A game like Demon’s Souls, dark, violent and brutally hard, may not be on your gaming radar this fall. But it should be. It’s one of the most unique, gorgeously crafted PlayStation 3 games that you’ll have the opportunity to suffer through this year.

One of the things that makes Demon’s Souls so distinctly fascinating is its bizarre online features. The game lets you interact with and witness the disembodied spirits of other players, letting you watch the final moments or read their warnings from beyond the grave when finding their bloodstains in your dark fantasy world. It’s a bit hard to describe, but drives home the lonely medieval fantasy of the game’s setting.

I’m almost hesitant to recommend it, because it’s so difficult, so unforgiving, so demanding of the player. There’s no hack ‘n’ slash fun here, but careful calculation with the occasional pay off. There are, however, impressive dragon fights, demons and scores of undead to slay amid the brutality. If you’re feeling up to it, Demon’s Souls is rewarding.

Just be warned: there’s no easy setting.

- Ninja Magic