Dark Souls II

 PC
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3117 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,992 out of 3117
  2. Mixed: 521 out of 3117
  3. Negative: 604 out of 3117
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  1. Blackice
    Apr 28, 2014
    8
    Great game and the PC port is good, although you should still play with a gamepad and it clearly looks like a port. It's still the best version out there and I recommend the graphics mod called GeDoSaTo DS2 Edition because the original graphics are also clearly a port of the lesser console graphics.
    The new multiplayer options are great and offer a nice diversion from the core gameplay.    Great game and the PC port is good, although you should still play with a gamepad and it clearly looks like a port. It's still the best version out there and I recommend the graphics mod called GeDoSaTo DS2 Edition because the original graphics are also clearly a port of the lesser console graphics.
    The new multiplayer options are great and offer a nice diversion from the core gameplay.
    White screen crash was fixed in a timely manner.    … Expand
  2. Nocturn86
    Apr 28, 2014
    8
    Game has been updated and seems to work for most now. I haven´t played for long yet, but from what I saw I´d give the game a 10/10 minus one point each for graphics (only slightly improved from DaS1) and controls (I use a Xbox-controller, so they are fine for me, but even when using mouse/keyboard the games always displays the Xbox buttons solely, which is unlikely to be fine for everyone).
  3. monktheking
    Apr 28, 2014
    9
    Revising my first review. Patch fixed everything. Game looks and plays fantastic. It's Dark Souls 2, you will die alot and get angry. But you will have fun while doing so.
  4. testerlnx
    Apr 26, 2014
    10
    Now have serious bugs (I have to switch down the HDMI port every times when I run the game, and only run in windowed mode not fullscreen).

    The diminishing healthbar and the evaporing enemies are really annoying, but it is a great game, when they fix the starting bugs I will change the rate.
  5. whitedeath505
    Apr 28, 2014
    10
    UPDATE: The other review was negative,because the game didn't work.
    Finally the game it's working,(after the update) and All I can say,it's awesome,beautiful,incredible and more hard than before.
    The multiplayer finally get fixed,now the connection it's super-fast and really good,good job from software.
  6. Whitescreenop
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    UPDATE: The other review was negative,because the game didn't work.
    Finally the game it's working,(after the update) and All I can say,it's awesome,beautiful,incredible and more hard than before.
    The multiplayer finally get fixed,now the connection it's super-fast and really good,good job from software.
  7. Boogz
    May 3, 2014
    10
    After finally being able to start the game after the first patch it turned out to be just as good as Demons Souls and Dark Souls, its a truly fantastic game.
  8. Hectorp
    Apr 25, 2014
    9
    I've played through Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, and even did SL1 runs.
    I've played only a couple of hours of Dark Souls 2, but let me tell you, the game's alright.
    For Dark Souls 2, they changed the director, and it really shows in the level design. The previous Souls games weren't intended to be masochist games. The difficulty was not the main focus, and interviews with the director    I've played through Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, and even did SL1 runs.
    I've played only a couple of hours of Dark Souls 2, but let me tell you, the game's alright.
    For Dark Souls 2, they changed the director, and it really shows in the level design.
    The previous Souls games weren't intended to be masochist games. The difficulty was not the main focus, and interviews with the director shows that. The director of Dark Souls 2 took a very different approach, and it shows in even the dialogue of the game.
    In the first few cutscenes, the player is told "you're going to die and lose souls over and over again", it is almost like that is coming from the developers. This wasn't seen in the previous games.
    The gameplay suffers from this too. The game tries way too hard to surprise you and punish you. with very predicable surprises at almost every single corner.
    An example of this that is very evident is the first level of the game.
    I'm not going to spoil it, but i'll just say that in the previous Souls games, the first levels were pretty good tutorials with fair enemies. It isn't like that in this one, you'll see what I mean if you play it.
    The new mechanics the game throws at you are a different, fresh, new experience.
    Stats are distributed differently, movement feels different, healing items are awful now, and enemies have different movesets. It's interesting to play, and in some aspects, much more difficult.
    I was kind of worried this game would be a casualized version of the first, I can say that I'm not dissapointed.
    Onto the technical aspects:
    The PC port is very good, a definite improvement over the first. Easy 1080p and 60 fps on an AMD 7850.
    I can't judge the Mouse+Keyboard controls though, because I haven't tried, but honestly, who would? A controller is a must for these types of games.
    Loading screens are almost non-existent just like the first
    Also, Alt+F4 is beautiful, try it out when you play it, it saves your game, fades out and exits - A counter against people that will quit during PvP
    Steamworks for this game is amazing! There is no "summoning failed" message like in the first, summoning and invading people are almost instant! The connectivity is nice and a great improvement over Games for Windows Live in the first Dark Souls.
    Overall, I'd recommend Dark Souls 2.
    It's decent, but I still like Demon's Souls the best.    … Expand
  9. Ashiel
    Apr 25, 2014
    9
    While the game's assets and lighting aren't quite the level of quality shown in the demo last year. They're still very pretty, and with some settings customization both in and out of game you can have it looking fantastic.

