Demo timeframe?

[Quig]

When can we expect a demo for Demon's Souls? The first time I saw pictures of this game I started to drool. Now, I'm trying to be very patient while waiting for the Collectors Edition to come out. A demo would definitely help to curve the anticipation... or maybe it won't. Damn it! Anyway, can we expect a demo to come out on the PSN in the upcoming weeks?

[sarshelyam]

A demo would be a disservice to the game. You really can't grasp the concept of how incredibly deep and enjoyable this title is in a bite-sized chunk...take it from me, I've finished it 3 times.

[Silent_gig]

Its not really the type of game you can demo, unless its at a convention or something.

[beastxjason]

A demo does not fit this game at all. You would die 50 times and delete it. I cant even see how they would make a balanced char for you to demo with lol.

[Mounce]

I never even tried to think that this game would work in any way of a demo, to just let you play the one level up to the point where you face the first boss? doesn't take long to reach there, then you die, then it ends, and can try out each class? Would be a good concept to get 'more known', since I fear this game, even though IS being highly praised by reviewers, will be an underrated and Hidden Gem in the gaming world/market.

a demo would surely increase its position on the radar.

[Mooglepies]

As right as you are Mounce, a bad demo could cause public perception of this game to go DOWN instead of up.

That said, I think giving you access to the starting classes, NPCs in the nexus and then letting you lose on the tutorial, 1-1 and 1-2 wouldn't be an awful idea.

[sarshelyam]

It might not be a terrible idea...the "demos" at the conventions are not that...they're the full game...that's why it works. I think ATLUS is perfectly content with two things...

1) The reviews
2) Their name is on the box

ATLUS has never been a company worried about the bottom line. I'm certain revenue and profitability are ever-important, but do you see ATLUS spending BILLIONS on marketing any single title of theirs? Do you see ATLUS releasing demos left and right for every title they release, let alone any of them? ATLUS has been at a point where it can rely almost exclusively on two things:

1) Word of mouth...
2) Brand recognition!

These two things can pave the way to critical success with relatively low risk. Imagine, if you will, spending BILLIONS to market a title...let's say...Crackdown on the 360. To do this you run a specific marketing gamut including print and television advertising campaigns, coupled with BETA access to Halo (also costing you more money). At the end of the day people bought the game for specific reasons. I bought it for Crackdown and I was in the minority. Sales projections looked good, but totals ended up being dismal. Crackdown was a critical failure despite its attachment to Halo and all the marketing...lost...wasted.

I know the idea of a demo makes sense but really, ATLUS knows what they're doing and word of mouth is the best advertisement that WE pay ATLUS for. How perfect is that? I buy their game...I love it...I blab to 1, 2, dozens of my friends who in turn go out and buy it...love it...blab to their friends? Talk about safety in advertising with no margin of loss.

[Mounce]

As right as you are Mounce, a bad demo could cause public perception of this game to go DOWN instead of up.

That said, I think giving you access to the starting classes, NPCs in the nexus and then letting you lose on the tutorial, 1-1 and 1-2 wouldn't be an awful idea.

I'd find it really hard to make a bad demo for this game, Lol

It'd give people a good 'Feel' of the game, I'd see more pros than cons involving a demo, but, either way, I dout it'll happen, if it does though....It'd get me excited

[iloveatlus]

please dont released a demo of demon souls atlus, it will effect the sales on demon souls

[Darkenmal]

A demo would be nice, but we probably won't get it.

[Quig]

please dont released a demo of demon souls atlus, it will effect the sales on demon souls

A demo would hurt its sales? If that is the case then the game sucks as it is. A demo is not something that is developed on a side note, it is a small clip of the game. If the demo sucks, the game does as well.

[Mounce]

please dont released a demo of demon souls atlus, it will effect the sales on demon souls

A demo would hurt its sales? If that is the case then the game sucks as it is. A demo is not something that is developed on a side note, it is a small clip of the game. If the demo sucks, the game does as well.

Ya I know, what deh hell he thinkin' ?!

[iloveatlus]

please dont released a demo of demon souls atlus, it will effect the sales on demon souls

A demo would hurt its sales? If that is the case then the game sucks as it is. A demo is not something that is developed on a side note, it is a small clip of the game. If the demo sucks, the game does as well.

