first one out, but you'd have to get really lucky for aiming. I hit him once and then ended up falling to my death.

What I ended up doing, and this was not something I was comfortable with since I've been playing a mostly ranged charcter the whole time, is just charging the ghosts, killing them with my sword, and making my way down to the reaper, who I then shot with arrows as I didn't want to risk getting too close and getting hit with his one hit death move. I think there are two more reapers you need to kill like that, and a room with slugs and these slow moving lights that will shoot at you, and that's it.

Ah ok. Damn, I was hoping that all the reapers were as easy as first one. I don't mind going toe-to-toe with the ghosts, since I'm playing a melee character. I should say that I'm playing a melee character most of the time, since playing one 100% is almost impossible in this game :)

[danhoo]

Ah ok. Damn, I was hoping that all the reapers were as easy as first one. I don't mind going toe-to-toe with the ghosts, since I'm playing a melee character. I should say that I'm playing a melee character most of the time, since playing one 100% is almost impossible in this game :)

You can snipe the second reaper, but it's tricky because you need to do it before another one of those laser dudes spawns. If you have a good bow and some heavy arrows, it's not too bad.

The third reaper (spoiler: there is a third reaper) is sorta impossible to snipe because he's basically hiding around a corner. The first time I ran into him I freaked out and blasted him with Rage of God (which, interestingly, didn't kill him outright, proving that Death is stronger than God, apparently).

EDIT: Also, Banacek, near the second Reaper -- be wary of sneak attacks!

[Banacek]

You can snipe the second reaper, but it's tricky because you need to do it before another one of those laser dudes spawns. If you have a good bow and some heavy arrows, it's not too bad.

The third reaper (spoiler: there is a third reaper) is sorta impossible to snipe because he's basically hiding around a corner. The first time I ran into him I freaked out and blasted him with Rage of God (which, interestingly, didn't kill him outright, proving that Death is stronger than God, apparently).

Well, the reaper goes down in two shots for me, so that's all I need. That third one, hmm... this is Demon's Souls, should have know it wouldn't be easy.

EDIT: Thanks for the warning!

[danhoo]

For those who've already finished 4-1, here's an amusing video of someone doing the level "naked" and without any weapon:

http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/155/155238/

Apparently you can parry and back-stab with your fists? Crazy.

[Xydarc]

Ah ok. Damn, I was hoping that all the reapers were as easy as first one. I don't mind going toe-to-toe with the ghosts, since I'm playing a melee character. I should say that I'm playing a melee character most of the time, since playing one 100% is almost impossible in this game :)
I think that's as intended.

[Xydarc]

Argh! After killing False Demon last night, Boletaria Palace still isn't pure white.:mad: I just wanna kill Miralda for her armor, is that too much to ask?

Also, if you're going to invade my game as a black phantom...LET ME KILL THE GODDAMN BLUE DRAGON FIRST.

[Gorvi]

Speaking of invaders, I had a freaking hell of a time with the Old Monk fight last night. I don't know what the hell was wrong, but I kept getting these phantoms to fight who must have been far over my level, as I was getting one shotted and couldn't do crap damage to them no matter what I did. The only way I was able to win was that I finally got lucky and just fought an AI controlled monk, who wasn't bad at all. But damn, I literally must have lost 10 times straight, and every time the phantom was so much stronger it was stupid.

It's not like I'm underleveled or anything, I'm 76.

[Tayaya]

Speaking of invaders, I had a freaking hell of a time with the Old Monk fight last night. I don't know what the hell was wrong, but I kept getting these phantoms to fight who must have been far over my level, as I was getting one shotted and couldn't do crap damage to them no matter what I did. The only way I was able to win was that I finally got lucky and just fought an AI controlled monk, who wasn't bad at all. But damn, I literally must have lost 10 times straight, and every time the phantom was so much stronger it was stupid.

It's not like I'm underleveled or anything, I'm 76.

I had trouble with Old Monk too - kept getting stuck in the room with really strong, really good players that made mincemeat of me. Eventually got matched up with a guy that just couldn't damage me at all, try as he might. He eventually (after about 15 minutes of us chasing each around) just stood there and took it so I could kill him. I could damage him but he was quick to heal and the times I could hit him were few and far between - he was clearly the better player, I just happened to have a good mix of equipment that he couldn't touch for some reason.

[Xydarc]

Speaking of invaders, I had a freaking hell of a time with the Old Monk fight last night. I don't know what the hell was wrong, but I kept getting these phantoms to fight who must have been far over my level, as I was getting one shotted and couldn't do crap damage to them no matter what I did. The only way I was able to win was that I finally got lucky and just fought an AI controlled monk, who wasn't bad at all. But damn, I literally must have lost 10 times straight, and every time the phantom was so much stronger it was stupid.

It's not like I'm underleveled or anything, I'm 76.
I'm really not looking forward to this fight in NG+.

[Abyssion]

I'm really not looking forward to this fight in NG+.

You can always play it in offline mode, can't you?

[Xydarc]

You can always play it in offline mode, can't you?
True. But then I won't be able to recruit a blue phantom, and I enjoy beating the bosses with other players.

[Abyssion]

True. But then I won't be able to recruit a blue phantom, and I enjoy beating the bosses with other players.

That's something I need to try one day... but I kinda stopped playing after I beat it. Though I would like to come back to it one day.

[Xydarc]

Whelp, in my NG+ I've beat all of Boletaria Palace, Stonefang Tunnel, and the Shrine of Storms. Now it's my two least favorite worlds, the Tower and Valley. Ugh.

I think I'm also screwed out of getting PWWT in the Palace. I was hoping that beating Allant with 2 blues would be enough to hit PWWT and get Miralda to pop, but so far, no joy.:(

I did find a youtube video of how to get PBWT in Stonefang very quickly and get the primeval demon to appear to farm him for colorless souls. It worked, but I accidentall killed him. Oh, and I poisoned the Dirty Man so I can no longer buy stones from him.:o At least I haven't killed Ed yet. I think I may use that trick again to kill black phantom Scirvir for his Talisman of Beasts.

[Xydarc]

That's something I need to try one day... but I kinda stopped playing after I beat it. Though I would like to come back to it one day.
I can't stop playing, I'm hooked. I really really wish I wouldn't have hit NG+ so soon though.

[Abyssion]

I can't stop playing, I'm hooked. I really really wish I wouldn't have hit NG+ so soon though.

What level were you when you beat the game? I wanna say I was around 75 or so.

One thing I'm glad about is that I did all the WT stuff in my first play, so I never have to deal with that crap again! (I did most of it, I messed up in World 5 after getting it to pure white so that's gonna have to wait till I eventually get there.)

[Gorvi]

So here's a question for anyone who's finished the game: can I get doubles of the unique demon's souls on my second playthrough? Say I still have the soul from the Maneater, do I keep that on my NG+ and just get another when I kill him again? I just want to know if I should "spend" all of them on spells and whatever else they can be used for before I beat the game.

[Evil Avnovice]

So here's a question for anyone who's finished the game: can I get doubles of the unique demon's souls on my second playthrough? Say I still have the soul from the Maneater, do I keep that on my NG+ and just get another when I kill him again? I just want to know if I should "spend" all of them on spells and whatever else they can be used for before I beat the game.

Yes, you'll still retain all of your items from your initial playthrough, demon's souls included, when you start New Game+.

[Evil Avnovice]

Time to get those strategy guides replaced. (Atlus U.S.A. forums (http://www.atlus.com/forum/showthread.php?p=151529#post151529))

IRVINE CA -- NOVEMBER 12, 2009 -- Due to reports from owners of the Deluxe Edition of Demon's Souls™ for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system that some copies of the Official Strategy Guide were experiencing unusual cover ink wear/fading, Atlus U.S.A. Inc. today launched the Demon's Souls Official Strategy Guide Replacement Program, allowing eligible customers to receive a brand new strategy guide if theirs is defective. Customers who wish to replace their strategy guide are asked to follow the easy, step-by-step instructions available on the Demon's Souls website (http://www.demons-souls.com/stratguide).

"While it seems that not every copy of the guide is affected, and the cause of the cover ink fading remains unclear, we suspect a few Atlus staff of taking in too much of that new-game smell and over-inhaling the guides," said Crystal Murray, Public Relations Specialist at Atlus. "We appreciate the tremendous support Demon's Souls has received and we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused," she added.

The Demon's Souls Official Strategy Guide Replacement Program will end on December 31, 2009 so customers are encouraged to submit their replacement claim as soon as possible, allowing 8-12 weeks for shipping.

Please visit www.demons-souls.com/stratguide for official instructions and complete details.

[Goronmon]

Looks like Gamefly shipped out Demon's Souls. Which means I should get it right around the time I'm playing through Assassin's Creed 2.

[Spigot]

I need to go and rub my strategy guide to see if this is an issue.

[danhoo]

Anyone want to mail me their cover-less strategy guide?

I kid, I kid. The wiki is quite sufficient. Although I wish someone made maps as good as the Japanese maps, but not in Japanese :)

[bstiff]

Anyone want to mail me their cover-less strategy guide?

I kid, I kid. The wiki is quite sufficient. Although I wish someone made maps as good as the Japanese maps, but not in Japanese :)

My first play through I used those and ran the captions through one of the web translators. Some of it came out odd but good enough to get the general idea. They were especially useful after running around in circles in the dark in 5-2.

[danhoo]

My first play through I used those and ran the captions through one of the web translators. Some of it came out odd but good enough to get the general idea. They were especially useful after running around in circles in the dark in 5-2.

Oh, never thought of doing that. Thanks for the suggestion, particularly since I now happen to be doing exactly what you were doing -- running around in the dark in 5-2.

[Banacek]

The stupid cliffs are giving me such a hard time in 4-2. It doesn't help that:

1) I can't lock on to the rays, and
2) my video keeps going out

I think I finally got my first bad Monoprice cable. I switched back to HDMI and it seems to be fine now.

[Gorvi]

The stupid cliffs are giving me such a hard time in 4-2. It doesn't help that:

1) I can't lock on to the rays, and
2) my video keeps going out

I think I finally got my first bad Monoprice cable. I switched back to HDMI and it seems to be fine now.
Wear the Thief's Ring and they'll never attack you. I avoided 4-2 like crazy until someone told me that.

EDIT: Also, I beat the game a few hours ago. Great stuff. :)

[Xydarc]

What level were you when you beat the game? I wanna say I was around 75 or so.