    Massive improvements have been made compared to the dark souls 1 pc port. honest kb and mouse support. As well as solid graphics options in game. But the other    While the game's assets and lighting aren't quite the level of quality shown in the demo last year. They're still very pretty, and with some settings customization both in and out of game you can have it looking fantastic.

    Massive improvements have been made compared to the dark souls 1 pc port. honest kb and mouse support. As well as solid graphics options in game. But the other element that makes it much better is the better integration of social features.

    The summon system is pivotal for a smooth play experience and is a lot of fun. Over all the story is the same minimalist breadcrumb system from ds1, but the gameplay is even crisper/sharper than it was before.

    More iframes (invincibility frames) have been removed so more intricate and skillful dodging is required to be able to fight enemies. As well as a strong enemy variety and well animated/telegraphed attacks allow you to see actual tactics being used.

    Enemies will charge at you when they see you healing, some of them can heal, and others can be baited into putting up their shield (if they have one) just by pulling out a ranged weapon.    … Expand
  10. Kanti
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    Difficulty and gameplay aside (if you're looking for that, just read the console reviews). From learned from their mistakes in DS1, and the DS2 Keyboard+Mouse controls work perfectly. Controls are smooth; graphics are smooth. It may not be the best looking PC game ever made, but this version is better than playing on a console in every way.
  11. Anionix
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    It has played out exactly the same as when I played the first Dark Souls. I was again having trouble with mobs from the very beginning (obviously not the brain dead zombies), but once again I passed the initial test, conquered my fear with my defeated enemies blood dripping down my face and I have come out the other side to witness a majestic view of the sea. To put it in a few words - I'mIt has played out exactly the same as when I played the first Dark Souls. I was again having trouble with mobs from the very beginning (obviously not the brain dead zombies), but once again I passed the initial test, conquered my fear with my defeated enemies blood dripping down my face and I have come out the other side to witness a majestic view of the sea. To put it in a few words - I'm fully enjoying the whole experience! Anything good in this world requires motivation, dedication and time and this game is no different. You put the hours and effort in and you will be greatly rewarded. By the way I have played both games on the keyboard and with a mouse without a problem. See you guys on the other side!… Expand
  12. cyrica419
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    I played demon souls and dark souls and acquired the end game achievements, Now I'm playing the Dark Souls 2 in 4 hours straight, it is more challenging than the other and more easy navigation. This game is deserve to have a score of 10. This is an amazing and challenging game that I've ever played.
  13. eskim01
    Apr 25, 2014
    8
    I'm a Souls veteran, with 3 playthroughs of Demon's Souls and 7 of Dark Souls, and by no means am I disappointed with Dark Souls II. Maybe a little underwhelmed, but not disappointed. It's different from both Dark and Demon's, but somehow feels like a strange combination at the same time, which is good (but again, different). By no means is different bad, in fact I think that's thisI'm a Souls veteran, with 3 playthroughs of Demon's Souls and 7 of Dark Souls, and by no means am I disappointed with Dark Souls II. Maybe a little underwhelmed, but not disappointed. It's different from both Dark and Demon's, but somehow feels like a strange combination at the same time, which is good (but again, different). By no means is different bad, in fact I think that's this games sticking point. If it was too much like the first, I don't think it would have been as enjoyable for someone like me, who knows the mechanics inside out, upside down and backwards. I feel like I'm new again, holding up my shield while slowly turning the next corner, and hoping not to come across some new trap.

