On 09/01/2022 03:38, PW wrote:
> I am not sure how much I can take of this constant dying Justisaur,
> with no quicksaves or save games (besides the one bonfire I have come
> across). I didn't even bother with the Giant Crystal Lizard more than
> once in the first chapter.
>
> I thought I was really going to enjoy it. But no matter what my
> timing is, and how I parry or attack it is not helping much.
> Especially when I end up in the vegetation. I can't see!
>
> I switched to a controller but the camera is really throwing me off
> and costing me lives unneccessarily.
>
> I've read a couple of walkthroughs and reviews. Got me!
>
> Maybe I will pick it up again someday soon.
>

I can see the appeal of these type of games but just not for me. If
anything has the tag Souls Like I just skip on past.

On Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 7:38:21 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> On Sun, 26 Dec 2021 05:48:05 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >On Saturday, December 25, 2021 at 7:37:11 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> >> >I'd say one other initial consideration is controller vs. KB/Mouse.
> >> I have had to twice bring up the task manager to quit the game because
> >> I could not get out of a menu, like the control settings without a
> >> controller hooked up.
> >>
> >> I guess I am going to have to use a controller if I want to play the
> >> game properly.
> >>
> >> -pw
> >
> >Definitely easier to begin with. If you do stick with KBM, just remember
> >right click will give you a menu you can choose what you want to do
> >with the mouse, back being one of those.
> >
> >- Justisaur
> *---
>
> I am not sure how much I can take of this constant dying Justisaur,
> with no quicksaves or save games (besides the one bonfire I have come
> across). I didn't even bother with the Giant Crystal Lizard more than
> once in the first chapter.
>
> I thought I was really going to enjoy it. But no matter what my
> timing is, and how I parry or attack it is not helping much.
> Especially when I end up in the vegetation. I can't see!
>
> I switched to a controller but the camera is really throwing me off
> and costing me lives unneccessarily.
>
> I've read a couple of walkthroughs and reviews. Got me!
>
> Maybe I will pick it up again someday soon.
>
> -pw

The crystal lizard is usually left for much later. They like to place
stuff like that and alternate paths all over. It's quite easy to
get in an area you aren't ready for. There's another guy after
the first boss like that.

As to attack timing, as I said pyromancer is much easier, you just
stay away and toss fireballs. You don't start with a much mana
though so you do have to try to be somewhat conservative to
begin with. Blocking with the knight shield also works on most
things, start with a block, block once then light attack 2 or 3
times and back off/roll away. Be cautious, try to separate
mobs, when you end up fighting more than one, you're probably
dead.

Parrying I find too hard to pull off in DS3 most time - it
works better in DS1 from what I remember. It's also easier
with a small shield or glove item, which the knight's shield
is not.

The first boss is a real doozy in #3, you mainly just want to try
to strafe behind him, and block (only one attack if that since he
hits hard and can knock you off balance and the next attack does
more damage.) or roll to your right when he attacks. He is
parryable on some attacks, but I never got it down. You may have
to roll 2 or 3 times in a row to avoid his attacks before it's safe
to attack a couple times. As a newbie you may want to attack
just once and then prepare to roll. I think it took me 12 tries the
first time on him, and that's with a sorcerer, but that's with two
games under my belt.

Once you get past the first boss, part of getting better is getting
souls from everything you kill and upgrading levels, better
equipment, enchanting and infusing weapons. Keep your hp
topped up and return to the bonfire if you run out of healing.
Use the souls to upgrade, buy consumables etc. at that time.

It's really practice practice practice and don't worry about dying,
you're not really dead, you just drop your souls, which often
aren't worth retrieving (especially before you get past the
first boss) You can also run past mobs once you've collected
everything you want from them - except the first boss anyway.

It may just not be for some people, but I'm old and my reactions
aren't that great and I still managed to finish the entire game
including the DLCs which are way harder than the base game.

- Justisaur

On Sun, 9 Jan 2022 11:50:06 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
<justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 7:38:21 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
>> On Sun, 26 Dec 2021 05:48:05 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
>> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> >On Saturday, December 25, 2021 at 7:37:11 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
>> >> >I'd say one other initial consideration is controller vs. KB/Mouse.
>> >> I have had to twice bring up the task manager to quit the game because
>> >> I could not get out of a menu, like the control settings without a
>> >> controller hooked up.
>> >>
>> >> I guess I am going to have to use a controller if I want to play the
>> >> game properly.
>> >>
>> >> -pw
>> >
>> >Definitely easier to begin with. If you do stick with KBM, just remember
>> >right click will give you a menu you can choose what you want to do
>> >with the mouse, back being one of those.
>> >
>> >- Justisaur
>> *---
>>
>> I am not sure how much I can take of this constant dying Justisaur,
>> with no quicksaves or save games (besides the one bonfire I have come
>> across). I didn't even bother with the Giant Crystal Lizard more than
>> once in the first chapter.
>>
>> I thought I was really going to enjoy it. But no matter what my
>> timing is, and how I parry or attack it is not helping much.
>> Especially when I end up in the vegetation. I can't see!
>>
>> I switched to a controller but the camera is really throwing me off
>> and costing me lives unneccessarily.
>>
>> I've read a couple of walkthroughs and reviews. Got me!
>>
>> Maybe I will pick it up again someday soon.
>>
>> -pw
>
>The crystal lizard is usually left for much later. They like to place
>stuff like that and alternate paths all over. It's quite easy to
>get in an area you aren't ready for. There's another guy after
>the first boss like that.
>
>As to attack timing, as I said pyromancer is much easier, you just
>stay away and toss fireballs. You don't start with a much mana
>though so you do have to try to be somewhat conservative to
>begin with. Blocking with the knight shield also works on most
>things, start with a block, block once then light attack 2 or 3
>times and back off/roll away. Be cautious, try to separate
>mobs, when you end up fighting more than one, you're probably
>dead.

