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. 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.
  2. knarr
    Apr 26, 2014
    9
    I can't believe so many people are so negative about this release, while we live in an era in which so few decent games are released. I have 200+ hours in DS1 and I believe the developers really stayed true to the previous titles. In all ways this game is like a rough gem. You have to do some effort before you can enjoy it. As a new player you need to get used to the difficulty and lack ofI can't believe so many people are so negative about this release, while we live in an era in which so few decent games are released. I have 200+ hours in DS1 and I believe the developers really stayed true to the previous titles. In all ways this game is like a rough gem. You have to do some effort before you can enjoy it. As a new player you need to get used to the difficulty and lack of guiding and as a experienced DaS or DeS player you need to get used to the new feel of the controls. If you dont take the effort, you won't enjoy the game. I'd like to make a few points.

    First of all, Don't use key/mouse, use a controller. If you don't have any, buy one, this game is worth it. It might be ridiculous to buy a controller just to be able to play a game, but it's not. Buying a controller + this game is a way better investment than almost all games released past years in this price range.

    The second point I want to make is that if you're an experienced DS fan, don't expect that you can just jump into this game and play it like DS1 or Demon Souls. The controls are different, which doesn't mean they are bad. You just need to get used them again, like you always have to when you play a new game. I also had to get used and after a few hours a was starting to love the new controls.

    Third point. Don't use the pre order weapons. They break quickly (no, repair mechanism isn't broken, it's just the po weapons that break quickly), are ugly and are something that shouldn't be in Dark Souls. Dark Souls is about getting rewarded for overcoming seemingly impossible challenges and not about getting rewarded for buying the game early.

    Also, dont grind because of the difficulty, it'll ruin the experience. Just keep trying and trying and trying. You'll eventually get good enough to get to the next bonfire, even while having no more healing items and only half a health bar a the start.

    Surely the developers made some poor decisions, but a majority of these decisions only have a minor impact if you, as a gamer, make the right decisions. To the people with crash issues I would like to say: don't be so damn impatient. Just wait a few days like you waited years for this release. It will probably be solved quickly.

    The game has some issues but none of them are gamebreaking to me. To me, the game compensates with great content and gameplay. The only real complaint I have so far is the lighting downgrade which makes the use of torches unnecessary. Someone will probably release a mod sometime that fixes this problem so I don't really mind.    … Expand
  3. IE33
    Apr 26, 2014
    9
    Dark Souls 1 was complete catastrophe on PC, game was lagging in some places for completely no reason, sad controls for mouse/keyboard users... So what about Dark Souls II ?

    It's totally different from previous DS port, game works flawlessly in full 60 FPS without any lags. Mouse/Keyboard controls? - They are fine but you will have to adjust them a little bit to your liking otherwise    Dark Souls 1 was complete catastrophe on PC, game was lagging in some places for completely no reason, sad controls for mouse/keyboard users... So what about Dark Souls II ?

    It's totally different from previous DS port, game works flawlessly in full 60 FPS without any lags.

    Mouse/Keyboard controls? - They are fine but you will have to adjust them a little bit to your liking otherwise everything is OK with controls and I'm really happy about that!
    There's also few graphical bugs that happen very rarely, personally I have encountered only one during my 8 hours of playtime in certain place.

    To sum up,
    I highly recommend Dark Souls 2 as it's a solid game with excellent port from console which is rare to see nowadays.    … Expand
  4. Ruzi
    Apr 26, 2014
    9
    I have not played any of the previous souls games, and I went into this game blind. I bought this game more or less due to the hype, and cause I've always been a rpg-fan.
    So did it it live up the hype? Yes, it did.
    I play with x-box pad on the pc, so I can't comment on the mouse keyboard controlls which seems to be an issue with most of the negative reviews. The graphics are not very    I have not played any of the previous souls games, and I went into this game blind. I bought this game more or less due to the hype, and cause I've always been a rpg-fan.
    So did it it live up the hype? Yes, it did.
    I play with x-box pad on the pc, so I can't comment on the mouse keyboard controlls which seems to be an issue with most of the negative reviews.
    The graphics are not very impresive, but but the art design is. The game is hard, really hard and it's frustrating. Whatever you do it feels like the game punishes you. But the gameplay is great. Combat is tense and lot of fun.
    I'm enjoying this game a lot.    … Expand
  5. Worldeater_PS4
    Apr 28, 2014
    9
    CHANGE THE PROMPTS TO PC CONTROLS !!!! NOT X-BOX!!!!!! "press y" means press enter, Press"a" blah blah blah, cant believe they didnt even bother with that !!!