One thing I'm glad about is that I did all the WT stuff in my first play, so I never have to deal with that crap again! (I did most of it, I messed up in World 5 after getting it to pure white so that's gonna have to wait till I eventually get there.)
83...I think? I wish I would have done the same, and waited for the BT stuff over Halloween weekend. Here's hoping Atlus does a PWWT event over Christmas.:)

[Xydarc]

Wear the Thief's Ring and they'll never attack you. I avoided 4-2 like crazy until someone told me that.

EDIT: Also, I beat the game a few hours ago. Great stuff. :)
Congratulations, Gorvi! Enjoy NG+.;)

[Banacek]

Wear the Thief's Ring and they'll never attack you. I avoided 4-2 like crazy until someone told me that.

EDIT: Also, I beat the game a few hours ago. Great stuff. :)

Duh, I knew that too. Thanks for the tip!

[bstiff]

Oh, never thought of doing that. Thanks for the suggestion, particularly since I now happen to be doing exactly what you were doing -- running around in the dark in 5-2.

looking back, the numbered entries on the english wiki correspond to the numbers on the japanese maps I think. That may make it easier

[Banacek]

Viscous Compound Long Bow vs Lava Bow: which one is better? While I love the Lava Bow, I just picked up a Compound Long Bow that I could upgrade...

[Xydarc]

Viscous Compound Long Bow vs Lava Bow: which one is better? While I love the Lava Bow, I just picked up a Compound Long Bow that I could upgrade...
The higher your magic stat, the more damage Lava Bow does. In the long run, Lava bow is better IMO, as there are few enemies outside of Stonefang that are resistant to fire.

[Xydarc]

Case in point, I was farming colorless demon souls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vVt7Q10eEA) and got enough to raise one of my White Bows to +5. At 16 Magic and 32 Dex, the White Bow was still around 100 less Attack than the Lava Bow.

[Banacek]

Case in point, I was farming colorless demon souls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vVt7Q10eEA) and got enough to raise one of my White Bows to +5. At 16 Magic and 32 Dex, the White Bow was still around 100 less Attack than the Lava Bow.

Ok, sounds good. Thanks!

[Xydarc]

There are a few good videos on farming souls and changing tendency. There's a lot of crap to wade through as well.

[danhoo]

Ok, no one warned me...

***SPOILER***

5-3 with Astrea/Garl was so sad and morally ambiguous. I guess you sorta see this coming if you talk to Urbain a lot, but still, took me by surprise.

***/SPOILER***

[Banacek]

There are a few good videos on farming souls and changing tendency. There's a lot of crap to wade through as well.

I played a bunch last night. While I didn't beat 4-2 yet, I've gotten to the point where I can run through it almost untouched. I also went up about 12 soul levels as well as upgraded a bunch of equipment thanks to the merchant on 2-2. For the record, the last thing this game needed was an invisible backstabbing enemy. I'll probably beat 4-2 tonightif I get a chance to play.

[Gorvi]

I played a bunch last night. While I didn't beat 4-2 yet, I've gotten to the point where I can run through it almost untouched. I also went up about 12 soul levels as well as upgraded a bunch of equipment thanks to the merchant on 2-2. For the record, the last thing this game needed was an invisible backstabbing enemy. I'll probably beat 4-2 tonightif I get a chance to play.
Just remember for the 4-2 boss, keep that Thief's Ring equipped and he's incredibly easy to kill with ranged attacks.

[Banacek]

Just remember for the 4-2 boss, keep that Thief's Ring equipped and he's incredibly easy to kill with ranged attacks.

Awesome, thanks for the tip.

[Xydarc]

Ok, no one warned me...

***SPOILER***

5-3 with Astrea/Garl was so sad and morally ambiguous. I guess you sorta see this coming if you talk to Urbain a lot, but still, took me by surprise.

***/SPOILER***
Story-wise, that was my favorite boss. I love this game.

[Banacek]

So the Old Hero is no more. Now I have to figure out where to go next.

[Gorvi]

So the Old Hero is no more. Now I have to figure out where to go next.
You can just go straight for the Storm King, the fight is really just on the other side of the mist past the Old Hero. If you've got a good bow there's a broken down building you can hide in where you can take him out safely.

[Xydarc]

You can just go straight for the Storm King, the fight is really just on the other side of the mist past the Old Hero. If you've got a good bow there's a broken down building you can hide in where you can take him out safely.
The Lava Bow is great for your first time taking down Storm King. Just make sure you have plenty of Heavy Arrows.

If you want, you can try to dash-and-dodge the baby mantas and snag the Storm Ruler sword. It has a special attack that only works in this area, and it's good for taking down Storm King as well.

[Cyndair]

I hate you all for making this game sound so damn cool. When you discuss it using level names like 4-2, weapon names like the lava bow, and boss names like Storm King it sounds like you are talking about an NES game. You are calling to my inner child that loved old school, difficult video games and would mercilessly replay things over and over again until he got them right. He is screaming at me to buy this game....

I just bought a couple games though... I need to beat them first. I need to keep the wife happy and stop spending money.

Would she really mind though? Really?

[Banacek]

You can just go straight for the Storm King, the fight is really just on the other side of the mist past the Old Hero. If you've got a good bow there's a broken down building you can hide in where you can take him out safely.

The Lava Bow is great for your first time taking down Storm King. Just make sure you have plenty of Heavy Arrows.

If you want, you can try to dash-and-dodge the baby mantas and snag the Storm Ruler sword. It has a special attack that only works in this area, and it's good for taking down Storm King as well.

Nice, I'm going to try that tonight, then I'm going to go after the Dragon God.

I hate you all for making this game sound so damn cool. When you discuss it using level names like 4-2, weapon names like the lava bow, and boss names like Storm King it sounds like you are talking about an NES game. You are calling to my inner child that loved old school, difficult video games and would mercilessly replay things over and over again until he got them right. He is screaming at me to buy this game....

I just bought a couple games though... I need to beat them first. I need to keep the wife happy and stop spending money.

Would she really mind though? Really?

The one thing I will say is that if you do want this game, make sure to buy it sooner rather then later. They already ran out of the first printing, and hopefully they will have enough on the second batch.

[Xydarc]

Dragon God Walkthrough (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnLLDEOEqZo)

[Mortis]

Would she really mind though? Really?

No, no she would not. :D

[Xydarc]

I took down Leechmonger in NG+ last night. As easy as the first time from that great sniper's point. I have to be careful now, I have PWWT in the Valley and I want to do Selen's quest. So, no losing body form. I think I may suicide in the Nexus and do 5-2 in soul form.

[Evil Avnovice]

I took a little rest from Valkyria Chronicles last night, so I decided to load my New Game+ file and try out shifting World Tendency. I started at Boletaria Palace and shifted it to pure black, unlocking the execution grounds. Died a few times from the red phantoms that appeared, and I managed to single out Executioner Miralda and defeat her by luring her to the archstone at the beginning of the level.

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx230/Avnovice/Miscellaneous/2009-11-17201401.jpg

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx230/Avnovice/Miscellaneous/2009-11-17201548.jpg

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx230/Avnovice/Miscellaneous/2009-11-17213825.jpg

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx230/Avnovice/Miscellaneous/2009-11-17213957.jpg

[Xydarc]

Nice. I took her down during the Halloween event. Unfortunately, I died in body form too many times in Boletaria to get it to PWWT so I can get her binded armor set.

[Banacek]

Dragon God and Storm King both went down on my first attempt. Now, do I go to world 5, which I haven't stepped foot in, or try Maneater again? Decisions, decisions...

[Banacek]

Maneater DONE! What a difference 20+ soul levels makes :)

[Xydarc]

Maneater DONE! What a difference 20+ soul levels makes :)
Grats! Did you solo or summon help?

IMO, Maneater is the toughest boss in the game and the only one with cheap deaths. I must've had the 2nd one down to 50% health 2 or 3 times and then get knocked off that damn bridge.:mad:

[danhoo]

Grats! Did you solo or summon help?

IMO, Maneater is the toughest boss in the game and the only one with cheap deaths. I must've had the 2nd one down to 50% health 2 or 3 times and then get knocked off that damn bridge.:mad:

What Xydarc said. He's not really so tough per se, but combine that with "the twist" and more importantly, the dangerous environment, and he's a PITA. I died 5 or 6 times because he used that rush-tackle move and knocked me off the ledge (even near the fire brazier -- the tackle move has a large hit box or I just suck, I guess). I had to summon in a friend to finish him off.

[Banacek]

Grats! Did you solo or summon help?

IMO, Maneater is the toughest boss in the game and the only one with cheap deaths. I must've had the 2nd one down to 50% health 2 or 3 times and then get knocked off that damn bridge.:mad:

Solo. Went in with the Warding spell and the Meat Cleaver and just went toe-to-toe with the first one. He went down real quick. The second one I played it safe and danced around the fire, only taking shots when it was relatively safe to do so.

After that I decided to take the game offline to get a Pure Black World Tendency for world 1. Took on Executioner Miralda and got the Guillotine Axe. Also took on Old Monk since I really didn't want to take my chances with someone online. I want to get Pure White for world 3, but since I killed all the bosses I'm not sure how to do it.

[Abyssion]

After that I decided to take the game offline to get a Pure Black World Tendency for world 1. Took on Executioner Miralda and got the Guillotine Axe. Also took on Old Monk since I really didn't want to take my chances with someone online. I want to get Pure White for world 3, but since I killed all the bosses I'm not sure how to do it.

If you get the world to pure black again (simply commit suicide in human form a few times, depending on what the tendency is at now anyway). Then just kill the primeval demon for pure white.

Of course it takes some stones of ephemeral eyes to do this.

[Banacek]

If you get the world to pure black again (simply commit suicide in human form a few times, depending on what the tendency is at now anyway). Then just kill the primeval demon for pure white.

Of course it takes some stones of ephemeral eyes to do this.

Awesome, I didn't realize that's all it took. I still have like 15 stones of ephemeral eyes. Does going back to the Nexus reset everything once you reach pure black or pure white?

[Xydarc]

Awesome, I didn't realize that's all it took. I still have like 15 stones of ephemeral eyes. Does going back to the Nexus reset everything once you reach pure black or pure white?
No, it just updates the Tendency. If you want pure black, you have to be in body form in that world, suicide, use an ephemeral stone, suicide, stone, repeat about 5-6 times. Then jump to the Nexus, and that world should be pure black.

However, I don't think killing the primeval demon will get you pure white, I think you'll just take the world back to neutral.

