From Software The Dark Souls Discussion Thread

[Jaedar]

Is thdere a summary of all the software I need to install to make this work on PC (with mouse and keyboard)?

Dsfix and dsmfix. Make sure you get a version of dsmfix that works with the latest patch, iirc there's no official release for it but googlefu can solve it.

 

[Murk]

IMO you're better off just using a gamepad. It's viable with mouse+keyboard but the game is clearly intended for the gamepad.

 

[Gozma]

Is thdere a summary of all the software I need to install to make this work on PC (with mouse and keyboard)?

a web browser to go on amazon and buy a gamepad

 

[potatojohn]

a web browser to go on amazon and buy a gamepad

Why? I finished DS2 with moose and keyboard. Can't I do the same in 1?

 

[Murk]

Take a look at the standard KB+ M controls; then take a look at what the fix(es) give you.

Try it out; what can it hurt? Then, after you're done being frustrated, potentially shell out 10-30 bucks for a gamepad.

 

[potatojohn]

Try it out; what can it hurt? Then, after you're done being frustrated, potentially shell out 10-30 bucks for a gamepad.

It's out of the question. Gamepads are for babies.

 

[Murk]

Eh, good luck then bra. I guess with the fixes it's not so bad -- they caused problems for my game tho (constant crashing if the game ran at all) so I donno. Try and see, I suppose.

 

[Zetor]

Is thdere a summary of all the software I need to install to make this work on PC (with mouse and keyboard)?

Dsfix and dsmfix. Make sure you get a version of dsmfix that works with the latest patch, iirc there's no official release for it but googlefu can solve it.

This. Note that even the newest working dsmfix version has some issues, but at least the game is playable.

Also, don't play light melee that relies on backstabs and parries unless you like pain. I went through DS1 and DS2 with mouse/keyboard, but my chars were both overpowered casters, so ymmv.

 

[Murk]

you mean unless you r gud

The first time, as usual, should be played exploring and learning -- trying to maximize your fun and what you can try around with. In subsequent playthroughs its worth doing semi-challenge or full challenge runs to learn new techniques or try out different weapons/builds. I had the most fun when I did my retardo-strats RTSR runs or "starting gear only" shit. And learning/getting good at parrying makes you feel so badass.

 

[Zetor]

I remember turn speed being abysmal with kb/m compared to a controller, even when using dsmfix with sensitivity cranked all the way up -- landing backstabs without lock-on was basically impossible on enemies that weren't slow as fuck (like some hollow doing a 2h overhead axe chop). Using lock-on *does* let you turn quickly, but that has other problems when fighting multiple enemies... also, lock-on control in general is a huge pain with mouse/keyboard.

 

[Murk]

I can definitely agree. Lock on does let you turn quicker in some cases -- it can pass the normal turning rate. It results in some absolutely silly shit with some bosses (like Sif) if you are directly under him and he is moving around on top of you -- changing the pivotal point from in front to behind.

 

[Akratus]

I've only got minimal problems using m+kb. Which enemies are hard to backstab then? I might test out how gud I am.

 

[Zetor]

Rogues in the burg maybe? Anyway, I didn't have any problems with backstabbing the 'safe' way (lock on, block to stagger enemy, lower shield, strafe around them while they're recovering, stab), but rather trying to backstab enemies without using lock-on at all. I'd roll behind the enemy to avoid an attack, and by the time I could turn the camera towards their back and attack, they'd already be facing me (see also: slow-ass mouselook)

 

[ZodoZ]

Sadly, Dark Souls: PtDE is only available to US addresses according to Steam and Gamestop.
Why do "they" force me to commit crimes against the Interwebz?

 

[Akratus]

Rogues in the burg maybe? Anyway, I didn't have any problems with backstabbing the 'safe' way (lock on, block to stagger enemy, lower shield, strafe around them while they're recovering, stab), but rather trying to backstab enemies without using lock-on at all. I'd roll behind the enemy to avoid an attack, and by the time I could turn the camera towards their back and attack, they'd already be facing me (see also: slow-ass mouselook)

I've backstabbed those rogues plenty of times. But it's true that it's basically impossible to do without lock-on.

 

[Jaedar]

a web browser to go on amazon and buy a gamepad

Why? I finished DS2 with moose and keyboard. Can't I do the same in 1?

Imo, the original with dsfix and dsmfix works better with m+kb than the sequel.

 

[Akratus]

"PC is the lead development platform" indeed!

 

[potatojohn]

Well I tried it with dsfix.

Is the performance supposed to be so bad? I get that it's limited to 30 fps, but it frequently seems to dip into single digits. I have a ATI 7770.

 

[Cowboy Moment]

Well I tried it with dsfix.

Is the performance supposed to be so bad? I get that it's limited to 30 fps, but it frequently seems to dip into single digits. I have a ATI 7770.