    I loved no1, i just got a PS4 and sold the ps3, so PC is was !! The game plays very well, and is just as deadly as the last, this is not a charge in swinging game, as it wasnt before, feels like an upgraded extention of the    CHANGE THE PROMPTS TO PC CONTROLS !!!! NOT X-BOX!!!!!! "press y" means press enter, Press"a" blah blah blah, cant believe they didnt even bother with that !!!

    I loved no1, i just got a PS4 and sold the ps3, so PC is was !!
    The game plays very well, and is just as deadly as the last, this is not a charge in swinging game, as it wasnt before, feels like an upgraded extention of the lastone.

    Fantastic............just hurry up and change the prompts................have you done it yet ??.............very very annoying and lazy................................................how about now ???    … Expand
  6. Rokyn
    Apr 29, 2014
    9
    Captures the same atmosphere and difficulty as the predecessor, huge world full of secrets and bosses and many ways to engage in pvp, which works very well. My only problem is that you can't viably go strictly ranged combat, but I also can't imagine how they would pull that off with how the game is built.
    All in all it's a really great game, that I would recommend to anyone that enjoyed    Captures the same atmosphere and difficulty as the predecessor, huge world full of secrets and bosses and many ways to engage in pvp, which works very well. My only problem is that you can't viably go strictly ranged combat, but I also can't imagine how they would pull that off with how the game is built.
    All in all it's a really great game, that I would recommend to anyone that enjoyed the prequel, or who didn't play the prequel solely because of the bad port (much better now whoop!).    … Expand
  7. khjir
    Apr 29, 2014
    9
    Well my first post on mc, only to soften damage, done by some silly people. :)

    The game itself is well, no questions here. But as far as PC port goes - let me say, graphics + mods, 60fps, somewhat not that bad menu browsing with partly mouse navigation and horrid console design - yep it's there. But now it's usable, not like first game. So get used to it or skip, really if menus do    Well my first post on mc, only to soften damage, done by some silly people. :)

    The game itself is well, no questions here.
    But as far as PC port goes - let me say, graphics + mods, 60fps, somewhat not that bad menu browsing with partly mouse navigation and horrid console design - yep it's there. But now it's usable, not like first game. So get used to it or skip, really if menus do anger you, don't even bother.

    now controls - first i was kinda 'meh'. tried it for few hours. and now i'm rolling :) with some minor tweaks to control scheme, no mods or etc. just give it a fair try, try to get used to it, and you will be ok :) again - not perfect, but really good. i'm finishing lost bastille now, but my achievement is = no man's warth with no deaths at all, with keyboard without any fancy stuff.

    so overall pc game is good, it lacks some stuff but nothing seriuos. game itself is fantastic :) ill give my 9 just because i'm not into 0/10 :)    … Expand
  8. zachser
    Apr 29, 2014
    9
    This is a well made sequel to the Souls series. It runs a lot smoother on the PC than it's predecessor did and it actually feels like they put some care into making it run on the PC properly unlike the port of Dark Souls. The combat feels polished for the most part, different routes were balanced out a bit better (melee, sorcery, ranged, etc) to bring them closer together, the difficultyThis is a well made sequel to the Souls series. It runs a lot smoother on the PC than it's predecessor did and it actually feels like they put some care into making it run on the PC properly unlike the port of Dark Souls. The combat feels polished for the most part, different routes were balanced out a bit better (melee, sorcery, ranged, etc) to bring them closer together, the difficulty curve is much nicer (no Anor Londo wall in this one), and many of the environments are beautiful to look at. There is a nice blend of Dark Souls and Demon's Souls for this game, using the best of both worlds and improving upon both of them. Death carries a higher punishment than previous games, but at the same time perseverance is rewarded a little more. Dying costs you a percentage of your max health (down to a minimum of %50 I believe) but can be reversed by helping someone else beat a boss in their world or using a human effigy (I think I had about 40 of those by the end of the game). Once you kill an enemy so many times it will stop spawning upon resting at a bonfire or dying, both to stop constant grinding of a zone and to help players who keep dying a lot.

