🤐 Dark Souls and Secrets

Hey tarn- I mean chosen undead,

Today's Listening: Secret Music

You and I are wandering in a dark forest, and I point at a tree standing in the corner. I tell you there is another world hidden behind that tree.

Would you roll into it?

To many, Souls games are defined by their difficulty and atmosphere. And it is 100% valid, these games have tailored those things to an artform. But to complete the trifecta of forces, the third I'd offer is secrets.

In a world that is poised to murder you around every corner, the last thing you'd want to do is explore the dark alleys. Whenever I found a fork in the road, I'd strain my brain trying to determine which path was the main one, and pray that I wasn't risking my soul or my souls going down the "suboptimal" route.

Or at least, that is how I used to play. Nowadays I blindly rush every corridor, roll every wall, and wreck as much havoc as possible in hopes I discover...a secret.

There is a sentiment that rises in the game developer community from time to time. If only 1% of players will see it, why make it? My stance on it? Have you ever heard of YouTube?

If a single person discovers a secret, 25% of players will know about it by the end of the week. In the age of social media, nothing stays secret for long, and people love secrets. There are people that attack every single wall, just to make sure. I'm willing to bet someone has rolled off every ledge too.

With most games, if you discover a secret, it normally leads you to a chest where you receive a collectible or maybe a useful item. In Dark Souls, a secret could mean discovering an entirely new zone, with a special boss, and some game changing equipment on top. Or maybe you just find a cool item.

Because there is no consistency in the scope of the secrets, every secret feels incredible. And the more you play these games, you'll start to notice hallways that end too soon, walls the wrong color, and an overwhelming urge to roll into things. This pattern has continued through all of the Souls games, especially in Elden Ring (which may get its own series in due time)

Secrets are part of the intricate weaving that makes the Souls games what they are. The world draws you in with promises of adventure, discovery and accomplishment, if you are willing to delve deep enough.

Just like Dark Souls gifs, funny right?