[Banacek]

No, it just updates the Tendency. If you want pure black, you have to be in body form in that world, suicide, use an ephemeral stone, suicide, stone, repeat about 5-6 times. Then jump to the Nexus, and that world should be pure black.

However, I don't think killing the primeval demon will get you pure white, I think you'll just take the world back to neutral.

Oh ok. I do need pure white to get the key to release Rydall, right? Does killing black phantoms help? According to the wiki you have to do soooooo much to get to pure white, that I might not do it this playthrough.

[Xydarc]

Oh ok. I do need pure white to get the key to release Rydall, right? Does killing black phantoms help? According to the wiki you have to do soooooo much to get to pure white, that I might not do it this playthrough.
Yeah, you need PWWT to free Rydell. Killing invading black phantoms (players) or Named black phantoms will raise white. Generic black phantoms (like the 2 in Stonefang 2-2) don't count. If you took down False Idol and Maneater without losing your body form, you should have enough white to get his key.

[Goronmon]

I just starting playing and I am so confused as to what is going on, haha. Apparently I died to some big ogre thing, and need to do something to get my physical form, but I keep dying instead, which I guess resets me back to the beginning of the level? So, what is my actual goal at this point?

[Abyssion]

I just starting playing and I am so confused as to what is going on, haha. Apparently I died to some big ogre thing, and need to do something to get my physical form, but I keep dying instead, which I guess resets me back to the beginning of the level? So, what is my actual goal at this point?

You're supposed to die against that thing. Your goal is to reach the end of the first level and get your body back. Then you can level up and such.

[Goronmon]

Huh, and I assume the first level is that warpstone thing next to the blue guy sitting down? I got to some guy with a shield and a lance and he two shotted me.

Edit: And man I have so many bad habits for this game. I always forget to target lock enemies, so when one jumps at me, my first response is to run back, completely exposing myself to his attack, haha.

Edit #2: I think I must be used to Uncharted or something. Half the time I go to attack I hit the square button. Half the time I go to lock a target I hit R2.

[Goronmon]

So, what is this Monumental and where do I find it?

Edit: Wow, thank for the the internet, I never would have found that on my own.

[danhoo]

Huh, and I assume the first level is that warpstone thing next to the blue guy sitting down? I got to some guy with a shield and a lance and he two shotted me.

Edit: And man I have so many bad habits for this game. I always forget to target lock enemies, so when one jumps at me, my first response is to run back, completely exposing myself to his attack, haha.

Edit #2: I think I must be used to Uncharted or something. Half the time I go to attack I hit the square button. Half the time I go to lock a target I hit R2.

First level is that large rectangular stone near the blue guy in the Nexus. Well, more accurately, the first "world" is that stone, but at the beginning of the game, you can only access the first level of that world. Among Demon Soul's addicts (I've got my membership card!) that's known and referred to as "1-1".

The game is, honestly, the toughest at the very beginning (you're at your weakest, you don't know the huge levels yet, and you're learning the controls), so don't be bothered or frustrated by getting two-shotted by enemies -- it's basically going to happen, but by the third or forth time, you'll totally pwn the same enemy.

Also, avoid the knight with red glowing eyes in the first level. He's too tough and you can't go to the place behind him until later in the game anyway. Knights with glowing blue eyes are fair game though (but, at least in the beginning, they're tough).

[danhoo]

So, what is this Monumental and where do I find it?

He (she?) is in the Nexus on one of the upper floors. Go up the stairs until you find a little alcove area, there should be a doorway (that might not have been opened up until you are told to find the Monumental) with more stairs, go up that to the next floor and then look around for the little kid (ha) in robes sitting in front of the _lit_ candle.

[Goronmon]

Thanks, I'm still hitting the wrong buttons at times, but I think I am finally getting better, haha.

[Spigot]

The goal is not to die, but you will, so just stay dead and try not to die again :)

[danhoo]

So, I finally wrapped this up last night (on to NG+). Yes, I'm slow.

Overall, a really well-done game that really scratches that old-school action-RPG itch. It manages to really give back what you put into it -- learn the levels, learn the combat, use strategy, and it really shines and made me feel like I really was stuck in dark, moody Boleteria, with death or victory around every corner.

My only real gripe with the game is...

*** SPOILERS


It seemed like there was a well-developed back story to the whole game that they really only give you bits and pieces of, and you really have to look for those bits and pieces. The whole Astrea thing was a good example of that -- I wanted to know what happened to the rest of her caravan of knights [well, they died in 5, sure, but I wanted to know more]. There's more to the Old Monk too. What was the deal with Rydell, and how did he get stuck in Latria? What's the history between Freke and Yuria? The list goes on. I guess I'm a sucker for back-story, and it's more of an action RPG, but obviously someone did a lot of work for all the settings and characters. Maybe FROM will release a "Lore of Boletaria" book some day.


*** END SPOILERS

[Gorvi]

I agree, danhoo, I too would rally have liked more back story. Maybe we can hope for that in a possible sequel one day. :)

[Tayaya]

So, I finally wrapped this up last night (on to NG+). Yes, I'm slow.

Don't worry... I haven't finished playthrough number 1 of the US version yet. Been lazy over here and have just been bogged down with far too many other games to play lately. I am up to 5-2 but have had a few bad runs in there that have left me reeling. In the Korean version I did that zone in one try, so I never understood why people hated the swamp so much. Now... now I understand in a big way! Since I am actually trying to get trophies this time it makes it worse too. Before I didn't care about tendency or getting all of the unique items.... just making it through the game was enough for me. This is making it far more challenging, but I like it.

I too would like to see a novelization or another game that fleshes out the story in this one better than the game itself does. If you read the item descriptions in-game, and talk to and encounter all of the various NPCs the game has, you learn a lot, but not too much, about some of these other characters. It's like the more recent Metroid games in that regard.... lots of backstory if you seek out all the lore, but still a good standalone title.

[Banacek]

The Leechmonger was no match for the Meat Cleaver, and he went down on the first attempt. Now on to 5-2.

[Banacek]

Wow. 5-2 is easily the worst level in the game. I should say so far, but I can't imagine 1-3 and 1-4 being this bad.

[Abyssion]

Wow. 5-2 is easily the worst level in the game. I should say so far, but I can't imagine 1-3 and 1-4 being this bad.

I agree on 5-2 being the worst level. 1-3 was pretty easy I think but 1-4 was a bit annoying, at least I didn't have any trouble with the boss on that one.

[Gorvi]

Wow. 5-2 is easily the worst level in the game. I should say so far, but I can't imagine 1-3 and 1-4 being this bad.
I agree with that completely. 1-3 and 1-4 aren't bad at all, at least I didn't find them that way, but man, I hated 5-2. I only died once in 5-2 and that was on my first run in, but it was by far my least favorite level to play.

On a related subject, I'm trying to think what I'd call my favorite level. Probably world 3 as a whole, I really liked Latria. If I had to choose one I think 3-2 would edge out 3-1, with 4-1 being close behind.

[Banacek]

I agree on 5-2 being the worst level. 1-3 was pretty easy I think but 1-4 was a bit annoying, at least I didn't have any trouble with the boss on that one.

I agree with that completely. 1-3 and 1-4 aren't bad at all, at least I didn't find them that way, but man, I hated 5-2. I only died once in 5-2 and that was on my first run in, but it was by far my least favorite level to play.

It's not that it's hard, it's just so annoying. I went a got a map just so I can get a sense of direction in the level. I need to get this level done as soon as possible.

On a related subject, I'm trying to think what I'd call my favorite level. Probably world 3 as a whole, I really liked Latria. If I had to choose one I think 3-2 would edge out 3-1, with 4-1 being close behind.

1-2 for me. It really gave you a sense of just how epic in scope the game was.

[Tayaya]

I like how just after I talk about originally not understanding why everyone hates 5-2, a discussion begins from someone that just got to that pitch black hell, and spread from there.

It is easily the least appealing of all of the game's locales. Dark, featureless, hinders movement and poisons you at the same time, takes forever to traverse, has black phantoms that kill you for straying off the beaten path..... it's a level that is supposed to be depressing and break you... and it actually can!

[danhoo]

I like how just after I talk about originally not understanding why everyone hates 5-2, a discussion begins from someone that just got to that pitch black hell, and spread from there.

It is easily the least appealing of all of the game's locales. Dark, featureless, hinders movement and poisons you at the same time, takes forever to traverse, has black phantoms that kill you for straying off the beaten path..... it's a level that is supposed to be depressing and break you... and it actually can!

It took me a while before I realized you can sorta run in the swamp. Not well, mind you, but when a giant goblin is hot on your tail, anything that gets you back to dry land faster is welcome.

5-2 absolutely needs a map though -- it's dark, huge, and nearly featureless. I stumbled off the "path" early on, got lost, and then killed by some black phantom with a meat cleaver, who could roll in the swamp. Thanks buddy!

Thankfully, like a lot of levels, you can open up a shortcut that bypasses most of the level, in case you die. Also, the boss of that level I thought was one of the easiest in the game.

EDIT: My favorite world was probably Shrine of Storms. It felt appropriately epic. I liked Latria too, but because it was so good at creeping me out.

[Xydarc]

I'll add to the 5-2 hate and Shrine of Storms love. World 4 is easily my favorite, it has the right balance of risk and reward. 5-2 seems all risk, very little reward.

[Banacek]

The bridge in 5-2 is down. About f'n time. I don't know how you died only once Gorvi. I died twice due to poor camera control and falling off the planks alone, let alone the other times I was killed by the big Goblins. Maybe I should have ignored all those items in far off corners, but I just couldn't do that. :D

[Tayaya]

My favorite world was probably Shrine of Storms. It felt appropriately epic. I liked Latria too, but because it was so good at creeping me out.

Same here. The Shrine of Storms is a really well-designed world, and it's good-looking to boot. Latria's my favorite, but I like the first half a lot better than the second, just because of how creepy it is. I'm guessing a lot of that comes from the memories of Silent Hill 2 it brings back for me.

I really hope From Software considers making a sequel to this game, and I hope that when they do they give it the same care and attention to detail they gave this game.

[Gorvi]

The bridge in 5-2 is down. About f'n time. I don't know how you died only once Gorvi. I died twice due to poor camera control and falling off the planks alone, let alone the other times I was killed by the big Goblins. Maybe I should have ignored all those items in far off corners, but I just couldn't do that. :D
Oh, I stuck to the path, I resisted the tempation to run off and get the treasure that's out there. It would have been nice, but at that point 5-2 was the last area for me to clear before I moved on to 1-3 and 1-4, so I just powered through it.

