Dark Souls Remastered is the definitive edition of the legendary action RPG Dark Souls, originally developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco in 2011. Revered for its brutal difficulty, deep lore, and unique level design, the original Dark Souls carved out a devoted fanbase and essentially gave rise to a subgenre now known as “Souls-like” games.
With the remastered version released in 2018, Dark Souls Remastered brings updated visuals, improved performance, and enhanced online features to modern platforms, all while preserving the hardcore mechanics and atmosphere that made the original iconic. This article offers a comprehensive review of the remastered edition, structured through a detailed timeline of features, gameplay mechanics, community impact, and technical improvements. We’ll conclude with a clear analysis of pros, cons, and an expert rating.
1. The Origins of Dark Souls and Its Cultural Impact
A Sequel That Redefined RPGs
Originally envisioned as a spiritual successor to Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls took the gaming world by storm with its intricate world, unforgiving combat, and opaque storytelling. Unlike traditional RPGs that hold the player’s hand, Dark Souls dropped you into a hostile world with little guidance.
Legacy and Influence
The game’s design philosophy—risk-reward combat, minimal UI, and persistent challenge—sparked the creation of the “Souls-like” genre. Games like Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring owe their DNA to Dark Souls. The remastered version aims to honor this legacy while making the experience smoother for new generations.
2. Visual Upgrades in the Remastered Edition
High-Definition Textures and Lighting
Dark Souls Remastered delivers updated textures, improved lighting effects, and support for resolutions up to 4K. Environmental details like flickering torches, glistening armor, and dynamic shadows now enhance the game’s grim atmosphere.
Frame Rate and Stability Improvements
One of the biggest criticisms of the original was its inconsistent frame rate, especially in areas like Blighttown. The remaster solves this with a consistent 60 FPS on all platforms (except Nintendo Switch, which runs at 30 FPS), providing smoother and more responsive gameplay.
3. Enhanced Gameplay and Combat Fluidity
Classic Combat, Polished Mechanics
The core combat remains untouched—deliberate, punishing, and rewarding. You still roll, parry, block, and time your attacks precisely. However, animations and input responsiveness feel tighter, making controls feel slightly more refined than the original.
Updated Weapon Scaling and Balance
While the game maintains its original mechanics, some behind-the-scenes tweaking has been done to balance weapons, armor, and magic. The changes are subtle, but veterans will notice minor improvements in PvP and PvE effectiveness.
4. Multiplayer and Online Improvements
Upgraded to Dedicated Servers
Multiplayer has transitioned from peer-to-peer to dedicated servers. This results in more stable connections and faster matchmaking for co-op and PvP encounters.
Expanded Player Count
Online matches now support up to 6 players (1 host, 2 phantoms, 2 invaders, 1 watchdog/blue spirit), making areas like Anor Londo or Kiln of the First Flame more lively and competitive.
5. Level Design and World Interconnectivity
Masterclass in World Building
Lordran is still as haunting and interconnected as ever. From Firelink Shrine to Sen’s Fortress, the world design offers a tight, interlocking map where shortcuts, hidden paths, and secrets abound.
Remaster Enhances Environment Readability
With sharper textures and lighting, environmental cues are easier to recognize. Enemy movements, traps, and loot placements are more visually readable, aiding both new and returning players.
6. Character Progression and Customization
Flexible Builds and RPG Depth
With a wide array of stats like Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith, players can craft builds ranging from armored tanks to glass-cannon sorcerers. The variety in armor sets and weapon types ensures replayability.
Improved UI and Menu Responsiveness
Menus now support item stacking and quick inventory management—small changes that greatly enhance usability. Also, using multiple items at once (like souls or humanity) is now possible, saving players from tedium.
7. Boss Fights and Enemy AI
Iconic Boss Battles Reimagined
From Ornstein and Smough to Artorias of the Abyss (in the DLC), bosses in Dark Souls Remastered retain their iconic status. While AI hasn’t changed much, smoother framerates make these encounters feel more fair and reactive.
Visual Enhancements in Effects
Boss spells, fire breath, and weapon trails are now more visually impactful. Combined with the atmospheric music, each boss feels more epic and immersive.
8. DLC Integration: Artorias of the Abyss
Included and Seamless
The Artorias of the Abyss expansion is integrated into the main game. It introduces players to the corrupted world of Oolacile, where they face off against fearsome foes like Manus and Kalameet.
Narrative and Challenge Expansion
The DLC deepens the lore and raises the difficulty bar with faster enemies and darker themes. It’s an essential part of the remastered experience and adds around 5-8 hours of gameplay.
9. Accessibility, Platforms, and Performance
Available on All Modern Platforms
Dark Souls Remastered is playable on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It runs at 1080p/60fps on consoles, 720p/30fps on Switch (handheld), and up to 4K on PC.
Quality-of-Life Adjustments
The game supports cloud saves (on PC), enhanced controller support, and reduced load times. These improvements make the experience less frustrating without compromising its difficulty.
Conclusion
Dark Souls Remastered is not just a simple facelift—it’s a respectful and polished resurrection of a game that changed the landscape of modern RPGs. With enhanced visuals, stable performance, and improved multiplayer, it retains everything that made the original great while making it more accessible to current audiences.
