Dangerous Headway: More Open Dark Souls 2 Allows Players to Start Halfway Through The Game

HeyPoorPlayer Writes- Dark Souls 2 looks to open up the experience more for players than previous entries in the series have. Yui Tanimura, the game’s director revealed this information to Digital Spy in a recent interview saying, ”We realize in Dark Souls there were some certain orders, like ringing the bells or going to Anor Londo, which is not necessarily a bad thing,” he said. ”In Dark Souls II, we’re hoping we can provide more freedom so things don’t have to necessarily be done in a certain order.”

[Xof]

That sounds awesome, but I have to say, one of my favorite things to do with Dark Souls was try to find all the secret routes that would let me access high-level areas "early."

[MWH]

as long as it doesn't feel like you're missing something important and as long as it has a clear indication that you're off the normal track.

[dead_pixels]

Those are my biggest concerns as well. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to muscle your way through an area you're simply not supposed to be in.

That said, most of the locations in Dark Souls had multiple shortcuts and side paths to get you back to previous areas, so if Dark Souls 2 keeps the same formula going I don't see players ever truly having to worry about getting too sidetracked.

[MWH]

it would be fine if they leave messages near each area indicating what's coming next. something similar to Lords of Shadow's scrolls found on the dead knight's bodies.

something like: "after the Dark Woods I was supposed to follow the leads to Londo's Ruins but instead I found myself battling the demons of Lost Izalith.. the price was high"

or something similar.