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[trw]

Dark Souls >>> Dark Souls 2 > Demons Souls

Dark Souls appealed to me in a way the other two didn't with the worldbuilding. The interconnected world and lore hidden throughout was simply amazing, even though Izalith and Tomb of Giants are probably the two worst areas in all of the series. It also has the best bosses by far. Artorias, Sanctuary Guardian, Manus, Queelag etc. was fantastic.

For me it's much harder to put a favourite of the other two since they have such different strengths. Demons has fantastic atmosphere and some great levels, although some are kind of bland. I do think Latria beats all areas of Dark Souls 2 but overall I think Dark Souls 2 areas where consistently strong and interesting. Pure PvP might be a bit better in Demons but the fleshed out faction system in Dk2 is just pure fun.

 

[mattp]

demon's souls >= dark souls 1 > dark souls 2


i could go back and forth on demons vs ds1. they even out for me because each game does some stuff better

random thoughts:


demon's souls
+ best level design
+ best atmosphere. so good at making you feel fucking LONELY in that world
- item load sucks
+ best soundtrack


dark souls
+ the interconnected world was incredible
- some latter levels felt rushed as fuck
+ estus system was an incredible design choice. so great
- lack of dedicated servers really hurt stuff. less messages, less ghosts, pvp/coop connections failed a lot

dark souls 2
+ way more consistent quality than ds1(no massive drop off 1/2 way through the game)
- the world layout kind of sucked compared to ds1. bonfire warping killed the overall world design
- quantity over quality in the levels and bosses
+ regardless of the above issues, its so much fun to play
+ going back to dedicated servers
- estus + healing items was stupid. why mess with a perfect thing?

 

[the_prime_mover]

And a short bursts of +'s and -'s.

Demon's Souls
+ Bosses are perfectly melee/caster-balanced
+ Consistent map design
+ Music
+ The best difficulty balance out of the three
+ Hub layout

- PvP is shit
- Framerate is shit in 2-x and some of 5-x

Dark Souls
+ Everything up until 50%>
+ Music is the best out of the three

- Everything after 50%>
- Blighttown framerate
- Open world resulted in you seeing unfinished maps early on
- PvP is still shit

Dark Souls 2
+ Graphics and 60fps
+ PvP is the best out of the three, and overall REALLY good
+ Open world was much better this time around
+ Bonfire Ascetic
+ Consistent level of "fun" throughout the entirety of the game

- Music is the worst out of the three
- Levels become extremely insignificant very early on
- Stat balancing

Perfect timing! I was just editing my post before realizing I might as well just make a new post about it

Hmm, good post. I agree with your positives and negatives. I think if you are into the pvp aspect then DS2 really does a solid job, however it has the weakest atmosphere, bosses and sense of world cohesion. Personally I marvel when playing Dark Souls because the world is so well realized, but I would still give the nod to Demon's. Demon's had amazing atmosphere and tight level design while also giving players a diverse experience through the world tendancy mechanic. I will play through Demon's and Dark Souls many times in the future, but probably won't revisit Dark Souls 2 with near as much frequency.

 

[RK9039]

Original Dark Souls was the best for me because the world design felt a lot more consistent than Dark Souls 2 and wasn't incoherent like Demon's Souls, but I love all of them.

 

[The_Darkest_Red]

This is actually where the dispute between myself and a friend came from to the point where we had to talk about separate orderings.

Yeah, it's so easy for me to see how this question can lead to any combination of answers. It comes down to a lot of stuff really. How much do you value pvp? How important is it to you that the world is geographically coherent and intelligently connected? What kind of bosses do you prefer to fight? How much do you value innovation versus another dose of a fairly established formula?

 

[bigboss370]

Nah, I'm just not a fan of circle jerks with no critical assertions whatsoever.

i just think there's better ways of communicating what you're trying to say than going "circle jerk! circle jerk!"

 

[Vaga]

While both DS received improvements in certain gameplay mechanics DeS introduced, they failed to live up to the atmosphere and grim setting of the first Souls game. Demon's also had far better level and world design.

