The Dark Souls PC version controversy.

[Easton Dark]

Riiigghht. What company would be that dickish to their players just because they could? That would be like sticking two Silver Knights with Dragon Slayer Bows at the end of an incredibly narrow walkway where they can shoot you the whole wa-... OH MY GOD IT'S TRUE!!! 100% TRUE!!!!

I am at that exact spot you describe. From Software is full of fucking evil people.

 

[newwiseman]

The problem is that From had to change all the native graphics api calls to direct x api to make a port, it's not as straight forward as one would think and they obviously missed some steps; not uncommon. The fix is a mod to the dll that changes the direct x 9 api calls enabling full internal resolution, something I'm sure someone at From had on a stick note to do and then forgot about it.

It'll be a while before more intrepid miners (read: modders) fix the slowdowns and other graphic anomalies.

 

[Fr]anc[is]

Damn this is just sad and pathetic. The PC players get DLC content half a year before console players, and still you complain. I could almost cry.

From Soft doesn't deserve this. I still urge PC players who signed the petition to buy the game, even at a reduced price, you owe them that much.

Yes that extra content is a good thing. So? What's that got to do with it? It is in fact possible to point out flaws in something without condemning the entire thing like a metacritic troll.

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

The problem is that From had to change all the native graphics api calls to direct x api to make a port

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the 360 use Direct X? I heard the name "Xbox" came about because "Direct X Box" sounded stupid.

I'm not saying that developing for the 360 and PC is exactly the same, just that I thought they both used Direct X.

To be honest, I'd be perfectly OK with it being exactly the same as the console version, with the same resolution and frame rate as long as it ran at least as well as the console version... but apparently it's full of bugs and feels horrible to play. I'm not going to drop £30 I barely have on something that doesn't work properly even if I did "ask for it" because that would be silly. If I'm going to spend money on a game I want to be certain that it will, at the very least, work properly and so far I haven't heard good things.

 

[thesilentman]

Damn this is just sad and pathetic. The PC players get DLC content half a year before console players, and still you complain. I could almost cry.

From Soft doesn't deserve this. I still urge PC players who signed the petition to buy the game, even at a reduced price, you owe them that much.

"You get more" is irrelevant, when that "more" is being run through the same filter as the entire game - a blurry, choppy shit filter. It doesn't change anything.

I'll tell you what From Software doesn't deserve. It doesn't deserve the profits it already made off of this bullshit non-effort port. What's sad and pathetic around here is how far people are willing to bend over backwards to lick the balls of a developer they seem to like, and not people who have a modicum of standards.

I asked another one of your ilk this question before. Do you honestly think From Software gets offended when someone on a forum says this port is shit? Do you think it breaks their little hearts to see this rush-job get hammered? Do you think they're delusional enough to think "Oh yeah, we're proud of this. Truly a monumental piece of work."? Finally, if you do, do you think it means jack shit when placed against the money they made already? I am curious to find out as to what you think the thought process of someone at From would be upon reading, for instance, this thread.

At least they'll try harder for the next PC release.

 

[A Weakgeek]

As a person who just got the game, and wasnt really involved in the petitions, or the series up until now I have only one thing to say.

THIS GAME LOOKS LIKE POO POO!

...its pretty fun to play though.

 

[Something Amyss]

sad? i found it humors given the amount of hypocrisy

"we want a game that was never intended for PC release, from a dev that doesn't make PC, now that we have it, we're gonna whiny like toddlers cause cause a more experienced with PCs modded fixed a problem the inexperienced with PC dev team missed"

the whole thread makes me giggle and glad i don't have that stick wedged up my ass like they do

I meant the fact that there was this grand conspiracy that could be uncovered by editing a single line in an .ini file, something my mom can do.

I find it funny in the first place that people have DEMANDED a console game on their platform of choice, complained about the distribution, then complained about the limitations, yeah. It's like this game was designed with consoles in mind or something.

 

[TrevHead]

Im sorry if they cant port the game, then give it to someone who can. Like an amateur!

