From Software says that like its predecessor, the new game will not be a narrative-driven RPG, though it contains a story. The game's protagonist is described as "Undying," a revenant who returns from the dead after being killed. As an outcast, he does not live within normal society.
Dark Souls will also contain a new system called the Oath System, which allows the player to make an oath as he or she discovers events within the world. When an oath is made, the player must choose his or her moral or ethical position on that topic, which in turn impacts the player's interaction with other players online. Oaths will determine whether other players whom he or she encounters is a friend or a foe. The system is intended to serve as a guide for active roleplaying.
From Software has stated that equipment and healing reagents will be placed in appropriate locations throughout the world, so players will always feel a sense of satisfaction when looting treasure caches after difficult battles. Because of how reliant the player is on healing items, a new Campfire System will be added to allow players to brew healing potions so they won't feel oppressed by the game's difficulty, especially at the beginning.
Dark Souls is said to be a very challenging game, but the game's director Hidetaka Miyazaki feels this is a positive thing, because he believes challenge adds value.
