Publisher Atlus offers some mostly spoiler-free tips for new Demon's Souls players. They lead with a warning that this isn't going to be easy.

For months leading up to its release, we've emphasized the game's difficulty level, striving in every instance not to misrepresent the game and to ensure that curious gamers are not caught off guard by the challenges that await them. That said, we don't want anyone to steer clear of the game because of what they've heard.

To that purpose, they recommend a particular starting class; they give you a few words of advice about stamina and shields; they suggest where you should go after the first level; and they explain that, yes, you are supposed to die at the end of the tutorial.

Demon's Souls will be available for the Playstation 3 starting today.