First Dark Souls II details from EDGE

The first Dark Souls II details and scans have emerged from EDGE.

[NYC_Gamer]

Why did Namco kick Miyazaki off the project?

[Conan-O-Brady]

I would assume he was removed or asked to step aside because his vision for the game was conflicting with Namco's wishes for a more accessible experience for the player. This doesn't look good for true souls fans.

I got a feeling the souls series is about to be re-in visioned for the sake of sales. Maybe we'll see some Kinect and Move support along with a Wii U edition.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

"conflicting with Namco's wishes for a more accessible experience for the player"

that is what console gaming is about. Accessible setup & now accessible gaming. That crowd is obsessed with accessibility. Now it's biting them in the ass.

[meatnormous]

Look at what they did to Ace Combat.

[JoySticksFTW]

The following two statements from the articles makes it seem as if he's been forced out and is very troubling to me.

-The information about the directors for the game is worrying. Information is unclear whether or not Miyazaki willingly stepped down from the director’s chair. Namco calls is a “company decision” and has this disturbing anecdote to share:

“For the IP to evolve and provide a new experience within the Dark Souls world the new wind from directors Shibuya and Tanimura is key to providing players with a brand new Dark Souls experience. In order to maintain expectations and satisfaction and the rewards players experience this was the time to bring in new characteristics and tastes of the directors for the series to continue evolving.”

and this...

-Miyazaki is disappointed he doesn't have a greater role in Dark Souls II

I'm guessing Miyazaki wanted to stay true to the core Demon's / Dark Souls experience and was probably against adding an easy difficulty setting, but Namco pushed him aside to get those potential customers who did not / will not by the games due to the supposed difficulty.

But at least the PVP servers seem to be making a comeback.

[Morpheuzpr]

This Gentlemen is what COD has made of my favorite hobby (Videogames).

[GraveLord]

More accessible is always a good thing. Although I already beat the game last year, I tried to go back to it again and I just couldn't.

"- Edge says they were shown a 10 minute playthrough of Dark Souls 2, and it is a huge step forward graphically. It looks on par with Watch Dogs and Star Wars 1313 in terms of “next-gen”-ness, or so they claim."

LOL!

[Irishguy95]

Hope this game is an improvement, even though I can hardly see how they could improve it for me. I suppose I get used to games extremely quickly so I don't need a...tutorial of this margin,. it seems there is just gonna be a bigger tutorial for this one, which will explain more stuff.

I just hope they don't make the game forgiving.

[Mounce]

Well as it said, From Software AND Namco together seemed to vote it off that it'd be for the better. Unsure if it was some democratic vote but, the only thing if factual of it is him saying(If true) that he's disappointed that he doesn't have a higher role in the game is a bit upsetting to hear. The man should have his own decisions of what to do without 'Higher ups' thinking about Profit and not giving a rats ass about a mans passion outside of their own greed and desire to milk a new series out so in their mind it doesn't get 'Repetitive and then unwanted and then makes no sales' sort of view.

[X-Alchemist]

I am now officially worried.

[Montythegent]

I found some leaks regarding Dark soul 2 gameplay.

[Hellsvacancy]

"Miyazaki is working full time on directing a new game. He will not disclose if it is a new IP or a sequel to something else"

As I thought he would, hence why hes not really involved with DS2, maybe he didnt agree with the direction DS2 was going, I dont know who decides what direction something has to go, the ones funding it probably

Count me in on whatever hes doing, I SOOOOO hope its Demon's Souls 2

[Kos-Mos]

"Soul of the mind, key to life's ether.
Soul of the lost, withdrawn from it's vessel.
Let strength be granted, so the world might be mended.
So the world might be mended."

Need I say more that this is the greatest game of this generation.

[Conan-O-Brady]

Umbasa....

[Reverent]

I don't believe in Umbasa anymore... If he really existed, he wouldn't let Dark Souls II become an easier game!

Hail Dragon God!

[sdplisken]

Art thou done?

[DragonKnight]

@Reverent: Hell yeah! Dragon God needs to pimp slap Namco and the new directors of Dark Souls 2.

