Zguvat
Log Status
Completed
Playing
Backlog
Wishlist
Rating
Time Played
103h 0m
Platforms Played
The second game in the trilogy, Dark Souls II, is definitely a controversial title among Souls fans. Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with it. At times, I'm not sure if I loved it or hated it. Ultimately, I think I find myself somewhere in-between.
Once again, one aspect where Dark Souls shines is the soundtrack. The music in this game is filled with memorable tracks that enhance the atmosphere and intensity of the experience. My favorite track is the one accompanying the Sir Alonne, which is also my favorite boss fight in the game. The epic and haunting melodies and epic orchestration elevate the emotional stake of the game.
The DLCs for Dark Souls II are both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they introduce some of the most challenging and memorable boss fights in the series, like the Fume Knight and the Burnt Ivory King. On the other hand, the DLC also features some of the most frustrating and poorly designed elements in the game. The horrible backtracks to the boss fights or the reskin of the Smelter Demon with an even worse hitbox is a prime example of this, along with the infamous Frigid Outskirts. Seriously, fuck the Frigid Outskirts and whoever came up with the idea of the area. A level design that is so crap, its widely regarded as one of the worst in the series and in my opinion, one of the worst levels in any game ever. The tedious and punishing trek through blinding snowstorms and reindeers on steroids, only to face another reskin boss fight, feels like a complete joke.
The main game's boss fights are also a mixed bag. Many of them are relatively easy compared to the encounters in the first Dark Souls, and they often lack the intricate design and lore connections that made the original game's bosses iconic. There are some standout exceptions, like the Darklurker and the Looking Glass Knight. However, the overall quality and difficulty of the boss fights in the main game fall short of the high bar set by its predecessor.
One of the key differences in Dark Souls II is its level design and world structure. Unlike the interconnected world of Dark Souls, where areas seamlessly flow into one another, Dark Souls II features a more hub-based design with distinct, separate areas. This change in structure has its pros and cons; while it allows for a greater variety of environments and visual themes, it can also make the world feel less cohesive and immersive.
Dark Souls II also introduces some controversial gameplay mechanics. The changes of the rolling and invincibility frames, and the adaptability stat all sparked debate among fans from what i noticed. Honestly im not a fan of it, i dont feel like upgrading i-frames should be a thing in a game.
In terms of narrative and lore, just like any souls game, Dark Souls II continues the series' tradition of cryptic storytelling and environmental storytelling.
Despite its controversies, Dark Souls II remains an essential part of the trilogy, and its a great game, i had a lot of fun playing it.
However, when compared as a whole, I think the first Dark Souls stands out as the stronger, more cohesive experience.
Once again, one aspect where Dark Souls shines is the soundtrack. The music in this game is filled with memorable tracks that enhance the atmosphere and intensity of the experience. My favorite track is the one accompanying the Sir Alonne, which is also my favorite boss fight in the game. The epic and haunting melodies and epic orchestration elevate the emotional stake of the game.
The DLCs for Dark Souls II are both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they introduce some of the most challenging and memorable boss fights in the series, like the Fume Knight and the Burnt Ivory King. On the other hand, the DLC also features some of the most frustrating and poorly designed elements in the game. The horrible backtracks to the boss fights or the reskin of the Smelter Demon with an even worse hitbox is a prime example of this, along with the infamous Frigid Outskirts. Seriously, fuck the Frigid Outskirts and whoever came up with the idea of the area. A level design that is so crap, its widely regarded as one of the worst in the series and in my opinion, one of the worst levels in any game ever. The tedious and punishing trek through blinding snowstorms and reindeers on steroids, only to face another reskin boss fight, feels like a complete joke.
The main game's boss fights are also a mixed bag. Many of them are relatively easy compared to the encounters in the first Dark Souls, and they often lack the intricate design and lore connections that made the original game's bosses iconic. There are some standout exceptions, like the Darklurker and the Looking Glass Knight. However, the overall quality and difficulty of the boss fights in the main game fall short of the high bar set by its predecessor.
One of the key differences in Dark Souls II is its level design and world structure. Unlike the interconnected world of Dark Souls, where areas seamlessly flow into one another, Dark Souls II features a more hub-based design with distinct, separate areas. This change in structure has its pros and cons; while it allows for a greater variety of environments and visual themes, it can also make the world feel less cohesive and immersive.
Dark Souls II also introduces some controversial gameplay mechanics. The changes of the rolling and invincibility frames, and the adaptability stat all sparked debate among fans from what i noticed. Honestly im not a fan of it, i dont feel like upgrading i-frames should be a thing in a game.
In terms of narrative and lore, just like any souls game, Dark Souls II continues the series' tradition of cryptic storytelling and environmental storytelling.
Despite its controversies, Dark Souls II remains an essential part of the trilogy, and its a great game, i had a lot of fun playing it.
However, when compared as a whole, I think the first Dark Souls stands out as the stronger, more cohesive experience.