Game of My Heart

The Souls series, for most people, is simply a special place in the heart. The same goes for me. I first stepped into this world with Dark Souls II — a title many consider the weakest entry, yet for me, it was the most perfect beginning imaginable.

The welcoming breeze of Majula, waves crashing against the rocks, the calm and cryptic words of the Emerald Herald, the half-hollowed blacksmith and his tragic story with his daughter. The Way of Blue covenant and its precious HP ring, a statue engraved with unknown text, a quiet house hiding a world map, the mysterious man with the stairs, the sorcerer master whose teachings would later save my life, the girl we rescue from eternal petrification — and of course, a talking cat.

And then there is that unmistakable Miyazaki touch: a stone placed right at the starting area that makes the game progressively harder — just because it can. It even warns you not to use it. Several times.

The philosophy of these games boils down to something very simple yet powerful: to earn good things, we must struggle. We must fail — again and again — until we learn, adapt, and overcome. Not just as a game mechanic, but as preparation for real life itself.

Dark Souls did not teach me how to give up. It taught me how to get better — over and over — until progress becomes inevitable. Returning to areas once cleared through sweat and hardship brings a unique sense of safety, knowing that nothing there can hurt you anymore, not even send you back to a bonfire.

Small explorations rewarded me with items and weapons that shifted the balance of the game, while every DLC reignited my excitement to explore even more: new enemies, new maps, new challenges. My passion for these games is reflected clearly in the time I have spent within them.

My recommendation is simple: play these games. Start as I did — Dark Souls II → I → III, then continue with Nioh I → II, and finally Elden Ring. In this order, each game feels more meaningful than the last. And if you feel lucky enough, give Nightreign a try — then we will truly stand on the same page.