[Goronmon]

Is it normal not to see any other bloodstains, messages, etc while playing? I haven't seen any since I got back to playing an hour or so ago.

[Banacek]

Is it normal not to see any other bloodstains, messages, etc while playing? I haven't seen any since I got back to playing an hour or so ago.

Sounds like you might be offline. I've always seen bloodstains while online.

[Goronmon]

Sounds like you might be offline. I've always seen bloodstains while online.How do I sign in then? I'm signed into PSN just fine.

And man, this game might be too hard for me. I tried to fight that Tower Knight so I could get my body back and he's just destroying me completely. Last time he one shotted me causing me to lose 6000 souls from my previous death.

[Gorvi]

How do I sign in then? I'm signed into PSN just fine.

And man, this game might be too hard for me. I tried to fight that Tower Knight so I could get my body back and he's just destroying me completely. Last time he one shotted me causing me to lose 6000 souls from my previous death.
Get help. I summoned one blue phantom for that fight and it made it much more manageable. One of you should run up top and take out all of the archers, then just work on taking out his ankles.

You'll have to get your online sorted out first, try quitting out of the game then starting back up. Do you get the notice about online play when you start?

[Goronmon]

Yeah, got the notice. Might try restarting the system.

I just feel the only reason the game is hard just because it is cheap. Tried to fight that red eyed guy in the first level and as soon as he gets low he just starts spamming himself with heals. if I try to interrupt him, half the time he still stabs me even though he's in the middle of healing. Makes no sense and its frustrating to deal with.

Is that the kind of fights I get to look forward to later with enemies just healing themselves constantly?

Edit: I guess restarting did the trick as far as the online mode.

[Goronmon]

Get help. I summoned one blue phantom for that fight and it made it much more manageable. One of you should run up top and take out all of the archers, then just work on taking out his ankles.I guess for blue phantoms, you need blue stones? What are those and where do I get them?

As for the archers, they are easy, it's the not dying immediately once I get anywhere within melee range of the boss that I am struggling with. I think the most damage I've been able to get on him before dying is about 80 or so, which looked to be about 5% of his health.

Is it possible to do with one person, or should I really just find someone for help?

[danhoo]

I guess for blue phantoms, you need blue stones? What are those and where do I get them?

As for the archers, they are easy, it's the not dying immediately once I get anywhere within melee range of the boss that I am struggling with. I think the most damage I've been able to get on him before dying is about 80 or so, which looked to be about 5% of his health.

Is it possible to do with one person, or should I really just find someone for help?

To summon blue phantom helpers, you have to be in body form, and then look for blue messages that people typically leave near the fog door of the boss. The other players have to be within 10 levels of yours. Note also if you're in body form you can get invaded at any time before the boss (but you're probably safe in 1-2, invaders prefer other areas it seems).

Tower Knight is tough to melee solo at low level, but it is possible to do. If you have any ranged attacks (bows or soul arrow if you started as a royal) it's much easier to stay up on edges where the archers were, and shoot him in the head. Watch out for his (easily) dodge-able slash/blast attack, and rinse/repeat.

[Hawkzombie]

Re-Roll as Royalty. Trust me. It makes the game a LOT easier.

[Tayaya]

Yeah, got the notice. Might try restarting the system.

I just feel the only reason the game is hard just because it is cheap. Tried to fight that red eyed guy in the first level and as soon as he gets low he just starts spamming himself with heals. if I try to interrupt him, half the time he still stabs me even though he's in the middle of healing. Makes no sense and its frustrating to deal with.

Is that the kind of fights I get to look forward to later with enemies just healing themselves constantly?

Edit: I guess restarting did the trick as far as the online mode.

The red-eyed knight shouldn't be attempted until you're about soul level 20. He's tempting because he's worth a lot of souls (3000) which at low level can buy a few levels or a bunch of arrows, but he's very dangerous and can often one-shot you.

His healing can be interrupted very easily... if you're not stopping that you're probably striking too late. You do, however, need to keep your shield up at all times when fighting him... at low levels even it won't save you sometimes, but it will at least buffer some of the damage as stamina loss. He, and other red-eyes knights, or the toughest of the "regular" enemies in the game, besides the generic Black Phantoms that you occasionally run across.

Tower Knight is one of those bosses that can be really tough, but once you're more familiar with the game, and know what to watch for and how to dodge, is a total pushover. For most beginner players having a helper to deal with him is very handy. I wrote a detailed walkthrough for TK earlier in this thread... here's the abridged version:

What to attack: Both feet, one at a time - once one gushes blood, move to the other. Once those are out, he'll fall - run around him and attack his head.

What to avoid: His shield. As long as you stay behind him, his shield ground-bash shouldn't kill you in one hit. However, it can still hit you if you're close to his feet.... so when you see him preparing the attack, back off, just move back a bit, then run back in when the dust is clearing. Also, he will occasionally jump backwards. Just make sure you are off to the left or right of the foot you're attacking and not directly behind it, and this should never hit you. His body - when you do take out both feet, he will fall over... this can also kill you. Best way to avoid it is to run forward, between his legs, so he falls backwards and you end up at the soles of his feet. Sure, it seems like the long way around, but it's also the safe way around.

What helps: Turpentine - a flaming weapon will deal loads of damage to this fool... I usually activate it before going in for his feet, after taking out the archers and am back at ground level. I can kill him fast enough where I usually don't need a second one. If you do though, get far away from him to activate turpentine, then work at getting behind him again.

Most of the people that die to TK do so because they're playing offensively. Switch to a mindset more geared on watching what he's doing and staying out of his way, and less on doing damage, and you should be OK. If it takes 4 knockdowns to kill him because you're careful and didn't take much damage, it's way better than if it took 2 knockdowns and all your healing items.

[Hawkzombie]

Tower knight was a BREEZE as Royal. Run past him and up to take out the archers one by one. His ranged attack can't hit you so long as you're behind an unbreakable wall. Once the archers are all dead, use your soul arrow to attack his head. You'll have to use the duck and cover technique, but I rarely got hit by his ranged attack doing this. If you run out of MP, just wait for the ring to recharge you. I still remember the first time I saw him and nearly pooped myself.

I pretty much re-rolled after I couldn't get past 1-1 with the thief.

[Banacek]

I guess for blue phantoms, you need blue stones? What are those and where do I get them?

As for the archers, they are easy, it's the not dying immediately once I get anywhere within melee range of the boss that I am struggling with. I think the most damage I've been able to get on him before dying is about 80 or so, which looked to be about 5% of his health.

Is it possible to do with one person, or should I really just find someone for help?

I have yet to summon help, and I am almost done the game. I rolled a wanderer, so 1-1 and 1-2 were incredibly hard. I would go in, defeat a few enemies, then run back to the nexus. The best advice I got was to build a dragon long sword as soon as possible, then head to 4-1 and farm souls. It has the best payout of all the levels I think.

[Xydarc]

Re-Roll as Royalty. Trust me. It makes the game a LOT easier.
This. I rolled a Royalty and breezed through 1-1 without dying. I also took out red eyes knight with Soul Arrow my first try.

[Banacek]

Finally got back to this. Beat world 5 and 1-3 tonight. I thought the Penetrator was going to be difficult, but with Biorr there he was pretty easy. It's nice fighting the Red Eyes now, seeing as they go down in two hits with the Blueblood Sword. Hope to finish this up tomorrow so I can finally play something else :)

[bstiff]

Finally got back to this. Beat world 5 and 1-3 tonight. I thought the Penetrator was going to be difficult, but with Biorr there he was pretty easy. It's nice fighting the Red Eyes now, seeing as they go down in two hits with the Blueblood Sword. Hope to finish this up tomorrow so I can finally play something else :)

you'll be back....

[Gorvi]

you'll be back....
They do give you quite the incentive to go back and play, I've got almost 400k souls to spend when I get back to my New Game +.

EDIT: Damn it, now I'm considering doing just that tonight...... :eek:

[danhoo]

They do give you quite the incentive to go back and play, I've got almost 400k souls to spend when I get back to my New Game +.

EDIT: Damn it, now I'm considering doing just that tonight...... :eek:

I went through 1-1 and got rid of Phalanx on my NG+ the other night. NG+ doesn't really seem that tough (IMHO) so far -- once you know the level and enemy placement well enough, you can kinda breeze through it. Of course, if you let them, enemies hit much harder. And I haven't had to deal with Flamelurker or Maneater yet. Also, watch out for invaders!

[Gorvi]

I went through 1-1 and got rid of Phalanx on my NG+ the other night. NG+ doesn't really seem that tough (IMHO) so far -- once you know the level and enemy placement well enough, you can kinda breeze through it. Of course, if you let them, enemies hit much harder. And I haven't had to deal with Flamelurker or Maneater yet. Also, watch out for invaders!
I plan on playing through 1-1 with the network cable unplugged to avoid invaders, if I somehow lost 400k souls I think I'd have to hurt someone.....

[Banacek]

I had someone invade me while I was trying to beat 1-3. I don't know what sword he was using but it was large and it was fast and it went right through my shield. The only good thing about world 5 was that no one decided to invade, probably because it would be suicide.

[bstiff]

I plan on playing through 1-1 with the network cable unplugged to avoid invaders, if I somehow lost 400k souls I think I'd have to hurt someone.....

all you have to do is sign out of psn and that should put you offline.

[Xydarc]

They do give you quite the incentive to go back and play, I've got almost 400k souls to spend when I get back to my New Game +.

EDIT: Damn it, now I'm considering doing just that tonight...... :eek:
HA HA

/Nelson Munst

I plan on playing through 1-1 with the network cable unplugged to avoid invaders, if I somehow lost 400k souls I think I'd have to hurt someone.....
I've only been invaded in 1-1 once, and that was after I beat Phalanx. Most of my invasions come in 1-3 and 1-4.

[Gorvi]

all you have to do is sign out of psn and that should put you offline.
I'll have to do that then. Kinda hard to unplug my network cable from the PS3 anyway since I connect wirelessly. ;)
HA HA

/Nelson Munst
Hush! :p
I've only been invaded in 1-1 once, and that was after I beat Phalanx. Most of my invasions come in 1-3 and 1-4.
Do you actually invade in the area that you use the soul stone in or is it random? I've never actually invaded someone so I have no clue.

