Grade: A+
The tagline of “Dark Souls,” the spiritual sequel to 2009’s “Demon’s Souls,” is “prepare to die.” And die you will — over and over and over again. It isn’t that the game is difficult to play — it’s simply unforgiving. One wrong button press or misstep will lead to instant death and the loss all of your souls. It’s possible to retrieve them, but difficult. “Dark Souls” doesn’t feature a hub world like the previous game and instead relies on various bonfires to level up and heal. With no familiar place to return to, the game’s atmosphere is bleak and desperate. “Dark Souls” will bend you over its knee and beat you; there’s no denying that. But the quality of gameplay and emotional rollercoaster you’ll go through will soften the blows.