Are you looking for a challenge to ring in the new year? The PlayStation Network has got you covered. The hard-as-nails action RPG, Demon's Souls, will be available for download on January 8 for $19.99. This is the "spiritual predecessor" of 2011's equally punishing Dark Souls.
Many of Dark Souls' game features, including the combat system, co-op mechanics, invasions, and soul-crushing boss battles, are all available in Demon's Souls. If you own a PS3 and you've somehow missed out on this bad boy, I highly recommend picking it up. Maybe now the publisher, Atlus, will stop threatening to shut down the servers every six months or so. Check out this trailer for one of the best games of 2009. It still looks great.
Damn. Whenever someone asks me which game I prefer, Demon's Souls or Dark Souls, I find myself saying, "Whichever one I played last." I may have to revisit Boletaria. For more information on Demon's Souls' non-traditional co-op mode be sure to check out our Co-Op Review.