[Banacek]

I can't seem to beat the False King. Grrrr..... I almost lost 145k souls, but finally I got them back and jumped out of there. I'm on level 90 now.

[Banacek]

Finally beat it. Oh man, while I loved this game, I'm glad that it's finally over. I won't be playing a NG+ anytime soon :)

[Xydarc]

Hush! :p

Do you actually invade in the area that you use the soul stone in or is it random? I've never actually invaded someone so I have no clue.
Heh heh heh.

Yes, you invade the area you drop your Black Soul Stone in. I was farming the Primeval Demon in 4-2 and the player I invaded died, dammit. He must have fallen off one of the cliffs. So I resurrected back to my body and had the Shrine back to neutral Tendency.

[bstiff]

just got an email from atlus that they're doing a pure white tendency event for the solstice if any one is interested.

[Banacek]

just got an email from atlus that they're doing a pure white tendency event for the solstice if any one is interested.

Hell yeah, my wife is going to kill me on Christmas :)

[Gorvi]

Awesome. I know there's that guy in 3-1 that you need it to free, I'll at the very least go for that. Time to really start that New Game + I guess.....

[jpublic]

God damnit, stop talking about this game, I can't play it until after X-Mas and I get my PS3.

[Spigot]

Oh man. I might take part in this if I can. Of course, I'll probably be out of town and away from my PS3 then...

[Xydarc]

just got an email from atlus that they're doing a pure white tendency event for the solstice if any one is interested.
Sweet! After the October event, I was hoping for this.

[Xerxes]

I'm always missing events.

[Xydarc]

Has this been confirmed? I was just in the official forums, and there is no post about PWWT for Christmas/Winter Solstice.

[Xerxes]

Has this been confirmed? I was just in the official forums, and there is no post about PWWT for Christmas/Winter Solstice.

It came in the Atlus Faithful email. I don't know if it gets any more confirmed. :D

http://www.atlus.com/res/demonssouls_faithful_pwtease_3.jpg

Also, Holy Shit. They did win someone's best of 2009 award.

http://www.atlus.com/res/demonssouls_faithful_pwtease_ignbestof.jpg (http://bestof.ign.com/2009/ps3/best-role-playing-game.html)
Clickable

[Hawkzombie]

http://www.atlus.com/res/demonssouls_faithful_pwtease_ignbestof.jpg (http://bestof.ign.com/2009/ps3/best-role-playing-game.html)
Clickable

AWESOME.

I might have to throw that in my sig :p

[Xydarc]

It came in the Atlus Faithful email. I don't know if it gets any more confirmed. :D

http://www.atlus.com/res/demonssouls_faithful_pwtease_3.jpg

Also, Holy Shit. They did win someone's best of 2009 award.

http://www.atlus.com/res/demonssouls_faithful_pwtease_ignbestof.jpg (http://bestof.ign.com/2009/ps3/best-role-playing-game.html)
Clickable
Huh, I haven't gotten that e-mail and I'm a member of the Faithful. Oh well, thanks for this. It's definitely going to be a White Christmas.:D

[Spigot]

Even *I* got that e-mail. I guess we all know who's the poser in the I Love Atlus clique around here :)

[Xydarc]

Even *I* got that e-mail. I guess we all know who's the poser in the I Love Atlus clique around here :)
Gorvi ?

[Gorvi]

Gorvi ?
Bastard! :p

I did get the email, though, so it's back in your court, ya wanna be Atlus fan! ;)

[Banacek]

The last thing I need is Atlus contacted me directly and tempting me. Why not just give them direct access to my checking account at that point :)

[Gorvi]

I'm not sure if the times for this had been posted yet, but I found this at JustPushStart (http://www.justpushstart.com/2009/12/19/demons-souls-pure-white-tendency-starts-monday/):
After having a Halloween event in the world of Boletaria, Atlus will be having a Pure White Tendency that starts from December 21st at approximately 12PM PST until December 28th around the same time. With the event going on for a week, expect the monster to be a pushover as new areas and character will be unlocked.
A whole week? Damn, that's nice.

[menage]

I'm not sure if the times for this had been posted yet, but I found this at JustPushStart (http://www.justpushstart.com/2009/12/19/demons-souls-pure-white-tendency-starts-monday/):

A whole week? Damn, that's nice.

This is stuff is only for the Us right. No asia love I presume.

[Gorvi]

This is stuff is only for the Us right. No asia love I presume.
Yeah, because it's Atlus doing it on the servers they run. :(

[menage]

Yeah, because it's Atlus doing it on the servers they run. :(

Ah well, nothing terrible, comes with the import territory.

[Spigot]

A whole week? Damn, that's nice.
A whole week... when I'm not home to play my PS3. Grr...

[jpublic]

What the heck, I wonder why I didn't get that. I get their silly 'announcing a new game' emails.

[Spigot]

What the heck, I wonder why I didn't get that. I get their silly 'announcing a new game' emails.Obviously you are on the Ye Of Little (Atlus) Faithful mailing list.

[Xydarc]

A whole week of PWWT? That's fantastic! My Hunter will finally get Miralda's armor and be able to do Selen's quest.

[Gorvi]

A whole week of PWWT? That's fantastic! My Hunter will finally get Miralda's armor and be able to do Selen's quest.
As a helping hand to the rest of us, do you know of a list of all the stuff that opens up when you get PWWT?

[Banacek]

As a helping hand to the rest of us, do you know of a list of all the stuff that opens up when you get PWWT?

http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/world-tendency

Got to make a list from that for everything I want to do.

[Tayaya]

http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/world-tendency

Got to make a list from that for everything I want to do.

I have most of those done already, but I can do the Scirvir one and BP Garl Vinland.

[Tayaya]

Oh hey! 900 posts. I'll be in the quad digits soon. I don't think I've ever done that on any forum, ever.

[Xydarc]

http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/world-tendency

Got to make a list from that for everything I want to do.
Thanks for this.

[Hawkzombie]

Totally...I'm gonna go through and make sure everything is unlocked as I play through :p...I dunno why I stopped playing this, having so much fun with it.

[Shieldmaiden]

Total newbie but very important question: what does the game actually play like? I've been reading that there are still no plans for a Euro release, so I'm really tempted to import it while there are still people playing it online, even though I have a shitload of games I need to play that I missed this year. I've heard loads about the structure and the online stuff and all that jazz, but what's the core gameplay style?

[Spigot]

It didn't get released over there? That's crazy.

It's a 3rd-person hack and slasher at its core. It has RPG elements, loot, etc. but the core gameplay is either slashing something with your swords, shooting someone with your bows or zapping someone with your spells.

And it's crazy hard. But in a good way. As in, YOU have to get better and then you'll succeed, not that the game is artificially broken or janky.

[Shieldmaiden]

It didn't get released over there? That's crazy.

It's a 3rd-person hack and slasher at its core. It has RPG elements, loot, etc. but the core gameplay is either slashing something with your swords, shooting someone with your bows or zapping someone with your spells.

And it's crazy hard. But in a good way. As in, YOU have to get better and then you'll succeed, not that the game is artificially broken or janky.

That's what I was hoping for. This may have to jump above AC2 and the Uncharteds.

[Tayaya]

That's what I was hoping for. This may have to jump above AC2 and the Uncharteds.

Spig's description is pretty accurate. It's light on story but what's there is interesting and enough to provide motivation to go exploring. On the face it's a hand and slash game, but the combat is very much skill based, forcing the player to learn to time blocks and balance out when to attack and when to back off and rebuild stamina. A lot of the encounters are one on one affairs, though there are some enemy types that can attack in groups, which can pose a problem. The environment is also one of your big opponents too - the game makes zero effort to stop you from falling off ledges, so one mis-step in some choice spots in the game can kill you.

I guess you can say it's realistic in that sense. The game does nothing to hold your hand and feels no regret for making you start a level over after killing you. That said, though, the game is very beatable, and as the player gets better the game can actually become very easy. For example I can go through the first area, including the boss, without dying or even needing to heal more than once or twice, all using a base character. This same level, for new players, is enough to make some quit because they view it as "cheap" or "impossible." It's a great example of what a skill-based game can be.

Just go into it knowing that you WILL die, probably a lot, and that it's perfectly acceptable and actually sometimes to your advantage to be playing as a soul (immunity to invasion, better stealth, less aggression from bosses, but also less HP and supposedly less of a tendency adjustment for beating bosses though this is debatable). You have a whole community here to help you through the rough stuff, too, and help you pick up the pieces when you do find things overwhelming! Import it post haste!

[Xydarc]

Indeed. A lot of us are going to be back into the game thanks to Atlus' PWWT event this week. Feel free to ask questions!

[Gorvi]

60211

60157

[Xydarc]

Grats to From Software and Atlus! Also, can we stop calling a FPS game with light RPG elements a RPG?

The Pure White World Tendency event is very very sweet. I finally have Miralda's Binded armor set, and it was all that I was hoping it would be. Now to work my way through the Valley of Defilement to reach Selen and get her quest.

[Xydarc]

Even with PWWT, that BP in 5-2 still sucks.

[Gwinny]

I haven't been alive in weeks... Heh! But the pure white tendency event has got me back in. I need to make a Royalty character I think, I'm just not meshing with my knight character.` Although he was finally able to upgrade his weapon a few times after some mishap-free soul harvesting! Thanks, PWWT!

[Banacek]

This is one of the first games in years that makes me happy to see a movement of players behind it. I hope you guys have fun this week!

[Xydarc]

Let me say that, even with PWWT, the entire world of Valley of Defilement sucks. Gonna stick with it though, I wanna do Selen's quest.

Hopefully PWWT pulls in a few more CoGers as well.

[roboninja]

I have no idea what anyone is talking about in this thread, but I did get this game for Xmas from my brother (if you are reading this, yes, I opened it early :p)

I should be playing soon enough.

[Tayaya]

Let me say that, even with PWWT, the entire world of Valley of Defilement sucks. Gonna stick with it though, I wanna do Selen's quest.

Hopefully PWWT pulls in a few more CoGers as well.

I'll be back in tonight, as long as I can pry FF XIII out of my console for a little while. That's a tough thing to do considering how great it is, but since I'm way ahead of the fan translation I should slow down some and let that catch up anyway.

[Xydarc]

I have no idea what anyone is talking about in this thread, but I did get this game for Xmas from my brother (if you are reading this, yes, I opened it early :p)

I should be playing soon enough.
Let us know how you like the game. Plus, take advantage of the Pure White World Tendency that's going on right now, it makes the game a lil easier. There is a link a few posts above that list the cool stuff you can find only during PWWT, so take advantage of it while you can.:)

[frederec]

Let me say that, even with PWWT, the entire world of Valley of Defilement sucks. Gonna stick with it though, I wanna do Selen's quest.