*--

The Crystal Lizard is where you start off. Around a corner on the
right, up a little stream. The screen says Press A for message, and
it says "Turn Back". I tried it once and I immediately got turned
into a shard and died.

I am playing as a pyromancer but the fireball icon on the screen is
dimmed out. I guess I do not have enough manna yet for it?

I will give it another go tonight for a bit. Just until I get killed
2 or 3 times. I do find it a little addicting, though! I just worry
that I may not learn enough to help me when things get tougher and
that the game is just going to get tougher as it progresses!

Thanks. I will study the rest of your post before trying the game
again.

I can only imagine how difficult Prepare To Die Edition is! I do have
it installed. Just for laughs and cries, I should boot it up and see!

-pw

On Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 2:53:46 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> On Sun, 9 Jan 2022 11:50:06 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >
> >The crystal lizard is usually left for much later. They like to place
> >stuff like that and alternate paths all over. It's quite easy to
> >get in an area you aren't ready for. There's another guy after
> >the first boss like that.
> >
> >As to attack timing, as I said pyromancer is much easier, you just
> >stay away and toss fireballs. You don't start with a much mana
> >though so you do have to try to be somewhat conservative to
> >begin with. Blocking with the knight shield also works on most
> >things, start with a block, block once then light attack 2 or 3
> >times and back off/roll away. Be cautious, try to separate
> >mobs, when you end up fighting more than one, you're probably
> >dead.
> *--
>
> The Crystal Lizard is where you start off. Around a corner on the
> right, up a little stream. The screen says Press A for message, and
> it says "Turn Back". I tried it once and I immediately got turned
> into a shard and died.
>
> I am playing as a pyromancer but the fireball icon on the screen is
> dimmed out. I guess I do not have enough manna yet for it?

You need to switch to your pyromancy flame to cast it. On the
controller you can switch to other slotted weapons/shield with left
or right on the d-pad for the corresponding hand. I don't remember
which hand it starts in, but I prefer having in the left hand to swap
with the shield, and eventually drop the shield and keep casting
tools there. It may be easier to have it in the right to start though
since you attack with it and the axe, so it's a bit more like a weapon.

Once you figure out how to cast it, lock on to an enemy first so you'll
hit them - aiming without lock on is very difficult. Lock on is by pressing
the right thumb stick as a button and gets you a little white dot dead
center on the enemy. This makes sure that most attacks will hit,
and allows you to strafe and roll to the right much easier, which makes
avoiding attacks and getting behind mobs for a backstab easier.

The blue mana potion can be switched to from your yellow health one
with the down arrow on the d-pad, and vice versa. You can also place
other items there like firebombs, but you shouldn't need those with
a pyromancer.

For getting to the first boss quickly and safely from the first
bonfire, keep left. The first mob does a long running lunge.
if you start to the left, lock on then strafe to the right around him,
he'll miss you, and you can backstab him, or you can backpedal
quite a ways until his strike falls short and then attack him, or
just start off with a fireball or two to kill him.

Drop or jump off the ledge behind him then there's another ledge
to the right you can drop off and kill the mob there, I like to look
down and lock on to make sure my plunge attack hits him before
dropping off, that will one-hit him.

zig-zag to avoid the crossbow mob's bolts from there as you
approach him. You can hold block while locked on in case you
don't zig zag enough to avoid it and take much less damage.
You should be able to attack three times before he can retaliate
and kill him, which puts you in front of the boss arena.

Practice that route, if you get hit return to the bonfire and try again
until you can get to the boss arena unscathed.

I also suggest trying different starting characters, one might click
better. The pyromancer's starting weapon and shield is sub par -
but the fireball more than makes up for it. They're all good in their
own way - except the deprived, well it's good for a jack of all trades
eventually, but it starts out as skilless. Any of the 4 pure fighters
or 3 pure casters are good and they all play slightly differently.

> I will give it another go tonight for a bit. Just until I get killed
> 2 or 3 times. I do find it a little addicting, though! I just worry
> that I may not learn enough to help me when things get tougher and
> that the game is just going to get tougher as it progresses!

It was tougher in some areas, but really it's probably not as
bad as getting over that first hurdle of the first boss (with the
exception of the DLCs) especially if you explore different routes
and figure out what's easier for you and go that way, there's
more monsters/areas you should skip until later you'll run into
throughout the game.

>
> Thanks. I will study the rest of your post before trying the game
> again.
>
> I can only imagine how difficult Prepare To Die Edition is! I do have
> it installed. Just for laughs and cries, I should boot it up and see!

The first boss of DS1 is considerably easier, but the non-bosses seem
a quite a bit harder at least somewhat due to the tight confines.
Not including the giant crystal lizard which I leave until somewhere
around after the 2nd to 4th boss.

- Justisaur

I dunno Justisaur!

Killing some enemies, go back to the bonfire, press A, proceeed and
ever single one of them is back! So, it is certainly not anything
like a checksave!!!

I do not know what L-down is.

I order to have a fireball have any effect and be within range, I must
be right in front of something even though I locked on to the enemy.

The camera is one BIG PITB using a gamepad! It gets me in trouble all
of the time! I think I would much rather use the keyboard and mouse
like I almost always do for games. But I think there are some actions
not assigned to any of the commands that the gamepad has.

I brave the fog, and immediately get killed by the huge knight. I have
no time to move around him or avoid any of his thrusts. Fireballs do
not work, of course, since he is heavenly armored (my guess).

I found a good game faq at gamespot which I think I need to study and
go through a couple of walkthroughs before proceeding!

It is a little addicting and if it have quick saves and loads, or
maybe checkpoints I would really be into this game!

