3 reviews liked by fiend


somma you fuckers haven't been hardened by the true horrors of war and it shows

the only thing missing was the Gurren Lagann opening blasting at full volume during the final boss finisher

This review contains spoilers

I’m not interested in „defending“ this game from its common criticisms. Other people have done that before, but more importantly, I’m here to tell you why I like or dislike a game, not why I don’t dislike a game. (Sorry, that was a lot of negatives)
Despite this, there are common criticism I agree with. The concept of adaptability as a stat is awful, some areas (most notably Shrine of Amana) are just pure bullshit. Some bosses are underdeveloped, first and foremost the two rat bosses. Burning down the windmill.
I also have some criticisms that are more uncommon. Getting levels and upgrade materials this easily means you reach peak power somewhere around midgame (at least this was the case for my strength build and my dex build, might be better if you need more than 1 stat for damage) and then you spend the rest of the game sort of not really getting any stronger, which sucks. Some NPC questlines are way too obscure, even for Souls standards. Finding Lucatiel in the Gutter is pretty much impossible, and don’t even get me started on Creighton and Pate. Pyromancer not being a starting option is awful for me as a fan of Pyromancy. Splitting boss weapons across 2 traders is pointless and confusing. Illusionary walls are changed for no reason but also most secrets are hidden behind Pharros’ lockstones instead (most notably the very cool Belfry Luna).
Despite this, Dark Souls 2 is my favourite Dark Souls game. Not by much, but it very slightly beats out the original game.
Primarily, that is because its story and themes resonate with me more. History repeating itself over and over again, even though the mistakes of the past are in plain view of everyone. True strength meaning not letting anyone rule over you, forging your own path. People desperately holding on to their identity.
I also really love the combat system. The encounters might not be consistently great, but the slow and methodic combat where each of your heals must be very deliberate is my favourite way to play soulslikes, much better than the healing spamming of the other games (as of writing this review, I haven’t played DeS yet).
I enjoy being able to do the 4 great souls in basically any order. I usually do Freja way earlier than intended and the Iron King way later and the game just lets me do that.
The game is also really good at creating super cool moments. Entering Majula for the first time. Storming Drangleic Castle. Finally meeting the renowned King Vendrik. Ascending the Dragon Shrine. All of the memories. All of these felt so cool.
Additionally, there are dozens of tiny things I love about this game. Powerstancing (wish it was explained somewhere though). Fragrant Branches of Yore as a way to unlock new areas, especially when used for worldbuilding as well like with Rosabeth. The menu is probably the best out of any Fromsoftware game. Pharros’ lockstones when used to help you with an area like No-man’s wharf (don’t like it when they’re used to hide secrets). The torch mechanic in general and lighting up the Gutter specifically. All the covenants feel unique, especially the Rat King. Bonfire ascetics are such a cool concept that I wish they had reused in literally any of their other games. Enemies that only attack you under specific circumstances are interesting, like the knights in Dragon Shrine that only attack you if you’re a “coward”.
I could go on. The point is, I love Dark Souls 2 a lot. I get that it’s not for everyone, I don’t blame anyone for liking it less than the other games. I don’t even blame anyone for disliking it. But I hope I could explain why I love this game so much.