Game Review: Dark Souls Remastered – Nostalgia at 60 FPS and 4K
Return to Lordran – An Old World in New Quality
Returning to Lordran has never been smoother than in Dark Souls Remastered. This refreshed version of the 2011 cult classic acts as a bridge between the old, familiar experience and a more modern, polished presentation. While it’s not a full-fledged remake by today’s standards, the 2018 remaster proves that drastic changes aren’t necessary to breathe new life into a title already considered one of the most important in video game history. It’s a game renowned not just for its difficulty but for its mysterious, cryptic world – and that, with a few technical improvements, is exactly what this edition delivers.
Story Untouched – And That’s a Good Thing
Dark Souls Remastered makes no changes to the plot or storytelling – and that’s a strength. It’s still the same tale of light and dark, of the fading First Flame and a lone Undead hero attempting (or refusing) to rekindle it. The world of Lordran, full of hidden meanings, ambiguous characters, and fragmented lore, remains as fascinating now as it was over a decade ago. The core of Dark Souls lies in exploring its world on your own terms – reading item descriptions, listening to cryptic NPCs, and piecing together its dark mythology without handholding or cutscene overkill. In an era where many games spoon-feed us answers, DSR still demands curiosity and attention from the player.
New Smoothness, Old Textures – Audiovisuals
From a technical perspective, the remaster offers notable improvements in graphics and performance. The game now runs at 60 frames per second in resolutions up to 4K – a major upgrade, especially for those who remember the original’s infamous frame drops, most notoriously in Blighttown. That once-frustrating area now runs without a hitch. Animations are smoother, lighting effects more pronounced, and enemy and boss details crisper. While many textures and models haven’t been fully rebuilt – occasionally exposing the game’s age – the overall presentation quality is significantly better than the original version.
Shadows of the Past – Where Age Still Shows
It’s worth noting, however, that the game still shows its age. Sharper visuals are a double-edged sword – some areas, which previously masked their simplicity behind blurred textures, now reveal rudimentary models and basic geometry. This is particularly noticeable in certain zones where level design was never meant for high resolution. Nevertheless, moments of awe still shine through – such as emerging from the Catacombs to see the golden majesty of Anor Londo. These experiences resonate even more strongly now thanks to the visual upgrades, despite the underlying dated assets.
Classic Combat – No Revolution, Just Refinement
Mechanically, Dark Souls Remastered is the same game – with all its strengths and quirks intact. The combat system remains largely unchanged, which some will appreciate, and others may find disappointing. Compared to later entries in the series – particularly the faster-paced Dark Souls III – the controls here can feel a bit sluggish. Movement is weightier, and dodging less responsive. However, the improved frame rate enhances the overall experience – combat feels more precise, parries are easier to time, and boss fights more fair. It’s still Dark Souls – demanding, satisfying, and ruthless.
Co-Op and PvP – Improved Online Experience
Multiplayer has seen some welcome improvements. Up to six players can now play together, session passwords allow for easier co-op, and more stable connections make both cooperative and competitive play more reliable than in the original. For fans of invasions and dueling, that’s excellent news – especially since the online community remains active. New players can also enjoy smoother onboarding into online play, which was clunky in the 2011 version. That said, there are still occasional bugs – delayed inputs in offline mode or odd enemy behavior. But these are minor hiccups in an otherwise much-improved experience.
Artorias of the Abyss – A Lore-Rich, Challenging Expansion
One major bonus is that Dark Souls Remastered includes the Artorias of the Abyss expansion, one of the best parts of the entire game. This DLC expands both the lore and the gameplay experience. It’s a must-play for lore enthusiasts and veterans alike, offering some of the toughest boss fights and richest narrative content in the game. Thanks to this inclusion, the total content is more substantial, and the game’s replayability is even higher. With New Game Plus, build experimentation, and challenge runs like no-hit or SL1, DSR offers hours upon hours of meaningful gameplay – all with modern hardware performance.
Is It Worth It? – A Remaster Worthy of the Legend
So is Dark Souls Remastered worth playing in 2025? If you’ve never played the original – absolutely. It’s not just a historical cornerstone of gaming, but a still-powerful, immersive journey through a world of decay, ambition, and light. For returning players, it’s a nostalgic revisit made smoother and more pleasant by technical upgrades. True, it’s not a remake on the level of Demon’s Souls on PS5, but it is a faithful, respectful remaster that honors the source material without trying to reinvent it. No frills – just polished, authentic greatness.
Final Thoughts
Dark Souls Remastered is still the best way to return to Lordran – or to visit it for the very first time. While not without flaws, this version retains the soul of the original while offering a smoother, more comfortable experience. Whether you’re a Souls veteran or just starting out – this game still has it. And if you don’t believe that… well, die trying.
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