-pw

On Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 7:36:09 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> I dunno Justisaur!
>
> Killing some enemies, go back to the bonfire, press A, proceeed and
> ever single one of them is back! So, it is certainly not anything
> like a checksave!!!
>
> I do not know what L-down is.

I'm not sure what you mean, but if you mean look down, you do that by
using the right thumb stick to look around while not locked on.

> I order to have a fireball have any effect and be within range, I must
> be right in front of something even though I locked on to the enemy.
>
> The camera is one BIG PITB using a gamepad! It gets me in trouble all
> of the time! I think I would much rather use the keyboard and mouse
> like I almost always do for games. But I think there are some actions
> not assigned to any of the commands that the gamepad has.

Yeah, the mouse & kb defaults are garbage, it does work if you change
keybinds, but I think a gaming mouse is perhaps required to make the
most of it. I can go through and give you mine, but as I said mine aren't
great, but they're still worlds better than default.

He moves so fast and is so large I still have some trouble keeping a bead
on him and determining what's going on.
>
> I brave the fog, and immediately get killed by the huge knight. I have
> no time to move around him or avoid any of his thrusts. Fireballs do
> not work, of course, since he is heavenly armored (my guess).

Fireballs should work on him, especially for stage 2. Start rolling or
blocking as soon as you enter and try to straife right to try to get behind
If you're directly behind him you can attack once or twice with the light
attack after he attacks, then get ready to roll again.

> I found a good game faq at gamespot which I think I need to study and
> go through a couple of walkthroughs before procding!

Sure.

> It is a little addicting and if it have quick saves and loads, or
> maybe checkpoints I would really be into this game!

Just run past all of them zig zagging. It's like a quick save :)

- Justisaur

On Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:03:38 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
<justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 7:36:09 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
>> I dunno Justisaur!
>>
>> Killing some enemies, go back to the bonfire, press A, proceeed and
>> ever single one of them is back! So, it is certainly not anything
>> like a checksave!!!
>>
>> I do not know what L-down is.
>
>I'm not sure what you mean, but if you mean look down, you do that by
>using the right thumb stick to look around while not locked on.
>

I have seen L-down arrow a couple of times now. The hint is use it to
jump when running (or whatever). I have no idea how to "run" in the
first place.

If L means left stick, then how am I supposed to push down when it
also controls movement.

One place I saw it is after the first bonfire, on the left right
before a cliff. At the bottom is some sort of barrel with a figurine
on top with something glowing over it. I don't know how to get up
there.

>> I order to have a fireball have any effect and be within range, I must
>> be right in front of something even though I locked on to the enemy.
>>
>> The camera is one BIG PITB using a gamepad! It gets me in trouble all
>> of the time! I think I would much rather use the keyboard and mouse
>> like I almost always do for games. But I think there are some actions
>> not assigned to any of the commands that the gamepad has.
>
>Yeah, the mouse & kb defaults are garbage, it does work if you change
>keybinds, but I think a gaming mouse is perhaps required to make the
>most of it. I can go through and give you mine, but as I said mine aren't
>great, but they're still worlds better than default.
>
>He moves so fast and is so large I still have some trouble keeping a bead
>on him and determining what's going on.
>>
>> I brave the fog, and immediately get killed by the huge knight. I have
>> no time to move around him or avoid any of his thrusts. Fireballs do
>> not work, of course, since he is heavenly armored (my guess).
>
>Fireballs should work on him, especially for stage 2. Start rolling or
>blocking as soon as you enter and try to straife right to try to get behind
>If you're directly behind him you can attack once or twice with the light
>attack after he attacks, then get ready to roll again.

Okay - the big guy is fast and has a very long sword. I forget it's
name. Starts with an L.

Am I doing something wrong with the fireballs? I aim by pushing down
with the right stick and get the dot on a target, but when I release
the fireball it goes down to the ground right in front of me. I think
it does damage to my health.

>
>> I found a good game faq at gamespot which I think I need to study and
>> go through a couple of walkthroughs before procding!
>
>Sure.
>
>> It is a little addicting and if it have quick saves and loads, or
>> maybe checkpoints I would really be into this game!
>
>Just run past all of them zig zagging. It's like a quick save :)
>
>
>
>- Justisaur

Do I have to confront every creature? Do I need to defeat this knight?

Which J... are you in Steam? There are three listed (see my other
post for their names).

-pw

On Friday, January 14, 2022 at 3:25:00 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> On Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:03:38 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >On Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 7:36:09 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> >> I dunno Justisaur!
> >>
> >> Killing some enemies, go back to the bonfire, press A, proceeed and
> >> ever single one of them is back! So, it is certainly not anything
> >> like a checksave!!!
> >>
> >> I do not know what L-down is.
> >
> >I'm not sure what you mean, but if you mean look down, you do that by
> >using the right thumb stick to look around while not locked on.
> >
> I have seen L-down arrow a couple of times now. The hint is use it to
> jump when running (or whatever). I have no idea how to "run" in the
> first place.
>
> If L means left stick, then how am I supposed to push down when it
> also controls movement.

Ah yes, you have to push it down like a button. Run is by holding B while
moving, you also roll with B if you tap it while moving, or if standing still
backstep. jump is L-down while running, you can do it, but yeah, I find
it a bit awkward.

> One place I saw it is after the first bonfire, on the left right
> before a cliff. At the bottom is some sort of barrel with a figurine
> on top with something glowing over it. I don't know how to get up
> there.

You have to jump on to it. So l-stick toward the cliff holding down b, then
l-down at the edge.

> >Fireballs should work on him, especially for stage 2. Start rolling or
> >blocking as soon as you enter and try to straife right to try to get behind
> >If you're directly behind him you can attack once or twice with the light
> >attack after he attacks, then get ready to roll again.
> Okay - the big guy is fast and has a very long sword. I forget it's
> name. Starts with an L.