[theDECAY]

IMO, Demon's Souls > Dark Soul. Though the gods my witnesses, I loved them both.

[DrakenSilverwing]

Thou seeketh soul power, dost thou not?

( oh hell yeah I do! )

image is of myself and gf, our 1st version. its been improved since!

[Daver]

Yep a Demons souls 2 would be awesome!

[dc1]

Oh how true you are.. yet I LOVED Dark Souls as well (clocked 275 hrs of game play into it).

Regarding Demons Souls: If only we can see what on the other side of the broken archstone!

[kostchtchie_]

and the fail starts

-Shibuya talks about “limiting players options for the early portion of the game, making it simpler to understand new concepts. Then, after a certain amount of time has elapsed, they will suddenly experience the true dark souls experience”.

sad, no more just going out and doing what you feel

[Nitrowolf2]

eh aren't the always limited at the start though? Demon souls we hady teh tut, and then we had the first stage to complete before unlocking the others. Dar Souls, if I remember did something similar and then allowed you to do whatever you wanted from there.

Still, with a new director that could mean something else. They do make it sound like that it'll be longer. We'll have to wait and see.

[DragonKnight]

Actually Nitro, here's everything you can do before the Gargoyles.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

As you can see, by choosing the Master Key as a gift you have quite a bit of freedom to do as you please in Dark Souls.

[Reverent]

DragonKnight, you're right, but I think he's talking primarily about the Undead Asylum that's mandatory to get through to continue the game.

[Xof]

That just means they're expanding the tutorial level... which is something they need to do. The prior games have done a terrible job conveying to players the importance of death, allowing far too many gamers to view death as a mark of failure, and give up on the game out of frustration in consequence.

Spending more time introducing new players to those mechanics and teaching them how to view them properly will go a LONG way to increase their customer base. This is a GOOD thing.

[Bimkoblerutso]

Yeah, the tutorial thing they really do need. What worried me a little was when Shibuya admitted that he thought he could improve the gameplay because had worked on a lot action games in the past.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but with all the talk of making the game more accessible and now a new director that thinks he can improve a combat system that I think most of us already think is one of the best in the industry, things are just a little...worrying. Sort of reminds me of the gradual shift in the Mass Effect franchise.

[kostchtchie_]

that is true Xof, but do they really need to restrict the rest of us at the begging, probably pulling us through a long and tiresome tutorial

what made me love Demon Souls & dark Souls was the mistakes and learning from them, and while i understand not everyone likes that i hope they find a balance for new and old players, and not make it too restricted at the beginning for Vet players

@Bimko

yes mate i read that like that also, more action combat, i was like :/// i hope they make another good game, and DAMMIT i want them to keep the message system and showing peoples deaths :)))

[TopDudeMan]

It just means they're giving players a better opportunity to familiarise themselves with the game. I take that to mean that for the first while you will not be able to level up and screw up your character right at the beginning, like so many people do.

[swice]

-Shibuya talks about “limiting players options for the early portion of the game, making it simpler to understand new concepts. Then, after a certain amount of time has elapsed, they will suddenly experience the true dark souls experience”.

As long as the game is lengthy and difficult, I don't see too much of a problem with this.

[BlackPrince 42]

I'm caught between the anxiousness created by these two new directors taking the game in a more mainstream direction, and the acknowledgement that games need to grow and evolve to stay interesting.

[DragonKnight]

"The decision to have the two directors replace Miyazaki was a company decision made by both From Software and Namco Bandai Games to help move the series forward in a fresh direction."

I wonder what really prompted that decision. The fact that the development company and the publisher came together for this means something was either unsatisfactory about Dark Souls or Miyazaki was not happy about where Namco and others in From wanted to take the game. I'm leaning towards the latter.

"- One thing Shibuya wants to enhance is the action in the game. He feels that he can contribute because of his experience working on action games in the past."

For goodness sake, don't make it into a hack and slash Shibuya. No one wants your experience, we want the Dark Souls experience.

