The COMPLETE Dark Souls Series Story Retrospective

Dark Souls from its gameplay to its story, the trilogy is filled with exceptional content and has been coined as one of the best series of all time. Today I want to examine the game's lore and not retell the game events but also critique them along the way and see if they truly are some of the best stories of all time.
________________________________________________
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:39 Dark Souls 1
45:55 Dark Souls 2
1:33:40 Dark Souls 3
________________________________________________
Music In Order Courtesy of Dark Souls Series OST
Dark Souls 1: • Video
Dark Souls 2: • Dark Souls II: Scholar...
Dark Souls 3: • Video
________________________________________________
Hope You Enjoyed!
#DarkSouls #Gingy

[@Gingy]

Update: The last minute of the video has been removed. Bandai Namco has recently started purging Dark Souls 3 music off KZbin, and this part of the video was a montage/send off using DS3 music. I'm sure this counts as fair use, but that claim has always been flimsy so I temporarily removed it. Unfortunately, that means the video ends abruptly for no real reason. I might revert the changes at a later date but if you care to see it what I removed. Here is the link to the video on my Twitter. twitter.com/GingyKZbin/status/1780285108110455264

[@hanauzaki6264]

Too bad

[@piedpiper1185]

The only thing you ever need to know about Dark Souls lore. "It's all Gwyn's fault."

[@user-uy7bn4kt2b]

Pretty much

[@qwertyuiop1234576111]

yeah fuck gwyn

[@garrettgibbs8209]

Yeah😂

[@davonross1022]

And the kings weakness to bitches 😂

[@Annathroy]

Yes

[@azimnazlen8564]

I think Nito is so Lore light is because despite being the embodiment of dearth, death itself has lost meaning due to the undead curse. The world and the game kinda tells you he is in many ways forgot about.

[@capperbuns]

Makes sense to me. I always thought that was the case because there wasn't much to say about nito to begin with. He was never the guy to do much besides helping his buds and watching over something that kind of doesn't exist anymore.

[@Kane_225]

@@capperbuns I could

[@Kane_225]

lol lol L

[@tamatitekahu2028]

@@capperbuns uuicc

[@capperbuns]

@@tamatitekahu2028 wat?

[@iggytheincubus]

About Ornstein in 3: You find Smough's armor in 3 as well. The description for the armor tells you that he was the last remaining guardian of Anor Londo. As I understand it this means that at some point in time Ornstein left, and then Gwyndolin created an illusion of the Dragon Slayer in order to help maintain the idea that Anor Londo was still in it's prime

[@LyricalViking]

That actually makes quite a fair amount of sense. I would presume Gyndolin uses a fragment of someones wear to create the illusion. For Ornstein, he took his leo ring and used that as the catalyst for the spell. For Gwynevre you could argue her connection was to the couch.

[@mellomoose_]

@@LyricalVikinggwynevere also gives you a ring if you join her covenant couldve used that also

[@nayyarrashid4661]

​@@LyricalVikingIf you want to say so but it doesn't. Killing Orenstein in second phase still gives you soul of Orenstein. Gwyndolyn may create illusion but there is nothing to suggest he can create the actual soul. Appearance of Orenstein aka Old Dragon Slayer in DS2 and his armor in DS3 on Dragon's Peake is height of fan service by From Soft which they do often. Take the instance of Patches and Moonlight Sword. There is no connection between these two appearing across multiple From Soft games other than being iconic and a throwback surprise for players. All these are just theories that are never substantiated.

[@PokeKid297]

I just watched all 3 hours, and that was a magical experience. Thank you for spelling out so succinctly everything that makes this series so grand.

[@asherparrish4223]

Lmk😊😊😊😊😊😊kkk😊kk my

[@unscathedpotato]

skill issue

[@Space_Plays6259]

@@unscathedpotato 🤓🤓🤓

[@unscathedpotato]

@@Space_Plays6259 :3

[@unsuccessful_bag_chaser]

@@unscathedpotato :3c

[@ButterBaker]

Interesting fact the person who frees you from you prison cell in DS1 was supposed to play a more major role. He thought he was the chosen undead but as you progress through the game he realizes he isn’t fulfilling what he thought was his destiny. It isn’t until you beat Gwen that he will fight you no matter what ending you choose in order to prove to himself that he is the chosen undead. I wish that was kept into the game.

[@BullyMaguire.]

Poor Oscar 😭

[@bxyerv2615]

This just gives me Pokemon vibes when you spend the game travelling the same path as your rival lmao

[@DisorientedWanderer]

Don't know why but I like the idea of having to fight someone because they have the belief of "I was supposed to be the chosen one!"

[@fingerboxes]

@@DisorientedWanderer The Mardek series has this with an NPC group called the World's Saviors who are convinced that they are destined to be the world's saviors. Their dialog is hilarious and I won't spoil it.

[@GaMeRfReAkLIVE]

I think it was more that he was supposed to be similar to Anri in DS3 in ways. If you were to choose Kath he would choose Frampt and what not

[@nazgulsenpai]

Just FYI the entire Artorias of the Abyss was built around telling the story that WE were the Legend of Artorias. WE killed Manus and drove out the abyss, but let Artorias take credit for it instead of letting history be that Artorias was overcome with the abyss and tried to stop us so we had to kill him. In my humble opinion it's the best part of the original Dark Soul's narratives, and one of the least ambiguous.

[@djangofett4879]

but why? what is the purpose of propping up artorias legend? Why would i want to give him credit? (genuinely curious, not trying to refute your interpretation 😅)

[@Wanabechef]

@@djangofett4879 so that his heroic sacrifice would not be in vain

[@slipperywhenwet_4689]

@@Wanabechef but why would we even care

[@TheLegend-oy2sg]

@@djangofett4879 to keep the hope alive, the hope of noble heroes driving away the dark

[@BrokenSmokinSpokes]

@@slipperywhenwet_4689 Why did we care to do anything other then lying around in the undead asylum?

[@ShupperDupper]

I will never be so overwhelmed as when I finally rang the bell and stumbled down back to the Firelink Shrine to find Frampt, and barely understand what the hell he is let alone what he’s asking of me or what he really wants. Been diving into lore videos ever since, and redive and redive when I find another lore tuber.

[@williamkensington2772]

Vaati is a good lore source of you want the highly accepted stories and Hawkshaw is if you want more nuanced or theory heavy videos and explanations

[@nayyarrashid4661]

​@@williamkensington2772Vaati is just insanely good at filling the gaps and making connections. He also admits that he comes up with various theories of his own as well. Don't take it to be the final interpretation or exposition of the dark souls universe or story line.

[@ShamelessSoul]

I actually like the theory that since we find out Anor Lando is under the effects of an illusion, Ornstein and Smough being in ds1 is just part of that illusion. They're just Gwyndolin's memories of the past glory. Obviously there is no way to know for sure, but Ornstein being in ds3 does add some credibility to this theory.

[@calemr]

To add to this, in the dark version of Anor Londo, you can find two knights in the cathedral, one in heavy armour with a greatsword, one in lighter armour with a piercing sword. So you could definitely draw some connections to suggest that if the illusion was cleared before you fought O&S, you would have seen those two.

