Dark Souls May Get A New "Easy Mode" For The Frightened

Dark Souls isn't easy. In fact, it's downright tough.

And in truth, we don't see a whole lot of "tough" these days. The hardcore veterans will remind younger gamers that once upon a time, most all video games were extremely hard; so hard, in fact, that codes were often necessary if most normal gamers had any hope of actually seeing end credits.

But now, with gaming being quite mainstream, we need titles that the majority can play and complete. And that's part of the reason why Dark Souls is feared by many. Game director Hidetaka Miyazaki doesn't like that and says he's considering giving the gun-shy an easier mode because he agrees that gaming shouldn't be a chore. Here's what he told Metro UK (with an admittedly weird translation):

"I personally want my games to be described as satisfying rather than difficult. As a matter of fact, I am aiming at giving players sense of accomplishment in the use of difficulty.

Having said that, however, it is true that Dark Souls is rather difficult and a number of people may hesitate to play. This fact is really sad to me and I am thinking about whether I should prepare another difficulty that everyone can complete or carefully send all gamers the messages behind our difficult games."

Miyazaki did add that he doesn't think gamers always want "easy games" and really, what they desire are "interesting and worthwhile games to play." Do you think Dark Souls should have a new easier mode to make it more accessible? The game's goodness would appeal to more that way. Or maybe you'd rather it remain extremely difficult, so only the battle-hardened and dedicated can finish it.

The latter is always appealing to that small crowd, isn't it?

Related Game(s): Dark Souls

Tags: dark souls, dark souls difficulty, from software, miyazaki

9/3/2012 8:51:29 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (44 posts)

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Zemus101
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 9:26:20 PM
Reply

As much as I loved Demon Souls back when, it did take a lot out of me. I would be much more likely to pick up Dark Souls if they did add an easier difficulty. Just in case I can't get into it and end up regretting my purchase.

4 up, 0 down

Carlight
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 9:42:58 PM
Reply

I would prefer not to have an easy mode or I'd be incline to play that instead of what it was made for. I do own it and worked a while to finish it but it does make me feel like I accomplish something.

After playing the heck out of demon souls I didn't find it that except a few boss

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 9:44:09 PM
Reply

I suppose he should do what he thinks is right, I still wouldn't buy it though as "easy" by their standards is probably still insurmountable by reasonable human standards.

2 up, 2 down

SoulController
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 9:49:58 PM

Have you tried Dark Souls yet? It's a lot easier and addicting than Demon and has a better balance. When you die, its usually from some mistake you made or something your forgetting. Like the right weapon etc..

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 9:56:12 PM

Nope I couldn't risk the cash.

2 up, 2 down

xenris
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 8:33:21 AM

Soul is right. Dark souls is really not that bad dude. If you play with a level head, and just don't rush in and playing it like its an action game you will be surprised how not difficult it is.

1 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 10:48:50 AM

I recognize all that, I got a taste of it in Demon's but I left all that behind generations ago.

0 up, 1 down

SoulController
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 9:45:37 PM
Reply

What he should have said is that Dark Souls is a lot easier than Demon Souls.

I really dont think they should add it. The beauty of Dark Souls is that you have to figure out what works and get help through word of mouth, in the same way gaming was in the NES days. Any hardcore Dark Souls fan will tell you when you accomplish certain things in this game or beat a harder boss, you feel like you just climbed a mountain. Ecstasy even. It's a special quality in today's type of gaming

Last edited by SoulController on 9/3/2012 9:47:16 PM

3 up, 0 down

xenris
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 9:52:56 PM
Reply

Once you understand managing the stamina bar in Dark Souls, it gets much easier. Really it isn't that hard of a game, more you have to think before you do anything, do you take another swing, or block or roll away?

By the second playthough you realize you can parry and backstab almost all the enemies and then you realize its only hard because in the beginning your ignorant to enemy placements etc.

1 up, 0 down

Coffeya
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 10:03:52 PM
Reply

Since everyone says it is god level difficult I have avoided the franchise. Would definitely consider now to pick it up if they add this easy patch.

1 up, 0 down

xenris
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 8:34:59 AM

Rent it and don't listen to the difficulty hype. It is not that hard, you just need to be smart and play it slowly in the beginning. Once you learn enemy placement and attack patterns the game becomes quite easy.