 

[HighJumpBoots]

I might be the only one the put Dark Souls II on top. I feel that it has the most refined gameplay, and therefore it is the best in my books.

It's hard to rank the Souls games because they're all just so damn good.

Anyway, my list:

1. Dark Souls II
2. Dark Souls
3. Demons' Souls

 

[Einbroch]

Dark Souls > Demon's Souls > Dark Souls 2.

Why? I enjoyed DeS, but DaS's open world was really great to explore. Dark Souls 2 was fun, but the bosses were incredibly boring and I felt like the ending dragged on a bit too long.

 

[Havel]

Atmosphere:

Demon's=Dark Souls>>>>>>Dark Souls 2

Music:

Dark Souls>Demon's Souls>>>>>Dark Souls 2

Bosses:

Dark Souls>Demon's Souls>>>>>Dark Souls 2

Gameplay:

Dark Souls>Dark Souls 2>Demon's Souls

World:

DaS=DeS>>>>>>>DaS2

NPCs:

Dark=Demon's>>>2

Hub:

Demon's>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Dark Souls>Dark Souls 2

PvP:

Dark Souls 2>>>>>>>>Dark Souls>Demon's Souls.


Overall, Dark Souls 1 I'd have to say is the best followed VERY closely by Demon's and then 2.

 

[DedValve]

Playing Demons Souls first,

Dark Souls > Demon souls.

The intertwined world was fantastic and the shortcuts made my jaw dropped with how well placed they where. I love Dark Souls. Haven't played DS2 yet.

 

[sixteen-bit]

I haven't finished DS2 yet but I liked Dark more than Demon's.

 

[george_us]

Dark Souls > Demon's Souls >>>>> Dark Souls 2. I only got 12 hours into DS2 before shelving it.

 

[Confidence Man]

Demon's was the best while played online. Dark Souls was the better single player game. DS2 is like a couple tiers below either one.

 

[The_Darkest_Red]

I might be the only one the put Dark Souls II on top. I feel that it has the most refined gameplay, and therefore it is the best in my books.

It's hard to rank the Souls games because they're all just so damn good.

Anyway, my list:

1. Dark Souls II
2. Dark Souls
3. Demons' Souls

Most days I am with you, my friend. I feel like Dark Souls II provides the most consistently enjoyable gameplay experience from start to finish, particularly outside of pvp which I never really mess with. Quite frankly I think the game gets a lot of unsubstantiated "quantity over quality" arguments thrown its way, when in reality I think it's more like quantity and quality. The world may not mesh as well as Dark Souls I but the individual areas were all very well designed and fun to explore, in my opinion.

 

[cyber_ninja]

Demon's Souls > Dark Souls > Dark Souls II

The truth.

Agree

 

[soldat7]

Demon's Souls = Dark Souls = Dark Souls II

Best three games of the gen, each has their own strengths but equally amazing. If I had to pick, Demon's just because it was the first and completely blew me away having never seen anything like it before.

Well said.

 

[MormaPope]

Dark Souls
+ Everything up until 50%>
+ Music is the best out of the three

- Everything after 50%>
- Blighttown framerate
- Open world resulted in you seeing unfinished maps early on
- PvP is still shit

Dark Souls 2
+ Graphics and 60fps
+ PvP is the best out of the three, and overall REALLY good
+ Open world was much better this time around
+ Bonfire Ascetic
+ Consistent level of "fun" throughout the entirety of the game

- Music is the worst out of the three
- Levels become extremely insignificant very early on
- Stat balancing

Perfect timing! I was just editing my post before realizing I might as well just make a new post about it

I agree with these assertions. Dark Souls 1 stops being captivating right after the Smough and Ornstein boss battle. Anor Londo in general looks pretty but so much space feels wasted, you spend too much time running around massive areas. The best area in Dark Souls 1 is probably the Undead Burg in its entirety. I'd even wager the bell keepers boss battle is the best in the game, getting attacked by multiple gargoyles is intense and frightening. The sewers leading to Blighttown is another great area. Extremely creepy, you feel hopeless and lost. Accidentally falling into the curse frog area will always cause intense tension.