"- Shibuya says he wants to make things like the Covenant system clearer and more accessible, and he wants to make the story and messaging less subtle."

Terrible idea is terrible. The best part of the Souls series is discovery and exploration. Shibuya wants to hold our hands. *sigh*

“For the IP to evolve and provide a new experience within the Dark Souls world the new wind from directors Shibuya and Tanimura is key to providing players with a brand new Dark Souls experience. In order to maintain expectations and satisfaction and the rewards players experience this was the time to bring in new characteristics and tastes of the directors for the series to continue evolving.”

"That **** sounds worrying to me. I could just be paranoid since this is one of the last bastions of hardcore gaming being released, but it sounds too much like PR bull ****."

Agreed with that. Why should Namco get to have any say in how the game is developed? From should go with a different publisher.

With this new information, I'm particularly worried that they are going to turn Dark Souls 2 into a generic action hack and slash game with a sad attempt at difficulty. The idea that your ability to parse meaning from hints or clues affects difficulty is terrible and I feel Namco is set on destroying this franchise.

**EDIT** This wasn't supposed to be a reply to you BlackPrince 42, I don't know what's wrong with this site lately.

[Freak of Nature]

Bubble up for you...

Very well said, I agree with you totally.... We want the Dark Souls experience, discovery and exploration is vital...

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Enhance the wonderful formula, expand upon the winning aspects...Keep to the roots!

I hope the next game can retain it's integrity, heart and soul, if not it will be a real loss...

[dc1]

Very good! It looks like there are many 'True' Souls fans out there.

Never has there been a game that made the hairs on my neck stand up with anticipation, imagination and unmitigated exploration!

Should this go bad (Namco + Shibuya) then
Our only hope would be Miyazaki and Sony; pairing up for a Demon's Souls II.

[Omnislash]

I have a bad feeling that this game is going to be the most casual version of the Soul series.
When they ported this game for the PC version, they were thinking of adding an easier version of it, and if they make these games easier I think it will just take away from the greatness of it. I hope this game stays true to what it is supposed to be, a game that doesnt hold your hand and rapes your sh*t whenever you get too cocky and gives you a b*tch slap of truth to gamers that believe theyre "Hardcore".

[Merrill]

I'm still excited, but I am equally worried.

[Blastoise]

Those images look amazing. I could look at Dark souls artwork for hours

[kingmushroom]

hey they got some dead space in my dark souls....i don't mind as long as they're keeping that shit DEAD! :D

[Despair666]

Damn! i was hoping for a 2013 release....

[Walker]

So Dark Souls 2 is a next generation title .

[Jaunty]

No it's not. It's coming for current generation consoles.

"It looks on par with Watch Dogs and Star Wars 1313 in terms of “next-gen”-ness"

That doesn't mean it is for next generation consoles. You should read the article better next time.

[akaakaaka]

I say this few days ago and is verry possible
...

But it seem like the main director is working in it and this is just to milk some money.

[soundslike]

thats not definite.

All we know is its running on pc.

But as we know games can look next gen on PC and still be scaled to run on current tech.

[DigitalAnalog]

LOL, PC? After that horrible excuse of a direct port which required a neogaffer to fix?

[kingmushroom]

they better not screw it up. if there making it easy for the noobs they should get no trophies or achivements unless played on hard.

[Wizziokid]

I'm not going to lie, I'm not excited about this, I get the feeling it's going to be killed by this new approach. I hope I'm wrong though, I loved deamon/dark souls

[Aghashie]

Miyazaki disappointed cause he does not have a bigger role in the project... WTF!

Oh shit... I am seriously concerned about DS2 being a true sequel. Come on NAMCO! Why do you try to fix a game that is not broken? Leave the game alone! Don't fucking mess with it. Just give the players what they want, another great game a la Demons/Dark Souls style. Greedy companies fucking up the customer cause they thing we like to be fucked, and because we love to be fucked they will make more money. Stupid.

I never post rants on any site, but this really upsets me.

:/

[jessupj]

Right there with you brother.