Hopefully PWWT pulls in a few more CoGers as well.

It pulled me back in, that's for sure. I started playing a bit when it first came out, didn't get past 1-1, and got distracted by Fallout 3. Thanks to the pure white event, I've now beaten 1-1, 1-2, Miralda in 1-1 (and gotten the binded armor), and just recently, 2-1. It's still tough, but it feels much more doable. And once I got past that first hurdle (where you can't upgrade your character until you beat 1-1), things went much better.

Oh, and the more I play, the more I'm liking my bow.

[Xydarc]

Which bow are you using? I'd recommend getting the Lava Bow asap. Outside of World 2, most things don't like fire.:D

[frederec]

Which bow are you using? I'd recommend getting the Lava Bow asap. Outside of World 2, most things don't like fire.:D

I've just got the short bow that you get early on. I've upgraded it a few times, but my biggest challenge right now is keeping stocked in arrows. Where is the Lava Bow?

[Xydarc]

I've just got the short bow that you get early on. I've upgraded it a few times, but my biggest challenge right now is keeping stocked in arrows. Where is the Lava Bow?
Blacksmith Ed makes it for you: http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/lava-bow

So I've died 3 times in 5-2. I hate that fucking place.

[frederec]

Blacksmith Ed makes it for you: http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/lava-bow

So I've died 3 times in 5-2. I hate that fucking place.

Ah. Thanks. I understand I can't get Blacksmith Ed to forge special weapons for me until I beat the boss in 2-2 (Flamelurker, I think). So I guess beating him and fully upgrading my bow are my next priorities.

Of course, this assumes my PS3 doesn't die again. I was playing this section of 2-2 tonight (section with huge flame slug and Patch) and it got some fierce slowdown. In the past this slowdown (in Fallout 3) was a precursor to the PS3 dying. I really don't want to go through that again. Some please tell me they've also had framerate issues there...

[Banacek]

Ah. Thanks. I understand I can't get Blacksmith Ed to forge special weapons for me until I beat the boss in 2-2 (Flamelurker, I think). So I guess beating him and fully upgrading my bow are my next priorities.

Of course, this assumes my PS3 doesn't die again. I was playing this section of 2-2 tonight (section with huge flame slug and Patch) and it got some fierce slowdown. In the past this slowdown (in Fallout 3) was a precursor to the PS3 dying. I really don't want to go through that again. Some please tell me they've also had framerate issues there...

I had a bunch of slowdown issues with DS and my PS3 is still running fine. So you can relax a bit :)

[Xerxes]

Ah. Thanks. I understand I can't get Blacksmith Ed to forge special weapons for me until I beat the boss in 2-2 (Flamelurker, I think). So I guess beating him and fully upgrading my bow are my next priorities.

Of course, this assumes my PS3 doesn't die again. I was playing this section of 2-2 tonight (section with huge flame slug and Patch) and it got some fierce slowdown. In the past this slowdown (in Fallout 3) was a precursor to the PS3 dying. I really don't want to go through that again. Some please tell me they've also had framerate issues there...

Oh no! Is your 60GB dead?

[Xydarc]

WOOT! All PWWT events are done for my Hunter. I even took down Selen and got the full set of Dull Gold armor. Goddamn I hate World 5.

[frederec]

Oh no! Is your 60GB dead?

No. But I've had one die three times in the past six months, so I'm paranoid. I've been trying to take steps to keep it alive, and I hope it helps. It's been interesting, to say the least. I've got a small fan running constantly behind the PS3, I've been trying to vacuum out the vents periodically. I hooked up the PS3 and my TV to a UPS, and I discovered the UPS beeps almost every time I turn on the PS3 then the TV, meaning the TV causes a voltage drop when I turn it on. It's entirely possible (and I hope this was it) that this helped bring about the other failures.

[Widgetcraft]

I really hate Executioner Miralda... I'm at soul level 6. She jumped me and killed me when I first started playing last night. Been practicing against her for a while, and I almost had her just a second ago. I chip away at her life for like ten or fifteen minutes... and she gets one lucky shot in, killing me.

Here we go again, I guess.

[frederec]

I really hate Executioner Miralda... I'm at soul level 6. She jumped me and killed me when I first started playing last night. Been practicing against her for a while, and I almost had her just a second ago. I chip away at her life for like ten or fifteen minutes... and she gets one lucky shot in, killing me.

Here we go again, I guess.

After a couple of whippings, I made a little progress in other places before coming back and killing her. I think it all came down to patience with dodging her attacks, but I eventually got her.

[frederec]

This feels like such a stupid question, but what do you do with all the extra equipment you get? I've got a ton of slave shields and mail breakers, but as far as I can tell, I can't even drop them. All I can do, as far as I can tell, is store them. Am I missing something obvious, or is there anything that can be done with them?

[Widgetcraft]

This feels like such a stupid question, but what do you do with all the extra equipment you get? I've got a ton of slave shields and mail breakers, but as far as I can tell, I can't even drop them. All I can do, as far as I can tell, is store them. Am I missing something obvious, or is there anything that can be done with them?

You can definitely drop them, as I did so in the inventory screen when I came across a huge heavy armor set (which I had to store, because it slowed me down way too much). I can't seem to find any way to sell them though.

[Spigot]

You can't sell things in the game, which is a shame. But a lot of the stuff is used as raw materials for some of the higher level loot.

[Xydarc]

This feels like such a stupid question, but what do you do with all the extra equipment you get? I've got a ton of slave shields and mail breakers, but as far as I can tell, I can't even drop them. All I can do, as far as I can tell, is store them. Am I missing something obvious, or is there anything that can be done with them?

You can definitely drop them, as I did so in the inventory screen when I came across a huge heavy armor set (which I had to store, because it slowed me down way too much). I can't seem to find any way to sell them though.
Spigot is right, there is no way to sell equipment. Jump dump it all on Thomas, he doesn't mind.:)

[danhoo]

frederec -- a little late with the response (Merry Xmas, all), but I too had a lot of slow-down in 2-2 (particularly the spot around where Patches is found) so hopefully that's common and not indicative of a failing PS3.

Perigon -- level 6 might be a little low to take on Miralda (but, in truth, if you have mad rolling skillz, you can take on anyone :) ).

Lastly, for those using packmule--err, stockpile thomas, remember not to accidentally hit R2 while talking to him, piss him off, and have to kill him, thereby losing access to all your stored stuff until NG+ (this, thankfully, did not happen to me).

[Widgetcraft]

Perigon -- level 6 might be a little low to take on Miralda (but, in truth, if you have mad rolling skillz, you can take on anyone :) ).

Oh, I almost had her. She had like a tenth of her life left, and pulled off a combo at just the right time. She could basically one-shot me, so I had to be extra careful. My attacks also barely injured her. Whatever though, it was a fun fight while it lasted. Now I can't seem to get her to appear.

[frederec]

frederec -- a little late with the response (Merry Xmas, all), but I too had a lot of slow-down in 2-2 (particularly the spot around where Patches is found) so hopefully that's common and not indicative of a failing PS3.


Thanks, that's a bit reassuring. I hoped it wasn't just me, since the area is huge and had a ton of enemies in it.

I'm just a little extra paranoid since I know that even if I wanted to, I can't back up my save file (Demon's Soul saves are non-transferable).

[Gorvi]

Damn.

YgYBivaVco8

[Spigot]

Very nice. If only I could get further than 1-2!!!

On the one hand, it's awesome to see something as hardcore and contrary as Demon's Souls winning against games like Batman, AC2 and UC2. On the other, I wonder if it was chosen just to stand out amongst the usual GOTY winners on other sites...

I'm happy to see it winning though :)

[frederec]

Very nice. If only I could get further than 1-2!!!


If you're stuck on the bridge, sprinting will get you past the dragon. You can kill the dragon if you go up to the top of one of the middle towers and shoot him with arrows as he passes. It takes a lot of arrows (around 200 or more), but it's doable.

If you're stuck on the boss, ignore him at first, run past and up and kill all the archers. I found him relatively easy to pick off from up high with soul arrow (or whatever that spell is called, you can purchase it in the Nexus).

[Xerxes]

Woah.... I'm proud of From Software.

[Hawkzombie]

I'm surprised it won game of the year, but when they describe a lot of the things involved in it, it's not hard to see why. I think one thing I love about it is that it's hard as hell, but addictive. You die lots, but you wanna keep going back to best it.

Man, I really wish my internet wireless connection was better though. I wanna head into a world and start killing some guys :p

[Spigot]

If you're stuck on the bridge, sprinting will get you past the dragon. You can kill the dragon if you go up to the top of one of the middle towers and shoot him with arrows as he passes. It takes a lot of arrows (around 200 or more), but it's doable.Oh, I can sprint down to just before the spot with the boss but the archers and knights wallop me before I can get in to where the boss actually is. I have tried to kill the Dragon but it's so hard to aim and hit the thing either with spells or arrows and I haven't had the time to really sit down and work on it. I'll definately try to sink some real quality time into the game come the new year.

[frederec]

Oh, I can sprint down to just before the spot with the boss but the archers and knights wallop me before I can get in to where the boss actually is. I have tried to kill the Dragon but it's so hard to aim and hit the thing either with spells or arrows and I haven't had the time to really sit down and work on it. I'll definately try to sink some real quality time into the game come the new year.

Don't forget, and this is a large part of the reason I'm playing now, the Pure White Tendency Event actually makes enemies easier to kill. So it'll be harder to get past it in a couple of days.

I was able to kill the dragon by camping out in the first tower and positioning myself so that I could see him as he dipped over the first area. As he came down, I would lock onto him when he got close, then fire an arrow as he started banking upwards. Didn't hit him every time, but I was able to take him down after a while.

Of course, after I did that, I learned that you can go into first-person aiming by hitting L1 while the bow is equipped. That probably would have made it easier.

As for that last little run with the archers and knights. I would spring through to avoid the arrows, then slash the archers as quickly as possible to get them out of the way. With that done, I concentrated on the knight.

And I don't know if you've done this, but if you kill Executioner Mirelda in 1-1, down past where she was is a set of some of the best armor in the game. It's very heavy (and I'm spending A LOT of souls trying to get my endurance up high enough so I can wear it without needing a ring), but the defense bonuses are impressive. The area to her is opened up in a pure white/pure black tendency event, so it's also good to try to hit that this weekend.