    Keyboard and mouse controls are not optimal like many people are saying, however there is no way that they could actually make that happen. Dark Souls 2 uses every button on the controller to play, including the D pad and L3, which puts it at using 14 non-movement or camera buttons. If you use your mouse for the camera and the two mouse buttons for attacks (can't use more than that for default controls because not everyone has more buttons than that) then you have sixteen buttons you have to somehow manage to keybind in a usable way (14 + 4 for movement - 2 for the mouse attacks). There is no way to actually do that where it feels intuitive, especially for a game like this where you have to be able to use most of those at a moments notice.

    Overall this is definitely a well made game and I believe it is getting a lot of flak for an undeserved reason. It is a rewarding game that gives one a great feeling of accomplishment when any boss is beaten or a zone you were having trouble with is passed and while it is certainly not made for the casual crowd, it is a good title for those of us who truly enjoy gaming.    … Expand
  9. SolomonRed
    Apr 30, 2014
    9
    Loving everything about this sequel.
    The people complaining about the graphics should look at the recommended specs, it was made so the majority of PC's would have no problem running it. FromSoftware even clarified that they want the game to look good but not be unattainable to mid range users.
    My experience so far has been nothing but flawless. Beautiful character models and landscapes    Loving everything about this sequel.
    The people complaining about the graphics should look at the recommended specs, it was made so the majority of PC's would have no problem running it. FromSoftware even clarified that they want the game to look good but not be unattainable to mid range users.
    My experience so far has been nothing but flawless. Beautiful character models and landscapes all around.
    Game-play wise the controls are consistently responsive, when I die I usual know it was because of a flaw on my part not the game. By the way I am playing on a gamepad, the way Dark Souls is meant to be played.
    This would be a 10 for me but due to the apparent very vocal minority of players having issues on their set-ups, it could likely use some minor fine tuning.    … Expand
  10. Syndrome
    May 1, 2014
    9
    Game is great, using a pc-con so i don't have the flaws of controls. For those who sayed graphics are bad probrably have a PC value of under 800 or don't have any graphics card. might also be possible that they just have there settings on low and were to lazy to verify if you could put it up. 1080p resolution with 60 fps is pretty good compared to the consol 720p and 30 fps. loadingsGame is great, using a pc-con so i don't have the flaws of controls. For those who sayed graphics are bad probrably have a PC value of under 800 or don't have any graphics card. might also be possible that they just have there settings on low and were to lazy to verify if you could put it up. 1080p resolution with 60 fps is pretty good compared to the consol 720p and 30 fps. loadings screen are alot shorther then the console game. graphics are good, gameplay is good, storyline is good. Only problem is for people who are new to gaming, they might have alot of issues, but for people looking for a challenge. this is it. find the story to easy (ya wont)? then do player vs player. do not base your rating base on hearing reviews and being a sheep about it. buy it and play it. trust me it is worth it 100%. a problem for it not being 10/10 is the direction you are given, sometimes you may feel lost. and they have xbox controller buttons even if you are using a pc. but all and all a solid 9/10. sorry if bad english :) it is not my native language :) and my auto correct is not set for english :).… Expand
  11. Genova84
    May 3, 2014
    9
    Loving this game so far. Got it for the PC launch on 4/24 and I'm about 30 hours in.

    Initial hiccups with launching aside, the game runs great. I have not experienced any frame rate issues and I'm running it at 1080p with the highest settings available. That said, you need a controller. I suggest using an Xbox 360 or PS3 controller emulating an Xbox 360 controller. And then, well,    Loving this game so far. Got it for the PC launch on 4/24 and I'm about 30 hours in.

    Initial hiccups with launching aside, the game runs great. I have not experienced any frame rate issues and I'm running it at 1080p with the highest settings available.

    That said, you need a controller. I suggest using an Xbox 360 or PS3 controller emulating an Xbox 360 controller. And then, well, get over the fact that the prompts are for an Xbox controller. This game should not, under any circumstances, be played with a mouse and keyboard, very much like other console ports (the darksiders series comes to mind) should not be played with a mouse and keyboard.

    I will say that it's not as challenging as the Demon's or Dark Souls mainly due to the 3 player co-op. I soloed both Demon's and Dark a number of times, but this game has a different feel to it. Can't quite put my finger on it.

    To those complaining about running out of souls due to over-farming, I say this ... Boss Runs! After you beat a boss, use your white soap stones to join others and kill the boss again, and again, and again! This replay-ability is really nice and will easily get you all the souls you need. Also, assisting in defeating a boss will give you back your estus flasks, restore you humanity and repair any equipment, so you can run until your little old heart is content!