Also learning how to parry and backstab does a lot for the game.

1 up, 1 down

Neo_Aeon666
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 11:01:08 PM
Reply

I am OK with it as long as they cant get certain trophies or a plat with only easy mode. I don't want this patch to trample on the efforts of people who really want a challenge.

Last edited by Neo_Aeon666 on 9/3/2012 11:01:59 PM

5 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 11:34:30 PM

Y U NO support unskilled people getting plats!?

0 up, 2 down

Neo_Aeon666
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 10:51:31 AM

lolll yeah man to get a plat you have to earn it :D

0 up, 0 down

YashaZz
Monday, September 03, 2012 @ 11:29:42 PM
Reply

Love this game. Stuck in Sen's Fortress so far.

1 up, 0 down

gunblademaster
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 12:53:03 AM

Ahhhh that place is a annoying with all the traps everywhere.

Good Luck

1 up, 0 down

Rogueagent01
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 12:12:35 AM
Reply

I have been a champion for this kind of game building for years now. Games can be both casual and throw your controller hard, there is no reason that developers can't make a game both. The only thing I have ever said is in the easiest of modes and the hardest of modes limit the type and amount of trophies that are needed. You want the players to be able to earn the platinum, but at the same time don't want to drive them bat-***t-crazy while doing it. The hardcore and casual modes are there for those who want to have fun or a challenge, nothing more.

Sacred 2 is still my go to for this kind of game building. There is a mode for everyone and the platinum is still obtainable as well, it is the perfect balance and should be played by all developers so that they can see how to put this type of game together.

1 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 1:11:28 AM
Reply

I'm all for the difficulty. I applaud what they did. But personally as long as I've been playing games, I just don't have the time (nor patience) to finish a game like Dark Souls. I already know I'd have difficulties with it, and that would take up to much time, for me! It's not that I wouldn't love it, or enjoy playing it. I just having a feeling I'd end up putting it back on the shelf because of that.

2 up, 0 down

xenris
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 8:36:51 AM

Why not rent it? It really truly isn't that hard man. If you look up videos by Epicnamebro on youtube he explains the mindset you need when playing and gives general pointers etc.

Its more a game, about learning and once you learn things it really isn't that hard.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 9:18:21 AM

Yeah, no point in playing when you have zero chance of finishing it.

1 up, 2 down

bigrailer19
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 11:17:14 AM

I typically don't rent games because, 1. I either end up really liking them and wanting to buy them, so I spend the money buying them but am already partially through them. Or 2. Hate them and find that I waisted the money to rent haha. So I just buy because of that complicated predicament I put myself in.

Anyways, like I said Im sure I'd love the game, and if there was an easy mode or whatever that could be implemented that might be a selling point for myself. But chances are with this fall and spring line-up I wouldn't get to it anyways. I probably should have played it, and I regret not trying demons souls because I watched a roommate play it and it seemed like something I'd get into. But again problem is I don't know that I would have finished it because of the difficulty and time it would take getting through it.

2 up, 0 down

___________
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 5:14:53 AM
Reply

amazing this guy STILL does not get it!
people are not turned off by its difficulty, there turned off by its cheapness!
having a fork in the road and forcing players to choose go this way and fight jesus christ or go that way and fight a ant is not difficult.
its CHEAP!
THATS why people are hesitant of the series!

1 up, 3 down

Underdog15
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 7:44:49 AM

uh, wut?

1 up, 1 down

___________
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 7:46:39 AM

exactly what i said, theres a BIG difference from being cheap and being difficult.
souls series is a perfect example of the former, not the latter.

0 up, 2 down

Underdog15
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 7:53:10 AM

Yeah, I got that much. Your example was what didn't make sense. I guess I just thouht an actual example from the game would have been better.

I haven't played Dark Souls, so I can't really say yet. But I didn't find anything in Demon Souls cheap. Some tough enemies that maybe only had 2 moves, but with the right approach, anything was beatable.

But I guess it also depends on your definition of cheap. Maybe so it's clear you could explain what exact parts you thought were cheap?

0 up, 0 down

xenris
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 8:48:19 AM

Another complaint from you,about a game you clearly haven't played.