[@terragamer7142]

Smough is factually the last one to guard the cathedral of Anor Londo. This is stated in multiple item descriptions. Ornstein probably left with the gods and the one you fight in DS1 is (most likely) an illusion but the Smough you fight is the real one.

[@WyvernLP]

Ornstein isn't in DS3, its just his armor.

[@joshuatorres101]

ors isnt there but smough is actually real havel rebeled and tried to kill the gods while ornstein left with the nameless king when he go kicked out for befrending a dragon

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

Anor Londo* It's not the home of Lando Calrissian

[@crestondavison1701]

"Frampt and Kaath are basically playing a long game of chess but without the stakes. Regardless of who wins, they both continue to live" I've definitely been playing chess wrong

[@suezuccati304]

I mean, little Misha and his dad were made into chess pieces by the Mighty Ancient International Grand Master Of Sports From The USSR Overlord and The 12th World Champion Anatoly Karpov.

[@fuucaran]

​@@suezuccati304 you, my friend, are a man of fucking culture. I tip my hat to you sir.

[@mackxzs]

"CHECKMATE! I WIN!" *shoots opponent*

[@marianorivera3272]

@@suezuccati304 when Karpov dies, Misha will attend the funeral and carve "#" onto Karpov's gravestone.

[@SolestroDerNarr]

@@fuucaran Redditors begone

[@Zathren]

I actually recently read that the head of Fromsoft, Miazaki, purposefully doesn't explaine every aspect of the story. He used to read books in languages he didn't understand and liked that it was his imagination that had to fill in the things he didn't know. He wanted to share that feeling of wonder and speculation with his soon to be fan base.

[@TheSpicyLeg]

Correct. Souls lore and story isn’t vague and subject to interpretation by accident, it was designed that way. In fact, Miyazaki has said that the writers and developers are challenged to make as little clear as they possibly can.

[@personthatdoesthings222]

fromsoft fans congratulating bad writing because it was done on purpose

[@sweetschmeat7417]

@@personthatdoesthings222 is this bait?

[@sgtpastry]

@@sweetschmeat7417 Nah mate. The writing in Dark Souls is objectively bad because it requires reading. This is a video game, not a book! It needs to be more like Fallout.

[@zacheryeckard3051]

@@sgtpastry Fallout... which is full of stuff you have to read?

[@StarPiratesCove]

"ill go to bed in 5 minutes" 2 hours later:

[@Lordmaster135]

fr

[@kevinperry2492]

Played DS2 twice and never pieced together that the Last Giant and the Giant Lord were the same being. Good stuff. I stopped at DS3's intro because i javent played it yet, your videos on 1&2 are magnificent. Love it, keepnup the good work

[@newmanmarka28]

Them hit boxes tho😡😡😡

[@malking1486]

Lvl up ADP​@@newmanmarka28

[@kruvik]

I hope you had time to play DS3 by now!

[@sakai699]

lol same I just got the game I looked a bit into the vid could't stop myself,definitely looking forward to play it

[@stilldravona]

In Dark Souls III, when the player kills Yuria, she says "Kaathe, I have failed thee", proving that she and the other Sisters of the Sable Church, and thus Londor by extension, are followers of Kaathe. In the original Japanese she says "...Kaathe... your dying wish was not fulfilled..." which would imply that despite having followers, Kaathe is no longer alive during the events of Dark Souls III.

[@hamsammich2821]

Oh cool I didn’t know that

[@dovahkiin7253]

Did you copy and paste this from the wiki

[@stilldravona]

@@dovahkiin7253 It was 9 months ago dude I have no damn clue

[@yurinoworry]

@@dovahkiin7253who cares, piss off.

[@mrtoothless]

seethe loser@@dovahkiin7253

[@zdl5665]

I actually wound up with the Age of Dark ending my first playthrough. I just naturally fought 4 kings before placing Lord Vessel because I was nervous of triggering the end game phase before doing all available content. On top of that, when I killed Gwyn, I didn’t see I could interact with the flame and just left the boss room. …fucking hollow brain

[@morganlucchi]

I just thought "hey maybe I can do something else before finishing the game" and went out of the room. Needless to say, I was very confused by the ending

[@songbird6414]

I think Im either completely blind or I have a glitched copy of the game bc I still haven’t found the fire and I’ve beat the game twice

[@Ironica82]

@@songbird6414 The place where you link it is where Gwen starts. as seen in the video, there is to fire to look for.

[@kahriishabazz488]

Same thing happened to me I actually got the age of dark ending on accident in ds3 too

[@djangofett4879]

Dude ends all of reality as we know it: "Oops!"

[@rossdrsr]

I think, regarding the Twin Princes in DS3, the epic nature of their fight is really symbolic of both who they are and the point in the game you're at. It's both that Lothric and Lorian don't want to die, and are willing to fight their hardest to stop you from killing them, and that they're the last thing standing between you and the Kiln. You have to kill this defiant representation of life in this dying world. It doesn't really matter which ending you choose, because either way everyone is dead anyway. Just an anecdote I thought I'd share.

[@letsgosempo]

Easily the best dark souls video to date in terms of a retrospective, and in general. It’s been on my list to play the souls collection for awhile now (including everything outside the souls trilogy,) and a lot of the amazing souls like games, but going back, and rewatching this for like the.. 7th time has pushed the games to the top of my to play list. Starting with DS1 tonight, and doing my first genuine solo play through. Gonna run this in the background. Thanks for making this.

[@Tokorai]

2:09:40 I've heard it suggested that Ocelotte is real, but he's invisible, since Priscilla's notable ability is her invisibility, and she's also half-dragon. This is supported by Oceiros demanding that Ocelotte show himself.

[@antialeks5013]

When he starts his second phase you can see him smash the hand he'd been cradling as well

[@shawncamp333]

You can actually use a mod that shows the baby being smashed and what it looks like. It's actually in the game files and can only do this on PC

[@ElEze3941]

@@shawncamp333 holy shit

[@Lucky13Ravens]

​@@shawncamp333That doesn't actually prove anything as it is a not uncommon practice to place an object so you can set up the main model to be accurately positioned in relation to something they think is there. Then the model is removed or made invisible.

[@leizer318]

you can also hear faint crying of an infant that stops with phase 2

[@KayoKidBoxing]

I once did an acting workshop ran by the lady who voices the firelink maiden in DS3. She was awesome

[@Willzb-xk4ew]

Lucky

[@themightymcb7310]

Ashen one, don't forget to bring me more souls.

[@johndoh4537]

You lucky bastard

[@Wizard_Pikachu]

How was that?

[@mccoolfriend6818]

must be nice you should change your name to Lucky XDDD

[@asherjones5725]

I've always enjoyed the thought of ending the game by sitting next to the Fire Keeper as the dark sets in, watching as the world is changed forever, and wrapping an arm around her shoulder to comfort her. All is not lost yet, and there is more to come. And no matter how dark it becomes, I will be there to see it with you.

[@BandTrap]

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo Asherjones and Fire keeper. Sitting in a tree.. ;)

[@friendlyneighborhoodidiot7004]

It’s crazy but the first time I played the game I almost did that ending but accidentally killed her. First ending I ever got and there was no achievement for beating the game. New game+ ran through to just sitting by a sad little fire at the end of the world.