It's a glaive, basically a type of pole-axe - and yes it's got very long and
wide sweep.

> Am I doing something wrong with the fireballs? I aim by pushing down
> with the right stick and get the dot on a target, but when I release
> the fireball it goes down to the ground right in front of me. I think
> it does damage to my health.

Your own fireball won't hurt you (unless you hit explosive barrels with it at
close range) It should be arcing toward him, if you're at the edge of lock on
range it will fall just short of your target, or if you go out of lock on range
it'll go slightly above and to side of the shoulder of the arm you're throwing
it with. You can lock on to bosses at further range though. It might be
something is wrong with your game or the game's interpretation of your
controller if it's not doing that.

I started a new pyromancer to test it out. The fire ball does good damage
to him and I was able to take him out entirely with it, while mostly
keeping at range backpedaling to the right in a large circle and rolling the
same direction when it looked like he was going to attack. I did get hit once.
I thought I'd see if I could do it again without getting hit, no such luck and
in fact he killed me a bit more than 50% of the tries. It was a bit harder than
I remember as a pyromancer. And it's better to circle around behind him
in his second stage. I did have to use the ashen estus (blue mana potion)
to finish him off.

It's also easier to get him with a new character, as you can get 4-5 strikes
on him after pulling the sword out before he finishes waking up.

If you *really* want to progress past him there's a glitch that will make it
like shooting fish in a barrel. I didn't have any luck when I tried it, but it
only really works on a pyromancer or sorcerer, and I was playing a
deprived when I wanted to get past him. I'll let you know if you request.

> Do I have to confront every creature? Do I need to defeat this knight?

No, Yes. Iudex Gundyr (the knight) is the first boss, and you have to kill
him to continue on. You can literally run past almost everything,
except for 4 bosses that are required to finish the game, and there might
be one or two more that block access like he does.

- Justisaur

On Sat, 15 Jan 2022 15:02:18 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
<justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Friday, January 14, 2022 at 3:25:00 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
>> On Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:03:38 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
>> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> >On Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 7:36:09 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
>> >> I dunno Justisaur!
>> >>
>> >> Killing some enemies, go back to the bonfire, press A, proceeed and
>> >> ever single one of them is back! So, it is certainly not anything
>> >> like a checksave!!!
>> >>
>> >> I do not know what L-down is.
>> >
>> >I'm not sure what you mean, but if you mean look down, you do that by
>> >using the right thumb stick to look around while not locked on.
>> >
>> I have seen L-down arrow a couple of times now. The hint is use it to
>> jump when running (or whatever). I have no idea how to "run" in the
>> first place.
>>
>> If L means left stick, then how am I supposed to push down when it
>> also controls movement.
>
>Ah yes, you have to push it down like a button. Run is by holding B while
>moving, you also roll with B if you tap it while moving, or if standing still
>backstep. jump is L-down while running, you can do it, but yeah, I find
>it a bit awkward.
>
>> One place I saw it is after the first bonfire, on the left right
>> before a cliff. At the bottom is some sort of barrel with a figurine
>> on top with something glowing over it. I don't know how to get up
>> there.
>
>You have to jump on to it. So l-stick toward the cliff holding down b, then
>l-down at the edge.
>
>> >Fireballs should work on him, especially for stage 2. Start rolling or
>> >blocking as soon as you enter and try to straife right to try to get behind
>> >If you're directly behind him you can attack once or twice with the light
>> >attack after he attacks, then get ready to roll again.
>> Okay - the big guy is fast and has a very long sword. I forget it's
>> name. Starts with an L.
>
>It's a glaive, basically a type of pole-axe - and yes it's got very long and
>wide sweep.
>
>> Am I doing something wrong with the fireballs? I aim by pushing down
>> with the right stick and get the dot on a target, but when I release
>> the fireball it goes down to the ground right in front of me. I think
>> it does damage to my health.
>
>Your own fireball won't hurt you (unless you hit explosive barrels with it at
>close range) It should be arcing toward him, if you're at the edge of lock on
>range it will fall just short of your target, or if you go out of lock on range
>it'll go slightly above and to side of the shoulder of the arm you're throwing
>it with. You can lock on to bosses at further range though. It might be
>something is wrong with your game or the game's interpretation of your
>controller if it's not doing that.
>
>I started a new pyromancer to test it out. The fire ball does good damage
>to him and I was able to take him out entirely with it, while mostly
>keeping at range backpedaling to the right in a large circle and rolling the
>same direction when it looked like he was going to attack. I did get hit once.
>I thought I'd see if I could do it again without getting hit, no such luck and
>in fact he killed me a bit more than 50% of the tries. It was a bit harder than
>I remember as a pyromancer. And it's better to circle around behind him
>in his second stage. I did have to use the ashen estus (blue mana potion)
>to finish him off.
>
>It's also easier to get him with a new character, as you can get 4-5 strikes
>on him after pulling the sword out before he finishes waking up.
>
>If you *really* want to progress past him there's a glitch that will make it
>like shooting fish in a barrel. I didn't have any luck when I tried it, but it
>only really works on a pyromancer or sorcerer, and I was playing a
>deprived when I wanted to get past him. I'll let you know if you request.
>
>> Do I have to confront every creature? Do I need to defeat this knight?
>
>No, Yes. Iudex Gundyr (the knight) is the first boss, and you have to kill
>him to continue on. You can literally run past almost everything,
>except for 4 bosses that are required to finish the game, and there might
>be one or two more that block access like he does.
>
>- Justisaur

*---

It is mostly the camera that is going to make me quit this game. In
fact, I have had just about enough of it. I will try mouse and
keyboard.

When I go through the fog, I am immediately in 3rd person, seeing from
behind my character. I cannot see the knight. All I see is the back
of my head, the hair, and part of my cloak from the backside up.

