Dark Souls

[xBerserk]

First "official" response on Namco Bandai's website

Due to several contacts we've received from users confused as to how the summoning feature works in game, we have provided this list to help.

Conditions for summoning (White Sign Soapstone):

The host (person who's game world will be used) must be human. The client (person joining the game) can either be human or undead.

The client’s level must fall within 10% (above or below) of the host’s level. Generally, this example formula should give you a good idea on whether you will be able to join:   (LC x 1.1) ≥ LH ≥ (LC x 0.9), where is LC the level of the client and LH is the level of the host. For example, if the level of the host is 20, then they will only be able to summon players who are levels 18 to 22.

The area boss (Taurus Demon, Bell Gargoyles, Moonlight Butterfly, etc…) in the host’s world must still be alive. A client can still be summoned even if the client has already defeated their own area boss.

The host must not have placed down a summoning sign. Summoning signs from other players will not appear in a host’s world if the host also has placed a summoning sign down. This is to prevent a network conflict of the host joining someone else's game world while the clients are trying to join the host's game world.

After successfully summoning, the client will return to their world if the area boss is defeated, the client is killed or the host is killed.

Also, please note that there are several different servers/lobbies that are being used for Dark Souls, so you may not be able to summon a specific friend into your game even if you adhere to the steps above. We can only recommend that you follow the steps above for the best chance at being able to join a specific friends' game.

[xBerserk]

There are a lot of threads on preparetodie.com Dark Souls official forum there, and a lot of complaints.

The current p2p servers there allow you to join a server based on your ping and location.  When you log into the game it puts you into a random server. This makes co-op on Dark Souls nearly impossible (NA and EU) to join a friend or even find a friend.  You basically have to disconnect from Dark Souls, restart it, go into a random server and try set up co-op again.  It is all by chance that you find your friends and family.  It severely restricts online interactions.

And heres the kicker, Namco/Bandai actually intended the game and servers to be this way.

"I was just on live chat with Namco Bandai support.

They said they are "aware of the issue" but the developers are unlikely to change anything because "the game is working as intended".

I was told that exiting the game and restarting it will log you in to a new server but there is no way to guarantee you will be placed on the same one as a friend.

They also said they will pass along my complaint and if I wanted to escalate it to send an e-mail to support@namcobandaigames.com.

So I would encourage everyone to go to http://support.namcobandaigames.com/ and click "live support", make your feelings known to them and tell them you will return the game if they don't fix this. Ask them specifically to pass your complaint on to the developers." - stateside (Dark Souls player)

Any thoughts?

[pacnyc]

Complete mishandling on Namco's part.  Furthermore, 10% is a pretty paltry range especially when starting out.  Low lvls need the help the most but a sl 10 has to hope to find a sl 9 or 11 in a small lobby if they want help.

[Jerry-Boyle]

Only bad part I find in this is the level restriction.  SL 20 can only go with 18-22, that means SL 60 can only go with 58-62.  Everything else is pretty fine, and can be managed.  Restart the game 7-14 times and you can join your friend possibly.  Remember, atmosphere in this game is really important.  Playing with friends would make you more comfortable, more comfortable=mistakes which Dark Souls would kill you for; repeatedly!

[SDG09]

Yes the level range for co-op is more restrictive than in Demon Souls but remember Jerry it allows for a 10% difference.  A SL 60 host can summon players SL 54-66. 

[Jerry-Boyle]

Ah yes, forgot about the percentages.  Thanks for fixing my mistake

[Backlotbasher]

Pac, I agree...that's a pretty small window.  Especially when you consider that the structure of the game seems to keep people hollowed a lot of the time.  Essentially, if you have some humanity, you're almost better off saving it until you really need help to go after a boss and then be prepared to wait as long as necessary to get a couple of people to help.

[Kajros]

It needs to be changed severely.  I have only been able to co op once and that was while I was alive I managed to summon someone for unread parish.  After that haven't been summoned anymore and I haven't summoned anyone else. 

[Backlotbasher]

I summoned 2 people for the Belfrey, and I was summoned to help someone else for that same level.  That's it.  And I've put down a lot of stones.  Considering how hard they made this game, it better not become an issue later on.

[The_Evil_Nick]

THIS IS WHY I NEVER reserve games!

To be honest I feel a bit cheated and ripped off. And Game stores dont let you return new games ironically. If they released most of this info before i bought the games I probably would not have. I LOVE the difficulty but me and a buddy loved playing through the first game together and now I feel like we cant. I dont really like playing with strangers and this gives me a good opportunity to talk with my buddy I dont see often anymore.

Seriously they should just make a FREE ROAM mode in the game where all the bosses and enemies are there and you can complete the game together but with restrictions on level progression.

Maybe you play a level with your buddy from yoru freinds list but even if you beat the stage/boss it does not allow you to have it beaten in your main game unless you do it right.

I TRULY dissapointed with this.

update:

Surprisingly Live Support is not available.