Fast travel, hidden walls return
Steven and Chris both tried their hands at Dark Souls III last month. Despite the increase in overall speed and the addition of the Battle Arts mechanic, they both came away with the opinion that it felt like more Dark Souls (which is what most of us want, anyway!).
Now, via Game Informer‘s October issue, we know a little more about what mechanics will remain and what will be revamped. As far as what’s staying the same, players will be able to fast travel from the beginning of the game, respec their characters (though we don’t know yet if it will be done with a Soul Vessel item), and New Game+ will be similar to Dark Souls II in that enemy placement will be altered. No more Bonfire Ascetics, though!
One of the biggest changes is that magic will no longer be based on a number of uses. An MP bar will govern use of spells a la Demon’s Souls, which Miyazaki says
“[increases] options and freedom of utilization” as well as “clarifies the differences in managing items and magic.” After Bloodborne all but neglected magic-wielders, this sounds like welcome news. I’m most excited that illusory walls are going to be breakable again, and I won’t have to tap the search button on every dang surface.
Durability and summoning are also changing a bit, but I’d be a dick if I stole all of Game Informer‘s story.
New Details On What’s Returning For Dark Souls III [Game Informer]