Just two weeks ago, Dark Souls series creator, Hidetaka Miyazaki has revealed to the audience at Gamescom 2015 some juicy information about Dark Souls 3. He announced new features in the game including new weapons and armor sets, and the new battle arts system.
This new game addition, the Battle Arts, is a triggered ability that allows the players to do different attacks using their weapons without having to change them. In an article from The Guardian, they see this new feature as somewhat inspired by the "trick" weapons in Bloodborne, although it seems that the Battle Arts looks more suitable in a Dark Souls setting.
Miyazaki said in the Gamescom 2015 panel interview, that while he was working on Bloodborne, he thought of what he should add to Dark Souls 3. In a report made by Polygon, he was quoted saying, "While working on Bloodborne, I started to realize what new things I should bring to Dark Souls 3, which has different characteristics, to allow players to have a viable range of tactical options, and character build options. Obviously in Dark Souls, the player is allowed to use items, magic, and more."
He adds, "However, as additional elements-as an evolution-I've added the Battle Arts to each weapon. Something similar will be added to spells in the game, and those definitely provide something new to Dark Souls 3. Those will maintain the basics, but bring something new to Dark Souls 3, that will definitely solidly polish the Dark Souls franchise, while remaining a Dark Souls game."
The Battle Arts is limited to 20 uses only, and similar to the life-renewing Estus Flasks, the Battle Arts can only be recharged at bonfires. This feature makes the game feel new yet somehow familiar at the same time.
Some of the old systems are again brought in the game, just like the dodge rolls and the parry/riposte. There is also the improved speed of Dark Souls 3 which showcases a more fluid game than Dark Souls 2 but a more defensive one compared to Bloodborne.
According to Miyazaki, the addition of the Battle Arts in the game will bring about a big impact on the gameplay experience. "It will drastically change the gameplay, it's not a minor thing. Battle Arts allow a player to have a wide range of tactical options. Even if players are defeated [by a boss], having Battle Arts will motivate players to try the same scene again, but using Battle Arts," Miyazaki said.
Aside from the Battle Arts, there is approximately as many weapons in Dark Souls 3 as that in Dark Souls 2. Apparently, according to Fextralife, there will be 100 new weapons and 40 new armor sets in the game. Miyazaki says that he is expecting to do something fresh for Dark Souls 3 and that he is still working on it.
Dark Souls 3 is expected to be released by early next year on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC.
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