Dark Souls Catch-All

Brownypoints wrote:

Should I get this ? PC gamer am I.

I have never owned a console in my life thus i dont use a controller for PC gaming - im just rubbish at holding one let alone pressing buttons in rapid order.

Is anyone using the (nexus) mod to fix the mouse and KB issue, is it ok?

Im not hack and slash diablo gamer, but i found the Witcher 2 combat to be not so difficult.

im really on the fence about this game, my nuts so go but my brain says no

I have a really hard time imagining this game working well with a keyboard and mouse combo, but some people seem to say that the fixes over at the nexus make it ok. I'd do a bit more research outside of GWJ if you can. I don't think any of us playing it on PC did it without a controller.

Fedaykin98 wrote:

This game is amazing and unique. And if you're on PC, I'm sure it will be on sale on Steam at some amazingly low price during the holidays.

Sadly I live in Japan, its not available via Steam here, I can just mail order the uk box set if i need.

I believe friendly Goodjers can buy and gift it on Steam.

I defeated Pinwheel, got frustrated with the Tomb of the Giants, then I headed back to Anor Londo for some S&O co-op and soul farming (Cleric on PC). I was able to hit level 70. Having The Lord Vessel and The Right of Kindling is just awesome.

I am now decked out in Havel's Set and rolling with a Divine Greatsword. I am still rocking the Chain Mail Helm though.

All the screenshots of this game seem to be a knightlike characters with heavy melee weapons
How much room is there to play sneaky/range/light/magic etc ?

There's plenty of room to play otherwise. I think a lot of us have skewed more towards melee-driven characters because that's what the control scheme is built around. I tried playing as a sorcerery-oriented character once and while there are some great spells, magical attacks just aren't as compelling as the dance of physical attack/defense. Thankfully, there's a lot of variation in the melee weapons, and the flexibility of the stat/leveling system allows you to build a mixed character who can do strength or dexterity oriented weapons well while augmenting things with sorcery, pyromancy, or miracles; for all other purposes, there's still plenty to be said for the various bows and crossbows if you want non-magical ranged attacks.

Overall, though, I'd say it all comes back to that control scheme. I can't imagine any re-mapping for mouse/keyboard that would mak sense, because it's such a modal kind of a system on the controller - "hold this shoulder button to attack/defend while moving or releasing an analog stick to do a specific type of attack". There isn't a lot out there that I'd say is comparable. It feels pretty awkward until you get the hang of it, and after that, success is dependent on a combination of finesse with what's ultimately a very organic feeling control scheme and understanding of the speed/timing for your chosen weapons, shields, etc. I'd really hesitate to bother with this game if a controller is a deal-breaker for you.

Maybe its time I learnt how to use a controller, whats the story with controllers on pc anyway? xbox and ps3 controllers ok? gamers shy aware from bluetooth? stick to cords?

Brownypoints wrote:

Maybe its time I learnt how to use a controller, whats the story with controllers on pc anyway? xbox and ps3 controllers ok? gamers shy aware from bluetooth? stick to cords?

I just use a corded Xbox controller on my PC and it works like a charm.

Xbox360, corded, best PC controller ever. Most games can detect it automatically and switch control to it, including colored buttons in hints etc.

wanderingtaoist wrote:

Xbox360, corded, best PC controller ever. Most games can detect it automatically and switch control to it, including colored buttons in hints etc.

This - this is one of the best features of using a 360 controller.

I have a mountain of old PC controllers from just about every brand and the Xbox 360 is the best out there. I personally use a wireless version with my PC and have had zero issues. Highly recommended.

Brownypoints wrote:

Should I get this ? PC gamer am I.

I have never owned a console in my life thus i dont use a controller for PC gaming - im just rubbish at holding one let alone pressing buttons in rapid order.

Is anyone using the (nexus) mod to fix the mouse and KB issue, is it ok?

Im not hack and slash diablo gamer, but i found the Witcher 2 combat to be not so difficult.

im really on the fence about this game, my nuts so go but my brain says no

Just to be clear I would consider myself a Dark Souls zealot, but I think there is a reason for that. I don't push games this hard, like, ever.
I hear the m/k works ok, but really this is a game built around the organization of the controller. Left triggers are left hand, right triggers are right hand. It just has a certain feel that isn't be replicable in an asymmetric m&k structure. That said I'd prefer anyone try it with keyboard than not try it at all.

Re: hack and slash - there are not really any combos and the pace is slower than most action games. It's about very controlled inputs. Mashing will get you into trouble. It's more about planning ahead and watching for openings. You will die early and often, but the trick is to calm down, pay attention, and think about what you can do differently. What in many games might be considered a glitch or exploit is often a deliberate tactic here. So.. when people say it's a unique experience, they mean it. Please give it a try.