Ya I know, what deh hell he thinkin' ?!

the demo is only a tiny portion of a game. If the demo gives off a bad impression, people will be turn off, they should not released demo. it will effect the sales

[Mooglepies]

It's worth noting that this game doesn't really take off proper until you're about three or four hours in, depending on how well (or badly) you're playing; most of the other people I've spoken with that have played it have said that as well. Many games have fallen afoul of having demos that really don't do justice to the final product; I'd hate to see Demon's Souls in the same boat.

Can you properly demo a game if it takes that long to really click with it? I'm not sure.

[GamerSam]

A demo would be a bad idea, based on my own experiences it takes about 3 hours to grasp the basics in DS. Then approx another 10 hours to "get" some of the more advanced mechanics.

There are plenty of demos that give a bad impression of a game. Unless they can make a demo that is representative, it is better to not make one at all. Just think about it, do you enjoy playing turorials? For example if I had judged Fallout 3 based on only the section in the vault, I would have thought the game sucked.

[iloveatlus]

what atlus should do is released a demo of demon souls after 5 months of the game released, thats what konami did with metal gear solid 4, i think thats a good idea

[Delition]

How perfect is that? I buy their game...I love it...I blab to 1, 2, dozens of my friends who in turn go out and buy it...love it...blab to their friends? Talk about safety in advertising with no margin of loss.

I've already talked two others into pre-ordering the collector's edition, so this isn't too far off.

As far as a demo goes, I honestly don't care at this point. The game is coming out, I'm buying it, and while I can see that putting out a demo could push people away I have the feeling that most people who are going to buy this game have planned to buy it by this point in time already. I get the feeling that this is one of those games where anyone who buys it after the first two weeks either didn't have a Playstation 3 or was too broke, with about 3% buying it because they heard how good it was after it came out.

[darkwonders]

You know what's a good demo? renting it.

[Quig]

If the game is as hard as everybody says it is, then most people will not like it. If Atlus does or does not release a demo, it is alright. I hope they decide to release some videos on the PSN so that it helps their marketing campaign for the game. I would hate to see a game with this much hype get a crappy marketing campaign-even if they don't do television or print adds.

[sarshelyam]

If the game is as hard as everybody says it is, then most people will not like it.

Well if they're figuring this out AFTER buying the game it really won't matter...ATLUS will have made their money and all is said and done.

[GamerSam]

If the game is as hard as everybody says it is, then most people will not like it.

Well if they're figuring this out AFTER buying the game it really won't matter...ATLUS will have made their money and all is said and done.

Yea and if they get surprised by the difficulty they can only blame themselves, because HARDCORE ACTION RPG plastered all over the place should be enough of an hint ;)

[beastxjason]

Heres the demo-Die 123 times turn it off. Did you have fun?
Demo for infamous sucked so bad, but the game was amazing, yet I rented the game rather then buy the game months after release do to the demo. Hence the above poster stating a demo would hurt the sales makes a valid point.

[sarshelyam]

A Demo has the "potential" to make or break a game. Simply put, as GamerSam detailed above, wrapping ones head around the full potential of this game takes some serious investment on the part of the player. Making your way through Boletaria's first area and boss simply has you grasping the controls to their fullest potential...venture further and you're suddenly thrust into a world where tactical fighting becomes a necessity...and the bosses certainly don't get any smaller.

In that sense, yes, it would be a disservice to the game to sell the title on little more than the curst of the veritable pie!

[progz]

I think a demo should come out in the NA. Just because there is already so much hype and I'm sure a lot of people that did hear a little about it will wanna play it before they buy it. But in my case I already pre ordered this game. Im so excited to get it. But I think a demo could help sales, and obviously people that don't like this type of game wouldn't buy it anyways. But I must also add that they should include the online system on the demo so people get the full feel of the game! :)

[Shinikama]

I think they should release a gameplay video or two. The game looks amazing, and showing off the features while limiting a bunch of bad gamers' ability to suck would prevent sales loss.

(Yes, I made an account just to post that. I only discovered this game a month ago and have been reading everything I can on it. It embodies everything I've ever wanted an RPG to be.)

[sarshelyam]

I'll give you a pass considering you're new here Shin, but they have posted PLENTY of gameplay videos.