[@nitrousoxide1797]

the fact that the Firekeeper is blind and she already expierences a world without light makes me more likely to think that she'll be the one conforting YOU rather than the other way arund, cuz she's already use to the darkness.

[@Jv8741]

They going to die no sun no food

[@user-rp9bs8ml8o]

Least downbad soulslike enjoyer

[@LuM4rex]

After the release of Elden Ring, many people were able to get what they wanted. But, for me personally, few things can surpass the emotions and history of the Dark Souls series. A series that many developers are still trying to match, trying to repeat the success of the franchise.

[@Dingus7696]

Seconded

[@uncleclaeb]

Agreed, elden ring is an amazing experience but still doesn't hold a candle to the original trilogy

[@eepersneepers7872]

@@uncleclaeb if we're to hold 3 candles and say they are brighter than 1. It's hardly a understatement to say the comment was mundane. We either can wait for elden rings sequels or compare elden ring to dark souls 1

[@uncleclaeb]

@@eepersneepers7872 given that elden ring itself is around as big as the trilogy, I'd say it's a fair comparison

[@terasbetoni8020]

@@uncleclaeb bigger probably

[@xpert308]

I can see their intent to keep Nito's story simple, it's like the definition of death, no one knows what is it exactly, but it just exists.

[@sevendeadswallows5466]

That's actually such an interesting take on it

[@esotericchungusism]

Sounds nice, but they were probably just lazy

[@kobragaming9420]

@@esotericchungusism nah I think it’s just Cus death basically doesn’t exist in dark souls so Nito practically has no purpose. Can’t create no lore when you have nothing to actually do

[@ggriffyn5165]

@@kobragaming9420 i think its cause of this that Nito had the secret rite of kindling, which can be theorised he purposely let out which found its way into our hands. Nito helped Gwyn because that established his power and existence as the Dragons lived in immortality with the world, but then Gwyn committed the first sin subverting death, which was a literal betrayal back to Nito. So Nito, realising that he has lost his power, and the only way to get it back would be to sacrifice his own soul (a fitting death im sure he'd think) to restart things, kept essentially one of the most powerful things the Chosen would need in his domain. Kinda explains why he's hella easy to beat too. (Well compared to the others)

[@melissajuice89]

''!''!!'!.

[@weaksauce13]

so you can sum it up with the truly great Dark Souls quote from the protagonist John Darksoul: "every soul has it's dark". it really nails what the series is about.

[@devindalton4688]

My favorite thing about memes like this is that Patches genuinely just says "a fine Dark Soul to you" in DS3

[@jacobhuppertz5625]

My favorite thing Ive ever noticed is that all the Lords of Cinder are reinvigorated eith the flame in their second phase. Abyss watchers pull blood and fire from their brothers. Yohrm sets his machete ablaze and slams with fiery explosions. Aldrich sets the entire srena on fire. Them accepting flam in the most desperate moment is an incredible symbolism for the age of fire being desperate to keep them alive to re light the flame

[@emlynselene1096]

I've never noticed that, thank you for the fascinating observation!

[@TheBBCSlurpee]

Banger observation

[@JWalker444]

They literally become embered, the same thing as when you use the item itself in game

[@SeaSpartan118]

If I remember right, Gwyn's theme was made by playing only white keys. Nice little detail for a lord who opposes the dark

[@yusufbiricik3131]

Or racist af

[@noahlurvink]

@@yusufbiricik3131 kinda based if u ask me

[@SamVagyok]

@@noahlurvink 🤣

[@spaceghost4475]

Gwyn means white/light in Welsh so makes sense.

[@TheBBCSlurpee]

That’s so sick I didn’t know that

[@Mannistheorion]

I've always thought that Gwyn's boss music theme fits well as the music isn't about him, but about us players. We've slayed lords and everything in Gwyn's family, of course we already know we'll eventually kill Gwyn. The piano sound while mellow can either signify sorrow, grief or new beginnings as if everyone is watching and rooting for us as we decide the fate of everything left in our mercy; if we are going to link the fire and become the next Great Lord, or bring about an age of darkness and men to reign as a Dark Lord.

[@darthjesus7079]

That's a nice thought, but the music IS about Gwyn.

[@thevoidismyhome7242]

Hawkwood is connected to the Abyss Watchers, as he was once attempting to be one of them, but could never sacrifice his shield to take up the small knife. VaatiVidya shows all of Hawkwood's journey. Hawkwood - Abyss Watchers Anri - Aldritch Siegward - Yhorm Us - Lothric and Lorian

[@lucania101710]

On Ocellote not showing up in Oceiros' hand while you're fighting him, I believe it's safe to assume that the child is also a half dragon hybrid, and therefore likely has the ability to turn invisible, like Priscilla.

[@supersbbrawl4ever]

In the alpha the baby was visible... And Oceiros slams him to the ground in the second phase.

[@zephyrgaming7202]

As far as I know I think they just didn't want to have to animate a baby being smushed into the ground 💀

[@manolomartinez5033]

@@zephyrgaming7202 They did originally, it was most likely cut for censorship.

[@austinmills8928]

They may have cut the content for censorship, but the only reason they were able to do so without changing the scripting was because the invisibility still fits within the lore

[@thesun5275]

@@supersbbrawl4ever there is no evidence for it being visible. Only thing we know is they cut the sounds of a baby crying.

[@m0002856]

I get goosebumps every time the Soul of Cinder goes into Gwyn mode. It makes sense: He's a literal representation of EVERY ONE who has ever linked the flame. Gwyn was the first person to ever do it since the flame didn't exist (as far as we know) in the story until after they found it. It's a really amazing callback to the original story. I also like how he feels much stronger than Gwyn's empty husk did in Dark Souls 1: This is the strength that he didn't have when we fought him the first time. AND the plin plin plon came back. ;-;

[@KJKLKL4ever]

I need to animate it man. I wanna make a whole Dark Souls animated series and I want the soul of cinder to mimic Gwyns voice. My idea is essentially my two characters (Sir Alfred and Sir Alphonse) are the chosen undead and Ashen One respectively. Once the CU meets Gwyn, the fight gets referenced and mimic’d with the SOC, down to hearing Gwyns voice echoe out of the being. Fuck.

[@erdnalickeroftoads2143]

Ah yes the plin plin plon 😢 Quit the emotional track despite its simplicity in DS1. They went full on epic mode for DS3 with the music and when the PLIN PLIN PLON hit I felt like that one meme where all the guys jump out of their seats. I died because of the epic catchiness of the music 😂

[@henrikhumle7255]

Plin plin plon

[@nanebeisner4998]

i cri evertim plin plin plon soc

[@dragondeeznutts]

PLIN PLIN PLON

[@ReckSaber3664]

This story and the trilogy is my favorite in all of gaming. I love these games so damn much and might have even changed my life in some way. The story and lore is just so good. When you bowed to the soul of cinder when Gwen came, it quite literally made me tear up.

