Pros:
+ it's more Dark Souls
+ a huge world with much to explore
+ combat system is as great as ever
+ large variety of optional bosses and quests
+ sharp presentation in 1080p, 60FPS and great audio
+ incredible vistas and architecture to enjoy
+ Bonfire Ascetics and the torch advance the Dark Souls gameplay formula
+ cheap level ups allow for great build variety
+ interface and item management have been streamlined
+ Majula feels like an actual home that develops over time
+ the story is much more comprehensible and focused compared to the first
+ adventurous narrative design (Memories)
+ memorable NPCs with often tragic stories (Lucatiel)
+ NPC summons and invasions act more natural and intelligent
+ DLC areas are great additions and add hours of fun
+ progress is possible with soul level alone
+ NG+ changes elements of the world
Cons:
- inconsistent hit boxes
- most of the equipment and items are recycled
- world map is not as deeply connected as before and feels cobbled together
- really tough beginning and a bit too easy towards the end
- enemy spawn limits are an acquired taste and feel at odds with the lore
- dead end bonfires are useless for single players
- some of the worst boss runs in the series (Iron Keep, Iron Passage)
- Pharros lockstones are a rare drop
- secret walls cannot be attacked anymore
- some secrets and connections between gameplay elements are awfully obscure (Windmill)
- enemy placement is inconsistent; enemies tend to band together unfairly (Lost Bastille clown car)
- many bosses are simply copies from the first and often come in pairs
- changes to the I-frame mechanic are never really explained ingame
- platinum trophy is locked behind NG++
- all the endings are anticlimactic and feel like an afterthought
- horsefuck valley is bullshit
Magic Moment(s): The first meeting with Aldia, first experience of a memory and the entrance and boss area of the Burnt Ivory King.
Bosses killed on first try: Last Giant, Dragon Rider, Chariot, Looking Glass Knight, Skeleton Lords, Last Sinner, Rat Vanguard, Mytha, Covetous Demon, Guardian Dragon, Demon of Song, Velstadt, Giant Lord, Nashandra, Aldia, Sinh, Alonne, Gank Squad.
Verdict: Contrary to popular belief, Dark Souls 2 is very much a worthy successor to one of the most influential games of this century. It adds elements to the formula that enrich the gameplay without diverting too much from the core ideals of the series. Even though some of the flaws of the first one are retained and the homages tend to be too on the nose, the huge world and manifold secrets are as fun to explore as ever, making it tough to drop the controller until the ending credits roll. In this version in particular, the technical performance and generally high quality in all departments also serves as a benchmark for a great remaster. (I played this exclusively offline and cannot speak for the online gameplay).
Ultimately, Dark Souls 2 therefore really feels like a fresh experience that wants to build on the structures that came before it, and the end result is a marvelous game that, even in moments of frustration, is challenging and rewarding in equal measure and a great experience for any fan of the series.
+ it's more Dark Souls
+ a huge world with much to explore
+ combat system is as great as ever
+ large variety of optional bosses and quests
+ sharp presentation in 1080p, 60FPS and great audio
+ incredible vistas and architecture to enjoy
+ Bonfire Ascetics and the torch advance the Dark Souls gameplay formula
+ cheap level ups allow for great build variety
+ interface and item management have been streamlined
+ Majula feels like an actual home that develops over time
+ the story is much more comprehensible and focused compared to the first
+ adventurous narrative design (Memories)
+ memorable NPCs with often tragic stories (Lucatiel)
+ NPC summons and invasions act more natural and intelligent
+ DLC areas are great additions and add hours of fun
+ progress is possible with soul level alone
+ NG+ changes elements of the world
Cons:
- inconsistent hit boxes
- most of the equipment and items are recycled
- world map is not as deeply connected as before and feels cobbled together
- really tough beginning and a bit too easy towards the end
- enemy spawn limits are an acquired taste and feel at odds with the lore
- dead end bonfires are useless for single players
- some of the worst boss runs in the series (Iron Keep, Iron Passage)
- Pharros lockstones are a rare drop
- secret walls cannot be attacked anymore
- some secrets and connections between gameplay elements are awfully obscure (Windmill)
- enemy placement is inconsistent; enemies tend to band together unfairly (Lost Bastille clown car)
- many bosses are simply copies from the first and often come in pairs
- changes to the I-frame mechanic are never really explained ingame
- platinum trophy is locked behind NG++
- all the endings are anticlimactic and feel like an afterthought
- horsefuck valley is bullshit
Magic Moment(s): The first meeting with Aldia, first experience of a memory and the entrance and boss area of the Burnt Ivory King.
Bosses killed on first try: Last Giant, Dragon Rider, Chariot, Looking Glass Knight, Skeleton Lords, Last Sinner, Rat Vanguard, Mytha, Covetous Demon, Guardian Dragon, Demon of Song, Velstadt, Giant Lord, Nashandra, Aldia, Sinh, Alonne, Gank Squad.
Verdict: Contrary to popular belief, Dark Souls 2 is very much a worthy successor to one of the most influential games of this century. It adds elements to the formula that enrich the gameplay without diverting too much from the core ideals of the series. Even though some of the flaws of the first one are retained and the homages tend to be too on the nose, the huge world and manifold secrets are as fun to explore as ever, making it tough to drop the controller until the ending credits roll. In this version in particular, the technical performance and generally high quality in all departments also serves as a benchmark for a great remaster. (I played this exclusively offline and cannot speak for the online gameplay).
Ultimately, Dark Souls 2 therefore really feels like a fresh experience that wants to build on the structures that came before it, and the end result is a marvelous game that, even in moments of frustration, is challenging and rewarding in equal measure and a great experience for any fan of the series.