Have Fun!! (http://www.gametrailers.com/game/demons-souls/10372)

[Shinikama]

I apologize; I wasn't clear enough with what I meant. I wanted to suggest that they should put videos on PSN so that more PS3 owners will see it and buy on release day. Everyone I know who has a PS3 waits on the edge of their seat for PSN update day, then goes through and looks at everything they can when it comes. PSN advertising would be cheap and ensure that everyone who has an internet connection would be alerted to the coming of this amazing game.

[sarshelyam]

I suppose PSN videos would really be up to ATLUS, though it seems it might not be a key part of their marketing strategy, at least, currently. The way Marketing Calendars work is that each month has a specific rollout that can last for a specific time frame. For example:

AUG - OCT = Internet advertisements/video support
SEP - OCT = Print advertisements
SEP - OCT = Television commercials (Adult Swim, SPYKE, etc.)
OCT = PlayStation Netowork gameplay videos

What ATLUS is doing for its marketing calendar is private so it's really anyones guess when/if we'll see some expanded support outside of what we're currently seeing in web/print.

I agree though. Even though I know what the game is (having finished it 3 times already), I'd love to see some HD footage and additional trailers on the PlayStation Network too!

[King_Zach]

A demo would be nice but has atlus ever made one.
Anyways it would affect sales, and if the demo isnt released people are just going off of gameplay (which looks amazing) so youll get more sales that way
And the infamous demo was amazing

[Potato21]

I'd want a demo just to be able to play even a tiny bit of it before release :(. I want this game so badly

[King_Zach]

I'd want a demo just to be able to play even a tiny bit of it before release :(. I want this game so badly
:agree: so much

[sarshelyam]

I'd want a demo just to be able to play even a tiny bit of it before release :(. I want this game so badly
Then just think...without a demo the day of release will seem far more sweet, wouldn't you say?

[pulley412]

i agree i don't think a game like this needs a demo.

[harlequ1n]

I've already pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition and cannot wait for the game. I'm even tempted to buy the Asian release people over here (Spanish forums) are selling for getting the NA version themselves... but I must resist. Then again, as far as I've read about this game and it's steep learning curve, a demo will probably suit those of us who seek challenge and originality.

[Jorlen]

I think this game would benefit from marketing (commercials, ads, etc) but due to the game's unique setup, a demo almost seems impossible.

[Karkarov]

On the other hand they have released the "visceral action trailer" and the "clarity trailer"
on PSN now. Both available in 720p HD. Quite looking forward to watching them full quality finally.

[triplehz_rulez]

I would love a demo just so I could have some of it to play before the release I can't wait my gosh....it's so horrible release it a week early COME ON!!!!

[NeverFinal]

I think a demo would be awesome, like the turtorial. Yeah you prolly die at the end but that makes anyone wanna play more....imo of course

[sarshelyam]

I think ATLUS is marketing this as well as they should be. It's a tough title to take a risk on. Those of us who have played it KNOW it's a wonderful game, but the obviously Western inspired game isn't going to influence the gross majority of RPG fans.

That said, ATLUS inspiring its loyal fanbase with continuous BLOG and VIDEO support means they've all but assured a sale with each of us who have (1) Played it before and own another region version, (2) Heard about it through the grapevine, word of mouth, or through a preview feature, and (3) Those who simply buy each and every single ATLUS release.

I'd say they could produce a relatively low number and sell through rather quickly, then produce on an as needed basis for additional sales. Certainly this is NOT the way they're doing it, but they're being very intelligent with their marketing tactics and support of this product...and that's why we love them. In the midst of a sea of analysts and media icon's stating this would never see the light of day here in the states, ATLUS proves them all wrong and delivers a stellar and unrivaled game experience. There really has been nothing like this in some time.

[Syra]

the obviously Western inspired game isn't going to influence the gross majority of RPG fans.

The irony of that is simply inescapable. Not to say it isn't true, but when tabletops like D&D are often credited with giving birth to the RPG genre, the fact that western themed RPG's are unpopular is simply, well, bizarre.