I just want to corroborate what's been said. This isn't hack and slash like any other game (excluding demon's souls). If you button mash, you die, end of story. It's methodical, dare I say, realistic combat. Once you commit to an attack, you can't, easily and regularly, prevent that attack from executing, and attacks queue up, press RB twice and you'll swing once and then again. I've helped numerous friends in person get the hang of this and not button mashing tends to be the hardest to remember.

Above all else, always remember, CONSTANT VIGILANCE.

This is probably the greatest action rpg ever made and has set the bar by which half of all other video games will be compared.

LightBender wrote:
wanderingtaoist wrote:

Xbox360, corded, best PC controller ever. Most games can detect it automatically and switch control to it, including colored buttons in hints etc.

This - this is one of the best features of using a 360 controller.

I have a mountain of old PC controllers from just about every brand and the Xbox 360 is the best out there. I personally use a wireless version with my PC and have had zero issues. Highly recommended.

I use this Logitech controller. It has a switch to be recognized as a 360 controller (XInput) or an older PC controller (DirectInput). If you don't use controller on many PC games you're probably fine with a 360 controller but I like having the options.

I also prefer the PS3 shape, but that's just me.

You absolutely can play a magic-based character. I do.

Anyone care to play sporadically with me on PS3? I'm in EST, and usually will only play weekends, but might be up for 1 or 2 sessions during the week, depending. I don't have any friends with this game, and clearly I've missed the curve by a long shot as I only picked this up recently. I'm splitting my time gaming between Diablo 3, Black Ops II and this, so I'm not very consistently online for this; however, if I'm online playing BOII and I'm not in a party, I would gladly go play this instead

Dakuna wrote:

Anyone care to play sporadically with me on PS3? I'm in EST, and usually will only play weekends, but might be up for 1 or 2 sessions during the week, depending. I don't have any friends with this game, and clearly I've missed the curve by a long shot as I only picked this up recently. I'm splitting my time gaming between Diablo 3, Black Ops II and this, so I'm not very consistently online for this; however, if I'm online playing BOII and I'm not in a party, I would gladly go play this instead :)

It's not really a game you play co-op in that direct of a sense. For bosses you can summon help but they're gone as soon as you beat the boss.

Have people had any success summoning their friends in this game? I've never tried. When it came out I know ev everyone said it was much easier in Demon's Souls.

SixteenBlue wrote:
Dakuna wrote:

Anyone care to play sporadically with me on PS3? I'm in EST, and usually will only play weekends, but might be up for 1 or 2 sessions during the week, depending. I don't have any friends with this game, and clearly I've missed the curve by a long shot as I only picked this up recently. I'm splitting my time gaming between Diablo 3, Black Ops II and this, so I'm not very consistently online for this; however, if I'm online playing BOII and I'm not in a party, I would gladly go play this instead :)

It's not really a game you play co-op in that direct of a sense. For bosses you can summon help but they're gone as soon as you beat the boss.

Have people had any success summoning their friends in this game? I've never tried. When it came out I know ev everyone said it was much easier in Demon's Souls.

I've never had a lot of trouble with pc summoning. It probably has a lot to do with router setup. There's a help thread on the steam forums with details and I think it's stickied.

You can have a friend join you and hang around a lot but they won't be getting much from it and there's quirks like boss fights and not being able to use bonfires.

Also you can use a PS3 controller to perfectly emulate a 360 controller with drivers from motionJoy

So if you have a PS3 or 360 (wired) controller either one, you can be covered without buying anything new. The 360 for PC wireless adapter stuff is expensive on it's own, but there are sales sometimes.

I co-oped a little bit with Duffman in Sen's Fortress. He'd summon me in early in the area, then we'd work our way through the place until someone died. It can be done. (This was on 360,FYI)

Fedaykin98 wrote:

You absolutely can play a magic-based character. I do.

Yeah I think I said the same thing earlier this week (maybe 2 pages ago? :D). You know, the last time someone claimed that everyone played melee characters and sorcery wasn't good or fun or something. I have 100+ levels and NG++ that says different.

Sure I use a magic sword sometimes, but mostly crystal soul spears and things. Fun times.

Anytime someone says dark souls is too hard, I suggest they try sorcery, that's like easy mode.

Stele wrote:
Fedaykin98 wrote:

You absolutely can play a magic-based character. I do.

Yeah I think I said the same thing earlier this week (maybe 2 pages ago? :D).

I was answering Brownypoints, who asked about it this morning. He must be one of the few who hasn't memorized every delightful post you've ever made.

Sorcery is easy mode later in the game. It's harder at the beginning.

SixteenBlue wrote:

Sorcery is easy mode later in the game. It's harder at the beginning.

You mean like when the asylum demon dies in 4 shots from all the way across the room out of range of hitting you?

