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So, I beat Dark Soul III's Ringed City DLC last night, and I have some thoughts.
It's one of the best DLC's I've played in a while. The Ringed City and all the areas that it entails are fascinating to traverse. Here's a thread.
1/11
It's one of the best DLC's I've played in a while. The Ringed City and all the areas that it entails are fascinating to traverse. Here's a thread.
1/11
Much like the base game, everything seems intentionally placed. The monsters, the scenery, the items and hidden paths. There's a story to be told, but it's told through the environment. Little is actually told to you, and you must experience it. 2/11
The boss fights are brutal as ever. I had to get help for Darkeater Midir, which is the optional secret boss, but I beat the final one solo.
Spoilers or whatever.
The final fight against Slave Knight Gael is interesting for a wide number of reasons. 3/11
Spoilers or whatever.
The final fight against Slave Knight Gael is interesting for a wide number of reasons. 3/11
You fight him in what I can only assume to be the ruined ashes of the ringed city, and homeboy has gone mad in search for "the Dark Soul," or something. You have the chance to meet him before this when you enter into the Ashes of Ariendel DLC, and he's now giant and violent. 4/11
His fight isn't what I'd call difficult. Much like any Dark Souls boss, you learn his pattern, give out your hits, and don't overextend yourself. It's a long fight, but if you play smart like the game has taught you, he will fall. 5/11
I feel it was intentional for him to not be any more of a challenge than a boss like Champion Gundyr. You're one person, an unkindled who has taken on the Lords of Cinder and the Heirs of fire, insurmountable foes. Gael is tough, but he has not faced what you have conquered. 6/11
When you beat him, the DLC is just over. There's a secret "ending" that's tied to the Ariendel DLC that you can access after you've beaten both and returned to the painted world's chapel, but I didn't learn about that until after the face. 7/11
It's odd, but I think in a good way. Even the end of the base game has an ending cinematic that depends on a few of the choices you've made. But without knowing about the tie in with the previous DLC, you defeat Gael and that's it. No fanfare. No celebration. Nothing. 8/11
There's just the sound of the wind whipping past the ash covered desert ruins in which you laid the slave knight to rest. I think it embodies the heart and soul of what Dark Souls really is. 9/11
Dark Souls III is a somber and lonely experience interrupted by moments of intense violence. While there are many horrifying overtones to what you're experiencing, the game never once tries to scare you. It will start by beating you down, but you will learn to fight back. 10/11
In short, the Ringed City is awesome, and a perfect little dessert tray at the end of a complex meal.
End thread.
11/11
End thread.
11/11
