I normally don't come out and recommend games but I felt compelled to because this game is so good and nobody is talking about it. This game has recieved unanimously excellent reviews unfortunately it's been burried in the fall arrival of big name games which is really unfortunate as of right now it's my GOTY by a large margin.
If you are a fan of RPG's you owe it to yourself to check it out as it's the most rewarding game I've played in years. IT MUST BE NOTED HOWEVER THIS GAME IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT GAMES OF THE LAST TWO GENERATIONS OF CONSOLES SO IF YOU AREN'T UP FOR A CHALLENGE AND CAN'T ACCEPT THAT YOU WILL DIE LOTS & BE FORCED TO REPEAT LEVELS OVER & OVER DON'T EVEN BOTHER WITH THIS GAME. In fact the first level is probably the hardest level in the game in that it forces you to realize that you need to take caution at all times as death is always just around a corner and that every battle requires attention because even weak opponents will take you down if you are sloppy. The game actually gets easier as you progress once you get in the zone and the boss battles are varied and epic. The fact that this game makes you work so hard to complete levels makes it so rewarding compared to many new games which you can finish without ever feeling challenged. Everything about this game is great in fact the only real weakpoint is that the story which really isn't very involving for an RPG.
Another really cool innovation is that you play online with everyone but not in the conventional way. Players can leave messages and hints while going through their game and they will show up for everyone else. For instance you get to a point in a level where out of nowhere an extremely tough opponent ambushes you you can leave a message to warn others before they walk into an untimely death. As well when someone dies their puddle of blood remains so you can activate it and watch their last moments before death in a ghost like replay which may aid you on battling an upcoming foe. It's really, really cool.
A few tips to anyone that thinks they are up to the challenge. Do not consume the Souls of boss Demons as you use them later in the game for unique weapons and souls. I highly recommend an online guide to aid you such as IGN, Gamespot, or wikki, etc as there are many spells and weapons that you would miss out on without the aid of a guide as the game doesn't just drop everything in your lap. The game is much easier if you focus on magic skills as you can defeat opponents from a distance compared to hack and slashers which must get close to opponents and bosses that can kill you in a couple of strikes. When you first start the game you will die many, many times and have to repeat the entire first level over and over, don't get discouraged as the game actually gets easier as you level up. I almost quit out of frustration in the first level but I'm so glad I didn't as I've come to the realization that while the game feels initially cheap in how easy you die it's not. It's very fair once you adjust to the fact that as in real life you remain cautious at all times and prepare for every battle rather than running into rooms and hacking and slashing your way out. That leads to continuous tension which adds to the experience.
If you're a hardcore gamer and enjoy RPG's you owe it to yourself to check this one out. Check out the IGN & Gamespot reviews if you are interested for more perspectives.