I am not privileged that they decided to bring their game to my platform. I am a customer. And I am not going to buy that is the result of either incompetent or lazy work.

Durante spent more than 23 mins fixing it, that was only how long it took him to put his code into the game once he got hold of it, he worked on the code for a week beforehand getting it ready to slot into the game. The fix isn't 100% tested atm he is tweaking and updating it as he goes along. The suttlebuzz is that he is no normal amateur but trained as a professional. I would guess the work he is doing is one hell of a feather in his cap when approaching employers.

In regards to the port, i'm mostly pro From, they told ppl what std of port to expect and ppl have every right to not buy it as those who do want to. As someone who has my 360 plugged into my desktop I have no issue with 30FPS especially when the camera doesn't move as fast as a PC FPS. The 360 version has big frame dips in a couple of areas like Blightown. The port fixes this and with Durante's fixing ups the res, some ppl are happy enough with that.

To sum it up this PC Gamer review mirrors my viewpoint http://www.pcgamer.com/review/dark-souls-review/

Although...

From what i've gathered keeping tabs of the steam forums I will add that From shouldn't be automatically forgiven for every fault in the port. It's come to light that some pads have problems like wireless std 360 pads not working. Not good when you consider its a console port with pad it's main control method. Also ATI cards (which seems to be nothing new for PC games) have problems with massive framerate dips due to the game not using the GFX cards full power when it starts idling, the fix is to set everything in catalyst at max to stop it from idling.

Framerate, FPS issues aside I think any game sold on steam should have std PC compatibility rates, and from the looks of it to not provide compatibility patching but leave it to the community is lazy of From, especially when theres no demo.

Still it looks like much of it has or will be fixed or have workarounds, plus it's still launch day so i'll wait and see how it pans out before totally condemning them in that aspect

I still say the game's worth playing though.

 

[Something Amyss]

Do you think it breaks their little hearts to see this rush-job get hammered? Do you think they're delusional enough to think "Oh yeah, we're proud of this. Truly a monumental piece of work."?

Those really are the only two options.

I mean, it's not like From might read reactions like this and say "well, fuck that shit. PC gamers are a whiny, entitled bunch who demanded a console game and then shit all over it. Back to consoles, you guys!" No, they must either feel complete shame or pride in their work!

 

[newwiseman]

The problem is that From had to change all the native graphics api calls to direct x api to make a port

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the 360 use Direct X? I heard the name "Xbox" came about because "Direct X Box" sounded stupid.

I'm not saying that developing for the 360 and PC is exactly the same, just that I thought they both used Direct X.

To be honest, I'd be perfectly OK with it being exactly the same as the console version, with the same resolution and frame rate as long as it ran at least as well as the console version... but apparently it's full of bugs and feels horrible to play. I'm not going to drop £30 I barely have on something that doesn't work properly even if I did "ask for it" because that would be silly. If I'm going to spend money on a game I want to be certain that it will, at the very least, work properly and so far I haven't heard good things.

Nope Direct X is a service that interfaces with a verity of Graphics cards on behalf of the windows OS and makes things easier on Developers by them only having to write the Direct X calls. The Xbox (and all other consoles) uses a very small selection of a couple graphics cards that for the most part use the same API and thus can be written for directly. That is how Consoles can out perform computers with the same or even slightly better specs; consoles don't have to deal with Direct X, operating system overhead, other tasks, or already assigned memory.

As for the game; it's the same experience that people dealt with on the PS3, same bugs and glitches. A little faster overall based on your systems specs but there are coding issues with the game proper that lead to slow downs in a few areas and graphic problems in others. We all knew what we where asking for when we signed the petition for the port, and we got what they promised to deliver blemishes and all. I just didn't want to by a PS3 so I'm happy.

 

[Judas_Iscariot]

People are complaining about the resolution, but that isnt my complaint with the game. For me the game is completely unplayable because there is no way to know how to work the controls on the keyboard and mouse without spending a sizeable amount of time memorizing what console controller button correlates to what keyboard stroke.

