Dark Souls III: Ashes of Ariandel Review (Reshi)
When the final boss of this DLC is so much more challenging, frustrating, ridiculous - and yet fun and epic - than the already challenging, fun and epic final boss of the base game, you know there's something special going on here.
Ashes of Ariandel is some of my favourite content of the game. Because while somewhat short in its areas, and packing only two bosses, its main boss is so amazing that it truly ignites the passions. I may have had more awe in mastering the final boss of the base game - and shaked and became emotional after beating the Ringed City's most unexpected and intensely sad final boss - but this DLC's boss is one for the ages, and will always stand as a measure of true, fun difficulty for every other FromSoft final boss.
The tragedy and sadness that runs throughout this DLC's story struck me more too than most of the game, and despite its beautiful frozen landscapes there's a real sense of loss running through here that's sometimes too obscured in the chaos of both the base game and the Ringed Cities' vistas. Though these areas may not take long to conquer, there's a challenge and weight to them that feels like they surpass some of the more frustrating later areas of the base game, while leading you to a desperate clash at its end.
Absolutely required to experience, and perhaps best saved for last.