PixlBit

It's on the PS2. See here - wiki. I still need to grab the third one, actually.

Well, funny enough, the plot you just described (from what I understand) is the plot for the sequel, which continues the story of this game. NIS will be localizing that one as well for release later this year.

I absolutely adored this game and I think anybody else could too, assuming they don't mind reading through a lot of dialog and putting up with some of the more annoying idiosyncrasies of the class trials.

Well then, this one is right up your alley. I definitely suggest giving it a go if you've got a Vita.

Regarding Dark Souls and challenge: Yes, they are tough games, much tougher than most stuff that releases today that requires no strategy or effort. However, they are completely surmountable by playing smart and observing the environment and the enemies. As a matter of fact, perfecting your skills, and developing strategies to best tough foes is the entire draw of the game.

Now, Dark Souls II is definitely tougher than past entries, at least at the start of the game. After a number of play sessions this weekend, I've found that I've gotten over the hump, which has been something that's happened with both preceding games.

I think that the whole "easy mode" conversation was a result of bad translation and misinformation. There was no way this game was ever going to have such a function, nor was it going to be nerfed so anyone could play. They did add an optional "tutorial"-like area at the beginning to acclimate people and teach them the ropes, but it's basically the only concession you're getting from the Souls games.

On the topic of co-op - it's truly my favorite implementation of it in the history of gaming. Between the blood stains from felled hollows, to the written notes, to the ability to summon or be summoned before a tough boss, it's like this perfect intersection of worlds. Before the release date, I was playing it without any of this stuff and it's amazing how different it makes the game feel. You really do feel alone, whereas now, you always feel the faint presence of other players as you proceed.

I love throwing my soul sign down to be summoned to other worlds. I don't really bring people into mine because I like to overcome the challenge of the bosses (and the worlds) alone.

However, through a few token gestures and a short battle with a comrade, you feel more connected to your summoner than you do with anyone you could connect with via voice chat in another game. It's such a fantastic co-op system, I can't possibly put into words how much I love it. After finishing this game, I fully intend to head back through and continue to do co-op with others because of how rewarding and fun it really is.

Just don't call them bossy, ok? I heard that's like, a big deal, or something.

Yeah... I just recently found this game at a local Gamestop (after years of searching for a good deal) and I was disappointed. It's so slowwwwwwwww. And you can't understate that install/save file creation time. I mean, good god, did that take a long time.

Honestly, I started it and was so bored after about an hour of "gameplay" that I never went back. I was really looking forward to it since it was announced, so needless to say, it was a huge bummer.

Welcome back, man! It's like you never left.

Oh, bummer, sounds like it must be a bug as I didn't have any problems there. The part I got stuck on was more of an informational issue. Something I had to do that the game didn't explicitly detail. Also happened much later in the game that there.