Nothing is CHEAP in this game, if you die its your own fault plain and simple. I have beaten both games multiple times and all deaths were pretty much my own fault(or a black phantoms)

I hate that this was marketed as the hardest game ever because it has jaded peoples opinions on the game even if they haven't played it. The stamina bar is the first thing you have to learn to manage after that the rest of the game becomes easy. Yes you're going to die while learning boss patterns, but providing you take the time to learn their move sets you will realize that the game isn't hard, its only hard until you learn and the game gives you all the tools to do this learning.

Games that have cheap difficulty are games that weren't tested and scaled for hard mode. Some call of duty veteran mode playthroughs were actually cheap, with enemies spamming grenades with perfect accuracy. Also the really hard difficulty in Payday: The Heist where the enemies literally snipe you in the head the moment you get out of cover even through smoke in that case the enemies are following a different rule set than the player and are essentially "cheating."

Another example of you just not knowing what you're talking about.

Underdog try the game for yourself, and honestly just be cautious while you play the game and learn from your mistakes. Its really not that hard. Its much easier than Demon Souls in my opinion.

Last edited by xenris on 9/4/2012 8:48:48 AM

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 10:50:29 AM

1/100th of a second off with your button press equaling death is cheap.

0 up, 1 down

Neo_Aeon666
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 10:58:51 AM

@ World

Yeah but it almost makes it so thrilling! lol It's rare nowadays for a game to ask for such timings. The point is that if you master it then the game becomes easy and then with each new enemy you have to master new timings. I think it's ok to have some games out there that require dedication and that will challenge your analytic skills. If you don't like it it's alright but it does not change the fact that this game is awesome for anyone wanting to test his might :D

1 up, 0 down

xenris
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 4:33:07 PM

Demon souls required timing. Dark souls seemed a lot more gracious in that you didn't have to have incredible timing.

I personally don't remember anytime where timing screwed me, rather when I died it was when I panicked and spammed attacks because I thought one or two hits would kill them, only to leave them with a smidgen of health and they hammered me.

I still maintain there is nothing truly "cheap" here, except for like one or two traps that might 1 hit you, but they don't reset. I also think you have to look at death differently in this game, as dying really doesn't screw you that bad. You keep all your items, and you learn what not to do next time :P Gosh I remember playing the original everquest and when you died you had to retrieve your corpse....you think DS is hard, try running naked into a dungeon you just died hoping that you can get your corpse a bit closer to the exit, 2 hours later you succeed lol. Not only that you lost xp in that game.

In my opinion DMC3(the original) was harder for me than either souls games.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Wednesday, September 05, 2012 @ 7:41:02 AM

right, so the game forcing you to make decisions without giving you any information is not cheap?
whatever!

0 up, 1 down

xenris
Wednesday, September 05, 2012 @ 2:01:50 PM

Decisions like what?! It doesn't hold your hand, that doesn't mean it is cheap. If you wonder into an area well above your level expect to die. It happens in open world RPGs all the time, heck even in JRPGs you might stumble somewhere you are not supposed to go.

But if you took the time to talk to the NPCs you would know exactly where to go. It's not the games fault that you have ADHD.

1 up, 1 down

Underdog15
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 7:49:44 AM
Reply

I am all for it, personally. When I play games, I always pick the tougher difficulties, but that's just me. So I would keep it on the harder difficulty.

BUT, I do agree that in today's world, accessibility is necessary for survival. And the more people that can appreciate his games, the better. Most games reward higher difficulty players anyways, so as long as they do that, I think it's an excellent idea that can only make everything better.

And it's true... gone are the days when everything was difficult. Anyone remember NES battletoads on those pod racers? Holy frick that took me forever and a day and multiple rents to beat! And it was early in the game! lol

Or Bucky O' Hare? Anyone play that? That one was amazing. But SO SO hard. Worth it though. I recently replayed it on an NES emulator. I seriously couldn't believe I used to be able to beat that game and get through the original 4 planets without dying. I could hardly get through the first 30 seconds, now!

2 up, 0 down

xenris
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 8:52:11 AM

Yeah, I agree I always pop it on the hardest difficulty unless its in a genre I'm not familiar with.

It is nice when people have options to choose easier modes. I just think it would be nice if more people would rise to the challenge.

We might start seeing some better games in the future instead of the casual focused shovel ware we have been getting.

