From Software The Dark Souls Discussion Thread

[Raghar]

I remember I used long sword for quite a long time because of bastard sword high stamina draw.

 

[Lyric Suite]

Someone who is "serious about games" owns all relevant consoles at all times LS; barking up the wrong tree here.

Yes but that's more of a necessary evil. You are putting up with the bullshit of consoles in order to play the games you like. But if all those games were available for PC, who would bother buying any of the consoles?

Also let's not forget that the Japanese only have the console platform to work with. Talented Japanese designers will invariably make good console games, but one wonders what they would have done if they could have developed their stuff for PC instead. So good console games do no go to the credit of the console system, they just happen in spite of the latter.

 

[Lyric Suite]

I remember I used long sword for quite a long time because of bastard sword high stamina draw.

Muh paper doll also factored into my decision. Claymore + Elite Knight Armor + Crest Shield: awesome swag. The animu Black Knight Greatsword just cramped my style.

 

[UndetectedButthurt]

I don't think this will ever stop bothering me... DOF override and/or AF override seems to cause minor pixelation in some shaders (water/snow). I've only seen a few posts on neoGAF or some other shit where people had the same thing. Has anyone here ever run into this?

Post your DSfix.ini and your resolution.

Spoiler

# You can configure DSfix by editing this file
# Lines starting with "#" are ignored by the program and contain descriptions of the options

###############################################################################
# Graphics Options
###############################################################################

# internal rendering resolution of the game
# higher values will decrease performance
renderWidth 1920
renderHeight 1080

# The display width/height
# 0 means use the same resolution as renderWidth/Height
# (use for downscaling - if in doubt, leave at 0)
presentWidth 0
presentHeight 0

############# Anti Aliasing

# AA toggle and quality setting
# 0 = off (best performance, worst IQ)
# 1 = low
# 2 = medium
# 3 = high
# 4 = ultra (worst performance, best IQ)
aaQuality 0

# AA type
# either "SMAA" or "FXAA"
aaType SMAA

############# Ambient Occlusion

# Enable and set the strength of the SSAO effect (all 3 settings have the same performance impact!)
# 0 = off
# 1 = low
# 2 = medium
# 3 = high
ssaoStrength 0

# Set SSAO scale
# 1 = high quality (default)
# 2 = lower quality, lower impact on performance
# 3 = lowest quality, lowest impact on performance
ssaoScale 1

# Determine the type of AO used
# "VSSAO" = Volumetric SSAO (default, only option pre-1.9)
# "HBAO" = Horizon-Based Ambient Occlusion
# "SCAO" = VSSAO + HBAO
# "VSSAO2" = Volumetric SSAO with more samples (tweaked by Asmodean)
# VSSAO and HBAO types have a slightly different effect. and similar performance
# SCAO combines both, with a higher performance impact
# VSSAO2 is generally more accurate, but also requires more performance
ssaoType VSSAO

############# Depth of field

# Depth of Field resolution override, possible values:
# 0 = no change from default (DoF pyramid starts at 512x360)
# 540 = DoF pyramid starts at 960x540
# 810 = DoF pyramid starts at 1440x810
# 1080 = DoF pyramid starts at 1920x1080
# 2160 = DoF pyramid starts at 3840x2160
# higher values will decrease performance
# do NOT set this to the same value as your vertical rendering resolution!
dofOverrideResolution 810

# Depth of Field scaling override (NOT RECOMMENDED)
# 0 = DoF scaling enabled (default, recommended)
# 1 = DoF scaling disabled (sharper, worse performance, not as originally intended)
disableDofScaling 0

# Depth of field additional blur
# allows you to use high DoF resolutions and still get the originally intended effect
# suggested values:
# o (off) at default DoF resolution
# 0 or 1 at 540 DoF resolution
# 1 or 2 above that
# 3 or 4 at 2160 DoF resolution (if you're running a 680+)
dofBlurAmount 1

############# Framerate

# Enable variable framerate (up to 60)
# NOTE:
# - this requires in-memory modification of game code, and may get you banned from GFWL
# - there may be unintended side-effects in terms of gameplay
# - you need a very powerful system (especially CPU) in order to maintain 60 FPS
# - in some instances, collision detection may fail. Avoid sliding down ladders
# Use this at your own risk!
# 0 = no changes to game code
# 1 = unlock the frame rate
unlockFPS 1