If I wanted to lock onto him to throw a fireball, it is pointless
because I cannot see him!

No thanks!

That is enough for now. Maybe tomorrow I will try mouse and keyboard
if I have any time.

Thanks.

-pw

On Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 8:06:49 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> On Sat, 15 Jan 2022 15:02:18 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >On Friday, January 14, 2022 at 3:25:00 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> >> On Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:03:38 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
> >> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> >On Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 7:36:09 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> >> >> I dunno Justisaur!
> >> >>
> >> >> Killing some enemies, go back to the bonfire, press A, proceeed and
> >> >> ever single one of them is back! So, it is certainly not anything
> >> >> like a checksave!!!
> >> >>
> >> >> I do not know what L-down is.
> >> >
> >> >I'm not sure what you mean, but if you mean look down, you do that by
> >> >using the right thumb stick to look around while not locked on.
> >> >
> >> I have seen L-down arrow a couple of times now. The hint is use it to
> >> jump when running (or whatever). I have no idea how to "run" in the
> >> first place.
> >>
> >> If L means left stick, then how am I supposed to push down when it
> >> also controls movement.
> >
> >Ah yes, you have to push it down like a button. Run is by holding B while
> >moving, you also roll with B if you tap it while moving, or if standing still
> >backstep. jump is L-down while running, you can do it, but yeah, I find
> >it a bit awkward.
> >
> >> One place I saw it is after the first bonfire, on the left right
> >> before a cliff. At the bottom is some sort of barrel with a figurine
> >> on top with something glowing over it. I don't know how to get up
> >> there.
> >
> >You have to jump on to it. So l-stick toward the cliff holding down b, then
> >l-down at the edge.
> >
> >> >Fireballs should work on him, especially for stage 2. Start rolling or
> >> >blocking as soon as you enter and try to straife right to try to get behind
> >> >If you're directly behind him you can attack once or twice with the light
> >> >attack after he attacks, then get ready to roll again.
> >> Okay - the big guy is fast and has a very long sword. I forget it's
> >> name. Starts with an L.
> >
> >It's a glaive, basically a type of pole-axe - and yes it's got very long and
> >wide sweep.
> >
> >> Am I doing something wrong with the fireballs? I aim by pushing down
> >> with the right stick and get the dot on a target, but when I release
> >> the fireball it goes down to the ground right in front of me. I think
> >> it does damage to my health.
> >
> >Your own fireball won't hurt you (unless you hit explosive barrels with it at
> >close range) It should be arcing toward him, if you're at the edge of lock on
> >range it will fall just short of your target, or if you go out of lock on range
> >it'll go slightly above and to side of the shoulder of the arm you're throwing
> >it with. You can lock on to bosses at further range though. It might be
> >something is wrong with your game or the game's interpretation of your
> >controller if it's not doing that.
> >
> >I started a new pyromancer to test it out. The fire ball does good damage
> >to him and I was able to take him out entirely with it, while mostly
> >keeping at range backpedaling to the right in a large circle and rolling the
> >same direction when it looked like he was going to attack. I did get hit once.
> >I thought I'd see if I could do it again without getting hit, no such luck and
> >in fact he killed me a bit more than 50% of the tries. It was a bit harder than
> >I remember as a pyromancer. And it's better to circle around behind him
> >in his second stage. I did have to use the ashen estus (blue mana potion)
> >to finish him off.
> >
> >It's also easier to get him with a new character, as you can get 4-5 strikes
> >on him after pulling the sword out before he finishes waking up.
> >
> >If you *really* want to progress past him there's a glitch that will make it
> >like shooting fish in a barrel. I didn't have any luck when I tried it, but it
> >only really works on a pyromancer or sorcerer, and I was playing a
> >deprived when I wanted to get past him. I'll let you know if you request.
> >
> >> Do I have to confront every creature? Do I need to defeat this knight?
> >
> >No, Yes. Iudex Gundyr (the knight) is the first boss, and you have to kill
> >him to continue on. You can literally run past almost everything,
> >except for 4 bosses that are required to finish the game, and there might
> >be one or two more that block access like he does.
> >
> >- Justisaur
> *---
>
> It is mostly the camera that is going to make me quit this game. In
> fact, I have had just about enough of it. I will try mouse and
> keyboard.
>
> When I go through the fog, I am immediately in 3rd person, seeing from
> behind my character. I cannot see the knight. All I see is the back
> of my head, the hair, and part of my cloak from the backside up.
>

You should go into the arena a little ways both so you can see better and
to give you room to roll/run away from him for breathing room to cast
fireball. You don't want to let him trap you in the entry too.

- Justisaur

>> It is mostly the camera that is going to make me quit this game. In
>> fact, I have had just about enough of it. I will try mouse and
>> keyboard.
>>
>> When I go through the fog, I am immediately in 3rd person, seeing from
>> behind my character. I cannot see the knight. All I see is the back
>> of my head, the hair, and part of my cloak from the backside up.
>>
>
>You should go into the arena a little ways both so you can see better and
>to give you room to roll/run away from him for breathing room to cast
>fireball. You don't want to let him trap you in the entry too.
>
>- Justisaur

*---

Okay, Will do. Hopefully I will have some time tonight. I gotta
practice rolling and running. I now figured out how to aim and shoot
fireballs so they go some distance.

It is fun. But I haven't gotten any where!

I like the enviroment and graphics. I just wish it had quicksaves
and maybe (cough, cough!) checkpoints! :-)

Thanks.

