Bandai Namco and FromSoftware has just released the new opening cinematic for its upcoming “Dark Souls III” action RPG.
The Hidetaka Miyazaki-directed sequel to the Japanese developer’s 2014 “Dark Souls II” offers players a look at the world of Lothric and the newly-awakened Lords of Cinder.
The three-minute clip sets up the game’s storyline, and introduces new characters like Aldrich Saint of the Deep, Yhorm the Giant, and Farron’s Undead Legion. Hints of the Old World, which has attracted hordes of pilgrims streaming to the north will also be established.
Scheduled for release two months from now, “Dark Souls III” represents the fourth entry in the “Souls” action role-playing series where players outfit themselves with a number of weapons like greatswords, shortbows, shields, and explosive fire bombs to attack enemies.
Similar to the previous games, bonfires will be used as checkpoints, with ashes playing a major role in the upcoming installment, Coming Soon noted.
Apart from the ashes, players will find small interactive gravestones that light up and serve as torches, as well as provide added lore to the storyline.
FromSoftware has added new combat mechanics called “Skills,” which modify the way each weapon type attacks, allowing players to develop their own tactical advantage against the enemy during combat, VG247 said.
“Skills” include War Cry, which increases axe attack powers. More armor sets and medieval weaponry will also be available against the game’s dark sorceries.
Another new combat mechanic, “Ready Stance,” endows players with special abilities to inflict additional damage to enemies, Rock Paper Shotgun reported.
While “Dark Souls III” provides fewer maps compared to the previous installments, the different levels in the game are larger and more interconnected, allowing for further exploration in the intensified role-playing title.
“Dark Souls III” will be launched for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One beginning March 24 in Japan, and April 12 worldwide.