My favorite part of Dark Souls 2 is the last 1/3 is paced excellently. Drangleic Castle's progression is smooth, it feels like you're about to learn about and understand a really foggy mystery. The end and discovery in the Undead Crypt is harrowing, depressing, frightening, and incredibly sad. The landscape in the distance at the end of Aldia's keep was breathtaking, I had to stop and marvel at the vastness. Seeing Dragon's Aerie for the first time also made me feel that way.

The gameplay in those sections also reinforces the story and lore. Dragon Aerie feels like a test made for man, to see if man can reach the end of a long and troubled journey. Drangleic Castle is a constant battle for some sort of information about the truth.

i just think there's better ways of communicating what you're trying to say than going "circle jerk! circle jerk!"

No, I think I hit the nail on the head. Non discussion needs to be called out, otherwise these threads almost have no merit when it comes discussion.

 

[Krusenstern]

Haven't played Dark Souls 2 but I would say

Dark Souls > Demon's Souls

Dark Souls just felt more polished and more treated with love. And the atmosphere in Dark Souls appeals more to me. Demon's Souls is still one fine game though, don't misunderstand me.

 

[Zomba13]

Demon's = Dark 1 > Dark 2

With Demon's/Dark 1 it depends if you like the more open world of Dark or the more level based progression of Demon's. Both are better than Dark 2 though as they have better bosses and better mechanics (things were fine before ADP and there were a lot fewer bullshit hitboxes).

 

[dralla]

I think Demon's Souls was the best game for its time. I don't think it's aged as well as the others will. I think Dark Souls has the highest highs in the entire series, but also the lowest lows. It's easily the most inconsistent of the three games. Dark Souls 2 lacks the identity of either of the previous games, it's also disappointingly easy. If I had to 'rank' them, I'd say Demon's Souls > Dark Souls II > Dark Souls. If it wasn't for the complete nose dive in quality after Anor Lando in Dark Souls, it would be the best in series hands down. I really enjoy all three games though and each have their pros and cons, I can't wait for more.

 

[eot]

I haven't played Demon's but I'd be surprised if I like it less than Dark Souls 2.
DkS2 is nowhere near as good as DkS. I still like it, but it's (sadly) kind of forgettable.

 

[floatingcoffins]

I wish that the atmosphere from Demon's Souls had been carried over to the other games. Nothing has equaled Tower of Latria, unfortunately.

 

[Dr. Buni]

All three games are equally good. Dark Souls II isn't the worst like some people love to claim (like, what is with people and the hate towards third games in most franchises?). Demon's Souls isn't the best game in the series either, there are a lot of flaws in the game. I love it, but please, it is no better than Dark Souls or Dark Sous II.

 

[Havel]

I should mention if it weren't for PTDE, I would put Demon's above Dark Souls 1.

 

[Persona7]

Dark Souls = Dark Souls 2 >> Demon's Souls


I prefer the refinements, art direction and new mechanics in the dark souls games compared to Demon's Souls.

 

[sublimit]

I like both Demon's and Dark Souls 1 almost equally.Some things i like more in Demon's and some more in Dark.

DS2 is also a very good game but not on the same God-Tier as Demon's and Dark1 were for me.

 

[WonderCheese]

Dark Souls > Demon's Souls.

No opinion on 2 just yet.

Same. I have a strong feeling that DS2 will end up at the end of that list, but I can't say that without playing it.

 

[Screaming Meat]

I'm going to bet that the majority of people will pick the first Souls game they played as their favourite.

 

[AngryMoth]

Dark Souls > Dark Souls 2 >> Demon's Souls

I slightly prefer pve in DS1 but the pvp is way better in 2 so I struggle pick a favourite, but I'm going with 1 since it just has a bit more charm and personality.

Didn't care for DeS as much as most, I suspect I would hold it in much higher esteem if it was the first one I played.

 

[Cloud Strife]

Combat:

Dark Souls II>Dark Souls>Des

Way more refined in DS2 and the addition of Agility is great; no longer can you just spam R1 (in most cases) and expect to roll away at any time.