Fedaykin98 wrote:
Stele wrote:
Fedaykin98 wrote:

You absolutely can play a magic-based character. I do.

Yeah I think I said the same thing earlier this week (maybe 2 pages ago? :D).

I was answering Brownypoints, who asked about it this morning. He must be one of the few who hasn't memorized every delightful post you've ever made. :razz:

My snark wasn't towards you, obviously, since I was agreeing with you.

Just funny to see people dismiss sorcery repeatedly, when it's still pretty awesome. Not quite the easy button it was in Demons Souls, but more than viable still.

I have no issue with its viability, just its mechanical execution. It just isn't as fun to me as smacking things with a big 2H weapon. In most other fantasy games, I very rarely choose melee over magic.

It's more of a testament to the quality of the melee combat than a criticism of the magic system.

ibdoomed wrote:
SixteenBlue wrote:
Dakuna wrote:

Anyone care to play sporadically with me on PS3? I'm in EST, and usually will only play weekends, but might be up for 1 or 2 sessions during the week, depending. I don't have any friends with this game, and clearly I've missed the curve by a long shot as I only picked this up recently. I'm splitting my time gaming between Diablo 3, Black Ops II and this, so I'm not very consistently online for this; however, if I'm online playing BOII and I'm not in a party, I would gladly go play this instead :)

It's not really a game you play co-op in that direct of a sense. For bosses you can summon help but they're gone as soon as you beat the boss.

Have people had any success summoning their friends in this game? I've never tried. When it came out I know ev everyone said it was much easier in Demon's Souls.

I've never had a lot of trouble with pc summoning. It probably has a lot to do with router setup. There's a help thread on the steam forums with details and I think it's stickied.

You can have a friend join you and hang around a lot but they won't be getting much from it and there's quirks like boss fights and not being able to use bonfires.

Hmm, I had no trouble co-oping with my brother all through demon's souls. We would just take turns killing the bosses, but otherwise play through most of the levels together, with whomever was left alive, or had more stones of ephemeral eyes. The problem now is, he doesn't have dark souls, and I want to play with someone! We would generally talk through skype, which was very helpful.

ibdoomed wrote:
SixteenBlue wrote:

Sorcery is easy mode later in the game. It's harder at the beginning.

You mean like when the asylum demon dies in 4 shots from all the way across the room out of range of hitting you?

Good luck with that approach for the next bosses. They definitely won't stay out of range or go down in 4 hits. Especially for a new player.

Dakuna wrote:
ibdoomed wrote:
SixteenBlue wrote:
Dakuna wrote:

Anyone care to play sporadically with me on PS3? I'm in EST, and usually will only play weekends, but might be up for 1 or 2 sessions during the week, depending. I don't have any friends with this game, and clearly I've missed the curve by a long shot as I only picked this up recently. I'm splitting my time gaming between Diablo 3, Black Ops II and this, so I'm not very consistently online for this; however, if I'm online playing BOII and I'm not in a party, I would gladly go play this instead :)

It's not really a game you play co-op in that direct of a sense. For bosses you can summon help but they're gone as soon as you beat the boss.

Have people had any success summoning their friends in this game? I've never tried. When it came out I know ev everyone said it was much easier in Demon's Souls.

I've never had a lot of trouble with pc summoning. It probably has a lot to do with router setup. There's a help thread on the steam forums with details and I think it's stickied.

You can have a friend join you and hang around a lot but they won't be getting much from it and there's quirks like boss fights and not being able to use bonfires.

Hmm, I had no trouble co-oping with my brother all through demon's souls. We would just take turns killing the bosses, but otherwise play through most of the levels together, with whomever was left alive, or had more stones of ephemeral eyes. The problem now is, he doesn't have dark souls, and I want to play with someone! We would generally talk through skype, which was very helpful.

What kind of fan of demon's souls didn't buy dark souls day one and then double dip when it was $17?!

SixteenBlue wrote:
ibdoomed wrote:
SixteenBlue wrote:

Sorcery is easy mode later in the game. It's harder at the beginning.

You mean like when the asylum demon dies in 4 shots from all the way across the room out of range of hitting you?

Good luck with that approach for the next bosses. They definitely won't stay out of range or go down in 4 hits. Especially for a new player.

I have been through the game countless times including one character over level 200 on NG++, one that is still level 1 and about finish gwyn, a pyro on NG+, and a sorcerer on NG+ so yes, you can do most/all bosses with sorcery or melee or pyro. I have not tried focusing on miracles, that's next. Taurus in fact was extremely easy staying out of range and SA'ing him to death. Gargoyles, gaping dragon, black knights, qualaag, iron golem, seath, sif, and S&O were also easy with sorcery. The only ones I can think of that were more difficult are capra, four kings and gwyn. I'm forgetting some...