    I will mention a few drawbacks:

    1. The addition of being able to carry 6 weapons at once, all of which impact your equip load, was a dumb decision. I find myself only equipping the one weapon I want, so I can wear better armor and during a boss fight, running to corner to quickly swap out my weapons. Very annoying.

    2. The beginning of the game has been the hardest part for me. This was due to my only weapon breaking early on and not having the blacksmith unlocked to repair it. That was really, really dumb!

    3. Boss running, though rewarding, gets tedious when the master keeps dying ... I soloed the majority of the bosses first, and the assisted others and it's crazy how bad some people are at avoiding some of the more basic boss attacks.

    4. PvP - I suck at it. Where PvE is great, I feel that PvP is an unnecessary part of this game. I do like that there are areas for those who enjoy to tear it up, but it's simply not for me.

    If you liked the first two, or are looking for a challenge, buy a controller and get this game!    … Expand
  12. animalwedding
    Jan 13, 2015
    9
    The worst entry in the Souls series is still leagues better than anything else I played in 2014. Where Dark Souls II lacks in atmosphere and intrigue, it makes up for with fluid controls and cheeky level design. I highly recommend a PS3 controller, but an XBox 360 controller will do in a pinch.
  13. LaserMoose
    May 6, 2014
    9
    Dark souls 2 is a great sequel, although it has some flaws. Playing this game with keyboard & mouse is incredibly hard. From Software clearly meant this game to be played with a xbox/ps controller. In the "tutorial area" the game never explains how to play with keyboard & mouse and figuring out all the bindings is a challenge of its own.

    The game looks great compared to its prequel, but    Dark souls 2 is a great sequel, although it has some flaws. Playing this game with keyboard & mouse is incredibly hard. From Software clearly meant this game to be played with a xbox/ps controller. In the "tutorial area" the game never explains how to play with keyboard & mouse and figuring out all the bindings is a challenge of its own.

    The game looks great compared to its prequel, but its certainly not next gen graphics, but this fact did not stop From Software to provide this game with some awesome and beautiful scenery. The level design feels as natural as the first Dark Souls where you're not exploring different levels, you're exploring a world. Fast traveling is something that unfortunately removes some of the depth of exploring and adventuring, but it makes Dark Souls 2 harsh punishments more tolerable. Fast traveling also lets you easily jump back in to where you left of so you can continue progressing.

    Thankfully the combat system we Dark Souls veterans loves has not changed to much. It has only improved. Now dual wielding is a valid way of playing the game, and you can parry with two-handed weapons. Jumping is much easier this time around as well, as you can choose to bind the jumping button to the "Left Control Stick Button". If you preferred the old way, you can still jump with the same button you run with.

    The online features is a big step up. You can now very easily and quickly summon or be summoned by players. The waiting time for engaging in jolly co-operation has shortened greatly. I've spent about 50 hours on this game and only been invaded by a real player about four times which is disappointing. The reason for this seem to be their new online matching system, which not only takes your characters level in consideration, but also your soul memory. I am still very unfamiliar with how it works so i will leave it at that.

    The game is hard but fair. Something new players will have to learn is that you will die many times. It's trial and error. The game punishes you for dying, so there's an actual fear from dying. Dark souls 2 throws you off the birds nest without teaching you how to fly first. But once you get the hang of it, this game will give you some amazing and memorable moments.    … Expand
  14. gabber01
    May 8, 2014
    9
    Seriously! Why do retarded, totally incompetent, fools allowed to even make a rating and comment in the first place??? You don't belittle and make a crap out of an almost flawless game because of your inability to control the game. Yes, the PC version still has its drawbacks, but with 5min of investigation you can make the game work exactly the same as the console versions, only with moreSeriously! Why do retarded, totally incompetent, fools allowed to even make a rating and comment in the first place??? You don't belittle and make a crap out of an almost flawless game because of your inability to control the game. Yes, the PC version still has its drawbacks, but with 5min of investigation you can make the game work exactly the same as the console versions, only with more sophisticated graphics and muuuch better frame rates! Shockers...! There should be an IQ test or something here.