    For all the hate it's getting for not being exactly like Dark Souls, I can agree with some of the points. The weapons degrade at a shocking rate, although I am still early on (3 hours in) so who knows, upgrading may fix that. And of course, we could discuss the lighting engine and all that fluff, but it's been said and done before. We know it's not what was shown at E3 in 2013, nor what was in the beta, but whatever. Although, I still feel that it's trying a bit too hard to give the lighting effects a chance, because nothing actually looks, you know, dark yet... Here's hoping The Gutter proves this point moot.

    Anyways, first impressions aside, I'm glad I purchased this game, and I plan on playing it for a good long time. Is it as good as the first, I don't think so (although I'm a admittedly jaded), but it doesn't have to be... it's its own game that stands up just fine with the Souls line. So I hope to see you all out there, and have some jolly cooperation! Oh, and don't forget, seek larger souls!    … Expand
  14. Sangemaru
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    Things to be said:

    - The level design could have been better, a la Dark Souls, but still nice; - I'm personally of the opinion that what made Dark Souls level design great was the fact that you could NOT teleport between bonfires until late-game, and this gave value to the excellent design, twists and turns, shortcuts and secrets; - Combat mechanics have been refined to be even more    Things to be said:

    - The level design could have been better, a la Dark Souls, but still nice;
    - I'm personally of the opinion that what made Dark Souls level design great was the fact that you could NOT teleport between bonfires until late-game, and this gave value to the excellent design, twists and turns, shortcuts and secrets;
    - Combat mechanics have been refined to be even more skill-based;