1 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 10:13:52 AM

Played Battletoads and that was so difficult! Never played Bucky O'Hare though. Another really hard game is Ultimate Ghosts and Goblins PSP on the Vita. Hardest game I have played in a while!

1 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 11:11:51 AM

Ghosts and goblins on snes was no easier!

0 up, 0 down

xenris
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 4:34:40 PM

Battletoads and Ghouls and Ghosts were both ridiculous. So was contra 3 on hard mode with only 3 continues.

I think after playing those games the souls series seems rather easy lol.

0 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 8:39:35 AM
Reply

These "Souls" games are brilliant. They really do a good job of making you earn your accomplishments. I really believe these games are like a language that just needs to be learned. Granted it takes a while to get it down but it sure makes you feel different than any other game.

I think this is a great idea so they can sell more copies. I for one will never play a Souls game on easy. But for those that didn't buy any of the Souls games because they were to hard this is a fantastic idea. The more money this great dev receives the better for all hardcore fans in the future. Maybe Dark Souls 2 will make an appearance on the PS4!

3 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 9:20:40 AM

It's funny how something like the souls series is seen as totally unique now but not that long ago every game was the same way, not just with challenges but accomplishments too and the need to learn an entire gameplay language.

3 up, 2 down

BikerSaint
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 11:04:02 AM
Reply

I have no problem with adding an easier mode, just as long as you can pick the mode you want.

I'd try it, especially since I constantly went down in flames in Demon Souls(shame they didn't do an easier mode for that one too).

0 up, 0 down

Aerifale
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 12:57:31 PM
Reply

I still havn't beaten Dark Souls but I have no intention of taking the 'easy' option if it is made available. It would take away the sense of accomplishment that I get every time I overcome an impossible challenge just to face something even worse ten minutes later.

HOWEVER, I would encourage the addition of an 'easy' mode if only to ensure that the game gains a larger audience and that the franchise can have continued success. After all, I think all of us here would hate to lose the 'Souls' series.

As for Final Fantasy.....well yeah let it die, let it burn :P

1 up, 0 down

berserk
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 3:30:00 PM
Reply

I m all for an easy mode , maybe one that unlock once you die 20 time or something .

So many people don t pick it up because of the difficulty ( which is exaggerated in my opinion ) .With an easy mode a lot more people would get it and thus augmenting the chance of getting more games like it ( why i want an easy mode even tho i don t care to play it at that difficulty ) .

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 5:08:58 PM
Reply

Kids these days they just want to destroy everything on the screen like anime character that beat giants with just one move, Dark Souls and Demons are for people that want a challenge and can put a methodical style of gameplay on it.

Last edited by Oxvial on 9/4/2012 5:09:38 PM

1 up, 0 down

xenris
Wednesday, September 05, 2012 @ 2:06:30 PM

Thank you for saying that. It seems like people all want to be the anime hero who wields a giant sword in one hand, has the build of a 14 year old boy and cuts enemies down in one hit.

Dark souls is methodical combat, and actually somewhat realistic in that you can't just spam moves in a fight. I teach martial arts and even in just basic sparring if you go spamming moves you will get tired then destroyed. People also don't realize how much effort it takes to stabilize your arm when your sword clashes with another sword, or if you block a sword with a shield.

Darksouls while not entirely and 100% realistic, which would be impossible to put into a game anyway, is a good representation of the mind game and strategy that is involved in 1 on 1 combat. Reading your opponent looking for openings etc.

I hope as I get older people keep making games like these :\

0 up, 0 down

homura
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 @ 7:44:28 PM
Reply

Some games are cheaply hard. Crushing mode of Uncharted 3 is unfairly hard, beat the game in hard mode, Dragon Age II in nightmare mode is also unfairly hard, but it was fun, beat it only in normal though.

But there are games that is beautiful if it's on a hard mode, Played Dead Space for the first time and it's in hard mode with only a plasma cutter, it was scary fun, I've enjoyed it very much, I'm very happily satisfied when I finished it. I'm now playing Mass Effect 2 for the first time and it's in insanity mode, luckily I'm not yet stuck in the game.

I think it's good to have an easy option, so people who doesn't have time to die a lot of times and just want to enjoy the game, can play it and finished it. It's nice to have an option on the difficulty of the game, it's up to you on how you want to play it.

1 up, 0 down

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