[@SirTotallyCooki]

I believe the reason for Ornstein's armor being in Archdragon peak could be due to the cyclical nature of the universe, whenever the flame fades it relights at some point from embers. Then history effectively repeats itself (though potentially slightly altered, hence why the armor is misplaced)

[@reptor7630]

For Ornstein's armor and his whereabouts after Dark Souls 1 I think that best explanation is that the one we fight in Dark Soul 1 is a fake since couple of times trough out the game trough item description it is mentioned that all 4 of Gwyn's knights left Anor Londo and that the last person standing in the cathedral at the time of our arrival is Smough

[@MaledictGaming]

This somewhat explains why once you defeat one of the duo, the other "absorbs" their essence. So 'Ornstein' becomes giant-like becuase of Smoughs' might and Smough gains lightning because of the Dragon Slayers weapon. But we never get an explanation of how or why this works. Nor is this meging of knights mentioned anywere else in the games... (Hell, even the Old Chaos in Game 2 doesn't merge or malform the knights.) So it being just Smough during the fight + some illusion (maybe something Gwyndolin created?) seems reasonable.

[@douggambino3956]

O Lo moo😊o lll lol l

[@douggambino3956]

@@MaledictGaming lol p

[@air1744]

@@MaledictGaming Ornstein's ring that he drop if we kill him last might have something to do with it, little part of Ornstein soul might be contained within it and used by Gwydolin to make his illusion. Ornstein left the ring either because he wants part of him to stay in Anor londo and chasing the nameless king for whatever reason, or in a protest and giving up his position of Gwyn's 4 knights because Gwyn exiling the firstborn, Ornstein being more loyal to the son than Gwyn.

[@skachor]

@@air1744 maybe he gave it to smough when he left and, like you mentioned, gwyndolin was also projecting him like the princess.

[@darkstrong4553]

Ornstein being in Anor Londo always made sense to me as just being another illusion created by Gwyndolin. Everything else there is an illusion, why not him too?

[@youthought202]

We also know a part of your soul can be taken/Given away and I like to think that's the foundation on said illusion and how smough can claim his partners soul when he dies. An item description in 3 also states smough was the last to leave anor londo

[@TeddyBFA]

i heard a theory of him coming back to Anor Londo after being a follower of the 1st born. he came back to the ruins of anor londo and was taken by the illusion himself just like we were. not realizing he was guarding nothing.

[@kam2894]

@@TeddyBFA i like this theory

[@mahmud7645]

In ds3 we find Ornsteins armor in the Dragon area. Strongly suggesting we fought an illusion in Anor Londo and the real Ornstein went after the Nameless King as an ally/foe or out of curiosity.

[@alejandrovallejo6763]

Smough's set in DS3 also suggest that Smough was "the last of the knights guarding the cathedral", wich hints that only Smough was real in that fight as Orsntein had abandoned his post to search for the Nameless King.

[@addyalex6030]

Dude, I've just watched this video in several goes, and omg, you have created an amazing summary-analysis of the trilogy. I'm a big fan of the series but there were a couple of things I didn't even know yet. Thank you so much!

[@Kallahane2187]

This was so incredibly well made and very well narrated. Watched the entire thing and I’m very happy with it. Well done man

[@Smaritan357]

The Soul of Cinder alone is a fantastic finale paying tribute to a legacy. Then transforming into Gwyn is such a powerful moment. Gives me chills everytime.

[@zzodysseuszz]

No it’s a cheap fan bait

[@santaTF2]

@@zzodysseuszz That’s your opinion, don’t be rude about it

[@Zathren]

Agreed. He's my favorite fight in DS3. The idea that we're fighting dozens if not hundreds of past lives all who relit the flame only for him to panic and use his most powerful soul is just too cool.

[@Vergil394]

​@@zzodysseuszzfromsoft hater...too hard for ypu?

[@titiusvicinius7041]

@@Vergil394 he is not a fromsoftware hater, just your average ds2 mentally ill troglodyte

[@naidr0x]

I really love how the trilogy is structured in relation to the main lore point of the First Flame cycle: Dark Souls is the beginning. You are the very first person to enter the Kiln after Gwyn himself. The world, although damaged, is still very similar to what it was during the golden ages of the Gods. Great Lords of legend are still out there, within your reach, in person. Dark Souls 2 is the middle. You find yourself somewhere between thousands of cycles, in a world that is cursed - though nobody really knows why. The legends, though their power still lingers, have been forgotten and the people have started focusing on their own problems, not prophecies and divine promises. It's a time of confusion and struggle, without a certain solution for the problems. Dark Souls 3 is the end. The final cycle. At long last we see the grim consequences of Gwyn's actions. A world that has been twisted beyond belief by constant prolonging of the Flame. A world plunged into complete chaos as kingdoms slam into one another, the Abyss within people bursts into giant tumors and the Pilgrims of Londor are preparing the world for the end times. The memory of the Gods returns, yet now we seem them for what they truly are. Both sons of the Lord of Sunlight in a pitiful state: one a hollowed exile, the other a feast for a monster. His daughter abandoned at the end of the world, waiting for salvation that shall never come. Although the people are once again aware of the Linking of the Flame, they refuse to partake in it as they see the twisted consequences of Gwyn's lies. The Flame is weak and doomed to go out, perhaps for good.

[@Villager699]

Most underrated comment man, well said.

[@Skwadley]

I also love how clear it’s made that in ds2, the kingdom isn’t really of note, but that’s the point. In the cycle of ash and flame and dark, entire kingdoms arise and fall with no one to carry on their story. There were countless others and there will be countless more as the cycle repeats.

[@JayWhipp1e]

Ds1 is about the Gods, the age they created, and their attempt to preserve it. Dark souls 2 is about mankind. The kingdoms that have risen and fallen throughout the ages, how each kingdom eventually falls prey to the undead curse, how humanity has had to live and die and hollow for hundreds if not thousands of years in the world the Gods created. Ds3 is about the end of it all. Back to the beginning, how Anor Londo and the Gods are somewhat mirrored in a kind of karmic curse like oceiros (seath). How Gwyndolin desperately tries to revive the old nobility in irithyll, and how the world eventually burned itself to ash, with the greatest human finding their own world with the help of the shunned and forgotten. Anyone that says 2 doesnt fit in with 1 and 3 didnt pay very good attention.

[@Auchaser643]

People need to stop with the extremes, you saying "the end" and "for good" proves you didn't pay attention. It's a cycle there was dark and then light again, in 3 it's explicitly explained we will return to dark but flames may dance once again. The cycle does not end.

[@naidr0x]

@@Auchaser643 nah I don't agree

[@fhjjgsgyutrgnj]

Just watched for a second time all the way through. Incredible job, you did amazing in every aspect. Script, tone, pacing, emotion, perspective, I could go on but I won’t. Your should be super proud!

[@VakovoSheggorri]

Perhaps the theme of blindness among firekeepers in Dark Souls 3 relates to the fact that the flame is dying, and *needs* to finally be put down. Yet they still attempt to tend to it, blind to what must be done. The secret ending requires giving your fire keeper eyes, showing them what must happen, that darkness must finally come. Something like that.

[@AC-hj9tv]

Did the fire blind them

[@VakovoSheggorri]

@@AC-hj9tv I think it is more symbolic then anything, however there is a theme of firekeepers needing to give up something in order to become one sans dark souls 2. Sight in three and speech in 1.