-pw

On Sunday, January 16, 2022 at 12:01:55 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> >> It is mostly the camera that is going to make me quit this game. In
> >> fact, I have had just about enough of it. I will try mouse and
> >> keyboard.
> >>
> >> When I go through the fog, I am immediately in 3rd person, seeing from
> >> behind my character. I cannot see the knight. All I see is the back
> >> of my head, the hair, and part of my cloak from the backside up.
> >>
> >
> >You should go into the arena a little ways both so you can see better and
> >to give you room to roll/run away from him for breathing room to cast
> >fireball. You don't want to let him trap you in the entry too.
> >
> >- Justisaur
> *---
>
> Okay, Will do. Hopefully I will have some time tonight. I gotta
> practice rolling and running. I now figured out how to aim and shoot
> fireballs so they go some distance.
>
> It is fun. But I haven't gotten any where!
>
> I like the enviroment and graphics. I just wish it had quicksaves
> and maybe (cough, cough!) checkpoints! :-)

That's just part of the challenge, and it kind of makes sense
for the world. If you want to pause just quit to menu, it'll leave
you approximately where you left. Also not a bad idea to make
backup saves.

I made a video of me going through the first area and killing Gundyr.
7 minutes and 25 seconds, I could've cut some out, but I've never
made a game video before, or uploaded one, or edited one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMdWqXlHq4o

I made a couple mistakes:
-Hidden blessing isn't the best choice for the gift, life ring is probably
best for early. It's still good if you get in a bind and need more fp (mana.)
-I should've beat on him from behind with my axe after pulling the sword.
-I was showing off a bit by free-aiming the fireball against the mobs. I
realized after that you can tell where it's going to go by where you start
the fireball initially, and that you can get some pretty good range free
aiming though by pointing a bit up. Obviously free-aiming is much
easier with the mouse as I'm using.

I beat the giant crystal lizard immediately after, but didn't take video.
I still suggest waiting until later, especially as a caster, as they're highly
resistant to everything but physical damage.
I'm tempted to keep trying both until I can take no hits for the entire area.
I really wish I had more save slots :(

- Justisaur

On Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:50:32 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
<justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Sunday, January 16, 2022 at 12:01:55 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
>> >> It is mostly the camera that is going to make me quit this game. In
>> >> fact, I have had just about enough of it. I will try mouse and
>> >> keyboard.
>> >>
>> >> When I go through the fog, I am immediately in 3rd person, seeing from
>> >> behind my character. I cannot see the knight. All I see is the back
>> >> of my head, the hair, and part of my cloak from the backside up.
>> >>
>> >
>> >You should go into the arena a little ways both so you can see better and
>> >to give you room to roll/run away from him for breathing room to cast
>> >fireball. You don't want to let him trap you in the entry too.
>> >
>> >- Justisaur
>> *---
>>
>> Okay, Will do. Hopefully I will have some time tonight. I gotta
>> practice rolling and running. I now figured out how to aim and shoot
>> fireballs so they go some distance.
>>
>> It is fun. But I haven't gotten any where!
>>
>> I like the enviroment and graphics. I just wish it had quicksaves
>> and maybe (cough, cough!) checkpoints! :-)
>
>That's just part of the challenge, and it kind of makes sense
>for the world. If you want to pause just quit to menu, it'll leave
>you approximately where you left. Also not a bad idea to make
>backup saves.
>
>I made a video of me going through the first area and killing Gundyr.
>7 minutes and 25 seconds, I could've cut some out, but I've never
>made a game video before, or uploaded one, or edited one.
>
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMdWqXlHq4o
>
>I made a couple mistakes:
>-Hidden blessing isn't the best choice for the gift, life ring is probably
>best for early. It's still good if you get in a bind and need more fp (mana.)
>-I should've beat on him from behind with my axe after pulling the sword.
>-I was showing off a bit by free-aiming the fireball against the mobs. I
>realized after that you can tell where it's going to go by where you start
>the fireball initially, and that you can get some pretty good range free
>aiming though by pointing a bit up. Obviously free-aiming is much
>easier with the mouse as I'm using.
>
>I beat the giant crystal lizard immediately after, but didn't take video.
>I still suggest waiting until later, especially as a caster, as they're highly
>resistant to everything but physical damage.
>I'm tempted to keep trying both until I can take no hits for the entire area.
>I really wish I had more save slots :(
>
>- Justisaur

*---

That's a lot of fireballs! I thought they were very limited.

You didn't have to go through any fog, the gate was open.

When I go through it, Gundyr is right after me. Now sword to remove.
but wait. I think I might have done that way back when.

And I saw the ice lizard up one of those "creeks" that you went up.

-pw

On Monday, January 17, 2022 at 9:14:05 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> On Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:50:32 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >On Sunday, January 16, 2022 at 12:01:55 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> >> >> It is mostly the camera that is going to make me quit this game. In
> >> >> fact, I have had just about enough of it. I will try mouse and
> >> >> keyboard.
> >> >>
> >> >> When I go through the fog, I am immediately in 3rd person, seeing from
> >> >> behind my character. I cannot see the knight. All I see is the back
> >> >> of my head, the hair, and part of my cloak from the backside up.
> >> >>
> >> >
> >> >You should go into the arena a little ways both so you can see better and
> >> >to give you room to roll/run away from him for breathing room to cast
> >> >fireball. You don't want to let him trap you in the entry too.
> >> >
> >> >- Justisaur
> >> *---
> >>
> >> Okay, Will do. Hopefully I will have some time tonight. I gotta
> >> practice rolling and running. I now figured out how to aim and shoot
> >> fireballs so they go some distance.
> >>
> >> It is fun. But I haven't gotten any where!
> >>
> >> I like the enviroment and graphics. I just wish it had quicksaves
> >> and maybe (cough, cough!) checkpoints! :-)
> >
> >That's just part of the challenge, and it kind of makes sense
> >for the world. If you want to pause just quit to menu, it'll leave
> >you approximately where you left. Also not a bad idea to make
> >backup saves.
> >
> >I made a video of me going through the first area and killing Gundyr.
> >7 minutes and 25 seconds, I could've cut some out, but I've never
> >made a game video before, or uploaded one, or edited one.
> >
> >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMdWqXlHq4o

> That's a lot of fireballs! I thought they were very limited.