    A.k.a., true Souls players love and will love it. Scrubs should rate less and Git Gud.    … Expand
  15. Grand_Alchemist
    Apr 27, 2014
    10
    Why do people buy a game at launch, especially a PC port, and expect the game to be 100% perfect? Grow a pair, and learn to be patient for the game to be patched, jesus. It's this self entitled attitude of "I DESERVE THiS GAME NOW"
  16. Allendium
    Apr 26, 2014
    10
    First off, lets get some things out of the way that others are complaining about. The multi-player is fine, you're not supposed to be able to play through the entire game with you're friends, and while many whine about this, that's how the game was developed. It's not an issue or a bug they need to fix nor is it "clunky", it's how they chose to implement multi-player into the game. Yes,First off, lets get some things out of the way that others are complaining about. The multi-player is fine, you're not supposed to be able to play through the entire game with you're friends, and while many whine about this, that's how the game was developed. It's not an issue or a bug they need to fix nor is it "clunky", it's how they chose to implement multi-player into the game. Yes, the keyboard and mouse controls are terrible, but this is a studio that doesn't make PC games, Dark Souls was their first attempt at a port and Dark Souls 2 is their second. It blows that you have to use a controller to play the game comfortably but you don't HAVE to. I used the PC controls for about 3 hours and while they are a bit odd and uncomfortable, the game is completely playable using keyboard and mouse. Now lets actually talk about the game.
    Now Dark Souls 2 is an amazing game, from the visuals to the gameplay, it stays true to the Souls series. The game looks brilliant and it's color palette is wonderful, they optimized the heck out of it and the game runs incredibly even with all the settings turned up to the max on mid-range PC's.I feel it's a bit harder than the first as well, and the main reason behind that is that weapons now degrade a lot faster. Enemies are more aggressive and bosses need a little bit more strategy than previous titles, more than once I have underestimated the enemy and in the end paid dearly for my mistake. Control responsiveness is great, never once have I been screwed over because my input didn't go through. The world you're in is amazing, the level design is just as good as Dark Souls 1, and the enviroment feels more immersive. My only one gripe is that your weapons break far to quickly, you can now equip three items to each hand, but that doesn't make up for it. It's really annoying how quickly you can get into trouble when your weapon breaks and you have to high-tail out of a fight. Not even upgrading your weapon improves it's durability. There is and item you can equip that you find later in-game that slows the degradation of you weapons, so that's nice, but I wish upgrading improved their durability. Dark Souls 2 is everything I hoped for in another Souls game, and anyone that says their a Souls fan and then says they were disappointed with this game is not a Souls fan.    … Expand
  17. Snadiwchhhh
    May 9, 2014
    8
    I am writing second review after beating game.In the first review I gave ds2 9/10(played that time only 5-10 hours), certainly I must say that in 55 hour long playthrproough (with almost all bosses (except Vendrick )) I had no freezes, no lags, 0 problems with game. I should start with s of this game. It is dark souls, it has beautiful lore, awesome gameplay, magnificent views (myI am writing second review after beating game.In the first review I gave ds2 9/10(played that time only 5-10 hours), certainly I must say that in 55 hour long playthrproough (with almost all bosses (except Vendrick )) I had no freezes, no lags, 0 problems with game. I should start with s of this game. It is dark souls, it has beautiful lore, awesome gameplay, magnificent views (my favourite location is Dragon Aerie), hardness and my favourite... you kill bosses and progress not with level or high damage sword, but with skill. Some bosses are unique and interesting. PVP or Jolly co-op is just awesome (after I defeat boss on my own, I like to help others). There are added tons of items and mechanics what make game better. And the ending is quite good.
    Now about cons. and I found only one big flaw what made me sad, it is bosses. The problem is, that there is too much knight bosses, and sometimes they even repeat. Few bosses are just copy/pasted from ds1(like scorpion lady(ds2) and spider lady(ds1)). Well I must admit that ornstein is copied for lore and his attack are different, so I wouldn't count him as flaw, but sometimes you just feel thet it's too familiar, in a bad way. Another con for bosses is hardness, you meat Persuer (just a knight) and this is your nightmare(and yes, only after I defeated him, I received an info of 90% easy damage, but the way I defeated him as knight was even better) . Then you meet an awesome dragon in cage and he dies from 10 hits or you meet Lord of Giants( who should be hard as hell and awesome in this way)... I killed him on 2nd try. And final boss wasn't **** but he/she was disappointing
    In sum-up I can say, that this is great sequel, not perfect, but great one. If you just compare with what came out in 2013/2014 (bugged and not finished bf4, simcity, Rome:TW2 and others) DS2 is best right now you can get in 2014(for me). DS2 receive from me 8.5/10. Great game and great sequel. I would add one more plus point if they add steamworkshop (new gear, funny mods, fantasy of fans). Right now I'm replaying game with same character I did before and I receive many new enemies and test my skill. Praise... well, you know what to do.    … Expand
  18. Associated
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    This is an excellent PC port of an excellent game!

    For one, people on here are trying to bash it and I'm not positive as to why... But the game runs at 40-60 fps on my laptop with medium-high settings. It's gorgeous and fluid. It's still recommended that you use a controller for the game, makes everything a bit easier. Just get a 360 controller for your PC. The game itself is    This is an excellent PC port of an excellent game!

    For one, people on here are trying to bash it and I'm not positive as to why... But the game runs at 40-60 fps on my laptop with medium-high settings. It's gorgeous and fluid.

    It's still recommended that you use a controller for the game, makes everything a bit easier. Just get a 360 controller for your PC.

    The game itself is wonderful, brutally challenging and extremely rewarding for when you do get through a tough spot.

    Plus, for the 50 dollar price, it's really hard to resist. Pick it up and start playing this amazing game!    … Expand
  19. Doggsnacks
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    People who rated this game negative don't know anything about souls games and should have just un-install the game. This game is just simply not for you guys...
  20. pjeuk
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    this is the game of made by god
    i wait many times and from never break my expect
    and after, i wait darksouls3 i want see more 'YOU DIED'

    best game of my life . 1,2 both
  21. Voglaire
    Apr 25, 2014
    9
    Dark Souls II is difficult. In fact, it's probably the most difficult game I've ever played in my life, but I enjoyed every second of it.