[@AC-hj9tv]

@@VakovoSheggorri oh cool ty Good lore

[@nolanmoore3831]

"The inability to let go of what they know, and continue this age of fire, will only make things worse." I am a recovering addict so this overarching theme of the souls series is why I absolutely love it. I don't know exactly how to explain myself fully, but hearing that said really hit home for me. Not only game wise but in a real tangible way. The linking of the flame is kind of like letting go of the part of me that thrives in oblivion. Whilst existing in the blissful state of being high all the time, I am watching the world around me go to shit from my own action, and inversely, inaction. There for when I actually made a change in my life and got out my own way, I could live a life that brought me joy and fulfillment. I don't know if this is making any sense but hey, there ya' go. Great video Gingy, I really enjoyed it! Thank you for the experience!

[@bojangles9172]

First off, wow. As a recovering addict and a long time fan of the series myself, that analogy really got to me. Every time I think about being happy I want to go back to being high all the time and it’s just not the right path to go down. Thanks for the metaphor man and I hope your own path to living sober is going good 👍

[@6kine6tic67]

What a great story! I'm happy your in recovery 😀 I'm also a recovering alcoholic. and your right there's a parallel there clearly. Your story really makes me think. Your probably a fascinating person to talk to! Clearly you have a beautiful soul 😊

[@LogainAblar]

You made perfect sense and although my circumstances aren't the same the relevance of that quote is profound.

[@Tarmax94]

So happy for you! Stay strong man

[@nolanmoore3831]

@@bojangles9172 Thanks for taking the time to read it! *

[@raulansbach5238]

I love Gael's story so much, he was born as nobody, as fodder for war and even then managed to survive and become one of, if not the most important character in the world. He maintained his objective until effectively the end of time with nothing to gain of it and still died as a nobody all in hope of a new world, probably my favourite character in all of gaming.

[@sip9902]

This video felt like an entire experience, thank you for making this and I hope you keep pumping out this kind of quality work😂🤞

[@Ajic312]

I'd like to point out that there are theories in relationship to certain items and description (I wish I could recall which) that says Aldia was one of the first scholars, not just the scholar of the first sin. Making the soul stream depiction relate to him as it was one of his greatest experiments he created while experimenting on the hollows he learned and created a form of soul magic

[@DragonSlayer3050]

Dragonslayer Ornnstein in DS3 being in Archdragon Peak has another explanation, its theorized that the Ornnstein you fought in DS1 was just an illusion made by gwyndolyn, meaning he left Anor Londo before the events of the first game, but Gwyndolyn made an illusion of him to test undead to see if they were worthy of succeding Gwyn

[@aftertone3146]

It is most likely that the sequence of events, much like Gwyndolyn not fighting DS1 Undead, is that Undead defeated the Illusion of Ornstein first, then killed smough and gained his power, thus never really getting his soul

[@zzodysseuszz]

The simple answer and most realistic is that dark souls 3 is just a cash grab and most of the game is built around lazily forcing in items and locations from previous games just to bait fans

[@deputydawg7948]

@@zzodysseuszz bro fr doesnt like one of the best games oat

[@murderyoutubeworkersandceos]

Its shit explanation for a shit game. Ud be better off not trying to include this failure of a fanfic into discussions of the plot

[@DragonSlayer3050]

@@murderyoutubeworkersandceos no need to be so aggressive my guy, just a discussion for possible lore

[@Jvsa]

Cannot wait to binge on this over and over again... Thanks!

[@toscanius]

FYI don’t tip on KZbin. The creator doesn’t get all of the money. 30% is given to KZbin.

[@Jvsa]

@@toscanius yeah, I knew that. Though it's good that you pointed this out since I think YT does not make this clear enough. But anyway, he doesn't have a patreon or other means of receiving donations (to my knowledge) and I wanted to show my support, even if it came with the caviat of YT slicing a cut for themselves - this is why I went with the bigger sum, so the money he receives better reflects my appreciation for the work he's putting into his videos and especially this series :) I know it's not a massive sum by all means, but yeah... Appreciate his videos a lot !

[@toscanius]

@@Jvsa it was just a PSA. He should definitely set up a Patreon.

[@Jvsa]

@@toscanius Definitely agree :)

[@SkreltNL]

this is pure aids, comments now gonna get judged based on donations? dafaq is this crap?

[@captainlovebug]

I love you for releasing this. It does wonders for my productivity to have it running in the background. Also your voice and story telling is top notch. You are welcome for the 500+ plays on this video lol

[@crunchyice3368]

This was an outstanding summary and documentation of the games. Bravo sir. Incredible video.

[@namanex5210]

Artorias was also left handed. Lore entries and the fact that in either the first or second game when wielding his sword in your right hand it would have a regular uninteresting move set, but when used in the left hand you would get new moves. I also remember that in one of the three it straight up tells you he was left handed in the swords item description.

[@cvineyard7890]

What a thorough, and well done summary of my favorite series ever. Ate some popcorn while watching, so here's my usual admission cost to a decent movie. Cheers!

[@6kine6tic67]

Your very kind and respectful 🙂

[@Biduck1453]

Əe

[@the-man-who-bites-his-tongue]

cringe; he got countless details wrong.

[@Biduck1453]

@@the-man-who-bites-his-tongue your Αςς

[@ItsFicticious]

@@the-man-who-bites-his-tongue we will all wait with bated breath for you to make a better and more correct video then.

[@ShitFucks]

I love how the abyss watchers were revived to rekindle, but instead responded with "sorry champ. Im a little busy with work maybe later"

[@dinaldesilva3824]

1:54:46 "It's a wonderful and happy ending" PROCEEDS TO DO THE MOST DEPRESSING EMOTE HE HAD

[@Micdades]

You failed to mention one of the most persistent and prolific characters that exists throughout the whole timeline of Dark Souls, Patches. A hollow with little purpose other than to have fun tricking people, yet makes it to the end of the world. Reaching further than any grand king or warrior ever did (with a bit of memory loss between). And even if he seems a coward and a trickster, he is strangely honest and insightful about a lot of things.

[@onesecgaming8102]

I just watched the previous 3 dark souls videos, why do you do this to me (don’t stop, this is some of the best lore videos I’ve ever seen)

[@babytime1]

bro do you have dementia? He just copied and pasted the 3 videos into one...I mean put the timestamps together.

[@onesecgaming8102]

@@babytime1 yeah, but I watched them a few weeks ago and it’s nice to be able to just have all the info in one big video

[@babytime1]

@@onesecgaming8102 could've been done by what was once called the Highlights Community, glad we got rid of all those lazy leeches huh...

[@nickw8424]

@@babytime1 when highlight channels begin to make this videos with out the creators permission what else is there to call it. They are just leeching at this point. That being said there are plenty of clips channels that are out there who run there channels and post highlights with the permission or sometimes even the help from the original content creator.

[@babytime1]

@@nickw8424 Legit no one cares, copy right arguments have wrought nothing but boring trauma dumping, if you are that scared your intellectual property will be stolen, be like normal people and become a doctor, particle physicist, or programmer. Wanna be pretend genius with a shitload of money, gonna have to work for my clicks, sorry you dont value yours.

[@Hennesg]

Awww damn, this is the first time I felt deep nostalgia for Dark Souls 1. Seems like only yesterday the community got together and solved the story.

[@switchar0025]

This video was freaking EXCELLENT. Job well done!

