Dark Souls II Makes Things Easier Before Crushing Your Joy [EGMR]

A preview via EGMR for the upcoming From Software game Dark Souls II.

Quote: "Dark Souls II is one of those that will appeal to a very specific audience for a very specific audience. But as far as niche games go, it also represents one of those better examples of a hybrid experience that can be picked up by others. If you’re curious about the Dark Souls series but could never really get into the previous titles then now might be the ideal chance to jump in. It’s a lot more difficult this time around, as if that’s even possible, but it also has an actual difficulty curve, in a strange contrast.

From Software are really hoping to bring it with Dark Souls II and in a few weeks we’ll know for sure whether or not it has solidly been brought — just do pack an extra pair of undies. And maybe a pillow to cry into. "

[Medowmeal]

Trying to appeal to a broader audience by making it easier, or adding difficulty settings would only piss off all of their current fans.
The difficulty is one of my favorite things about the game, if they ever change that it just wouldn't be the same game.

[Kivespussi]

I think the difficulty of souls games is way exagerated. Overall the game isn't that difficult aside from few areas and bosses and if DSII gets advertised as being really hard it might do more harm than good for sales as it might turn off some players.

[thricetold]

Extremely exaggerated by a portion of overzealous souls fan who think they speak for all souls fans.

[Hugodastrevas]

I understand what you are saying, but, the Souls series is one of the few niche hardcore titles we have. Not all games have to cater to everyone, of course people would get defensive and worry. Let's take Ninja Gaiden 3 as an example, it was a niche title for the harcore and all people wanted was an improved camera instead they got a watered down mess that appealed to none. With that said making it more accessible is a good move, easier wouldn't be.

[NewAgeisHere]

Well they addressed an important issue, since i know a lot of friends who gave up after 2-3 days of crying like little girls and breaking controllers, cause the game is brutally difficult from beginning to end especially for an average gamer. But Dark Souls 2 is also bringing some changes that will make it more difficult, like being invaded even when you're hollow or things like time-limited summoning (no more summoned players doing all the work for you), you will also loose maximum health each time you die......so even if the intro might be easier, the game itself looks like it's gonna be even more difficult.

[theDivision]

I like all of it except the timed summoning. I really enjoyed playing with people as well as fighting them. It was never just them doing the work but it was so much more fun with a glowing white spirit there with me. It would have been even more fun if my brother could have picked up the controller and played along side me.

[Hugodastrevas]

This is very smart strategy, instead of constant dread they will build hope then smash it into complete and utter desperation. Now that's really soul-crushing!

[cyber_daemonx]

One of the reasons I kept my PS3 was for this. Dark Soul's is my favourite game of the last gen and March can't come soon enough. I think beating Demon's Souls definitely helped a lot when playing Dark Soul's, as I had become accustomed to the difficulty, and eventually you accept dyeing as almost a necessary mechanic to help you learn.

I think one of the misconception's regarding the Soul's games is that some people think that when you die you lose all your progress in the game, when actually you only lose your soul's and humanity, and return to the last bonfire visited. It's not a Roguelike lol.

Also it's refreshing that with the dumbing down and hand-holding prevalent in a lot of games today, the Soul's series goes against this trend. I think it shows that From has a lot of respect for the fans by not going down that road. Making it 'more accessible' doesn't necessarily equate to being easier to play, just easier to understand maybe.

So Prepare to Die, again (and again....)

[Tdmd]

But you DO lose your progress upon death in dark souls - every monster you've killed before is up on it's feet and with a taste for revenge when you are transported back to your last bonfire. But I agree w/ you on the respect those devs have for their fanbase. It is quite refreshing!

[cyber_daemonx]

True, all the monsters (except bosses) return when you die. But apart from that, everything else you obtain/achieve,(equipment/prog ress), in the game remains. Also, yes the enemies return when you die but for one they don't have any more a 'taste for revenge' than when you first encounter them, and the respawning enemies is one of the mechanics in the game which actually helps you ironically,
vis-a-vis soul farming.

I may be wrong but from your comment it seems you haven't actually played the Soul's games as you seem to have some of the misconceptions of which I mentioned in my original comment.

[Tdmd]

I have not played the soul games? lol
Check my psn (thiago_dmd). I've platinated (is that how you say it?) Dark Souls and am currently going back to do the same with Demon's Soul while I wait for DarkSouls2.

A "taste for revange" was, hmmm, creative writing(?). I was just trying to add some humor to my reply. I know it doesn't get harder if you die. And well, it actually does in Demon's Souls, since in there you have a cut in your life bar while in soul form.

"But apart from that, everything else you obtain/achieve,(equipment/prog ress), in the game remains."

Not true. You lose all your hard earned souls and humanity. Btw, "hard earned" is just another flourish in the writing, I'm not actually saying it is hard to get souls in the game or anything. ;)

[LAWSON72]

I really hope the PC version comes out in March.

[NewAgeisHere]

This is just one of those games that's meant to be played on a console, except for the graphics, everything else about Dark Souls is better on consoles....controls are better, not to mention I don't need to worry about some hacker douche with infinite health invading me........before you PC boys start raging, I have a new gaming rig which I absolutely love, but the Souls franchise started as a console exclusive and it shows to this very day......now maybe if they addresses hacking on PC, I might change my mind, but until then.......console version of Dark Souls 2 it is.

[Grimhammer00]

My dilemma is I can only get one game in march...I have infamous paid.

Do I transfer thst to dark souls 2pm? Because I've beaten the other 2pm (though they are technically not related). I think this series is my favourite. And it will last 80hrs+!