[Spigot]

Don't forget, and this is a large part of the reason I'm playing now, the Pure White Tendency Event actually makes enemies easier to kill. So it'll be harder to get past it in a couple of days.Don't remind me... I'm stuck at the in-laws with no PS3 until probably Wednesday of next week. Grr...

And I don't know if you've done this, but if you kill Executioner Mirelda in 1-1, down past where she was is a set of some of the best armor in the game. It's very heavy (and I'm spending A LOT of souls trying to get my endurance up high enough so I can wear it without needing a ring), but the defense bonuses are impressive. The area to her is opened up in a pure white/pure black tendency event, so it's also good to try to hit that this weekend.See above. I tried to take her down during the pure black event and actually did rather well concidering how much of a wuss my character is but she destroyed me nonetheless.

Sob.

[Xydarc]

I don't understand why you guys are having such a tough time with Miralda. Run up to the entrance, Poison Cloud, and let it do its thing. It'll take a couple casts, but she goes down easy.

[Hawkzombie]

I just ran in looking for her and she scared the poop outta me. I backstepped just in time and just kept pelting her with Soul Arrow over and over while dodging her attacks when necessary.

[Widgetcraft]

And I don't know if you've done this, but if you kill Executioner Mirelda in 1-1, down past where she was is a set of some of the best armor in the game. It's very heavy (and I'm spending A LOT of souls trying to get my endurance up high enough so I can wear it without needing a ring), but the defense bonuses are impressive. The area to her is opened up in a pure white/pure black tendency event, so it's also good to try to hit that this weekend.

I picked that stuff up when she disappeared after my last attempt at killing her. Looks really cool, but I'm dex/magic, so it's not very useful for me.

I don't understand why you guys are having such a tough time with Miralda. Run up to the entrance, Poison Cloud, and let it do its thing. It'll take a couple casts, but she goes down easy.

I don't have poison cloud, I haven't even left 1-1 yet! :p

[Banacek]

And I don't know if you've done this, but if you kill Executioner Mirelda in 1-1, down past where she was is a set of some of the best armor in the game. It's very heavy (and I'm spending A LOT of souls trying to get my endurance up high enough so I can wear it without needing a ring), but the defense bonuses are impressive. The area to her is opened up in a pure white/pure black tendency event, so it's also good to try to hit that this weekend.

You can get the strength ring near the dragon's nest that will help with that armor, especially now when the dragons won't be there.

[Zagrash]

I really don't need to buy anymore games, but everything I hear about this really makes me want to play it. I guess my question is whether or not they do things like this pure white tendency event a lot, so if I picked it up later, I'd still have a chance to get into all of this stuff?

[Widgetcraft]

I really don't need to buy anymore games, but everything I hear about this really makes me want to play it. I guess my question is whether or not they do things like this pure white tendency event a lot, so if I picked it up later, I'd still have a chance to get into all of this stuff?

Well, all the event does is shift the world's tendency to pure white for the duration of the event. World tendency can shift about during regular gameplay, so you're not really missing out on anything but an easy time to play.

EDIT: Annnd Miralda goes down :)

[Zagrash]

Well, all the event does is shift the world's tendency to pure white for the duration of the event. World tendency can shift about during regular gameplay, so you're not really missing out on anything but an easy time to play.

ok cool, I don't feel AS bad about holding off for a bit then. This one's definitely pretty high on my list of stuff to try though.

[Mike Kelehan]

So, this won Gamespot's game of the year. That's kind of an upset.

[Xerxes]

So, this won Gamespot's game of the year. That's kind of an upset.

Is it really? :p

[Spigot]

I don't understand why you guys are having such a tough time with Miralda. Run up to the entrance, Poison Cloud, and let it do its thing. It'll take a couple casts, but she goes down easy.WHat Heretic said. I haven't found anyone who will sell me Poison Cloud yet. I'm still in the *blank*-1 phase of the game and haven't gone nearly deep enough into any of the territories. I feel like I'm living on the edge just farming souls from the skeletons at the beginning of, what, 4-1 or 5-1?

[jpublic]

So, I played around with this for a bit. I need to play a bit more cowardly. I ended losing like 10k Souls on my beginning character because I was a dubass and tried the Redeye Knight in 1-1. Not wise, that.

[Widgetcraft]

Wooh, just downed the Tower Knight. Way easier than expected, however. I just stood on one of the walls and zapped him with my wand.

[Disgustipated]

Would I actually enjoy this game? My hatred of JRPGs is well known by now. But the word of mouth is amazingly strong...

[Widgetcraft]

So, I played around with this for a bit. I need to play a bit more cowardly. I ended losing like 10k Souls on my beginning character because I was a dubass and tried the Redeye Knight in 1-1. Not wise, that.

Just made him my bitch, but only because he is incredibly easy if you start out as a Royal. Just spam Soul Arrow and he'll be dead in like eight shots.

Would I actually enjoy this game? My hatred of JRPGs is well known by now. But the word of mouth is amazingly strong...

It isn't a jRPG, so that is kind of irrelevant. It's a straight up third-person hack and slash game. Everything is real time. It plays more like a western game than an eastern game, IMO.

[Disgustipated]

It isn't a jRPG, so that is kind of irrelevant. It's a straight up third-person hack and slash game. Everything is real time. It plays more like a western game than an eastern game, IMO.

Awesome. Yeah, somebody told me it's a jRPG and I was like "oh hellz naw", but third person hack and slash is awesome. And if it's more Westernized, I'm down.

One question though... should I wait and finish my other games before I get this? Is it super-addicting and time-consuming? :o

[Widgetcraft]

Awesome. Yeah, somebody told me it's a jRPG and I was like "oh hellz naw", but third person hack and slash is awesome. And if it's more Westernized, I'm down.

One question though... should I wait and finish my other games before I get this? Is it super-addicting and time-consuming? :o

Well, though I haven't played that much of it, the game strikes me more as the sort of thing you'll be playing a lot in the long-run. It's not really a game that you 'finish'. There is an ending, but then you can go to New Game+ mode, with your character and equipment, fighting bosses and enemies that are harder. You can do that eight times before they top out. Additionally, a lot of people really seem to enjoy the PVP aspect, where you invade another person's game and kill them.

Also: Take a look at some of the footage available to view on Youtube, as well as GT's review (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-demons-souls/57297).

[Disgustipated]

Wow... game looks amazing. And fucking crazy. I'm gonna have to pick it up... I'm just not sure when. Maybe I'll wait for a good deal.

[Banacek]

It is amazing. You can't go wrong picking this game up.

[Disgustipated]

Well, Gamestop has some $20 deal going, and one of my games I never play (Armored Core 4A) qualifies! So I could probably get Demon's Souls there for about $30-35 with trade-in. I think I'll go do that today.

[Hawkzombie]

You can only do New Game+ eight times? Or things get incresingly difficult for each play through up to eight times? I haven't finished mine yet, so I'd love to find out for sure.

And for everyone starting a new to this, roll a Royal character. They may seem weak (and ultimately they are) but they come with Soul Arrow right off the bat and a MP regen ring that makes the first few levels SO much easier.

Also, do 1-1 then 1-2 then go do World 2 all the way through. Personally, I found this to be the best way of quick progression while keeping an even challenge. YMMV though.

[Widgetcraft]

You can only do New Game+ eight times? Or things get incresingly difficult for each play through up to eight times?

The difficulty tops out at the eighth run.

And for everyone starting a new to this, roll a Royal character.

Fuck yes, Royal here, pwning everything with soul arrow. I'm doing a dex/magic character, and things are going smoothly so far.

Also, do 1-1 then 1-2 then go do World 2

Is 1-3 hard? I was going back to pick up some secret stuff in 1-1, but I've got the archstone at the beginning of 1-3, so I was going to head there soon. I'm up to soul level 23 now.

[Banacek]

Is 1-3 hard? I was going back to pick up some secret stuff in 1-1, but I've got the archstone at the beginning of 1-3, so I was going to head there soon. I'm up to soul level 23 now.

You can't access 1-3 until you clear out another world completely. It's for the best, because 1-3 is difficult even at a 60+ soul level. I beat all the other worlds before I cleared 1-3.

[Widgetcraft]

Old King Doran just pwned my ass, hard. Serves me right, I suppose.

EDIT: There we go. Me and my new friend the Thief Ring just cheesed him to death. Enjoy ur cheese.

EDIT: Actually, not to death, just to the point that he gave me his loots.

[Hawkzombie]

You can keep killing him, and he drops more loot, but it also lowers your world tendency.

Also, you can't access 1-3 until after you kill an arch demon (I believe the Dragon God is the only one you can get to, or only one in the game...dunno which :p) and he's the boss/entire level of 2-4

[jpublic]

Just made him my bitch, but only because he is incredibly easy if you start out as a Royal. Just spam Soul Arrow and he'll be dead in like eight shots.



Re: Redeye Knight - I was playing a Wanderer, so no spell. Also, it was on my *first* time in 1-1, and I had just didn't have the skills.

[Xydarc]

You can keep killing him, and he drops more loot, but it also lowers your world tendency.

Also, you can't access 1-3 until after you kill an arch demon (I believe the Dragon God is the only one you can get to, or only one in the game...dunno which :p) and he's the boss/entire level of 2-4
There are 5 archdemons, but you can only get to 4 of them at first. Once you kill an archdemon (Dragon God is a good first archdemon), 1-3 opens up. My first play through, I also saved 1-3 and 1-4 for last.

[frederec]

Gah, I suck at Flamelurker. I've lost track of how many times I've died on him. It's also frustrating since I get the impression that he's not supposed to be that hard. I also have the sinking feeling that the Purple Flame Shield is fairly essential to the battle, and my strength isn't quite high enough for the prerequisites. Gah. I didn't want to be stuck on this for days while the White Tendency event runs out.

[Xydarc]

Gah, I suck at Flamelurker. I've lost track of how many times I've died on him. It's also frustrating since I get the impression that he's not supposed to be that hard. I also have the sinking feeling that the Purple Flame Shield is fairly essential to the battle, and my strength isn't quite high enough for the prerequisites. Gah. I didn't want to be stuck on this for days while the White Tendency event runs out.
Flamelurker is tough. Are there any Blue Phantoms to summon? I'd get two, your first time around. There are a couple tricks to soloing (http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/walk2-2-boss) him, but I'd bring along help. I know I did.