Environments/Levels:

DeS>DS>DS2

DS2 made no sense environment-wise. Demon's Souls had amazing areas (Tower of Latria) and is just slightly better than DS's open world (that was actually connected).

Music:

DS>DS2>DeS

They were all amazing so this is just personal preference.

Bosses/Enemies:

DS>DeS>DS2

The bosses in DS were incredible and linked to the story in such a way that every encounter seemed tense and epic. DeS similarly had some great fights that were way more atmospheric (Fool's Idol, Storm King, Flamelurker to name a few). DS2's four lords didn't quite do it for me, nothing set them apart from regular bosses (Rotten was a joke, Freja was a joke, Iron King was a joke).

Online:

DS2>DeS>DS

Less lagstabbing and more features (White Ring and Bell cov. are amazing fun) put DS2 on top imo. DS was a broken mess for me, and DeS slightly less so.

 

[Sayah]

Dark Souls > Demons Souls > Dark Souls 2

Demons Souls was really amazing as far as atmosphere and bosses goes. However, the black/white world tendency stuff and the disconnected levels make me rank it lower than Dark Souls.

Dark Souls 2 is amazing no doubt and I like how it streamlined some things. However, I am not at all impressed by the boss fights (so far). There is also a severe lack of dragons and interesting NPCs.

Dark Souls 1 is my absolute favorite SP game of last Gen. Did so many things right. Great NPCs and great, expansive world. I love how everything interconnected and think sens fortress is some of the best level design ever.

 

[mattiewheels]

I loaded up Demon's after a couple years of dropping it, and the next stage I had to get through was such a disaster. It was Valley of Defilement, my good weapon broke right away, and I was getting torn apart regardless. I can tell why I stopped. The no extra checkpoints and ease of weapon repair has really changed in the series. As far as tech/gameplay improvements, I'd say DS2 is the best one. But as games themselves, a different story.

 

[modeyv2]

Demon's Souls > Dark Souls > Dark Souls II

Spot on! Haha.

Had all of them since launch. Demons Souls hit me so greatly, it was the kind of game I was looking for at the time, due to Oblivion becoming boring after completing it 2-3 times. The atmosphere and the story completely made me love the game, the idea of going where you wanted to go from the hub was great.

 

[Zia]

I have not played enough of either Dark or Demon's to make anywhere near a definitive statement, but I doubt I'll end up liking Dark Souls (not bothered with revisiting Demon's) more than II. I love PvP, and I prefer the lore. It has a femininity and storybook playfulness to it that I didn't see in the first two.

So, for now, DSII > DS > Rough Draft Souls

 

[Thursday War]

beasts souls

 

[deim0s]

What Dark Souls brought us up are natural improvements to the mechanics that Demons Souls brought in - estus flasks, better pvp handling in DS2, bonfire warping (but too many in DS2), connected areas. But Demon Souls has better atmosphere, each world/area are unique and engaging... you'd feel the fucked up world you're in.

 

[Loomer]

Haven't touched Dark Souls 2 yet, but I vastly prefer Demon's Souls to Dark.

I really have no love for the Metroid-style interconnected world in Dark that everyone seems to love. Bonfire Warp came in way too late in Dark and was too limited pre-patch.

Also liked most armor sets better in Demon's though there weren't enough of them, and gender locking them was a terrible idea. Nexus is also more interesting than Firelink, and it was nice to have most merchants/trainers in one place.

Combat flow definitely felt better to me in Dark though.

 

[JonCha]

I couldn't get into Dark Souls but loved, even though I haven't completed, Dark Souls II. The latter is much more fun to me, which lines up with some of the above posts. I found the combat more approachable and the opening stages of the game engaged me much more.

As for Demon's Souls, I haven't played it so I can't comment.

 

[GamingIsDead]

Dark Souls > Dark Souls II >>>>>>>>>> Demon Souls

Yep. Demon souls had the least impressive environments. Dark souls was way more intricate and detailed in every way.

How can anyone say that demon souls had the best sound track? Some of it sounded sooo bad and low budget like midi music. Most of it was maybe acceptable in the n64 era, it had maybe one good song in total.

