A whole year after Dark Souls launched, this downloadable add-on is here — and given the game’s extreme challenge and depth, that makes sense. Rest assured, Artorias of the Abyss is strictly for experienced players: merely accessing the new area requires you complete roughly 30% of the main game and use your favorite wiki to figure out how to get there.
That Abyss referenced in the title is very literal and very creepy.Seasoned players will find a lot to love, though, as this 10-hour-plus DLC features four new bosses, a new type of magic, new NPCs, and new weapons and armor. The statistical quality of the new loot varies, but as usual, all of it looks extremely cool. From a lore standpoint, the game builds upon the story of the Four Knights of Lord Gwyn and the origin of The Abyss. The degree of challenge provided will vary depending on your level and equipment, but we found level 60 and up struck a good balance.
The Stoicism Arena is also a welcome addition, allowing for direct PvP without the use of items or Covenants. It’s still a little more vague than we’d like, but it works consistently. Sacrificing a bit of Dark Souls’ mystique for practicality is a good decision this late in the game’s life-cycle.
Again, Artorias is for hardcore players only, but anyone still playing Dark Souls at this point easily meets that requirement. It’s a fantastic addition to an already great game, and a no-brainer purchase for anyone still under Dark Souls’ spell.
The Dark magic that’s corrupted the people of Oolacile is brutally powerful.PUBLISHER: Namco Bandai • DEVELOPER: From Software • ESRB: Mature • MULTIPLAYER 2–4 in PvP/co-op over Xbox Live • ACHIEVEMENTS: None • COST: 1,200 Microsoft Points ($15) • RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2012
+ Awesome new characters, gear, and spells.
+ Lore and tone fit perfectly with the rest of the game.
– Impossible for new players to access; no new Achievements.
? Why troll players who beat the final dragon boss with a ring that cripples them?