Well I stop and rest to regain my mana & potions 2x before
going on to Gundyr, but you certainly have enough to kill him if
going straight to him from the bonfire. I played the the pyromancer
a bit after that again, and if you fireball that much in the 3rd area
(2 areas after Gundyr) you'll run out rather quickly as there's
tougher enemies that take several fireballs to kill, and a lot more
mobs between bonfires/bosses.

I actually found a heavy armor strength character starting as warrior
much easier over the next several areas/bosses, and I really only
had much trouble toward end game where the pyro becomes really
good.

> You didn't have to go through any fog, the gate was open.
>
> When I go through it, Gundyr is right after me. Now sword to remove.
> but wait. I think I might have done that way back when.

Yeah, the fog wall doesn't appear until he's fully awoken after pulling
the sword. You have an opportunity to beat on him until he's fully awake.

Unfortunately he's easier on a character that hasn't died to him. So if you
don't mind making a new character and just running through all the mobs
you actually have an easier time.
> And I saw the ice lizard up one of those "creeks" that you went up.

That's the giant crystal lizard, it's pretty tough, and I usually leave it until
after the 2nd or 3rd boss.

- Justisaur

On Tue, 18 Jan 2022 07:23:49 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
<justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Monday, January 17, 2022 at 9:14:05 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
>> On Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:50:32 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
>> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> >On Sunday, January 16, 2022 at 12:01:55 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
>> >> >> It is mostly the camera that is going to make me quit this game. In
>> >> >> fact, I have had just about enough of it. I will try mouse and
>> >> >> keyboard.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> When I go through the fog, I am immediately in 3rd person, seeing from
>> >> >> behind my character. I cannot see the knight. All I see is the back
>> >> >> of my head, the hair, and part of my cloak from the backside up.
>> >> >>
>> >> >
>> >> >You should go into the arena a little ways both so you can see better and
>> >> >to give you room to roll/run away from him for breathing room to cast
>> >> >fireball. You don't want to let him trap you in the entry too.
>> >> >
>> >> >- Justisaur
>> >> *---
>> >>
>> >> Okay, Will do. Hopefully I will have some time tonight. I gotta
>> >> practice rolling and running. I now figured out how to aim and shoot
>> >> fireballs so they go some distance.
>> >>
>> >> It is fun. But I haven't gotten any where!
>> >>
>> >> I like the enviroment and graphics. I just wish it had quicksaves
>> >> and maybe (cough, cough!) checkpoints! :-)
>> >
>> >That's just part of the challenge, and it kind of makes sense
>> >for the world. If you want to pause just quit to menu, it'll leave
>> >you approximately where you left. Also not a bad idea to make
>> >backup saves.
>> >
>> >I made a video of me going through the first area and killing Gundyr.
>> >7 minutes and 25 seconds, I could've cut some out, but I've never
>> >made a game video before, or uploaded one, or edited one.
>> >
>> >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMdWqXlHq4o
>
>> That's a lot of fireballs! I thought they were very limited.
>
>Well I stop and rest to regain my mana & potions 2x before
>going on to Gundyr, but you certainly have enough to kill him if
>going straight to him from the bonfire. I played the the pyromancer
>a bit after that again, and if you fireball that much in the 3rd area
>(2 areas after Gundyr) you'll run out rather quickly as there's
>tougher enemies that take several fireballs to kill, and a lot more
>mobs between bonfires/bosses.
>
>I actually found a heavy armor strength character starting as warrior
>much easier over the next several areas/bosses, and I really only
>had much trouble toward end game where the pyro becomes really
>good.
>
>> You didn't have to go through any fog, the gate was open.
>>
>> When I go through it, Gundyr is right after me. Now sword to remove.
>> but wait. I think I might have done that way back when.
>
>Yeah, the fog wall doesn't appear until he's fully awoken after pulling
>the sword. You have an opportunity to beat on him until he's fully awake.
>
>Unfortunately he's easier on a character that hasn't died to him. So if you
>don't mind making a new character and just running through all the mobs
>you actually have an easier time.
>
>> And I saw the ice lizard up one of those "creeks" that you went up.
>
>That's the giant crystal lizard, it's pretty tough, and I usually leave it until
>after the 2nd or 3rd boss.
>
>- Justisaur

*---

So I can go back in time, or just back track?

I think maybe I will try a different class character, maybe a fighter
(currentyly a Pyromancer) but will I lose anything that I earned or
gained?

Heck, what am I talking about? I am basically starting from the
beginning of the game!!

