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WhenDark Souls IIwas released, it was met with mixed feelings from the fanbase of FromSoftware’sSoulsborneseries, which includesElden Ring.Fans of the originalDark SoulsandDemon’s Soulswere excited yet apprehensive. The game brought some new ideas and mechanics to the table, but not all were welcomed happily.
But as time has gone by, people have returned to the game and realized that despite a few small issues here and there, the game is pretty great, and was a big innovator in terms of what came after it.
After Elden Ring, Fans Come Back toDark Souls 2
In a thread on r/Games where a user asked others about which game that is considered the black sheep of their franchise is actually very good, and a lot of users praisedDark Souls 2for what it was.
The atmosphere and exploration inthe game are usually highlighted as some of its strongest points, according to the users. The game’s world is big and varied, with each area offering a distinct visual experience. The sense of discovery is great too, and the game encourages players to explore every nook and cranny.
Build variety is another area where the game shines, according to another user. WhileDark Souls IIIandElden Ringoffer a plethora of weapons and spells,Dark Souls 2allows for a more diverse range of character builds according to them.
On top of all this, the game’s length and the amount of content available, even more so with the three DLC expansions, are often praised, giving players plenty of game time.
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Even the game’s controversial hitboxesand clunky early-game feel have found some defenders among the gaming community. While these aspects can be frustrating for some, they also add a sense of unpredictability and challenge that some players have definitely come to appreciate.
Why Some Purists Didn’t Like Dark Souls 2
One of the significant issues at launchwas the game’s design choices regarding enemy placement and level layouts. Many players felt that the enemy placements were unfair, leading to frustrating and seemingly unavoidable deaths due to the randomness involved.
The level designs also seemed less cohesive compared to the tightly interconnected world of the firstDark Souls, which offered plenty of freedom of traversal. This shift in design philosophy left some fans feeling disconnected from the experience they loved in the previous title, and just wanted more of the same thing.
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The health penalties were another point of contention. This new mechanic affected and reduced the player’s health bar every time they died, similar toDemon’s Souls.Many players found it confusing and very annoying and felt it added unnecessary difficulty, detracting from the core combat mechanics.
The gamemay have been considered the black sheep of theSoulsborneseries when it was released, but it has since carved out its own fanbase within the community.
The game’s unique innovations and contributions to the series have been recognized and appreciated over time. The influence ofDark Souls 2can definitely be seen in later titles likeDark Souls 3, Bloodborne, andSekiroas well.
How do you feel aboutDark Souls 2more than a decade after its release? Let us know in the comments.
Suhaib Adeel
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :336
Suhaib is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire. He’s extremely passionate about video games and movies, and loves working in the pop culture space. Some of his favorite games include Fallout: New Vegas, Disco Elysium, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Red Dead Redemption 2, Persona 5, Final Fantasy XII, Dishonored, The Last of Us Part II, and Bloodborne.