They need to leave this game the fuck alone. I really want to scream at the directors right now. They will go straight past Activision on my most hated list if they change an already perfect formula.

[Der_Kommandant]

Miyazaki, please give us Demon's Souls 2

[MEsoJD]

I'm concerned, but will reserve judgement til gameplay is shown.

[chukamachine]

There's a difference between making things easy having a better structure. I found myself get bored because of being overpowered a lot of the time if you don't choose the correct thing.

The game also needs a gripping story, don't really understand why this is so hard with games today.

If they improve a lot of area's I would buy.

I completed a lot of the first game, but something was missing.

[Kluv]

Namco needs to be very careful. The Souls community is one of the most dedicated and vocal gaming communities out there. How often do you see a petition actually work? Well thanks to us, it did for Dark souls coming to the PC. The original director knew what the fans wanted, and how to give it to them whilst retaining his vision.

Literally there's only two thing I really liked about this interview. First, was the mention of the huge leap in graphical fidelity. The fact that it's on the level of 1313 or watch dogs gives me chills to the bone.

Second, the fact that the world is going to be more dense and still follow the template laid by Dark Souls is an epic win. Dark Souls level design was easily one of my favorite things about it. The bulk of the rest of the interview sounds understandable but some of these statements make my stomach churn. The fact that he referenced his "action" games and that he "knows" action as if Dark Souls combat system was bad. Dark souls combat system absolutely shouldn't be revised, only expanded. More weapon styles or and animations sure, maybe even delving a bit into martial arts for advanced dexterity players, but don't you dare turn it into hack and slash or give the protagonist unrealistic attacks. One of the most immersive factors of this game is the fact that every attack your character does is a realistic attack. It's almost as if that could actually be you doing those attacks in real life. That can't be said for Devil May Cry or God of War (granted I love god of war, but I don't mix milk and ketchup expecting an even higher level of greatness) Dark Soul's emphasis on a realistic main character in combat is a staple. Don't fuck with it.

The only thing I agree with improving are giving the covenants more explanation. Make them just as hard to discover, but a little more direction from the convenant leader wouldn't destroy the game's foundation. I mean, it is more realistic if the leader actually emphasizes what you're supposed to do or else they aren't much of a leader.

Finally, the only thing that I do want changed for the Soul series is the games ending. While the first 99.9 percent of the game is satisfying and euphoria-inducing, the ending is extremely abrubt and needs to be given a lot of extra oomph. Do these new directors have that oomph to boost the series? If they screw it up, then send a red phantom to invade me now and get it over with.

[Gimmemorebubblez]

I call this Gabe Newell syndrome.
You see 2 million sales that generate a healthy profit are no longer enough Namco needs more.
Same with Gabe, he is not happy with over 50 million steam users he needs more and plans on launching a console in a saturated mark
This quest for a wider audience may hurt them more than they ever dreamed.

[RuperttheBear]

'Gabe Newell syndrome'

That's nothing to do with Gabe Newell really, it's a thing called 'Wanting more profit'. It's been around long before Gabe was on the scene.

Apart from that, I agree with what you are saying. I just think it's wrong to pinpoint something so widespread, and something that has been going on since someone started selling products thousands of years ago, and point to Gabe Newell and say 'he started it'.

Even if you just base this on the gaming industry, it's been going on for decades.

EDIT:On topic, I remain optimistic for the game. I love the series and only time will tell if it lives up to expectations. You can only read so much into the politics of the situation.

[Gimmemorebubblez]

@RuperttheBear
I agree with you, I was just trying to think of a current example.

[MegaLagann]

This honestly sounds a bit worrying. But, I shall remain optimistic. When the finally show gameplay, if it looks and plays like Dark Souls then good enough for me. Just don't fuck up the lore that was one of the best parts of Demon's and Dark Souls.

[landog]

"It looks on par with Watch Dogs and Star Wars 1313 in terms of “next-gen”-ness, or so they claim."

sweet so next gen consoles and pc

awesome!

[Jaunty]

Again..I will quote myself

"No it's not. It's coming for current generation consoles.