That aside, I fully agree. Atlus has done a wonderful job with marketing this game. In fact, I'd say they always do a wonderful job with marketing. Did you watch "How to be a Bancho?" Painbow is now apart of my regular vocabulary. Whats more, they have us hyped about opening a box. Opening a box! Who knew that could ever be so amazing!?

Sure there's no demo on PSN. Sure we aren't seeing commercials every other day. But in the end, would that really be effective for the cost? Atlus generally targets a niche group, and they know exactly where that group is, and how to reach them. Whether it be their wonderful Faithful newsletter, or slipping word around at the right locations, or just plain getting Faithful like you and me to go blabbing our mouths off to every friend we have, word gets around.

Not that I'd complain about a demo. Oh no, I'd download that ASAP and play it until the 6th. >.>

[Laviku]

Considering how the PSN mostly seems to carry demos for their big name games, I can't see a demo for this happening (tho that would be nice!).

[Bearcut]

I think DS is getting plenty of press. Any IGN/Gamespot/Joystiq article that lists "Up and coming games to watch" has Demon's Souls listed on it...

That's press enough really. Unfortunately the release is going to be overshadowed with Borderlands (which I will be getting, but i've watched the gameplay demo's and I'm not really that excited), Modern Warfare 2 (Or as I like to call it, Modern Camping 2), and any other regurgitated title out there.

I'm just glad I found out about this game and can look forward to something challenging and original : )

Besides, some PS3 titles that are wholly original have done very, very well. Just look at LittleBigPlanet. What PS3 owner doesn't have a copy?

[Karkarov]

Actually bear I dont have little big planet :/ I haven't been into platformers in years.... *quickly hides in his bunker*

I agree about Modern Warfare 2 and Borderlands. It is getting very tiring lately to be a gamer because it seems like all that gets released anymore is either high end copies of older games or crappy cheap copies. It is very dissapointing how unoriginal and cowardly developers have become with thier games. Worst of all though is that we the gamer are not holding them to task for it and seem to be overall happy to play the same derivitve game we already beat 10 times again.

[Leventa]

More like Modern Grenade 2: Grenades of Duty.

I don't own LBP, but it's on my list. Money has been a little tight lately, and I already have a pretty big game library. Besides, Demon's Souls will be on its way any day now.

Resident Evil 5
Bioshock
Dead Space
Killzone 2
Fallout 3
Armored Core 4: For Answerer
Oblivion
The Orange Box
Mirror's Edge
Motor Storm
Burnout Paradise
Devil May Cry 4
The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

And on the PSN side I have:
Marvel vs Capcom 2
R-type Delta
Fat Princess
Mortal Combat 2
Wheel of Fortune
Mega Man 9


So I'm kinda tapped out on my game fund right now. But yeah, I never figured there would be a demo to this game. I mean, it's kinda anti-demo material. As excited as I am for the game, I'd rather just wait. In the meantime though, some of you folks should try grabbing the Lost Planet 2 Demo. It's like a faster paced version of Demon's Souls that takes place in the future. Co-op against giant monsters that require teamwork to take down. You can usually only survive 1 or 2 good hits before you go down or need to find a way to heal. All the enemies drop energy that you pick up (like souls) and use to power your suit and weapons. Plus...Gunsword. It's pretty fun. And in third person.

Not exactly your typical generic FPS.

/rant

[beastxjason]

The lost planet 2 demo was horrible. Preying they release another demo, it felt so unfinished. Wasnt even fun with 4 buddys

[Leventa]

What felt unfinished about it exactly? I download quite a few demos, and this is one of the few that I enjoyed enough to play a few times over. The fun comes from taking down giant monsters with your friends. They didn't include much if any of the story, because that's not what the demo is about.

[LoneStar]

Ok, I know this is a rather old topic, but I wanted to put in my $0.02 because no one else has said it:

I think the MAJORITY of people saying a demo is not necessary are people who have played the game, or ones who already know the game well enough to commit $60 and have already purchased the title. The primary purpose of a demo is for the people who are unsure about a game, and want a simple sample of the gameplay.

Now for those who say a demo would hurt the sales, that's retarded! I would actually say that you would gain more customers with a demo, than you would lose. Otherwise no one would ever make demos! If someone gives up on a demo, they'll most certainly give up on the full version as well. The only way it would hurt sales is if someone tries the demo and decides it's not a game they'd want to own anyways, and therefor doesn't buy. If that's your argument, you might as well take away rentals. But I would say that is a VERY small number of people. That's just common sense.