    While off-putting at first, Dark Souls II pulls you in with it's exacting gameplay, brutal difficulty and rewarding bosses, every time I finally defeated a beautifully designed boss I felt I actually accomplished something, and I can't say that for    Dark Souls II is difficult. In fact, it's probably the most difficult game I've ever played in my life, but I enjoyed every second of it.

    While off-putting at first, Dark Souls II pulls you in with it's exacting gameplay, brutal difficulty and rewarding bosses, every time I finally defeated a beautifully designed boss I felt I actually accomplished something, and I can't say that for most games I've played.

    One of my only gripes with the game is that at times it is difficult to know where to go next, while I respect that they don't explain much I wish that they would have at least given me a general direction of where to go next.

    In my opinion, this is my first Game Of The Year contender for 2014.    … Expand
  22. roflCyclone
    May 22, 2014
    9
    I bought the first DS and played about 30 minutes before shelving it because it was so broken. I'm glad I gave From another chance. This is not a perfect game but the things it does well it does extremely well. Yes this game pretty much requires a gamepad, and yes it looks like a steaming pile of crap compared to other PC RPG offerings like The Witcher, but aside from that I have a hardI bought the first DS and played about 30 minutes before shelving it because it was so broken. I'm glad I gave From another chance. This is not a perfect game but the things it does well it does extremely well. Yes this game pretty much requires a gamepad, and yes it looks like a steaming pile of crap compared to other PC RPG offerings like The Witcher, but aside from that I have a hard time thinking of negative things to say about the PC version.

    It's difficult, sometimes frustratingly so, but not in an unfair way. The world is incredibly well designed, and the game never holds your hand through anything. As you progress you get actually feel like you've accomplished something, and when you fail (which you will -- a lot) you need to exercise patience and sound strategy to overcome. I wish every game I purchased played out like that. The class creation system is deep and allows for tons of possibilities (kinda like how Blizzard games used to be before they determined everyone was too stupid to put points into attributes by themselves). And da 30+ boss fights and creature variation?... Awesome. Nearly everything about this game is excellent, reminds me of how action RPG's used to be and should be.

    9/10 Would Die Again    … Expand
  23. Jimjam6494
    Jul 15, 2014
    10
    I think that these negative reviews are probably just from people who can't figure out how to play the game! This is a masterpiece of a game, the graphics are beautiful and the challenge can be rage inducing but when you beat it, there is no greater feeling in the world.
  24. Ireland914
    Sep 18, 2014
    9
    Never have I been so close to ragequitting/uninstalling a game only to end up enjoying every second of it. Steep learning curve and a throwback to when games were actually challenging and didn't hold your hand all the way through. Intense atmosphere and thrilling gameplay. So many various routes to take to play through and a very rewarding sense of accomplishment every time you make itNever have I been so close to ragequitting/uninstalling a game only to end up enjoying every second of it. Steep learning curve and a throwback to when games were actually challenging and didn't hold your hand all the way through. Intense atmosphere and thrilling gameplay. So many various routes to take to play through and a very rewarding sense of accomplishment every time you make it past that seemingly undefeatable boss. Runs flawlessly on PC at the time of my purchase. Not a scrappy co sole port like some user's have suggested. An Xbox controller recommended for the best experience.… Expand
  25. Violett
    Jul 11, 2014
    10
    Amazing game! Unusual and incredibly hard! I cant remember how many times I felt so frustrated in a single game. Hundreds of deaths, ton of butthurt and fun! I played on my big tv at the evening with gamepad and I didnt meet any problems other people talk here. That was awesome! It is super cool if the game is hard.
  26. DemKin
    Jun 20, 2014
    10
    Great game and decent port.
    Still not the "great PC experience" the developpers promised us, but it has a solid framerate and if you have a controller, Dark Souls 2 is a lot of fun. I highly recommend it.
  27. Sneaksby
    Jul 3, 2014
    10
    The game runs very well. Dark Souls 2 is superior to Dark Souls 1 in every way except they don't have Solaire. But besides that, you can still praise the sun. Dark Souls 2 had more memorable characters that you can relate to. Not everything is all Dank and Dark. There are some very bright places which make you want to go back there again. However, the story is still strong with its lore,The game runs very well. Dark Souls 2 is superior to Dark Souls 1 in every way except they don't have Solaire. But besides that, you can still praise the sun. Dark Souls 2 had more memorable characters that you can relate to. Not everything is all Dank and Dark. There are some very bright places which make you want to go back there again. However, the story is still strong with its lore, but just like the original Dark Souls, it's presentation is terrible. It's as bad as the original game that you need to look up Youtube videos explaining it. The game could have used more cut-scenes. But unlike most games, this game puts up a decent challenge but Magic is still overpowered. And too many **** spam it all the time that you need a big ass magic shield to carry with you. It's a great game. A worthy successor. I only wished that they had better storytelling.… Expand
  28. angel91a
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    Dark Souls 2 is a masterpiece! With new patches and everything, please change your review! This game is awesome!