# FPS limit, only used with unlocked framerate
# do not set this much higher than 60, this will lead to various issues with the engine
FPSlimit 30

# FPS threshold
# DSfix will dynamically disable AA if your framerate drops below this value
# and re-enable it once it has normalized (with a bit of hysteresis thresholding)
FPSthreshold 0

############# Filtering

# texture filtering override
# 0 = no change
# 1 = enable some bilinear filtering (use only if you need it!)
# 2 = full AF override (may degrade performance)
# if in doubt, leave this at 0
filteringOverride 0

###############################################################################
# HUD options
###############################################################################

# Enable HUD modifications
# 0 = off (default) - none of the options below will do anything!
# 1 = on
enableHudMod 0

# Remove the weapon icons from the HUD
# (you can see which weapons you have equipped from your character model)
enableMinimalHud 1

# Scale down HuD, examples:
# 1.0 = original scale
# 0.75 = 75% of the original size
hudScaleFactor 0.75

# Set opacity for different elements of the HUD
# 1.0 = fully opaque
# 0.0 = fully transparent
# Top left: health bars, stamina bar, humanity counter, status indicators
hudTopLeftOpacity 0.8f
# Bottom left: item indicators & counts
hudBottomLeftOpacity 0.75f
# Bottom right: soul count
hudBottomRightOpacity 0.5f

###############################################################################
# Window & Mouse Cursor Options
###############################################################################

# borderless fullscreen mode
# make sure to select windowed mode in the game settings for this to work!
# 0 = disable
# 1 = enable
borderlessFullscreen 1

# disable cursor at startup
# 0 = no change
# 1 = off at start
disableCursor 1

# capture cursor (do not allow it to leave the window)
# 0 = don't capture
# 1 = capture
# (this also works if the cursor is not visible)
captureCursor 0

###############################################################################
# Save Game Backup Options
###############################################################################

# enables save game backups
# 0 = no backups
# 1 = backups enabled
# backups are stored in the save folder, as "[timestamp]_[original name].bak"
enableBackups 1

# backup interval in seconds (1500 = 25 minutes)
# (minimum setting 600)
backupInterval 1500

# maximum amount of backups, older ones will be deleted
maxBackups 10

###############################################################################
# Texture Override Options
###############################################################################

# enables texture dumping
# you *only* need this if you want to create your own override textures
# textures will be dumped to "dsfix\tex_override\[hash].tga"
enableTextureDumping 0

# enables texture override
# textures in "dsfix\tex_override\[hash].png" will replace the corresponding originals
# will cause a small slowdown during texture loading!
enableTextureOverride 1

###############################################################################
# Other Options
###############################################################################

# skip the intro logos
# this should now be slightly more stable, but should still be
# the first thing to disable in case you experience any problems
skipIntro 1

# change the screenshot directory
# default: . (current directory)
# example: C:\Users\Peter\Pictures
# directory must exist!
screenshotDir .

# override the in-game language
# none = no override
# en-GB = English, fr = French, it = Italian, de = German, es = Spanish
# ko = Korean, zh-tw = Chinese, pl = Polish, ru = Russian
# this does not work in Windows XP!
overrideLanguage none

# Dinput dll chaining
# if you want to use another dinput8.dll wrapper together
# with DSfix, rename it (e.g. "dinputwrapper.dll") and put the new name here
dinput8dllWrapper none
# dsmfix.dll

# D3D adapter override
# -1 = no override
# N = use adapter N
# this setting is for multiple (non-SLI/crossfire) GPUs
# everyone else should leave it at -1
d3dAdapterOverride -1

# Log level - 0 to 11, higher numbers mean more logging
# only enable for debugging
logLevel 0

###############################################################################
# The settings below are not yet ready to use!!
###############################################################################

# You can only set either forceFullscreen or forceWindowed (or neither)
# 0 = off, 1 = on
forceWindowed 0
forceFullscreen 0

# turn on/off Vsync
enableVsync 0
# adjust display refresh rate in fullscreen mode - this is NOT linked to FPS!
fullscreenHz 60

I've tried "troubleshooting" this shit by fiddling with nearly every setting including shit in nNivia control panel. The only thing that seems to work is having the default shitty DoF with no AF override. Oh yeah and the GPU is GTX 660m.