[frederec]

Flamelurker is tough. Are there any Blue Phantoms to summon? I'd get two, your first time around. There are a couple tricks to soloing (http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/walk2-2-boss) him, but I'd bring along help. I know I did.

Glad to know it's not just me. In frustration, I've been moving on to some of the other levels to see how far I could get. I just beat the Fool's Idol in 3-1, and got all the way to the fog for the Adjudicator in 4-1 (but didn't go after him since I wanted to cash in some souls).

I haven't played with anyone so far. Unless you count getting killed about an hour ago in 4-1 after being invaded. Got my ass kicked, which isn't a surprise, since I never build my characters with an eye toward PvP. How easy is it to find people to team up? Is it worth reviving myself to try to do it?

[Evil Avnovice]

Also, you can't access 1-3 until after you kill an arch demon (I believe the Dragon God is the only one you can get to, or only one in the game...dunno which :p) and he's the boss/entire level of 2-4

There are only two arch demons: Dragon God and Maiden Astraea. Judging from the overall hate, most everyone would rather attempt Dragon God since no one except myself has a problem traversing Valley of Defilement. :p

[ElektroDragon]

I have HAD IT with this game. I am selling my copy on eBay while I can still get most of money back. You can grab it from me now in perfect condition with the pre-order bonuses and free shipping.... but I digress.

I love RPGs, I even loved (and finished) From Software's last RPG, Enchanted Arms. But I can't take the frustration of this game anymore. I am literally physically abusing myself every time I play.

I loved the game for a while, but enough is enough. This game is nothing more than a prettier KuF:CoD with the difficulty taken to extremes.

If they had only removed the whole "soul form" system from the game, removed the light/dark world states which just add a ridiculous amount of complexity to an already complex game, and at least let you save anywhere when not in combat, I would have kept it. I am actually surprised they didn't throw in a time limit to the levels on top of all this nutty stuff.

I have enough fun games and RPGs to catch up on that are not a constant masochistic frustration fest. I had finished the first world, and the Latria world, and played a bit of the one with constant dragon flyovers, but when I came back this weekend to try and get the Lord Rydell stuff, taking advantage of the white state weekend, I came to realize that I never ever wanted to play this game ever again! :p This is despite being able to steal from under dragon's noses and kill red eye knights... so it's not like I didn't know how to play, but enough is enough.

[Banacek]

Your first playthough you don't even have to worry about World Tendency, and I played the game about 75% in soul form. With the Cling Ring it's much more manageable.

[Zagrash]

my resolve lasted about 2 days, and I picked this up this afternoon. I played around a little bit to sorta get the feel for things, but I'll probably delete my game and start over tomorrow now that I have a small idea about what I'm doing. hooray!

[Wombat]

There are only two arch demons: Dragon God and Maiden Astraea. Judging from the overall hate, most everyone would rather attempt Dragon God since no one except myself has a problem traversing Valley of Defilement. :p

The Old Monk and the Storm King are also arch Demons. The end boss of every world.

[Hawkzombie]

I
Hate
Reapers

[Banacek]

I
Hate
Reapers

1st Reaper: Use arrows (I used the Lava Bow), can get him before he even knows you are there.
2nd Reaper: Run up to him and hit him hard before he has a chance to strike. He should fall off the cliff.
3rd Reaper: Run past him and down the steps, then you can either keep going, or pick him off from afar.

[Mortis]

I had not played this in a while and I decided to finish it over the xmas holiday. Not sure if I will do NG+ anytime soon, but I probably will at some point.

[danhoo]

Glad to know it's not just me. In frustration, I've been moving on to some of the other levels to see how far I could get. I just beat the Fool's Idol in 3-1, and got all the way to the fog for the Adjudicator in 4-1 (but didn't go after him since I wanted to cash in some souls).


Adjudicator's pretty easy once you figure out his weak spot. Also, there's a fast short-cut to him in 4-1, and beating him opens up 4-2, which is great for farming souls early in the game.

Flamelurker is tough though. He's weak to magic, and I will say I had the purple flame shield when I took him down, but my preferred method was to use a fast rolling setup, blocking with PFS when needed, and zapping him with soul arrow. Watch out though -- he gets angry, faster and tougher when his health gets low. Oddly, the way the game is set up, it's a good strategy to beat Flamelurker sooner rather than later, as his soul has a special purpose.


I haven't played with anyone so far. Unless you count getting killed about an hour ago in 4-1 after being invaded. Got my ass kicked, which isn't a surprise, since I never build my characters with an eye toward PvP. How easy is it to find people to team up? Is it worth reviving myself to try to do it?

I generally played in Soul form + Cling ring and rarely summoned, although I did need some help with Maneater, where I coordinated with a friend. My handful of other summoning experiences were pretty mixed -- some people were helpful, others not as much. And, of course, I would frequently get invaded. Keep in mind, if you are trying to utilize the whole world tendency stuff, that getting killed in a world (not the nexus) in body form will lower the tendency for that world towards black.

If you do summon, usually the best places to find blues (often marked) are either near the beginning of a level, or near the boss fog door.

[Xydarc]

Being invaded is definitely love/hate. There are times when being invaded is a thrilling component to an already exciting game, win or lose. Then there are times, like trying to kill the Red & Blue dragons in NG+ where invasions are a PITA.

[Hawkzombie]

The first reaper is no problem, it's getting to the second reaper that's a bitch and a half for me right now. The little shadowstalker females that backstab are making this horrid for me right now. I've lost like 80k in souls because of them.

I will say, that with a high magic attack (Soul Ray with the Magic Ring, Insanity Catalyst, and Monk's Hood, for example) makes farming souls in 3-4 AWESOME. Start at the Old Monk's stone and go down the stairs. The Octo-Black Phantoms are usually with their backs to you, and you can one or two hit them depending on your magic power. Make sure you've got the Rign of Avarice to increase the souls dropped and you can get close to 8k from the top of the stairs to the bottom. Just use the Maneater archstone at the bottom and repeat until you've got the souls you want :D

I also had my first experience as being a blue phantom today as well. Went into 4-1 and dropped the blue stone at the beginning and was summoned in to help a guy. He was fighting an invading BP, and I one shot him with my soul ray (I'm a heavy magic char...can you tell? lol) and we went on. THREE MORE BPs invaded while we were there, and he summoned another blue phantom. I one shot them all and basically took down Adjucator with a few shots...it was a ton of fun and got me a crap ton of souls for just running around and helping. There's also no negative side effects from being summoned, as you keep all the souls you gain even if you die, and if you get a high user rating at the end you get bonus souls as well.

EDIT: I love/hate the Old Monk fight, btw...the mechanic of it is bloody brilliant: fight another player as the boss. The fact I've yet to beat anything other than the computer controlled AI (in offline mode) shows how broken it is :p...I murdered the poor bastard I was summoned in to fight. Two firestorms and a soul ray...he didn't even have a chance.

[frederec]

So I guess I was the only one unable to access CoG for the past day or so. But I spent some more time with Demon's Souls. I finally managed to kill Flamelurker. I somehow got him stuck on the other side of this spine at the beginning of the room. He wouldn't go around it, but I was able to position myself so I could pick him off.

I was happy enough about it, that later I dropped a blue marker and was able to help someone else kill him. Would have done more, but I didn't want to just stand around forever trying to find takers.

Now my big hurdle is Maneater. When I'm not goofing off farming souls and darkmoonstones from the first reaper in 4-2. That is a silly easy 5500 souls. And yet I find myself wishing I could do it faster.

[Xydarc]

Maneater is a bitch. I had to summon help 4 times before beating them.

[Banacek]

Now my big hurdle is Maneater. When I'm not goofing off farming souls and darkmoonstones from the first reaper in 4-2. That is a silly easy 5500 souls. And yet I find myself wishing I could do it faster.

I couldn't beat Maneater by myself until around soul level 70ish.

[Hawkzombie]

Maneater? Firestorm, Firestorm, Firestorm.

Otherwise, use the Brazier in the middle of the long walkway to keep your distance from him as he attacks. Try and get the first one down ASAP before the 2nd one pops up.

[Hawkzombie]

Also, we should try and get some MP sessions/duels going. I'm sure most of us will have the Red Eye Stone soon, and I'm always up for doing levels as a blue phantom (seriously, that was a ton of fun)...right now my Soul Level is around 68, but I'm gonna farm some souls to up my dexterity to use the Lava Bow so I'll be around 80 or 90 soon. Then I'm gonna finish the game with the good ending to free up myself to hit the bad :p

[frederec]

Maneater? Firestorm, Firestorm, Firestorm.

Otherwise, use the Brazier in the middle of the long walkway to keep your distance from him as he attacks. Try and get the first one down ASAP before the 2nd one pops up.

Well, crap. I got God's Wrath instead of Firestorm, and I can't even use it yet (only have one miracle slot currently). I'll just need to keep practicing.

[danhoo]

Like Hawkzombie says -- keep that brazier between you and Maneater, and try and keep track of him. He's got a couple interruptible moves that you can take advantage of if you're quick (some odd charging move where I think he bites himself with his own tail?). Oh, and you can target and cut his tail off -- I never bothered to do this so I don't know what advantage it gives you, other than probably removing that charge move?

His flying tackle move has an annoyingly wide hit-box, so be careful. Also, don't be like me and roll off the edge while dodging (arhg). The environment is just as bad as the boss in this fight.


Probably already known, but you can also cheese the first one with arrows (bring plenty) through the left side of the fog door before you enter. This doesn't work with the Lava bow, btw (the extra fire damage knocks Maneater out of arrow range).

[Hawkzombie]

I found it best to not even roll dodge during this fight. When I ran past him he did some sort of weird move that I couldn't see so I threw a few soul rays at him while I waited for him to turn around. Once he got close enough, I simply locked onto him and circled the Brazier...His attacks are super telling, so if you keep moving, he'll never hit you, and you have less risk of rolling to your doom. Once I found out Firestorm was pretty much an insta-kill, I laid into him and his brother.

[frederec]

Probably already known, but you can also cheese the first one with arrows (bring plenty) through the left side of the fog door before you enter. This doesn't work with the Lava bow, btw (the extra fire damage knocks Maneater out of arrow range).


Ahhh! I'd heard about this, and tried it. But I used the Lava Bow, so it didn't work well at all. But after getting frustrated with that method I did reasonably well head on. So I may try again with a different bow.

If only I could get more spiderstones to make the sticky compound long bow I've heard people talk about.