Unveiling the Enhancements: What Does Dark Souls Remastered Add?
Dark Souls Remastered isn’t just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a carefully considered return to Lordran. While preserving the core gameplay and brutal difficulty that defined the original, the Remastered edition brings significant improvements. These include enhanced graphics running at 60fps, online multiplayer enhancements, and the inclusion of the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. It also adds quality-of-life changes that smooth out some of the original’s rough edges, making it a more accessible and enjoyable experience for both veterans and newcomers.
A Deeper Dive into the Enhancements
While the core gameplay remains largely untouched, the Remastered version introduces a suite of changes that substantially improve the overall experience. These additions can be broken down into several key areas:
Visual Overhaul
The most immediately noticeable change is the visual upgrade. The game now runs in stunning high-definition, supporting resolutions up to 4K on compatible platforms. More importantly, the game targets a smooth 60 frames per second, resulting in a much more responsive and fluid combat experience. While textures haven’t been completely overhauled, the increased resolution and improved lighting significantly enhance the overall visual fidelity of Lordran.
Multiplayer Refinements
Dark Souls‘ unique multiplayer system is a core part of its appeal, and the Remastered edition brings several improvements in this area.
- Dedicated Servers: All platforms now benefit from dedicated servers, leading to more stable and reliable online play. This eliminates the peer-to-peer connections of the original, which were often plagued by lag and disconnects.
- Password Matching: A feature borrowed from Dark Souls 3, password matching allows players to easily connect with friends for co-op or PvP. This simplifies the process of playing with specific people, removing the reliance on Soul Level and weapon level restrictions.
- Arena Changes: Arena battles now support 3v3 and 6-player deathmatches. Password matching can also be used within the arena.
- Item Usage: Players can now select the number of usable items, such as consumable souls or covenant items, to use instead of one at a time as in the original game.
Quality of Life Improvements
Beyond the graphical and multiplayer enhancements, Dark Souls Remastered also introduces several quality-of-life changes that streamline the gameplay experience.
- Item Stacks: A seemingly small but significant change, players can now use item stacks, eliminating the tedious process of using consumable items one at a time.
- Dried Finger Location: The location of the Dried Finger in the Painted World has been replaced with a Twin Humanities item.
- Password Matchmaking Syncing: When a player is summoned in Password Matchmaking the player level will be synced. It’s now easier for friends to be matched with each other.
Content Inclusion
The Remastered version includes the critically acclaimed Artorias of the Abyss DLC, seamlessly integrated into the main game. This adds a significant chunk of new content, including new areas, enemies, bosses, and lore, further expanding the world of Lordran.
Striking a Balance: Preservation and Enhancement
Dark Souls Remastered successfully balances the desire for modernization with the need to preserve the spirit of the original game. While the graphical and quality-of-life improvements are welcome additions, the core gameplay, difficulty, and atmosphere remain intact. This ensures that both veteran players and newcomers can experience the magic of Dark Souls in its purest form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Dark Souls Remastered change the story?
No, Dark Souls Remastered does not alter the story or lore of the original game. The narrative remains the same, with the same characters, events, and endings.
2. Is Dark Souls Remastered easier than the original?
While the core difficulty remains unchanged, some of the quality-of-life improvements, such as item stacks and password matching, can make the experience slightly more accessible for new players. The game’s inherent challenge, however, remains intact. The extra assistance will make a big difference, so whilst the game is unchanged in its original difficulty, playing the Remastered version could still prove an easier prospect.
3. Does Dark Souls Remastered have new content beyond the DLC?
Besides the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, Dark Souls Remastered does not introduce any brand-new areas, enemies, or bosses. The focus is on enhancing the existing content rather than adding new elements.
4. What platforms is Dark Souls Remastered available on?
Dark Souls Remastered is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
5. Is Dark Souls Remastered worth buying if I already own the original?
If you value improved graphics, a stable online experience, and quality-of-life improvements, then Dark Souls Remastered is definitely worth considering. The 60fps gameplay alone is a significant upgrade for many players.
6. Does Dark Souls Remastered fix any of the glitches from the original?
While some minor glitches may have been addressed, Dark Souls Remastered does not completely eliminate all glitches from the original game. Some exploits and unintended behaviors may still be present.
7. What are the system requirements for Dark Souls Remastered on PC?
The system requirements for Dark Souls Remastered on PC are relatively modest, making it playable on a wide range of hardware. However, meeting the recommended specifications will ensure a smooth experience at higher resolutions and frame rates.
8. How does the Nintendo Switch version of Dark Souls Remastered compare to other versions?
The Nintendo Switch version of Dark Souls Remastered offers the unique advantage of portability, allowing you to play the game on the go. However, the graphics are slightly lower resolution compared to other platforms.
9. Does Dark Souls Remastered have mod support?
While the original Dark Souls has a thriving modding community, Dark Souls Remastered has limited official mod support. Using mods online can result in a ban. There are a few mods (community modifications) available only for remastered (but you can get banned if you play online).
10. How long does it take to beat Dark Souls Remastered?
The average playthrough of Dark Souls Remastered takes around 40-50 hours, depending on your playstyle and experience with the game. Completionists can expect to spend significantly more time exploring every corner of Lordran and defeating every boss. The game’s 42 hours sees players exploring the map and defeating the required bosses.
11. Is Dark Souls Remastered the same difficulty as Dark Souls 2 or 3?
Each Dark Souls game has its own unique challenges and difficulty curve. While some players find Dark Souls 2 to be the most difficult, others find Dark Souls 3 to be the most demanding. Dark Souls Remastered, however, retains the original’s unforgiving but rewarding gameplay.
12. What makes Dark Souls so special?
Dark Souls is renowned for its challenging but fair gameplay, intricate level design, atmospheric world, and deep lore. It’s a game that rewards patience, perseverance, and exploration.
13. What should I know before playing Dark Souls Remastered?
Be prepared to die frequently, learn from your mistakes, and explore every nook and cranny of the world. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other players online, and most importantly, don’t give up!
14. How are Soulsborne games used in education?
Video games, especially complex ones like the Soulsborne games, offer many opportunities for educational exploration. At the Games Learning Society, research and applications of games in educational settings are a major focus. For example, complex problem-solving skills can be developed while playing the game, a concept explored at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. Is Sekiro similar to Dark Souls Remastered?
While both games are developed by FromSoftware and share a similar level of difficulty, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice features a more action-oriented combat system with a focus on parrying and posture breaking. It also has a more linear story and lacks the RPG elements of Dark Souls.