    Anyways, the game is amazing! Personally I like DS1 more, but this sequel is still very, very good, even better in many aspects, but Iiii don't know, it's a subjective thing I guess :). Anyhow, it's a must for RPG/Dark Souls fans and a worth trying for anyone else with more than 70 IQ.    … Expand
  15. halberdman
    May 9, 2014
    9
    Dark Souls 2(DkS2) is an Action Game/RPG that relies on an extreme difficulty curve and respawn mechanic to provide the action with a special spice that you don't see in many games. Is it harder than Demon's Souls(DS) or Dark Souls(DkS)? I say, 'who cares?' A lot of arguments devolve into comparisons, but I found Dark Souls 2 to be a unique beast when compared to its predecessors.

    I    Dark Souls 2(DkS2) is an Action Game/RPG that relies on an extreme difficulty curve and respawn mechanic to provide the action with a special spice that you don't see in many games. Is it harder than Demon's Souls(DS) or Dark Souls(DkS)? I say, 'who cares?' A lot of arguments devolve into comparisons, but I found Dark Souls 2 to be a unique beast when compared to its predecessors.

    I could write a novel on Dark Souls, and a sequel on Dark Souls 2, but in the interest of brevity I will keep this short.

    New weapon movesets, new death system, new interactive scenery, new stats system, new damage system, it's hard to find a part of DkS2 that hasn't been taken down to scratch and reworked since DkS. This is both good and bad, as many new problems surface (estus healing power, weapon durability drop) and some old ones return completely unaddressed (Lag-stabs, curving arrows, enemy weapons phase through walls) to menace the intrepid soul who dares play this game. The fixed problems are possibly outnumbered by the new ones, but the game still manages to feel highly polished and playable almost all the time.

    Even with that, and the occasional facepalm over dated textures or stupid AI, DkS2 is a gem and you should play it right now. You will not find another game like it anywhere in the market (except DS and DkS obviously) and it gets so many things just right that you will find yourself sucked in for hours on end. The innovative multiplayer system simultaneously makes you hate, love, envy, and pity every other player in the game, and you will often end up seeing the same person multiple times as they advance in tandem with you. Some of the most rewarding multiplayer experiences I've ever had have came as a result of summoning some random person four or five times and the two of us getting to trust and know each other without ever talking(the game has no voice or text chat).

    Many negative reviews are citing terrible controls, bad console port, etc. And yes, this is a console port and yes, it does pretty much require a controller to play. The controller is so much more intuitive for the combat system that mouse and keyboard really doesn't have an opportunity to shine. If you are a PC purist who can't stand the idea of a console game on your shiny rig or can't pick up a 360 controller without going into apoplectic rage, you will not be able to get the most out of DkS2 and should probably go play Starcraft 2 or something.

    Pros:
    -death by lava, spider, fall, fire, poison, giant club, sickle, spear, sword, rocks, tree, ladder, teeth, water, chariot, etc.
    -unique, engrossing gameplay
    -clever presence/absence of music makes the soundtrack stand out when it is present
    -great voice acting makes the NPCs come to life (until you kill them)
    -beautiful graphics most of the time
    -fantastic multiplayer
    -New game+ adds extensive replayability