It shouldn't be nearly as bad. Make sure you aren't using any performance-heavy effects with DSFix, like downsampling or the highest level of AO. Try turning everything off or to lowest, and make sure that you're rendering at the resolution of your display.

 

[Jaedar]

Well I tried it with dsfix.

Is the performance supposed to be so bad? I get that it's limited to 30 fps, but it frequently seems to dip into single digits. I have a ATI 7770.

Make sure the in game options are correct too, iirc there can be some conflicts.

 

[Multidirectional]

Well I tried it with dsfix.

Is the performance supposed to be so bad? I get that it's limited to 30 fps, but it frequently seems to dip into single digits. I have a ATI 7770.

It dips to 15 fps during some parts, like boss fights, when FPS is locked. If you unlock it, those dips become 30 FPS. I don't really recommend keeping FPS limit at 60 though, some physics might become weird. I kept it at 40 and it was fine. Except try to avoid sliding down ladders.

 

[Grim Monk]

BANDAI NAMCO Games America
Dark Souls, Games for Windows Live, and the Future

With the release of Dark Souls II, many players have been asking questions about the continued support of Dark Souls I. We thoroughly appreciate the dedicated fans who are adventuring through Lordran (maybe for the first time!) and we’d like to clarify a few points:

• 1. Dark Souls will remain fully functional on GFWL for the foreseeable future.

• 2. BANDAI NAMCO Games is currently seeking avenues to continue support and ensure the functionality of Dark Souls on other services. We will have more news and updates to share on this in the coming months.

Stay tuned for future updates: Facebook | Twitter
9 hours ago

Source: http://bandainamcous.tumblr.com/post/86242175669/dark-souls-games-for-windows-live-and-the

So really nothing new, but at least they bothered to answer...

 

[StaticSpine]

BANDAI NAMCO Games America
Dark Souls, Games for Windows Live, and the Future

With the release of Dark Souls II, many players have been asking questions about the continued support of Dark Souls I. We thoroughly appreciate the dedicated fans who are adventuring through Lordran (maybe for the first time!) and we’d like to clarify a few points:

• 1. Dark Souls will remain fully functional on GFWL for the foreseeable future.

• 2. BANDAI NAMCO Games is currently seeking avenues to continue support and ensure the functionality of Dark Souls on other services. We will have more news and updates to share on this in the coming months.

Stay tuned for future updates: Facebook | Twitter
9 hours ago

Source: http://bandainamcous.tumblr.com/post/86242175669/dark-souls-games-for-windows-live-and-the

So really nothing new, but at least they bothered to answer...

No useful info at all, they just could answer this way:

BANDAI NAMCO Games America
Dark Souls, Games for Windows Live, and the Future

With the release of Dark Souls II, many players have been asking questions about the continued support of Dark Souls I. We thoroughly appreciate the dedicated fans who are adventuring through Lordran (maybe for the first time!) and we’d like to clarify a few points:
Stay tuned for future updates: Facebook | Twitter
9 hours ago

 

[Jaedar]

BANDAI NAMCO Games America
Dark Souls, Games for Windows Live, and the Future

With the release of Dark Souls II, many players have been asking questions about the continued support of Dark Souls I. We thoroughly appreciate the dedicated fans who are adventuring through Lordran (maybe for the first time!) and we’d like to clarify a few points:

• 1. Dark Souls will remain fully functional on GFWL for the foreseeable future.

• 2. BANDAI NAMCO Games is currently seeking avenues to continue support and ensure the functionality of Dark Souls on other services. We will have more news and updates to share on this in the coming months.

Stay tuned for future updates: Facebook | Twitter
9 hours ago

Source: http://bandainamcous.tumblr.com/post/86242175669/dark-souls-games-for-windows-live-and-the

So really nothing new, but at least they bothered to answer...

No useful info at all, they just could answer this way:

BANDAI NAMCO Games America
Dark Souls, Games for Windows Live, and the Future

With the release of Dark Souls II, many players have been asking questions about the continued support of Dark Souls I. We thoroughly appreciate the dedicated fans who are adventuring through Lordran (maybe for the first time!) and we’d like to clarify a few points:
Stay tuned for future updates: Facebook | Twitter
9 hours ago

When, exactly, is GFWL shutting down? Because fully functional + GFWL + foreseeable future, has a false ring to it.

 

[Gozma]

There's not actually any official announcements about GFWL shutting down. I suspect what will happen is they'll shut off stuff like the instant messaging features of GFWL and let cheap functions that aren't using any significant server infrastructure (namely: old shitty PC ports that have about a thousand concurrent players on Steam with all heavy lifting done P2P) keep nominally functioning for a couple of years, always without doing anything like maintaining the frontend for new versions of Windows (I think Win 8.1 is breaking the GFWL stuff's functionality already). Then it will quietly break for good without any Steamworks porting and the game will be unplayable without cracks and other modding.