Should You Re-Kindle the Flame? Dark Souls Remastered vs. Original

So, you’ve already braved Lordran, faced Gwyn, and maybe even conquered the horrors of the Painted World. You own the original Dark Souls, possibly even the revered Prepare to Die Edition. The question is, should you spend your hard-earned souls (or dollars) on Dark Souls Remastered?

The direct answer is this: it depends.

For some, the graphical and performance enhancements, coupled with the slightly improved multiplayer experience, are absolutely worth the investment. For others, the original game holds a certain charm, a gritty authenticity that the Remastered version doesn’t quite capture. Let’s delve deeper.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Remastered vs. Original

Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision:

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition (Original)

• Pros:
  • Nostalgia: The raw, unpolished experience that defined a generation of gamers.
  • Price: Often available for significantly less than the Remastered version.
  • Modding Community: A thriving modding community that can add new content, fix bugs, and enhance the game in ways the Remastered version cannot.
• Cons:
  • Performance Issues: Notably, Blighttown’s notorious frame rate drops, which can be a significant source of frustration. The original is locked to 30 FPS.
  • Graphics: Dated visuals that may not appeal to players accustomed to modern graphics.
  • Multiplayer: The original multiplayer required workarounds and could be unreliable.
  • Glitches: Some glitches existed within the original game that are fixed in the remaster.

Dark Souls Remastered

• Pros:
  • Improved Performance: A smooth 60 FPS, even in Blighttown. This is a huge improvement.
  • Enhanced Graphics: Updated textures and lighting, resulting in a cleaner, more modern look. The game runs in 4K resolution if you have a capable TV and device.
  • Smoother Multiplayer: A more stable and streamlined online experience.
  • Item Stacking: A small but significant quality-of-life improvement.
  • All DLC Included: The Artorias of the Abyss DLC is bundled with the game.
• Cons:
  • Price: Typically more expensive than the original.
  • Artistic Changes: Some purists argue that the graphical enhancements alter the original artistic vision of the game.
  • Limited Modding: The Remastered version has limited modding capabilities compared to the original.
  • Similar core gameplay: No major changes to the story and overall gameplay.

Who Should Buy the Remastered Version?

Consider purchasing Dark Souls Remastered if:

• You struggled with the original’s performance issues, especially in Blighttown. The 60 FPS and optimized visuals alone might be worth the upgrade.
• You prioritize a smoother, more accessible multiplayer experience.
• You prefer a cleaner, more modern visual presentation.
• You’ve never played Dark Souls before. The Remastered version is arguably the definitive way to experience the game for newcomers.

Who Should Stick with the Original?

You might want to stick with Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition if:

• You’re on a tight budget. The original is often available for significantly less.
• You value the authenticity and gritty charm of the original release.
• You’re heavily invested in the modding community.
• You’re not bothered by the original’s performance limitations.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Dark Souls Remastered is an excellent version of an already exceptional game. It offers tangible improvements in performance, graphics, and multiplayer. However, the original Prepare to Die Edition still holds a special place in the hearts of many players, and its lower price and extensive modding community make it a viable alternative. Consider your priorities and budget, and choose the version that best suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Dark Souls Remastered easier than the original?

Not fundamentally. The core difficulty remains unchanged. However, the smoother frame rate and improved responsiveness can make the game feel slightly easier. Also, improved multiplayer might make finding assistance from other players easier.

2. What are the key graphical differences between Dark Souls and Dark Souls Remastered?

Dark Souls Remastered features upscaled textures, improved lighting, and a generally cleaner visual presentation. It also runs in 4K on supported platforms. The visual quality is improved but it is still not a full remake.

3. Does Dark Souls Remastered include all the DLC?

Yes, Dark Souls Remastered includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.

4. Does the Remastered version fix all the bugs from the original?

It fixes many, but not all, bugs. Some minor glitches and exploits may still exist.

5. Is the multiplayer in Dark Souls Remastered significantly better than the original?

Yes. The matchmaking is more reliable and the online experience is generally more stable.

6. Is Dark Souls Remastered a remake or a remaster?

It’s a remaster. A remake would involve rebuilding the game from the ground up, while a remaster focuses on improving existing assets and performance.

7. Can I transfer my save file from the original Dark Souls to Dark Souls Remastered?

No, save files are not directly transferable.

8. Is Dark Souls Remastered worth it on Nintendo Switch?

Yes, especially if you value portability. The Switch version offers a fantastic Dark Souls experience on the go. It doesn’t look as good as other versions, but the convenience is unmatched.

9. Does Dark Souls Remastered change the story or gameplay in any way?

No, the core story and gameplay remain largely unchanged. The Remaster focuses on improvements to performance and graphics, as well as quality-of-life enhancements.

10. Is it worth getting Dark Souls Remastered if I already own Dark Souls 2 and 3?

If you enjoyed Dark Souls 2 and 3, experiencing the original Dark Souls, especially in its enhanced Remastered form, is definitely worthwhile to understand the foundations of the series.

11. Is Dark Souls Remastered the hardest game in the series?

Difficulty is subjective, but many consider the original Dark Souls (and therefore the Remastered version) to be among the most challenging entries due to its world design and demanding combat.

12. Are people still playing Dark Souls Remastered online?

Yes, there is still an active online community, although it may be smaller than for newer titles like Elden Ring.

13. What’s the best Dark Souls game to start with?

Dark Souls Remastered is an excellent starting point for the series due to its classic design and relatively straightforward progression. Some prefer Dark Souls 3, especially if you’re used to more modern action games.

14. Is Elden Ring connected to Dark Souls?

No, Elden Ring and Dark Souls are set in separate universes, although they share many thematic and gameplay similarities.

15. Does playing Dark Souls improve learning in the real world?

That’s a fascinating question! While it won’t teach you calculus, the game’s emphasis on perseverance, problem-solving, and learning from failure can translate to real-world skills. Researchers at the Games Learning Society are exploring these connections, and you can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.