Hello, you’ve caught us being thoughtful on a Thursday.
Here on thoughtful Thursday we ponder the important questions. We debate the undiscussable. We consider the insignificantly inconsiderable in all their glory. This wonderful series begins with one of our writers favourite games, Demon’s Souls. Buckle up as we list the inane and the insane, every Thursday, for as long as our minds are able.
Number Five – The Nexus
The Nexus. Perhaps this should have been higher. But that seems too easy. It’s certainly iconic, and is the first location you’ll explore properly. The hub that began the wonderful Souls hub trend, you repeatedly visit this magnificent place. I scoured this vista every time I returned from a boss, leaving no stone unturned as I tried to find any hidden NPCs that had popped up. I still missed some on my first playthrough.
It’s because of this constant NPC hunt that you learn the Nexus so well. I’m so practiced running over the middle bridge, even with NPCs sat blocking the way (bloody Ostrava usually), that I could do it blindfolded. Ghosts constantly tumble from the skies as they commit ritualistic suicide, to prevent their world tendency changing of course. It’s the only place you really feel “safe”. Unless you happen to anger one of the many zany NPCs.
Number Four – The Heart of Latria
The background thumping has been drumming itself into your skull for hours. You’ve meticulously made your way across the precarious walkways of Latria, when you find it. A great, grotesque heart, chained up and beating away. Who knows what the its purpose is. Even now we can still only theorise. Why is there a giant beating heart at the top of these towers? Why do I have to lower it (destructively) to the ground, to move on? Nobody knows. Just do it and stop complaining, nerd.
I may not understand it but I still remember it now, so it clearly left an impression. The gothic vibe combined with the lovecraftian heart reminds me of Bloodborne actually, but in a game where its less always tentacles and weird shit, this sticks with you more.
Number Three – Rolling Skeleton Stormlands
The remake really blew this vista to a top spot, they really did a number on making this look absolutely stunning. Electrifying even. This is where I used to duel in the original Demon’s Souls and it’s clear why. Pure awesome that’s why. The roiling storm careens around you as winds whip up the dust, giant flying stingrays bearing down and feeling utterly alien.
Wait.
What are those bones doing?
Why are the bones rolling towards me?
Is that- a sword?
SHIT ITS A ROLLING SKELETON
I often experienced this exact series of thoughts, because I strayed too long in my admiration of the views. The gargantuan and incredible looking tutorial boss is also back. You likely get revenge, and feel badass for it. It’s also the first world I would usually visit, to get that sweet, sweet crescent falchion. It felt really bad putting this in the third spot, it’s that good.
Number Two – Saucy Slug Pit
Get yer slugs, geeet yer slugs, dozen for a quid. Wet slugs, buy 3 get 2 snails free. That’s how I imagine whoever put all these slugs in a pit advertised their proposition to their fellow developers. Also, put the glowy sword in there. Slugs love that glowy stuff. Clearly I need a moonlight greatsword for my garden, they keep eating my courgettes. Fuckers. At least I can return to this glorious vista in 5-2 when I want to release some anger on their digital brethren.
It’s an era reminiscent of shreks swamp and we all know how mr zaki loves his swamps. There’s also a cool npc in the area which ties directly to Garl vinny boi and maiden ashtray but the gem of the bog is the famous sword of moonlight fiercely guarded by slugs (you’ll need to cut a giant slug ball down and fight even more of them to get it though).
Top Dog – Parry Practice Bridge
The first world, the first location, and its a banger. You get the sweeping views of Boletaria Castle. A tease of what’s to come. It feels impenetrable and imposing, even more so because of the dragon that you just narrowly avoided. I’ve said this previously, but this truly is iconic. It’s also where I endlessly and fruitlessly practiced parrying the dregs. I didn’t know what world tendency was. I died countless times. But I had to get those sweet, sweet parries. No regrets, just a very black tendency 1st world.
Honourable Mention – Dragon God Gimmick Cave
Look, this boss is disappointing. After seeing it in the intro I was HYPED for this fight. Then I hid behind a pillar for five minutes and shot a ballista. Woop. But the spectacle of it is still something special. A chained dragon, clearly ancient an angry, trapped in a great cavern. Imagine if it had broken the chains, tore towards you. Imagine a two phase fight, horrifyingly difficult when it is freed.
What we actually got is a shame, but for the potential, it gets the honorary spot for sure. Bring the dragon god back in Nightreign and do it justice. I dare you fromsoft. Double dare.