Its ridiculous that I had to exit out of my initial playthrough by using alt/control/delete so that I could check what button correllated to the start button. I wanted to know that, becuase I needed to use the start button to check in game what button fucking correlated to the Y button. Which I never figured out because it isnt listed, so I was forced to randomly mash buttons on my keyboard until I turned off my computer.

All in all, a complete waste of money. I don't care about the resolution, graphics settings, hardlocked bullshit whatever. I care that they didnt even take two minutes to fix the in game hints to refer to my controls rather than the controls of the console version.

tl;dr- You would be furious if The Witcher 2 on xbox 360 lacked any explanation of the controls aside from repeated suggestions that you should use the E key to pick things up, and the left click to attack. You would be very furious.

 

[endtherapture]

So basically...this is a Bargain Bin purchase?

They couldn't be bothered to downsize the HUD or give us any graphics options at all to change?

And it says stuff like "PRESS START TO PAUSE" which could literally be any key on keyboard?

What a joke. I was looking forward to this game. Suppose now I'll get it in a year when it's a fiver on Amazon. Kingdoms of Amalur here we come.

 

[Lunar Templar]

sad? i found it humors given the amount of hypocrisy

"we want a game that was never intended for PC release, from a dev that doesn't make PC, now that we have it, we're gonna whiny like toddlers cause cause a more experienced with PCs modded fixed a problem the inexperienced with PC dev team missed"

the whole thread makes me giggle and glad i don't have that stick wedged up my ass like they do

I meant the fact that there was this grand conspiracy that could be uncovered by editing a single line in an .ini file, something my mom can do.

I find it funny in the first place that people have DEMANDED a console game on their platform of choice, complained about the distribution, then complained about the limitations, yeah. It's like this game was designed with consoles in mind or something.

i know right? go figure

what about the controls sir, hows the port handle, that's what i wanna know

 

[saruman31]

Before you can observe the graphics, the joystick menu interface is a tell-tale sign that a game is completely shitty ported.

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

Nope Direct X is a service that interfaces with a verity of Graphics cards on behalf of the windows OS and makes things easier on Developers by them only having to write the Direct X calls. The Xbox (and all other consoles) uses a very small selection of a couple graphics cards that for the most part use the same API and thus can be written for directly. That is how Consoles can out perform computers with the same or even slightly better specs; consoles don't have to deal with Direct X, operating system overhead, other tasks, or already assigned memory.

I dunno, there are a few sources that suggest the 360 does indeed use DirectX. Eurogamer did an article on how it might be throttling performance [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-directx-360-performance-blog-entry] and this article points to the 360 using an "advanced version of DirectX 9" as well. [http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/xbox-360-cant-run-directx-10-confirms-ati/]

But then again, this article discusses the performance overhead DirectX incurs on PCs, but not consoles (including the 360). [http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2011/03/16/farewell-to-directx/1] I'm thinking that it's compatible with DirectX (which would make sense), but it's since been abandoned by developers as the 360 has gotten a little long in the tooth, hardware wise.

 

[Carnagath]

... I'll just ignore all the "you are self-entitled" posters in this thread, as depressing as their mere existence is to me, and give PC gamers a fun fact: When Dark Souls was released on consoles, the target lock system was broken. I don't mean fidgety, I mean broken, it would only work on nearly melee range from the target, and even then only sometimes. It took From several months to fix this (I think 3 months, but I can't remember with 100% certainty). Not a day 1 patch. Several...fucking...months. That's the equal of releasing a CoD game, where the targeting indicator randomly teleports all over the screen, and then taking MONTHS to fix it.

Conclusion: They are legendarily slow at post-release bug fixing, even when it concerns massive, gamebreaking problems. I also really, really doubt they will fix anything in the PC version, ever. Luckily, this IS the PC, so I expect most of the game's problems to be fixed by the users in record time. After all, a game is very rarely so fucked up that not even thousands of modders can manage to unfuck it (only New Vegas and VTM:Bloodlines come to mind). So... I wouldn't worry too much. If installing GFWL is a sacrifice that you are prepared to make, buy it. People will fix it very soon, and it kicks ass.