 

[Raghar]

I like this style. Combined with amazing weapons, and proper enchanting...

(also women feet)

 

[Niektory]

I've tried "troubleshooting" this shit by fiddling with nearly every setting including shit in nNivia control panel. The only thing that seems to work is having the default shitty DoF with no AF override. Oh yeah and the GPU is GTX 660m.

Upon closer inspection I now see I have the same problem, I just never noticed.
I couldn't find a solution either, I only managed to break it further.

Spoiler

 

[UndetectedButthurt]

Upon closer inspection I now see I have the same problem, I just never noticed.
I couldn't find a solution either, I only managed to break it further.

Oh man, that's trippy...

It took me a while to notice this shit too... I think the first time I got to painted world? The snow kept "moving" and upon closer inspection was pixelated. It's strange, because I've seen lots of 1080p screenshots without the said artifacts... That led me to believe that it's not just a DSFix thing that everybody gets.

 

[Quatlo]

I've tried "troubleshooting" this shit by fiddling with nearly every setting including shit in nNivia control panel. The only thing that seems to work is having the default shitty DoF with no AF override. Oh yeah and the GPU is GTX 660m.

Upon closer inspection I now see I have the same problem, I just never noticed.
I couldn't find a solution either, I only managed to break it further.

You probably already did this or was asked about this but just to make sure:
Did you turn your vsync off in Dark Souls options?

 

[Niektory]

You probably already did this or was asked about this but just to make sure:
Did you turn your vsync off in Dark Souls options?

I assume you mean antialiasing, which I did turn off.
The trippy clone effect appeared when I set dofOverrideResolution to unsupported values.
I don't need help fixing it, just posted the screenshots for fun.

 

[Grimlorn]

At any rate, back to the game.

I think i'm now going to switch to Claymore, since i'm really starting to find the move set of Dark Knight weapons to be a chore, and i also don't like the way the bigger one looks. Too huge, too animu looking, and too much drain on my stamina. I'm already at 18 DEX which i raised to use the greater Black Knight Sword might as well keep going at this point, and maybe max STR too at the end. So my current target would be 40 END, 40 STR and DEX and then whatever its left on VIT.

Try the bastard sword out if you're going to use the claymore. IMO I liked it better than Claymore for PVE. Sort of similar weapons Power attack has a downward swing which makes hitting flying enemies or enemies on slightly different elevations a little easier. I also liked some of the combos. 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, I thnk 1, 2, 1 as well.

Of course in Dark Souls 2 they ruined the moveset of the weapon so it doesn't combo as well.

 

[Lyric Suite]

Alright, i'll upgrade both to +10 since it doesn't seem too expensive and i'll see how it goes.

Just went through Blighttown. Fucking hell. I actually rage quit a few times. I felt like a trapezist walking on a rope while being shot at by snipers. And then, after managing to go through it, my fire keeper gets killed and now i have to go chase her killer to Anor Lando. Ho, and btw, i thought it was a bug and only learned how to get her back by reading about it online. Its really great how this game tells you absolutely NOTHING.

The invasion thing was cool though. I wish that was a part of the single player, like, you get random invasions if your humanity is up. Feels like i'm missing out by not playing online but i'd rather finish the game offline first before even trying to look into that.

Ho, and it seems i've now fixed all my GPU problems. Blithtown at steady 30 fps all the way through with that blur shit turned off and full AA. Fuck you consoles.

 

[Multidirectional]

The invasion thing was cool though. I wish that was a part of the single player, like, you get random invasions if your humanity is up.

There are NPC invaders, actually.

 

[Athelas]

Just went through Blighttown. Fucking hell. I actually rage quit a few times. I felt like a trapezist walking on a rope while being shot at by snipers.

This is supposed to be the part where you have fun.

Also, just wait till you get to Sen's Fortress for the true 'trapezist walking on a rope while being shot at by snipers' experience.