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

Dark Souls I: Choices you question. Dark Souls II: Questions making choices. Dark Souls III: Refusing choices, questioning refusal?

[@yosifergochev1527]

Dark souls 4 : whom the fucketh , why the fucketh & how the fucketh

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

Elden Ring: Choose blussy

[@saldabest]

The only point i wanna make out is that there's plenty of enemies in Amor Londo in DS1 that disappear after destroying the illusion, enemies that drop items, give souls, hit hard, etc. So it's very possible that the Ornstein in DS1 was an illusion and that he actually left before we arrive ourselves.

[@foxy-dawn1067]

I like that theory

[@josephnissenson3252]

My main problem with it is that you actually get the soul of whoever you killed last be it Orstein or smoug

[@saldabest]

@@josephnissenson3252 doesn't exactly contradict what I said, everything that disappears after you dispell the illusion gives you items, souls, etc, so even if you leave Ornstein for last, if the illusion is still strong enough, then it explains the boss soul

[@muffin3089]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@saldabestsouls in the souls series could not be reproduced. Especially boss souls that are very powerful souls, they simply couldn’t be produced through illusions. It’s much more likely that orstien is actually a title rather then a person, with weapons and amour passed down through generations.

[@Salokin92]

​@@muffin3089*looks away while Soul dupe glitching* - sorry - what? :P

[@Syrup648]

I just want you to know this is one of my favorite videos, and I’ve watched it about three or four times now. It’s just so good to put on and listen or watch. Have a good day, to all reading

[@user-vb9fk9rq2c]

It's fun how you say "Ornstein and smough" as they appear on screen the other way around, also since I heard the background of smough and his sick laugh I can't unhear it, it send chills down my spine everytime, plus it's so frustrating when you learn that it doesn't matter if you damage both in the first phase, it becomes funny later ... Definitely one of the best boss fights of the series

[@PyroTorch69]

As for the dragon baby, i think it's worth noting we've see invisability tied to another dragon kind, Priscilla the half dragon from the first game. It never really got explained how or why she could do that, but i always thought "it's just dragon things" and accepted the baby was like that too.

[@charg1nmalaz0r51]

well seath and Pricilla have ice like abilities, maybe their ice crystals refract and twist light turning them invisible.

[@dakotavaughan3768]

What's sad is they cut artorias dialogue. After he kills the enemy he looks towards you and is supposed to say something to you but they cut it. Vaatividya does a good cover of it

[@brunoactis1104]

Don't you think it's better the way it ended up being?

[@trevthekidd]

​@@brunoactis1104not at all, but I have an artorias fan bias, his dialogue is too good. "Whomever thou art, stay away... For soon I will be consumed, by them... By the dark."

[@dant3838]

@@trevthekidd im an artorias fanboy as well but why did they make him sound like such a twink lol

[@JosephWalker-ip7pd]

​@trevthekidd the voice acting is good but it doesn't make sense why would he stick around there if he knows he will be consumed?

[@dakotavaughan3768]

@@JosephWalker-ip7pd he stuck around because of his sense of duty and to try and save sif from the abyss where he left her

[@kyledoak518]

I sincerely appreciate your hard work in this wonderful video essay. And I even further appreciate that you limited the number of ad breaks!!!! Subbed and liking all your content going forward. You're the man, Gingy!

[@Dastardly_Duo]

2:23:35 This was a big theory back when DS3 was still active, that O is Nameless King's Storm Drake. We know that Ornstein left his duty to fo find his best friend, Gwyn's son, who had sided with the dragons (NK), leaving Smough there alone. So Ornstein didn't die in DS1 and that was an illusion. It might sound silly but when you beat Mega O, his soul description says it's a soul gifted by Gwyn. And when you become a dragon, you have to remove youe armor. O's armor is right under the boss room where you fight NK and the Storm King.

[@Dastardly_Duo]

There are videos out there about it, maybe look into it. I thought it was crazy at first, but I gave it a chance and it's now my head canon lol

[@julioperla4935]

Serpents are consider lesser dragons. The Everlasting Stone Dragons deevolved (depending on how you view it) to serpents due to disease and constant attacks to their bodies and habitat. With no arch trees and only ruins it made sense to lose their mighty stature and become better at hiding. What they loss in physical presence, they gained in intellect. Kaathe and Frampt want revenge.

[@FellishBeast]

Where did you get this from?

[@llominous3495]

@@FellishBeast The Covetous serpent rings say in their description that serpents are imperfect dragons and used to relate with gluttony so probably from there

[@SFBSpartan]

My first DS3 playthrough, when I was fighting the Soul of Cinder for the first time and I heard Gwyn's music start, I had too take a minute (and got clapped) just to reminisce. These games have forged friendships for me, taught me life lessons, and changed how I view my favorite medium of entertainment. The Dark Souls trilogy will define video games for the next many years.

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

On the topic of life lessons, my craving for challenge I think actually started when I read a blog post about Sonic the Hedgehog games (which I've never played, by the way) and how the blogger used to give up if games were too hard until they got addicted to classic Sonic games, but I think Dark Souls is probably at least mostly responsible for my positive attitude toward failure as part of a process rather than an unfavourable final outcome.

[@lumeronswift]

​@@vitriolicAmaranth The worst thing about this is that it gives people a false vision of general games in regards to difficulty. Dark Souls has fair difficulty (apart from maybe one or two oddities in Dark Souls 2) - so much so that you can play the entire FRANCHISE without taking damage, and you can even beat all of the games at soul level 1. There are very few games that actually reward effort and provide fair difficulty. Look at how the soulslike genre has sprung up - so many games that think difficulty is actually the goal, rather than a side-effect of providing truly masterable combat.

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

@@lumeronswift I don't feel like that has much to do with what I said. However, to play devil's advocate, a lot of those games are extremely difficult (more than Dark Souls) but can also be played perfectly. Nioh comes to mind.

[@Endslikecrazy]

The eyes you find in dark firelink shrine can also be given to the other firekeeper if i remember correctly, i think theres a link there that isn't covered but maybe im remembering wrong or its not important at all the overall story. Regardless this and your bloodborne video are the clearest explanations of the lore ive been able to find to date and that should definitely be celebrated. I will definitely be diving into more videos ^^

[@schneebly8485]

i don’t think so, i tried when i first got the eyes and she wouldn’t take them

[@joshcrigier8281]

Amazing work thank you for making this.

[@papiiguapii]

You encapsulated my long-held love of the series so well. Thank you for your hard work to create this video and help me relive my time in the Dark Souls universe. bravo. bravo...

[@JoltOfJoy]

I recommend a video called “Plot against the gods” by Hawkshaw if you want some more interesting lore regarding undead burg, Seathe, ash lake, and more.

[@jeriko6276]

Fun fact: Darkeater Midir’s design is inspired by Shin Godzilla, it even has an attack move that can be seen in the movie. His fire attack that he then focuses into a laser is identical to Shin Godzillas laser attack in the movie.

[@derrmann328]

1:39:00 The firekeeper eyes from the untended graves mentions that the firekeepers eyes were removed because they showed "...sightless Fire Keepers things that they should never see." And enables the betrayal ending, so I think it suggests that the meta structures of the world, ala the first flame, can see the future and those structures are trying to prevent it coming to pass, thematically matching Gwyn.