"It looks on par with Watch Dogs and Star Wars 1313 in terms of “next-gen”-ness"

That doesn't mean it is for next generation consoles."

[PurpHerbison]

It was more than likely viewed on an optimized PC version cause we have to be real. The PS3 or the 360 cannot pump out those graphics. (Or they were lying for the hype)

[landog]

new consoles will be out in less than 11 months, the game itself may slip into a 2014 release, its next gen, lets hope it is

the game ran at like 15-20 frames on consoles and it didn't really look amazing, it also had lots of artifacts and buzzing...on pc they were able to correct all that, and then the modders got a hold of it and.....

the jump to next gen would allow for even more immersion but more importantly, better performance!

with brute force of pc it was able to look like this and run at 60 frames;

http://www.abload.de/img/13...

consoles have no brute force left, they would just have to make the game even lower res (it was 1024x720 though demons souls was 1280x720, adding more detail ment res had to be dropped)

thats why dark souls 2 needs to come out on next gen consoles!

or else I and many others will just buy it on pc

[Khronikos]

I must say if you can afford a decent PC this is one game where it matters most. With an OC'd 560ti and OC'd Sandy Bridge I am getting 1080p, 60fps, 2xMSAA + SS on transparencies and of course better DOF and the awesome ability to put in mods for the lava and other things that looked awful. The HUD is also A TON better with DSfix allowing you to basically have a transparent and much smaller HUD to your liking.

What does all that mean: Immersion x10

[SAE]

From what i understand , this game will turn into action more then rpg to be more interesting -.- ...

The fear of Death will be gone so good bye dark/demon soul T_T

They should rename this game or call it a reboot or something like that , what a shame :(

[PurpHerbison]

From what I understand, we haven't played it. Therefore...

[theDECAY]

Every one is crying folly, but we just don't know enough.

[dc1]

Demons Souls is owned by Sony.. so there is always a chance that Miyazak and/or Sony could call the other for a love connection; should Dark Souls II go bad.

Just as hell has no fury like a woman scored, I'm sure Miyazak will be more that motivated to realize his direction through the original DS if provided the opportunity .... and proper contractual release if applicable. :)

[SAE]

every time we hear some kind of bad news in a game it leads to disappointing game , look at tomb raider , we all were excited for it but when we heared lara cant swim / health generation i was disappointing , both will be great but not the way we want them :(

[TemplarDante]

..dare you make DS2 for casuals..
We
Going
To
Get MAD.

[TryMe]

You guys are acting like it's so easy for a developer to simply make Dark Souls for this generation, and next.

1st it would take a hella alot of money and resources to make a next gen project.

2nd it would take a hella alot of TIME, and EXPERIENCE to learn how to work with the specs of the new consoles.

3rd, remember the ps2 and how many games were constantly coming out a year after its release. It'll be the same with the ps4.

Not every game has to be next gen. Enjoy this gen while it's still around.

[Sargerus]

I'm a little worried but you guys are overreacting, wait for some gameplay videos before judge the whole game

[OSIRUSSS]

The best thing to do is have Dark Souls 2 load the difficultly from the Dark Souls 1 save file. If you have proven yourself and your Game Save File says you completed game +++++ on Dark Souls then you start out on that difficultly on DS2. If you don't have a save file you start at Wuss difficulty. LOL That would make Dark Souls 2 the most hardcore game this Gen maybe ever.

[isarai]

Not liking the sound of most of this, but i guess we'll just have to wait and see

[jay2]

Well, graphics mean POO, this game will be poo just because the main dudes gone :(.

[kesvalk]

if this game becomes a DMC of sorts, i will be very sad, and i don't even like this game as half of the ppl here like it.

it will just cement the fact that the devs are so out of touch with the fanbase they are kinda shooting in all directions, even after we rise a giant target for them to shoot at.

[theDECAY]

What are you going on about? Clearly not the same situation as DMC. Don't all riled up for nothing.

[Tzuno]

Dark souls wuss edition???