 

[ghostdog]

The invasion thing was cool though. I wish that was a part of the single player, like, you get random invasions if your humanity is up.

There are NPC invaders, actually.

Yeah. you just have to man up, use those humanities and move around while human. Then you can get invaded and also summon npcs in boss fights. Hoarding on humanities isn't necessary and you can farm them, if needed, later on.


You'll come to accept and even enjoy DS' trolling and punishment of a momentary slight lapse of attention. When I run around and fall into a pit that was semi-camouflaged by the terrain and shadows, I'm usually like "lol dark souls...oh you !" Also the fact that you can be killed by virtually every mob in the game, even if you are super strong and have easily killed them before dozens of times, is always neat.

 

[Jasede]

Not experiencing that area in its full, glorious 5 FPS... PC untermenschen.

 

[Athelas]

It's fitting that a swampy area literally slows down your FPS.

 

[Raghar]

Isn't tomb of Giants without light more fuck up moment?

 

[ghostdog]

Nah, ToG is pretty mild compared to blightttown, because it's much smaller, you can find a lantern to help with the dark and you reach a bonfire pretty fast. You need to tread around blighttown for a looong time before finding the convenient bonfire and open all the shortcuts and even then it can be a real nuisance. Also that damn place connects to many other important places, while ToG is just there to get you to Nito. ToG is cool, scary souls. Blighttown is evil, brutal souls.

 

[Lyric Suite]

The invasion thing was cool though. I wish that was a part of the single player, like, you get random invasions if your humanity is up.

There are NPC invaders, actually.

Google is my friend, and i keep forgetting that.

Seems i have missed one at least, first appearance of Kirk in the depths. Will try to get them all so i can get used to play with my humanity up.

 

[subotaiy]

Keep in mind that they invade only before you beat the boss of that area.
Also, google for the sound fix, if you haven't already. It's a vast difference in terms of ambient noises such as wind, etc.

 

[Lyric Suite]

Great, another thing to fix, proving this thread's title right.

One thing just came to mind, are there even people playing this online anymore?

Also, what about convents? They mostly seem to be online related, not sure if they do anything for offline play.

 

[Murk]

A few give you items/spells that you can use -- but not really worth it, IMO. The chaos covenant opens a shortcut (that you have no way of knowing about without just farming humanity for it) in advance which is necessary for a particularly obscure "good ending" to a certain quest line.

Not a lot online but some still do play. I'd say to not worry about covenants for now as with offline there's really only 2 or 3 I can think of that you can farm the items for.

 

[UndetectedButthurt]

Keep in mind that they invade only before you beat the boss of that area.
Also, google for the sound fix, if you haven't already. It's a vast difference in terms of ambient noises such as wind, etc.

According to multiple "sources", a patch fixed this a while ago. I don't have a sound card with a downmixing 5.1 to 2.1 option though... But from this video, I think everything sounded as it should on my last playthrough.

Spoiler

Great, another thing to fix, proving this thread's title right.

One thing just came to mind, are there even people playing this online anymore?

Also, what about convents? They mostly seem to be online related, not sure if they do anything for offline play.

The community hub on steam shows number of players online - http://steamcommunity.com/app/211420/

As for covenants, without reading through wiki entries you're gonna be guessing a lot. This is a very stupid and obscure part of the game. As mikayel said, there's a few offline ones worth farming items for to get some spells, items and a shortcut.

 

[Lyric Suite]

You can play every console game on the PC, you just have to wait about a decade before emulation is viable.

It might be happening?

http://www.cinemablend.com/games/PS3-Emulator-Can-Now-Run-Commercial-Games-62686.html

Maybe in another ten years.

 

[Nikaido]

You can play every console game on the PC, you just have to wait about a decade before emulation is viable.

It might be happening?

http://www.cinemablend.com/games/PS3-Emulator-Can-Now-Run-Commercial-Games-62686.html

Maybe in another ten years.

Not unless there's some major breakthrough in CPU tech that nobody expects. Just because you can launch a game in the emulator doesn't mean it'll have adequate performance. Enjoy your slideshow because that fact will not change even 10 years from now. We're adding more cores to our CPU but performance-per-core isn't jumping fast enough to allow for PS3 emulation in the next 10 years.