The Souls Retrospective - Part II - The First Flame
Added 2017-09-26 15:46:23 +0000 UTC
Having only experienced one of the games in this series (Bloodborne), it’s been fascinating so far to dig through each of the Souls games. Even a legit pro like Brad has to really focus to make it past everything these RPGs throw at the player. I’ve been celebrating both his wins and losses as I scan through each clip, because it’s through both that the real genius of Souls is revealed.
The concept really didn’t make sense to me. Why would you beat yourself up like that? I would overhear conversations, in the kitchen across from my office at GameTrailers, between Justin Speer and Ryan Stevens, that described experiences I just didn’t understand. Once I finally got a taste of the sweet satisfaction that comes from beating a boss or reaching a mile marker in a Souls game, it all cleared up. The will to move forward only gets stronger as the challenge gets fiercer. Bringing that clarity to this project has been very rewarding.
Demon’s Souls is a fantastic game, but wow - Dark Souls is something else. The scope of the environments, the continual march of new and fascinating enemy types, and the cohesiveness of the world From Software laid out are all incredibly impressive. I don’t know if I have the skill, or patience, to make it through these two gems, and I’m glad I get to kick back and follow Brad’s journey. Hopefully I’ve bottled up his enthusiasm toward this franchise that he loves, and given you a taste of what a thrill it can be to make it through.
Thank you for supporting our Retrospectives. They’re a lot of work, but always worth it.
- Brandon
Comments
I still play Souls or watch it on Twich almost every day. One of the few series that has managed to captivate me as an adult. This retrospective is a great tribute to the series. Great job! :)
2017-09-28 23:06:09 +0000 UTCI've liked both episodes so far but this kind of sounded like a review, lots of subjective language.
2017-09-27 18:09:23 +0000 UTCLoving it! My most memorable Boss fight of the series (and one of the most memorable ever) is Great Grey Wolf Sif. Fighting a boss that actually becomes weaker, the more he is wounded, is still a surprisingly rare thing to see. And to me it really was an emotional rollercoaster: on the one hand the sympathy - seeing this beautiful being (yeah, I like wolves) noticably hurt but still fighting proudly -, on the other hand the desire to stay alive (and as a player to beat the challenge in front of you).
2017-09-27 07:13:26 +0000 UTCI admire EZA's humility, but there should be something in the video stating that Brad wrote the script and captured footage for this video. Many people watching may think that you just grabbed random footage, which may make it less special, less impressive, etc. Incredible work on this!! EZA is the GOAT
confusedhulk
2017-09-26 19:40:31 +0000 UTCGetting this even five minutes early is worth my patreon pledge.
Tyler Travis
2017-09-26 19:05:31 +0000 UTCBecoming a patron has paid off, getting content when the sub box is empty is a good feel
2017-09-26 18:54:58 +0000 UTCPraise the Brad. Very well made man! I love this retrospective. The passion and love for this franchise can be felt watching it. Very well done guys, very well done!
FreeDoM
2017-09-26 16:37:24 +0000 UTCFantastic! Didn't expect part two so soon. Thanks! :)
2017-09-26 16:31:34 +0000 UTCWell done! Souls is my favorite series, and means a lot to me. Thanks guys <3
2017-09-26 16:21:16 +0000 UTCI remember first playing Dark Souls. I knew how hard it would be and ended up going through the graveyard with the giant skeletons thinking that was the only path. I love that Dark Souls formula where you have to think about everything you are doing, and rethink you plan when it all goes wrong. Thanks Brad for your hard work. Brings back good memories.
Morgan Mohalla
2017-09-26 16:10:37 +0000 UTCOh sh*t. I was not expecting this so soon. What a treat. Brad you are really talented, and Brandon as well. I really hope that a time comes when we can see this kind of quality content more frequently. Don't get me wrong i love all the podcasts and streams and shows, but it is in this kind of refined work that you guys shine as creators.
2017-09-26 16:07:48 +0000 UTCWill do the same.
Eric C.
2017-09-26 16:06:36 +0000 UTCBrandon, it's awesome that you share your own experience and feelings about the Souls games here as well. Looking forward to watch Brad's journey (aka this video) when I'm home later today!
RedVIII
2017-09-26 15:59:18 +0000 UTCWith the amount of content we are getting, it felt right to bump my pledge for a bit. Thanks Brad, Brandon, and the rest of the crew! You all are something I never thought I needed.
Sherico dela Cruz
2017-09-26 15:54:18 +0000 UTC