Now all this being said, I probably couldn't care less if DS gets a demo or not. That's for the development/marketing team to decide.

Looks like an awesome game BTW ;)

[GuyIncognito]

When can we expect a demo for Demon's Souls? The first time I saw pictures of this game I started to drool. Now, I'm trying to be very patient while waiting for the Collectors Edition to come out. A demo would definitely help to curve the anticipation... or maybe it won't. Damn it! Anyway, can we expect a demo to come out on the PSN in the upcoming weeks?

The demo of Infamous started with you already having a lot of abilities--and made the game tempting.

A Demon's Souls demo could limit you to a specific level (i.e., 4-1 up to Adjudicator) and you start already levelled up a bit and with an upgraded mace, sword, and bow, or something like that.

[SinisterDeath]

Listen.
Alot of people don't want to play a game, until they can demo it.
I know people who really want to play the game, but dont' want to waste $60 on a game they don't know if they'd like. Graphically, gameplay wise, whatever. I wanted to Rent this game before I bought it... just in case. But, no one rented it. So I coughed up $60, bought it, and love it.

now, a demo would be easy.
All they have to do, is make that first 'area' before you really start the game, the Demo.
The one where you defeat that... fat demon with wings, that 9 out of 10 times kills you.

It would only be about 10-15 minutes long, and would give, I think a nice impression of how the gameplay works, and just how 'hard' it can be.

[jpshark]

Might as well get in on this ...

I remember back in 1993 a little "shareware" title called DooM released by a little unknown company called id software. The lure there? You could actually play one third of the game for free and then order the rest to complete the game. It was so addicting you "had to have it!"

Same strategy could easily be applied to DS ... ending with the "Flamelurker" for example busting out of his lair and fading out to a title screen encouraging the player to get the rest as it were ... awesome!

:p

[tyraelsrevenge]

For a demo the Tutorial would be good as it gives you all the information on how to play the game. For an extended demo takeing the game threw 1-1 and 1-2 ending with the 1-2 fog message saying you reached the end of the demo buy the full game and continue the game would be good. It might be a little long for a demo but would give players the enjoyment of tutorial Vanguard, Phallax, Tower Knight, and of course DOGS. Allowing them to get a bit of the story, level up there char. and continue that char once they purchase the game.

A Soul Level cap for the demo if it allows leveling up would be wise to implement.

Personaly I find demos to be hit or miss. If the demo is to short or meh your likely to skip it. If the demo is long enough players are able to decide that it is, or is not worth it for them.

A friend of mine saw the game sitting next to my PS3 asked about it so I poped it in and he played threw the tutorial and was not impressed. The next day I had a group of friends over for a holiday tradition of board gameing, the friend that had tried Demon's Souls decided he would give 1-1 a try. The level intrigued him but he was put off by Phallax as he was expecting a boss like Vanguard. He pushed threw eventualy got to Tower Knight. He was hooked and spent the better part of an hour learning how to take out the Tower Knight before those of us playing axis and Allies draged him from the game becouse we were going out to dinner.

Everyone kinda won that night a friend that did not like board gameing as much got to play a video game he enjoyed, and the rest of use got to play Axis and Allies 50th anniversary with 6 players the first time that has happened for us. Only down side was that my Demon's Souls Disc was not in my machine the next day and took me a few days to get it back.

[Septiego]

Listen.
Alot of people don't want to play a game, until they can demo it.
I know people who really want to play the game, but dont' want to waste $60 on a game they don't know if they'd like.

Why not spend a few dollars and rent the game? Much better than a demo.

[HijiriOni]

A demo wouldn't be to hard to give. Either 1-1 or 1-2 in their entirety and voila...demo.

1-1 give's a good example of the gameplay and 1-2 would give you the option to grind and level, of course being that you'd only have access to those levels grinding takes quite a bit.

[SinisterDeath]

Listen.
Alot of people don't want to play a game, until they can demo it.
I know people who really want to play the game, but dont' want to waste $60 on a game they don't know if they'd like.

Why not spend a few dollars and rent the game? Much better than a demo.


