The two recent entries
Here’s a question that I’ve gotten a lot of in the past 24 hours — “where do you recommend picking up theSoulsseries?” Due to quite a bit of buzz behindBloodborne(which, thankfully, is actually good), people have started to give in to a craze that they have otherwise avoided up until now. But with four games under From Software’s belt, it can be tough to figure out where to start.
After much deliberation, I’ve narrowed it down to two games. If you have a penchant for more action and flaunt less tactical prowess,Bloodborneis a great way to acclimate to the series. If you have an affinity for RPGs, stats, and tactical combat,Dark Souls IIhas one of the best possible starting areas to help ease you in.
I liken the shift fromDarktoBloodborneas the contrast betweenMass Effect 1and2. While a lot of time was spent in menus in the first game, pining over various numbers,Mass Effect 2was mostly rebuilt as an action game, streamlining a lot of technical information. With a lack of a “Weight” stat inBloodborneyou can roll around at will, unfettered by numbers, with less statistical distractions to worry about.
Having said that, the “penchant for action” remark wasn’t an offhanded statement, as the intro forBloodborneis much less forgiving thanDark Souls II. You will have to have prior experience with twitch action to prevent yourself from giving up in frustration — either that, or an indomitable spirit and willingness to learn.
If you thinkDark Souls IIsounds more desirable, you’re in luck, as theScholar of the First Sinremake is on the way in early April for the Xbox One and PS4, with all the DLC in tow. I’ll have thoughts up on the remaster as soon as I can get my hands on it.
Of course, everySoulsgame is worth playing, and I highly recommend playingDemon‘s at some point (it also happens to be the most dense), which is still my favorite to this day.
