In preparation for the upcoming Artorias of the Abyss DLC (which releases on the 25th), From Software and Namco Bandai havr released a new patch for Dark Souls today. To those who spent countless hours in Lodran, the update removes a number of  imbalances. Here are a few key fixes:

Dark Wood Grain Ring: This item formally allowed any character with a 50% equip limit to execute a faster, more evasive dodge-roll.  The necessary equip burden has been lowered to 25%, meaning it should be just about impossible to wear a full suit of armor while ninja-flipping.  Up until now this strategy has been EXTREMELY prevalent, making PvP an uncreative mess.

Glitch Removal: Those who enjoyed the Bottomless Box glitch or the Dragonhead glitch will no longer be able to take advantage of these exploits.  Here’s hoping you made the most of it while you could!  Although, you could always delete the patches and play offline…

Warping: Several additional bonfires have been added as warp locations, meaning traversing the world should be easier and less dangerous (boo!).

Backstabs: The dreaded backstab, a means of punishing your opponent most severely, is now more difficult to execute as the hitbox has been diminished.  In addition to that, there is a longer invulnerability window in the rising animation, meaning players can no longer chain backstabs — an especially unfair means of PvPing.

I have to give a shout-out to From Software and Namco Bandai for continuing to make their fans happy by listening to them.  When researching this patch I found that it was an entirely community-driven affair.  A few forum members took requests for game tweaks, voted extensively to settle upon the ones with the highest priority, and finally presented them to the community manager at Namco Bandai.  Wow, just wow!  If all game companies and communities were this organized, passionate, and aware I think the industry would have a MUCH better reputation.

With the new DLC being released this week, I only wish my copy of Dark Souls wasn’t cloistered for eternity in my deceased fat PS3.  To those still able to play the game, look forward to entering a fresher, much more balanced Lodran.