    Cons:
    -death by lava, spider, fall, fire, poison, giant club, sickle, spear, sword, rocks, tree, ladder, teeth, water, chariot, etc.
    -occasional graphics snafus
    -AI is dumb as a post stuck in another post stuck in a lobotomized hamster
    -lag in multiplayer, therefore tears ahead
    -message system combined with invasions allows trolls and griefers free reign
    -boss fights are a letdown compared to previous entries, with a few exceptions    … Expand
  16. SanySuny
    May 15, 2014
    9
    I can't believe how so many people give 0/10 ratings without even having played the game and say that this game is unplayable because they have some technical problems.
    Just look how many people are enjoying the Dark Souls II, so what do you think is the problem? The game or you?
    DSII surely could use some polish in terms of Menu interface, it can be especially confusing for players who    I can't believe how so many people give 0/10 ratings without even having played the game and say that this game is unplayable because they have some technical problems.
    Just look how many people are enjoying the Dark Souls II, so what do you think is the problem? The game or you?
    DSII surely could use some polish in terms of Menu interface, it can be especially confusing for players who have not played the other games, but the PC port is already greatly improved and absolutely playable. I find it even a bit easier than the first one.
    What I do not like is the soul memory mechanic which limits the PvP and Co-op.
    Also to increase your rank in the covenant of blood is quite problematic since you have to win 500 PvP battles without loosing basically, which is ridiculous if you just want to rank up in order to get the rewards or achievments.
    The bonfire warping kinda kills the idea of traveling imo.
    But other than that it is a very good game, one of my favorites (could be a bit more depressing and dark though, in terms of inveroment^^)    … Expand
  17. EpikRaikku
    May 26, 2014
    9
    This is a really great game. Sure its hard but that's the point of the game: to give players a challenge instead of your usual Easy to breeze game. This game has many amazing features. Sure there are some bugs but almost every game has bugs I gave it a 9 because This is what i like in dark souls 2 .
  18. GhosTrooper
    May 26, 2014
    9
    Bad port? Yes, not the best, but they answered to this question and many others about game.
    Play game? Definitely YES. Must have in your collection and play,. Just give some time to this game, and you will see how good and entertaining it is.
  19. AlexTaranov
    Jul 2, 2014
    9
    Игра хороша.Подобных игр мало,да что уж там...их вообще нет :D
    Я не пожалел,что приобрёл её и на PC и на PS3.
    Да,нервов у меня не осталось,но играть меня никто не заставлял. В общем - мне понравилось! НО!! Кто купит мне новую клавиатуру и мышь?    Игра хороша.Подобных игр мало,да что уж там...их вообще нет :D
    Я не пожалел,что приобрёл её и на PC и на PS3.
    Да,нервов у меня не осталось,но играть меня никто не заставлял.
    В общем - мне понравилось!
    НО!!
    Кто купит мне новую клавиатуру и мышь?
  20. BrettT
    Jun 8, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Having not played Dark Souls, or Demon Souls before it, I was not expecting much from Dark Souls II. However, I was quite wrong. This game not only doesn't tell you what you should do, but rather lets you decide. It doesn't say you must play the way it wants you to, you can play in a large variety of ways. My only complaint (and this is a personal complaint) is that during the Ruin Setinal boss fights, I had killed all but one of the Ruined Setinals. When I went to destroy the 100 or so health that boss had left, he killed me the same time one of the two people I had summoned killed him. I then had to fight these bosses all over again, even though the boss hit the ground before I did. Other than that, the game is well worth Steam's asking price of $50.… Expand
  21. Kyoss79
    Jun 17, 2014
    9
    No doubt, this game has its flaws. For me, a gamer with more than 20 years of experience on the PC platform, a little fiddling with settings and controls doesn't stop me from having fun with a release.
    I understand that not everybody wants to spend time and/or research to get a game running flawlessly, but compared to the odysseys we had to go through several years ago, a little time    No doubt, this game has its flaws. For me, a gamer with more than 20 years of experience on the PC platform, a little fiddling with settings and controls doesn't stop me from having fun with a release.
    I understand that not everybody wants to spend time and/or research to get a game running flawlessly, but compared to the odysseys we had to go through several years ago, a little time spent to make the game play as YOU want, instead of forcing yourself to play the way the game wants you, goes a long way.

    That said, with a bit of AutoHotKey voodoo the controls are working great with mouse&keyboard. I do not use any graphical enhancements, because graphics only do little to improve actual gameplay. The gameplay is superb, I am hooked and already started more than 6 characters, which two of those I finished the game.
    As with all versions of dark souls, the difficulty is high compared to other games, but in DS2 not so high as in DS, because now people got used to the gameplay and combat.
    If you like medieval combat & fantasy, give this game a try, its worth it. For new players the starting area is by far the hardest part of the game, but when you got past that, the game shines and doesnt stop at impressing and challenging me.
    PRAISE THE SUN!    … Expand
  22. Darthtux
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    Dark souls 2 is really done on the pc port. Gameplay is amazing and probably the best out of the three souls games. Dark souls 2 could be a difficult game but it is not as challenging as the other soul games. Dark souls 2 expands its world and gameplay, it is filled with content and you cant stop finding resources throughout the game! New game plus is challenging with new enemies to fightDark souls 2 is really done on the pc port. Gameplay is amazing and probably the best out of the three souls games. Dark souls 2 could be a difficult game but it is not as challenging as the other soul games. Dark souls 2 expands its world and gameplay, it is filled with content and you cant stop finding resources throughout the game! New game plus is challenging with new enemies to fight and its worth it if you liked Dark souls 2. Overall Dark Souls 2 is an amazing game and is a must play game!… Expand
  23. maximilianschme
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    The best Action/RPG/HacknSlay i have played the last years.
    But i have to say, it is a shame, that you can't play the game with a keyboard and mouse very well, you really have to use a controller, like the 360 controller.
    I purchased a xbox 360 controller just for this game and i still not regret it, besides the great quality of that controller, the game really went up from 5 to 9 with a    The best Action/RPG/HacknSlay i have played the last years.
    But i have to say, it is a shame, that you can't play the game with a keyboard and mouse very well, you really have to use a controller, like the 360 controller.
    I purchased a xbox 360 controller just for this game and i still not regret it, besides the great quality of that controller, the game really went up from 5 to 9 with a gamepad.