[Freak of Nature]

Another great thing about this game beyond the actual playing of it is that when this game does great/fantastic, other studios will get the clue and create more like this. More games like this are needed!

[McLuvn]

So happy there will be a 3rd in the series. Waiting patiently.

[StrawberryDiesel420]

I think some things should be explained more thoroughly to the player. The concept and use of humanity alone in Dark Souls was confusing, not to mention a myriad of other things like the Covenants. If you didn't look them up online or have the guide there's no way in hell a player would know about all the Covenants and what they did. As long as the gameplay is generally the same and it maintains the same dark tone with amazing monsters to slay I'm sure the game will be fine. I also like the idea of making more action set pieces in the game, at times Dark Souls has a bit too much traveling without any enemy interaction. I'm confident this game will be amazing, FromSoftware haven't let me down yet.

[deletingthis34675334]

As a die-hard fan of the Souls games, this has me worried a bit, however I am hoping for the best. The information revealed to us about Dark Souls II is just a drop in the pond and jumping into conclusions isn't the way to go. We'll have to wait and see. There are Demon's Souls fans out there that didn't like the first Dark Souls so I am somewhat expecting to see the similar with the second game from both Demon's and Dark Souls fans. Either way this is interesting and can't wait to see more about this game.

[NoTheMama]

Do not f**k this up Namco. Remember the Mass Effect 3 ending armageddon? That will seem like a tea party on the ceiling compared to what will go down if this game is anything less than it should be.

[CLOUD1983]

ha.. how familiar all that sound, this thing companies do to "move forward" & "modernize" & "make a game more accessible" how many time I have read the same bullsh1t & every single time is a catastrophe, a Holocaust!

Did any of u remember what happen to Diablo 3? (my most anticipated game for the past many years) it was a disaster.. & why that happen? because was not made from the original devs from Blizzard North.

Did any1 of u remember for how many years now FF turn from Legendary status to garbage? all that happen when Hironobu Sagakuchi left & some other take over & make their purpose in life to ruin FF & make every past Square Soft fan to hate them & their games with burning passion.

Did any of u remember what happen when Shinji Mikami left & some other take over the most iconic survival horror game series in history? the review scores turn from 9+ to 3-4/10 even from the biggest & most respected game sites out there, & we get a RE that try too hard to appeal to CoD fans & survival horror was nowhere to be found.

Did any of u remember what happen when Team Silent disband & the "new guys" in the block take the responsibility to create the next installments of the most scary & dark game series consoles have ever see? yep the results was average at best & not even close to what once was a "true" SILENT HILL game.

Countless other examples like the one I mention above, I can keep on going if I wanted, DMC any1? anyway the point is that there is something in game industry that keep on ruining franchises & until some1 step up & do something this will never stop, some ppl must understand that u cant make a game more successful & u cant increase the sales by destroying their core, their soul & their heart & transform them to something else.

RE6 devs were spouting nonsense that they r going to sell more than 8 million copies now that they transform RE to this abomination & as I know the sales stuck & don't increase for the past weeks & they don't even reach 4 millions in 2 platforms, that's the result of their ignorance & arrogance.

Casualization for the purpose of become more mainstream & increase the sales is a plague in the gaming industry & it must be stopped, when those guys who sit on their fat asses all day doing nothing but giving orders plan to stop ruin everything good some true talented artist have built?

I keep on asking that to my self as I see history repeat itself again & again..

[Master-H]

true, also COD when the original Infinity Ward team members left, CoD4 was a masterpiece then their titles started getting shittier each year.

[Pathosverdes3]

"Add more action" they said... Do we expect a God of Souls.. Or Souls May Cry?

[tubers]

Hope Miyazaki has a pet project for the VITA or 3DS :)

[2v1]

Demonssouls had japan studio flavor something Darksouls was missing.. hopefully by add more action they dont mean like Re6 and Cod

[Montythegent]

So I found some new footage and gameplay of Dark souls 2 :D

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Jaunty]

Really? Come on dude... -.-"

[Ares84HU]

I hope it will be on the PS4 late next year.