I always love seeing game developers find clever ways troll the hell out of their userbase. Now, we can add From Software to the list of sneaky bastards with their implementation of a unique method of countering those that got Dark Souls early.

See, the game itself isn’t supposed to be available in Japan until September 22 (October 4 in NA, October 7 in Europe). That hasn’t stopped some retailers sneaking out some early copies to eager (and possibly masochistic) gamers. Much like its predecessor, the game allows players to invade the worlds of other people, in order to cause havoc and mischief. Obviously this early release can allow people to get an unfair head start on the competition.

Enter From Software, who decided to reveal their truly sadistic side.

In what I can only imagine is a counter measure to keep players from getting too far ahead of the rest of the class, the developers created their own character to invade other worlds with. This monstrosity is currently roaming the game slaughtering anyone caught playing it earlier than intended. Their custom made character is maxed out at level 145, has 1900 HP, and has all stats maxed out at 99. Simply put, if you encounter this guy, you’re most certainly f*cked.

A rather hilarious method of keeping the masses in check, if I do say so myself. If you do happen to get a copy of Dark Souls early through whatever means, it might be a good idea to keep the disc inside its case until the official date comes around, lest you end up saying hello to From’s little friend.

[via Esuteru, translated by Edge]