Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced that Dark Souls™ has been approved for production for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, releasing in North America on October 4 2011, and Europe on October 7.

Stricken by the curse of undead, gamers are abolished to the northern realms and must battle hideous demons and unimaginable monsters to collect souls and find the Eternal Flame of Life, which is losing its light, to survive and cure the curse of undead.

With tense dungeon crawling and fearsome enemy encounters, the seamlessly intertwined world of Dark Souls is full of extreme battles, rewarding challenges, nuanced weaponry and magic, and the flexibility to customize each character to suit any desired play style. The innovative online component allows gamers to draw from the collective experience of the Dark Souls community as they either help or sabotage each other on the journey through the Northern Realms to save the land from darkness. With a massive, seamless open world design, Dark Souls encourages deep exploration and an adaptable gameplay experience.

Gamers can pre-order the Dark Souls Collector’s Edition for $59.99, the same price as the standard edition, which will include a limited edition art book containing premium illustrations of characters and environments from the game. The package will also include a mini-strategy guide, original game soundtrack and behind-the-scenes videos provided for digital download via a uniquely redeemable online code printed on a specially marked card inside each Collector Edition box. All of this will come packaged with the standard edition game in a custom-designed metal case.