You obviously did NOT read my post.
I said.
I wanted to rent it.
BUT COULD NOT
because no RENTAL place HAD it!

L2Read.

The friend I know who wants to play it, can't rent it because.
A) they have no video/game rentals in sweden
B) the games not out in europe.

[Septiego]

You obviously did NOT read my post.
I said.
I wanted to rent it.
BUT COULD NOT
because no RENTAL place HAD it!

L2Read.

The friend I know who wants to play it, can't rent it because.
A) they have no video/game rentals in sweden
B) the games not out in europe.


Actually, I did not mean to imply for you to rent the game; you obviously have already bought it, and thus renting it would be pointless. I was speaking for people who have not yet bought the game, such as your friend, who you did not mention was unable to rent the game. So, maybe lighten up, eh? Anyone can put caps lock on and be rude, but it doesn't make them any more impressive and certainly doesn't make anyone take them more seriously. ;)

[Narkomandeus]

Listen.
Alot of people don't want to play a game, until they can demo it.
I know people who really want to play the game, but dont' want to waste $60 on a game they don't know if they'd like.

Why not spend a few dollars and rent the game? Much better than a demo.


You obviously did NOT read my post.
I said.
I wanted to rent it.
BUT COULD NOT
because no RENTAL place HAD it!

L2Read.

The friend I know who wants to play it, can't rent it because.
A) they have no video/game rentals in sweden
B) the games not out in europe.

There is game rentals here in Sweden, though they surely don't have it cause is an import. Guess if he wants it that badly he should take the chance, I know a couple of stores here that sells the game in-store, without the need to import it.

[SinisterDeath]

Listen.
Alot of people don't want to play a game, until they can demo it.
I know people who really want to play the game, but dont' want to waste $60 on a game they don't know if they'd like.

Why not spend a few dollars and rent the game? Much better than a demo.


You obviously did NOT read my post.
I said.
I wanted to rent it.
BUT COULD NOT
because no RENTAL place HAD it!

L2Read.

The friend I know who wants to play it, can't rent it because.
A) they have no video/game rentals in sweden
B) the games not out in europe.

There is game rentals here in Sweden, though they surely don't have it cause is an import. Guess if he wants it that badly he should take the chance, I know a couple of stores here that sells the game in-store, without the need to import it.

The place this guys at, they apparently don't have them.

But even Here, I can not find this game anywhere, not even Blockbuster video.

Gamestop had 1 copy of this when I went there, so its not going to be at very many 'rental' places. If they have it, they are very very lucky imo.
And this does make a Great Rent-to-Buy title.

But a demo is always free.

[HijiriOni]

Course Demo's are usually atrocious. If I based my desire to buy certain games based on demo's I would never have touched Dead Space or Valkria Chronicles, both amazing games but awful demos.

[Karkarov]

Course Demo's are usually atrocious. If I based my desire to buy certain games based on demo's I would never have touched Dead Space or Valkria Chronicles, both amazing games but awful demos.

I have to say hijiri has a helluva good point. I still have not gotten valkria chronicles myself but I want to pick it up because I have heard so many good things about it since release and especially since a sequal was discussed. The reason I didn't buy it to begin with was I heard a "little" buzz so tried the demo and it sucked hard. So yeah the only reason I didn't buy it when it first came out was simply because the demo stunk.

Demon's Souls I don't think needed a demo but for a out of the ordinary reason. If you check out youtube there are literally hundreds of gameplay vids from the japanese and asian releases. Yeah watching it isn't as good as playing it especially with this game but it gave you more than enough of a look to tell what the gameplay was like and get a "feel" for the aesthetic.

Also I don't recall atlus really doing many demo's to begin with ;p. Even if there had been a demon's souls demo it pretty much would have been just the tutorial and 1-1 tops. I feel safe in saying more than that would be unrealistic and less would obviously be pure fail. The problem is 1-1 is also the level that breaks it for alot of people, so I just don't feel demon's souls would have been a good demo regardless and would have suffered from the bad demo syndrome hijiri points to.

[GalaKnight]

This game needs more reprints of the "Deluxe Edition". A Demo would be nice but not being able to get your hands on the edition you pre-ordered and having to fork out 100+ on Ebay is ridiculous.