    First of all, the graphics are actually superb, they look realistic to me. Next, combat here is improved and better than Dark Souls 1 because of smoother style, and no more cheap combos of stabbing in the back. Third, multi-player is good and fine, more invasions and    Dark Souls 2 is a masterpiece! With new patches and everything, please change your review! This game is awesome!

    First of all, the graphics are actually superb, they look realistic to me.

    Next, combat here is improved and better than Dark Souls 1 because of smoother style, and no more cheap combos of stabbing in the back.

    Third, multi-player is good and fine, more invasions and sinners for the blue sentinels would be nice. Co-op is nice though. P.S. : If you want to connect to your friends better, use a name engraved ring while picking the same god, (look as matchmaking chart for more information).

    Lastly, I think the armor in this game looks more cool then the ones in Dark Souls 1!    … Expand
  29. CrossesAndBones
    Jun 12, 2014
    10
    this game is so fun and amazing when I first got on after 2 min I instantly died after sometime I got the hang of it and tried online overall this game is great and people should check it out
  30. Fanaro009
    Jul 11, 2014
    9
    Few times you're going to cross with such a well constructed game. There are critics to it but in this rare case none can ever change the fact that this is an absolute masterpiece, enjoyable from the begining to the end. It is a hardcore game and if you don't want challenges, this is not for you. The game is mysterious and unforgivable, you're going to die a lot. But don't worry, thereFew times you're going to cross with such a well constructed game. There are critics to it but in this rare case none can ever change the fact that this is an absolute masterpiece, enjoyable from the begining to the end. It is a hardcore game and if you don't want challenges, this is not for you. The game is mysterious and unforgivable, you're going to die a lot. But don't worry, there will be plenty of rewards and each weapon or costume you receive will look like water in the desert, an eternal relief and a great hope for the future of your journey.

    Now, to the criticism. Firstly, the multiplayer: it is enjoyable for a while, but then you encounter the inevitable jerks who are virtually undefeatable due to overpowered weapons. Secondly, the ending is just so vague, sudden and anti-climatic... it is not the same as the first one where vagueness gave it a certain charm or glamour, now it feels like someone ran dry of ideas and tried to terminate the project before it went downhill.

    Nevertheless, a collection item, one day this will be remembered certainly as one of the best games of the decade.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PC Game of 2014
8
#8 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
12
#12 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. CD-Action
    Jul 23, 2014
    95
    This game’s playability puts to shame everything that’s been released for the new generation of consoles. [06/2014, p.54]
  2. PC PowerPlay
    Jun 6, 2014
    90
    The definitive Dark Souls II experience, the latest entry to The Souls series shines on the PC. [June 2014, p.50]
  3. Riot Pixels
    Jun 5, 2014
    80
    If you’re a fan of hardcore games, try Dark Souls 2. It is not as memorable as its predecessor, and yet it is still a phenomenal experience.
    Read full review
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