Having released on April 12, 2016, Dark Souls 3 is 5 years old everywhere now. Now, after an initial March 24, 2016, release date in Japan, fans can celebrate its worldwide release. Did it attempt to address the initial fan criticism of its predecessor (despite Dark Souls 2's passionate fanbase), or try to emulate the breakout success of the PS4 exclusive Bloodborne? By essentially doing both, the game cemented itself as important to both the series' canon and in the hearts of its fanbase. The game is a sweeping crescendo of encounter design, striking visuals, and varied gameplay options.Īfter following the much-maligned Dark Souls 2 and much-praised Bloodborne, Dark Souls 3 had a delicate balance to strike. Although the game make some dramatic changes to the Souls series formula, it still succeeded in creating a game that fans (new and old alike) adored. Not only that, but its task involved weaving a near-decade of deep, complex lore into one final tapestry. Dark Souls 3 had the unenviable job of closing out a series that changed gaming forever.
