Reviving the Flame: Dark Souls Remastered Reigns for 5 Years

The enduring success of FromSoftware's Elden Ring and the imminent return of Armored Core are a testament to their talent, but it was Dark Souls that catapulted the company into the mainstream. The game's action-RPG subgenre was refined and evolved with each new installment, and the formula that captured players' attention in the first Dark Souls can still be found at the core of Elden Ring's even greater success.

However, the original Dark Souls release and the enhanced Prepare to Die Edition are no longer available on PS3 and Xbox 360, and their multiplayer servers have been permanently shut down. Fortunately, Dark Souls Remastered is still thriving after five years and remains a fantastic experience on modern platforms. Whether you're a seasoned Souls veteran or a newcomer looking to see how the legendary open-world title came to be, Dark Souls Remastered is a wellspring of innovation and fresh fun on every playthrough.

History has vindicated Dark Souls Remastered, proving its lasting appeal and influence on the gaming industry.

Despite a rocky start with its initial release in Japan on May 24, 2018 and worldwide on May 25, Dark Souls Remastered provided significant bug and performance fixes. However, the game's revamped lighting was met with widespread disapproval and the Switch port was deemed inferior to other Dark Souls versions. Additionally, the replacement of the original game in digital stores made its lack of old mod compatibility even more frustrating for players.

Despite these issues, Dark Souls Remastered eventually became the primary way to revisit Dark Souls 1 on later generation consoles. While not a perfect re-release, it paved the way for the entire Dark Souls trilogy to be released as a single package on consoles for the first time. This allowed PC, PS4, and Xbox One players to easily jump between the three games and now, PS5 owners can experience the entirety of FromSoftware's Soulsborne catalog.

Despite technical issues and time gaps, Dark Souls' legacy has been preserved for many years to come, and its impact on players and developers alike makes it a game worth maintaining.

Dark Souls Remastered still holds up today for several reasons, but one of the most significant is its contribution to the evolution of Soulsborne game design. With Dark Souls 1, the series moved away from the linear level design of Demon's Souls and towards a more interconnected world that branched out in several directions. While other games in the series offer breathtaking landscapes, Firelink Shrine from Dark Souls 1 stands out as a Metroidvania-style hub that connects various areas. The gradual progression and increasing difficulty curve are more apparent now, particularly since later games, such as Elden Ring, have placed much tougher enemies in the player's main path.

Community remains an integral part of Dark Souls Remastered. The game's online component allows players to summon allies for co-op play or invade other players' worlds for PvP combat. The messages left by other players on the ground can be both helpful and misleading, adding to the sense of mystery and danger in the game world. The community also creates fan-made mods and challenges, extending the game's lifespan even further. With such a dedicated and passionate player base, Dark Souls Remastered is more than just a game, it's a cultural phenomenon.

The Souls community is a devoted group, and revisiting classic FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls Remastered is a perfect way to connect with them. Despite the dangers of playing in Online Mode on PC, console versions still offer plenty of online features like messages, ghosts, and even co-op play. Plus, NPC Solaire emphasizes the importance of multiplayer, fostering a supportive community that's hard to find in other games.

But the community doesn't just stop at playing the base game. Modding is a popular pastime for Dark Souls fans, and the Remastered edition offers a wealth of mods to explore. From graphical upgrades and bug fixes to full game overhauls like Daughters of Ash and Nightfall, there's something for everyone. And if you're looking for a more lighthearted experience, mods like Floppy Souls and Dark Souls Remasterer offer fun crossovers and new multiplayer modes.

Thanks to the enduring appeal of Dark Souls 1 and the support of its passionate fanbase, Dark Souls Remastered continues to thrive years after its release. Even as FromSoftware moves on to new projects, the legacy of Dark Souls lives on through its loyal community. As the Remastered edition celebrates its fifth anniversary, it's the perfect time to relive the harrowing adventures of Lordran and appreciate what made Dark Souls so special.

Dark Souls Remastered is available now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.