Back in 2009, Japanese developer From Software introduced North American RPG fans to a new kind of action RPG. This RPG didn’t feature stylized graphics or a cast of colorful characters or even a clear-cut story. What it *did* feature however was a grim fantasy setting, a harsh difficulty curve, and an innovative asynchronous approach to multiplayer. That game was Demon’s Souls and it was just the beginning for RPG fans who soon became addicted to its punishing yet highly rewarding challenge. Two years later, From Software released Dark Souls, a spiritual successor that refined many of the gameplay systems from Demon’s Souls while retaining the brutal difficulty of its predecessor much to the delight of fans. Now From Software is attempting to strike lightning a third time with Dark Souls II, but is the third time a charm? Or has From Software struck out?
Dark Souls 2 remains a divisive entry in the landmark RPG franchise, but Hidetaka Miyazaki believes it led to the success of Elden Ring.
DS2 was fine. While there was a bit of recycling assets or ideas for bosses, it was a bigger more open Dark Souls. The Fume knight boss is one of the hardest bosses in the series until Sekiro and Elden Ring were released.
The problem with Dark Souls 2 was the same problem when a different director takes over for a sequel to an outstanding movie. It typically (there are exceptions) doesn’t have the feel and vision of the previous movie.
I wouldn’t say Dark Souls 2 is terrible. Had Dark Souls 1 never been a thing and we got this, I think it would have been praised more. The problem is it didn’t have the Miyazaki touch to it and felt pretty derivative. The soundtrack is a banger though.
I like DS 2, might even be my favorite of the 3. But it's a hard sell, there's so many obscure things you need to do to make it an enjoyable experience. So always find it hard to recommend, but it is worth the trouble.
TheGamer writes, "Some weapons resist the test of time."
The Nerd Stash: “Whether you’re here to gloat about your victories or to see what the fuss is about, we present to you the hardest bosses in the Souls series.”