Thanks

On Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 10:35:33 AM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> On Tue, 18 Jan 2022 07:23:49 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >On Monday, January 17, 2022 at 9:14:05 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> >> On Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:50:32 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
> >> <just...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> >On Sunday, January 16, 2022 at 12:01:55 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> >> >> >> It is mostly the camera that is going to make me quit this game. In
> >> >> >> fact, I have had just about enough of it. I will try mouse and
> >> >> >> keyboard.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> When I go through the fog, I am immediately in 3rd person, seeing from
> >> >> >> behind my character. I cannot see the knight. All I see is the back
> >> >> >> of my head, the hair, and part of my cloak from the backside up.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >
> >> >> >You should go into the arena a little ways both so you can see better and
> >> >> >to give you room to roll/run away from him for breathing room to cast
> >> >> >fireball. You don't want to let him trap you in the entry too.
> >> >> >
> >> >> >- Justisaur
> >> >> *---
> >> >>
> >> >> Okay, Will do. Hopefully I will have some time tonight. I gotta
> >> >> practice rolling and running. I now figured out how to aim and shoot
> >> >> fireballs so they go some distance.
> >> >>
> >> >> It is fun. But I haven't gotten any where!
> >> >>
> >> >> I like the enviroment and graphics. I just wish it had quicksaves
> >> >> and maybe (cough, cough!) checkpoints! :-)
> >> >
> >> >That's just part of the challenge, and it kind of makes sense
> >> >for the world. If you want to pause just quit to menu, it'll leave
> >> >you approximately where you left. Also not a bad idea to make
> >> >backup saves.
> >> >
> >> >I made a video of me going through the first area and killing Gundyr.
> >> >7 minutes and 25 seconds, I could've cut some out, but I've never
> >> >made a game video before, or uploaded one, or edited one.
> >> >
> >> >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMdWqXlHq4o
> >
> >> That's a lot of fireballs! I thought they were very limited.
> >
> >Well I stop and rest to regain my mana & potions 2x before
> >going on to Gundyr, but you certainly have enough to kill him if
> >going straight to him from the bonfire. I played the the pyromancer
> >a bit after that again, and if you fireball that much in the 3rd area
> >(2 areas after Gundyr) you'll run out rather quickly as there's
> >tougher enemies that take several fireballs to kill, and a lot more
> >mobs between bonfires/bosses.
> >
> >I actually found a heavy armor strength character starting as warrior
> >much easier over the next several areas/bosses, and I really only
> >had much trouble toward end game where the pyro becomes really
> >good.
> >
> >> You didn't have to go through any fog, the gate was open.
> >>
> >> When I go through it, Gundyr is right after me. Now sword to remove.
> >> but wait. I think I might have done that way back when.
> >
> >Yeah, the fog wall doesn't appear until he's fully awoken after pulling
> >the sword. You have an opportunity to beat on him until he's fully awake.
> >
> >Unfortunately he's easier on a character that hasn't died to him. So if you
> >don't mind making a new character and just running through all the mobs
> >you actually have an easier time.
> >
> >> And I saw the ice lizard up one of those "creeks" that you went up.
> >
> >That's the giant crystal lizard, it's pretty tough, and I usually leave it until
> >after the 2nd or 3rd boss.
> >
> >- Justisaur
> *---
>
> So I can go back in time, or just back track?
>
> I think maybe I will try a different class character, maybe a fighter
> (currentyly a Pyromancer) but will I lose anything that I earned or
> gained?
>
> Heck, what am I talking about? I am basically starting from the
> beginning of the game!!

You won't have much to lose if you haven't beaten Gundyr. The
souls from the mobs in the area are a pittance.

If you got lucky and got a chime to drop from one that would be
useful on your pyro, but not on pretty much any of the other starting
characters besides deprived.

Definitely try it out. A lot of the fun of the game to me is having
so many different characters and builds and weapons that play quite
differently but aren't super complicated, nor boringly simple.

- Justisaur

Hi,

I started from the beginning and switched to a warrior (?), had to sit
through the lenghty introduction again after starting a new game.

Didn't do much better. I missed the range weapons.

Before I started over, I loaded a game and was without fireballs. I
had two types of arrows instead. Got me.

So I started the game, and instead of selecting Continue I selected my
level 8 character and am now back with my Pyromancer with fireballs.

I still can't get the jumping down after watching a couple of videos.
Can't make it to the top of the casket from the ledge. And still do
not last more than a couple of sections with that Knight.

The camera is driving me crazy. It doesn't help at all pushing down
the right stick to center the camera.

I have printed out all everything you have written Justisaur, and
studied it, highlighted everything and written notes. And watched
your video.

I think I must also read and study some walkthroughs and a help guide
that I found: A gamefaq at GameSpot 168567

I am going to take a break and play God of War for a while, and Mass
Effect Legendary to toake a break from DS3.

Thanks again,

-pw

I quit Justisaur!

Without proper camera control with Iudex Undyr I do not possibly stand
a chance.

Time to move on. Thanks for all of your help!!

-pw

On Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 7:56:00 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
> I quit Justisaur!
>
> Without proper camera control with Iudex Undyr I do not possibly stand
> a chance.
>
> Time to move on. Thanks for all of your help!!
>
> -pw

Sorry it's not for you. I think it requires a lot of pigheaded perseverance
to get into it that just isn't a lot of people. And I do quite agree the
camera is possibly the worst thing about the game.

There's always DS1 :D I don't remember the camera being quite the
issue in it, the combat is a little slower so the camera is a bit more
stable.

- Justisaur

On Thu, 20 Jan 2022 06:58:18 -0800 (PST), Justisaur
<justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 7:56:00 PM UTC-8, PW wrote:
>> I quit Justisaur!
>>
>> Without proper camera control with Iudex Undyr I do not possibly stand
>> a chance.
>>
>> Time to move on. Thanks for all of your help!!
>>
>> -pw
>
>Sorry it's not for you. I think it requires a lot of pigheaded perseverance
>to get into it that just isn't a lot of people. And I do quite agree the
>camera is possibly the worst thing about the game.
>
>There's always DS1 :D I don't remember the camera being quite the
>issue in it, the combat is a little slower so the camera is a bit more
>stable.
>
>- Justisaur

*--

It is just that most of the time I cannot see what I am fighting,
especially Iudex Undyr. I never see him because my back is always to
him from jumping around like you did and all it takes is 2 or 3 chops
and I am done on full health. And I seem to have brush in my way a
lot. It is all I can see.

I guess I could try KB and mouse.

Steam says I did play it for 4.5 hours (but I know Steam counts
differently than most people).

DS:PTD edition graphics look a little like the original Doom's :-)
When did it come out? I have it maxed out. But I got immediately
killed about 2 mintues into the game.

Thanks again,

-pw