 

[CrovaxPSO]

#1 - Demon's Souls: Best atmosphere, "tightest" combat mechanics, hub world, Maiden in Black

#2 - Dark Souls II: Seems to be intentionally more like Demon's Souls than Dark Souls. Hub area, instant warping between bonfires.

#3 - Dark Souls: Open world and inability to warp between bonfires from the start makes everything frustrating. I started enjoying the game more once I could warp but it soured the whole experience for me.

 

[justjustin]

Played em all a bunch of times as they came out in order. Here's what I think.

Dark Souls II > Demon's Souls > Dark Souls

I was always on the fence about which was better: Dark Souls or Demon's Souls. Demon's Souls had better level design and action, but Dark Souls had more options to play around with. I feel their worlds equally enjoyable and interesting to think about. But Dark Souls II upped the possibilities even more, so it overshadows Dark Souls in that respect. So, Dark Souls doesn't really excel at anything that I value anymore. Dark Souls II outdid it in ways most meaningful for me. It will be nice to revisit Dark Souls every once and a while, but if I want variety there's Dark Souls II and if I want excellently directed action there's Demon's Souls. Dark Souls is sort of caught in the middle so I rank it last now. (And it should go without saying, but they are all incredible games).

 

[Minions]

Demon's Souls > Dark Souls > Dark Souls II

This is my order. Dark Souls had improvements, as did Dark Souls II. I feel like Dark Souls II however made things worse in ways as well. Neither of the latter games had as tight of controls as DeS which pretty much trumps the improvements. I'd like to see the same tight controls as DeS with destructible walls and estus flasks like the latter games.

 

[MisterSamMan]

Dark Souls > Demon's Souls > Dark Souls 2

I started playing Dark Souls first so it's probably why I enjoy it the most, but also I really value the interconnected world a lot. Playing Demon's Souls after DS felt like a new and exciting experience, which I can't say was the case for DS2. That being said, DS2 is still an incredible game.

As a side note, I hope Beast Souls works off of Demon's Souls and not the improvements made in the Dark Souls games.

 

[JudgmentJay]

Dark Souls > Demon's Souls > Dark Souls 2 in my opinion, but all 3 are around a 10/10 as far as my personal enjoyment is concerned.

Demon's Souls is my favorite for atmosphere and mood, Dark Souls for PvE and lore, Dark Souls 2 for PvP/co-op.

 

[SweetTeddie]

If we're talking Dark Souls 1 with the DLC, it may beat DeS for me since that added a ton of fun bosses and some cool characters. The back half of DS1 is a bummer; Tomb of the Giants, Lost Izalith and Demon Ruins are all pretty lame compared to the beginning areas.

 

[FlyingSaucer]

Dark Souls > Demon's Souls >>> Dark Souls 2

Dark Souls 2 is the most well-refined gameplay and technic-wise, thought.

 

[Uthred]

Demon Souls > Dark Souls = Dark Souls 2

Demon Souls is my favourite, I think it had the best athmosphere of the three and had some of my favourite boss and monster designs. I do think that the novelty of it also had a lot to do with how much I liked it, I imported the asian version and all I'd seen online about it was one import review so the entire experience was new. Though really none of the sequels even got close to the Tower of Latria. I enjoyed Dark Souls and double dipped on it but in some areas I felt it was a regression. Dark Souls 2 expanded on the things I enjoyed about the earlier games and corrected some of the things I was annoyed about in Dark Souls. However it was also weaker in some areas than Dark Souls (most of its bosses lacked the visual impact of the ones in Dark Souls I felt) so I think ultimately theyre about equal for me.

 

[Havel]

For reference, ENB's order is:

PvE: Dark>Demon's>II

Setting: Demon's>Dark>II

PvP: Dark Souls 2>Demon's and Dark Souls 1.

 

[bigboss370]

No, I think I hit the nail on the head. Non discussion needs to be called out, otherwise these threads almost have no merit when it comes discussion.

like i said, your message is fine, the way you're conveying it could be more...sophisticated. its not a big deal, just something small i wanted to point out.