I just ordered Demon's Souls off Amazon so I will have it shortly. I heard a lot of good things about the online for this game but I'm also concerned that you can be invaded by another player and killed at any time. I like the idea of blood stains and messages from players and feeling more connected, but when your having a tough time with a level already I don't really like the idea of some player invading and killing you so you lose your progress. I don't know exactly how this system works cause I never played it so can anyone who has played it clarify this for me and let me know how much it can effect you, and would you recommend playing offline or online. Thanks.

Think of the invading phantom as an enemy. It's not as bad as people make it out to be. Also if you're that afraid of it you could always just not connect your PS3 to the internet.

Early in the game, it's hardly likely someone would invade you. One reason being that only someone with similar stats as you can invade (and since they just started too, might just be playing the game as opposed to invading people most likely). The other reason is that no one can invade you in soul form. You get to soul form when you die (which you will) and the only way to get back to human form is to either kill a boss, invade someone or use a somewhat rare item. So it's more likely you'll be playing most of the game in soul form ;) Also, you cannot be invaded in an area in which you defeated the boss.

Lastly, you won't be able to see bloodstains and messages if you play offline, so that'll be up to you. Then there's world tendency...but i'll leave all that up to you.

Alright, I'll give it a try and if it becomes an issue I'll take it from there. Thanks for the replies.

Just play the game in soul form, it's the most advantagous form to play. If you die your world tendencey is not affected, easier to sneak on enemies, and you can't be invaded.Kill yourself in the Nexous afer you complete a boss fight and want to go to the next level.

When you are going to play in human form, it better be becasue you are trying to summon help (blue phantoms) or a freind, or trying to PVP.

When you start the game you might think being killed by a player is such a loss but it isnt, each level takes about 7 minutes to clear when you know the game but at first will take you about an hour in each level. Dying is learning in this game, you want to die.

What are the advantages/disadvantages in Soul Form vs Human Form?

soul form you have half life, can't be invaded, and do bonus damage. (there is a ring early on that minimizes the life nerf btw)

body form you have full life, can be invaded, no bonus damage.

...as most thing in the game can 1-2 shot you with or without full life you really are at a bigger advantage to say in soul form for the damage boost.

the only time i didn't say in soul form was during co-op which requires 1 person (body form) to summon 1 or 2 phantoms (soul form).

Be invaded is a pain in the ass IMO, but is really funny when your playing with a friend and get invaded you can tell the invader is like OH F**K when you and a friend are running for him

beat your first playthrough and then play with a friend. Some of the best times xD

hahaha this!