[@ckidslag3903]

I'm really happy to see a retrospective of the serie that doesn't treat DS2 as a weakpoint nor as the series "ugly duckling". It was my introduction to the serie (which was a blessing in disguise since I wouldn't have endured DS1's brutally at the time) and I really enjoyed it. It was a fun game and I'm kinda sad we didn't see more of it in DS3 (especially Vendrick and his philosophy). Anyways, this was a pleasure to watch.

[@jspantonio8807]

The game is the weakpoint of the series though.

[@blank-mq8ef]

i mean its objectively a much worse game mechanics wise. lore wise its great but gameplay itself is trash

[@zzodysseuszz]

@@jspantonio8807 no, it’s not. It’s objectively better than ds1 in every single category.

[@zzodysseuszz]

@@blank-mq8ef yeah you lost me when you specifically used game mechanics as an example. Dark souls 2 is quite literally fromsoft’s most mechanically intuitive and complex game. Literally every aspect of dark souls 2 was done better than the other souls games. Name a criticism and I can throw it back on the other games.

[@blank-mq8ef]

@@zzodysseuszz movement not being the same 360 movement that every other darksouls game has is easily the easiest one to point out

[@magua9563]

Awesome retrospective. I love to see people actually acknowledge DS2 into the main story rather than skipping over it and calling it insignificant. I do believe thought that Ornstien survived the battle in DS1 much like Smough did, instead seeking after the former prince and dragon slayer.

[@rileysimons3101]

In the arena where you fight gael there is a paired great sword ring knight, if you go through the fog wall then hug the left wall of the arena you will eventually find the ring knight. The arena is massive and that's the only one I've found, he also seems to have a lot more health than the ones in the ringed city and hits way harder.

[@NorthWolf97]

The weakness of the Bed of Chaos is literally exiting to menu and taking down one of the side chains and using a bow to take them down from afar. Especially the 2nd one when the floor collapses. The last jump is still terrible because bad hitboxes both from the tree branch you land on, but also that the boss can push you to the side with it's head branches. 2:32:05 actually you can summon Sif during the Manus fight and only during the fight itself.

[@Jacob47ful]

One thing i think you might find interesting is that in the original Japanese dialogue, Yuria upon dying says that she has failed Kaathe's dying wish, which implies he's dead by the events of the third game

[@sebosebo4661]

So glad you went over ds2 lore, its seriously underrated!

[@zzodysseuszz]

Best lore in the trilogy. Also the most philosophically complex with the least one dimensional characters in the series

[@zzodysseuszz]

Best lore in the trilogy. Also the most philosophically complex with the least one dimensional characters in the series

[@godsangryhands4499]

This was Great! Your presentation of the History and Characters of the Souls series pulled memories of STRUGGLE 😢 and TRIUMPH 😂 from the past playing these games! The Best of Times!

[@forsaken_bacon]

Ocelotte being visually removed is most likely explained by censorship of infanticide. However, there seems to be an “invisibility” connection between white dragon/God hybrids. Consider Pricilla, the product of Gwynevere and Seath. Ocelotte is the product of Gwynevere and Ocieros. Albeit Ocieros being a lower quality dragon resulted in a lower quality offspring. Therefore Ocelotte could share this trait of invisibility. However, never grow out of infancy I think the most entertaining interpretation is that Ocelotte was stillborn and never alive. Perhaps what drove Ocieros mad. And he just pretends. Although that wouldn’t explain why we can hear baby cries

[@OfLastingThunder]

My first DS experience was making my way through the graveyard, navigating the tomb of giants blind and reaching the fog wall at the end only to realize it wasn't passable and had to make my way BACK OUT to actually play the game. Needless to say I was thinking "No wonder people say this game is brutally hard, this is ridiculous." The main story line was kind of a joke after doing the absolute worst start you could do.

[@TheGreatAustino]

I'm so sorry that was your initial experience with the game 💀

[@HoodedLord]

Always nice to meet someone else who did the catacombs and tomb of giants before anything else. Turned the everything right up to Anor Londo into a bit of a joke becasue i was so overleveled.

[@juicebox90000]

I do this for fun as a challenge run. You can visit the last bonfire, then make your way to the fog wall then head back using only starting gear. Alternatively, you can ditch your starting gear and start with nothing and are forced to use only the loot you find in the tomb of giants and the catacombs. At least you are forced to get rite of kindling doing this so you can use 20 estus. Super fun when you know the layout. Still hard as balls.

[@viseshism]

Ironically, that used to be my favourite speed run strat. Gravelord Sword is OP. For the stat investment required it let you quicly do massive damage.

[@scottjones845]

Man I'm not gonna lie idk how to feel about that. It's impressive you did that FIRST considering how brutal that area is so early game, but also shocked you didn't realize sooner that maybe you were going in the way the devs didn't intend for you to go lmao. Like what clued you in exactly??? The fact you cannot see SHIT or was it the giant Skelly Bros that one shot you that early??? I wanna KNOW! 🤣🤣 Jfwy that honestly is impressive I can only imagine how aggravated you were getting at first LOL legendary rage quit no doubt

[@Quesadilla_God]

I will say it’s cool you put the story of DS2 highly or rather the potential choices of it. Most folks I’ve seen refer vendrick as a just afraid to link the flame not as a man that is trying to find a third option

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

I mean, it's pretty explicit with the "scholar of the first sin" definitive edition subtitle and his brother's dialogue and obsession. On the other hand there's still this persistent notion, which stemmed from pre-release lies creating expectations that were not met (mostly, sadly, with regards to graphics, which are of course the most important aspect of Souls games, right?), that anything to do with Dark Souls 2 is trash, and people will seemingly always treat it more harshly than the other games: They will aggressively ignore anything good or interesting about the game and also exaggerate any flaw they can find (like all the whining about how the _entire map layout_ makes no sense because of that one part where an area between Harvest Valley and the Iron Keep got axed so you go down an elevator from the top of a mountain and end out at the top of a volcano).

[@primedog100]

@@vitriolicAmaranth i think the elevator goes up from a tower you can see doesn't reach the sky to said lava fortress. However i didnt know there was supposed to be an area between those two that got cut DS2 to me has some of the strongest story writing and Aldia is possibly my favorite character in the series, the game isn't perfect but i liked that it took chances and tried to play with the formula in unique ways like with bonfire aesthetics, life gems, and even having a stat that affects i-frames, which may not have been perfect but still warrants some respect for the attempt. Plus the fashion of DS2 is top notch

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

@@primedog100 In some prerelease footage you can actually see Iron Keep on the horizon from Harvest Valley. There's a mod to restore it but it doesn't make the elevator transition make any more sense. Dark Souls 2 had three different directors making different Dark Souls sequels to their own vision because of poor management, and in the last few months one guy had to step in and have the team pull it all together, so a LOT of stuff got axed to make those three separate visions work together. The upside is the huge amount and variety of content the game had compared to other titles by the developer.

[@x3tc1]

And then in DS3 you get the opportunity to take that third option. According to Vendrick one needs to harness the power of the First Flame and the Dark Soul at the same time. Now take into consideration what the Unkindled are: They use the power of the First Flame by using embers opposed to the Chosen undead using the power of the Dark Soul through humanity. As soon as you chose to follow Yuria's path you'll get the option to accept the Dark Sign, which is said to constantly weep humanity. The same goes for Anri. They are also unkindled and undead. So it looks a lot as if Yuria wants the Ashen One and Anri to become the ancestors of a civilisation that isn't bound by the cycle of the flame.

[@declancampbell1277]

@@vitriolicAmaranth brother, its trash mostly because a large portion of enemy and boss combos/animations were directly taken for DS1 and reskinned. anyone who extensively played DS1 played through DS2 on a negative difficulty setting because apart from the map and NPC's there was barely anything new about the game. This definitely wasnt helped by how easy it was to farm the game because of the bonfire ascetics. you could farm millions of souls in a couple hours at most. The real stars of DS2 was the DLC and PvP, which i still claim hasnt been topped in any souls game to date. unfortunately the base game is still way too easy though.

[@EvilYoutubePoop]

1:27:25 reminds me a lot of how in dark souls 3 a ton of players even to this day, hunk around the exit to pontiff sulyvan and set down summon signs to be apart of fight clubs, but back when dark souls 3 was fresh, even before the end city dlc, you could get into some insane 3v3s in the beginning anor londo area sniping spots, perilous thin steps that climb over a death pit, a long and wide field covered in dead giants that act as partitions between 2 or 3 battles. youd walk out of the pontiff room and there would just be countless signs just lighting up the exit like a christmas tree. from being ganked and ganking it was a blast and i wish i could experience it again

[@dylanyewest534]

The demon souls maiden in black is blind, so maybe that’s just a fun call back to her. It seems being blind in souls lore gives you great insight

[@Wilson_Kelly]

This has got to be the best Dark Souls 2 review I've seen, hands down. Other reviewers aren't specific enough, saying "fighting multiple boss enemies isn't fun". Using the specific example of a good multi boss fight, Ornstein and Smough, and saying WHY that fight worked clearly and simply illusltrates your point, bravo.

[@tarrickmerdev2324]

Matthewmatosis and Mauler were both quite specific on why Dark Souls 2 is garbage. You can still have fun with it. I did, but it's still garbage compared to DS1 and a major step back.

[@cullenyoung7511]

You can have vendrick fuse all the crowns together so they prevent hallowing. You yourself become immune to the curse. It doesn't change the ending but it does complete your in game search for a cure.

[@ryankelstrom6522]

I appreciate the effort that went into this. I ended up watching all three hours in one sitting.

[@jaydee-hq3vo]

I get goosebumps every time the Soul of Cinder goes into Gwyn mode. It makes sense: He's a literal representation of EVERY ONE who has ever linked the flame. Gwyn was the first person to ever do it since the flame didn't exist (as far as we know) in the story until after they found it.

[@robinaabinor8771]

That piano sting when you find Vendrick is so chilling, genuine kudos to the composer and sound designer.

[@shadowarrows5996]

Thanks for giving it some justice man. It was my entry into final fantasy and I loved it. But seeing it broke down like that was cathartic.

[@jeast9648]

Awesome video dude. Lots of work and love put into this one. Thank you.

[@volf8915]

These videos have all been a treat to watch - thank you for putting this much effort into them. The editing, the in-depth discussion have all been great to watch

[@jdp3578]

The fluidity of time and souls finding new hosts/ reincarnation, were always interesting. Made me interpret it like this. Dark souls 1 your character goes through and links the flame, but as soon, as you do, you wake up at the start of the game. It's like the flame puts you in a loop or slightly different timeline to link the flame again. Only the second time around, you notice things like the illusion of anor londo, that make you realize it's all a lie. So you let the flame die. Also it's possible that each player character in the games could be a reincarnation of the player character of the 1st game. Similar to bosses carrying souls that belong to gwyn or artorias, or even manus.

[@Jester_Jingles]

No I’m ds1 you’re like any other undead just more willful. In ds2 you are a random person who lost the memories of their family and eventually loses sight of why they came to Dranglic. In ds3 you are in the cemetery of ash because you already offered yourself to the first flame but weren’t powerful enough to link it. In ds3 especially you cannot be the character from the first one. There’s just nothing to link any of them together outside of being player controlled. And if the character from 1 or 2 do link the flame than they become part of the soul of cinder.

[@RemyRooDadtoo]

This video is beyond any depth of of this game I have watched or sat through to the finish. You are quite the story teller and novelist. Truly amazing, How did I not find this sooner?

[@JonahCrawford-nu6lx]

Extremely well made video, huge respect as a fan of the souls series Commenting more for the algorithm. This vid must have taken so long to make and do properly. Mad respect

[@tbs4liiife]

I love dark souls so much. I found ds1 so difficult and it really taught me the reward of patience. I got so frustrated with bloodborne that I took month long breaks. Once I finally saw the credits after slaying the orphan of Kos, I really felt like I had achieved greatness lol

[@kaiderhai86]

I am at the same spot now. This newborn really gives me a headache. But i will not cheese it. that would devalue the whole journey. Maybe on NG+, though. 😅

[@deviantarsenal]

@@kaiderhai86 unfortunately I don't have the DLC, so I haven't been lucky enough to fight Kos. I always hear how brutal he can be. I may have to buy the DLC, unfortunately it cost more than the game does and it's been out for around 5 years!

[@SirGuidemere91]

@@kaiderhai86 parry parry. Kos is susceptible to being parried. Once you have his moveset down, you can dodge and parry until he dies. I used the visceral runes to boost damage and replace quicksilver bullets along with having more blood vials.

[@johndoh4537]

@@SirGuidemere91 I actually recommend using a weapon that’s fast like the rekuyo as you can keep up and dance with him throughout his second phase, the boss is never easy but honestly letting yourself slip into your instincts while fighting him as apposed to trying to bash your head against him until you get good somehow worked for me

[@SirGuidemere91]

@@johndoh4537 I can see that or the chikage being good at going hit for hit with him. For me, parrying just made the fight much easier.

[@auracle6184]

Sorry to nitpick, but the witch isn't called Izalith, she's the witch *of* Izalith which is the place. I don't think we every find out her name, only some of her daughters'.

[@GreatestOfAllTime96]

Actually Izalith is the doctor. You mean "Izalith's Monster"

[@Gingy]

Yeah I realized too late that I was just calling her Izalith since it was easier to say than the full name, even though just Izalith isn't her name.

[@lifelessexpression7670]

@@GreatestOfAllTime96 THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[@kevinmajorca]

@@GreatestOfAllTime96 This comment, man👌.

[@nikkospops]

You're not sorry

[@badluckbrooks]

what compelled you to use the hand axe type build in all three games? it looked like a lot of fun and i was curious and wanted to try it myself!

[@marcogreedo4963]

Axe cool

[@stanleyoranges4586]

this is a really good video, thank you for explaining all of it. It was wonderful.

[@tylerw1625]

This video is structured so well, it's so easy to follow along and you don't dwell on anything for too long, absolutely fantastic work

[@corruptedecho7335]

I'm so glad someone else feels the same way about soul of cinder. From the music suddenly getting louder after the first kill, to the trademarked Gwyn leap and the piano playing, it makes me tear up every time! I've spent so much of my life playing and enjoying these games. Great video