    The game has changed a lot compared to Dark Souls 1, but i loved all the changes.
    For example your stuff and health will be repaired if you rest at a bonefire, so you are not forced to repair all the time.
    Also the World isn't anymore designed that you have to run hours just to get to the next smith.
    In Dark Souls 2, you have a Mainplace, like in dark souls 1, but this time it is diffrent and i will not spoil anything.
    I finished Dark Souls 2, i don't finished Dark Souls 1, why? because i was to low skilled to beat all the bosses and you are forced to kill all the enemys on the way to a boss in Dark Souls 1.
    this was changed in Dark Souls 2 (thank you!), now you have mostly a bonfire next to a boss or at least, you have to clear the area 15(or was it 12?) times, after that, the enemys will not spawn anymore, but you have to kill each enemy 15 times.
    You can reset this, but i will not spoil this (google it, if you want to know!).
    So this is the first big change, more Bonefires, but also you can teleport to each Bonefire at start, but only to one you found and activate.
    The menus are changed to you get used to them pretty fast, also the player has a little delay now, putting up the shield could take you a second but same here, you get used to it very fast.
    I like the enemy design, but the only problem i see with Dark Souls 2 compared to Dark Souls 1, is the world/story.
    You have a lot of Enemys/Npcs/items you really don't know and never will know about, i finished the game with 3 diffrent characters + one with N(ew)G(ame)+ but i still don't know what some npcs do, there just there and do nothing more in the game.
    But beside this, i love the game, you can summon help, you can help other people...and you still can get invaded, but more on specific parts of the map.
    I don't get invaded on many parts of the map, but on some parts i get invaded each 10 minutes.
    So in my opinion, i loved from software for removing the "try &error", also the boenfire(teleportation) and fair bosses, to be honest, some of the bosses in Dark Souls 1 are very unfair (damn you capra demon!).
    Now with Dark Souls 2, i had a lot of fun, the changes are understandable and clever.
    But i think for the pro-gamers who finished DS1 like 3 times, are a bit disapointed, but for that you can still use one item, which makes the game even harder!

    The only disapointment was the last boss, after i killed the boss i was like "thats it?" even for me, it was way to easy.    … Expand
  24. McHagge
    Jul 2, 2014
    9
    The game is diffycult and surprising in many ways.
    Dark Souls 2 drives you crazy and frustrates you at the same time.
    For everyone who is looking for a hardcore adventure and a difficult game should totally go and get it. I recommend to use a gamepad or you try to find out all keys you need while playing on Keyboard + Mouse as I did. It is challenging but you can do it (played with    The game is diffycult and surprising in many ways.
    Dark Souls 2 drives you crazy and frustrates you at the same time.
    For everyone who is looking for a hardcore adventure and a difficult game should totally go and get it.
    I recommend to use a gamepad or you try to find out all keys you need while playing on Keyboard + Mouse as I did. It is challenging but you can do it (played with Keyboard + Mouse to NG+2)
    Dark Souls 2 may not be as hard as the first Dark Souls game, but still it is a challenge every gamer should atleast have tried.    … Expand
  25. RingK
    Oct 28, 2014
    9
    Easier than its predecessor, less epic (bosses are not that awesome compared to the first dark souls), but they improved the combat system and the multiplayer part, one of the ebst game i ever played.
  26. aad
    Aug 13, 2014
    9
    What an amazing game.

    The satisfaction that comes from beating a boss solo after failing again and again, and again, and again. There is no feeling like this in any other game. Because you know that each time you died you got a little better. And even though the bosses seemed at first impossible, they were in their own way still fair. This one of the best combat action game I've ever    What an amazing game.

    The satisfaction that comes from beating a boss solo after failing again and again, and again, and again. There is no feeling like this in any other game. Because you know that each time you died you got a little better. And even though the bosses seemed at first impossible, they were in their own way still fair.

    This one of the best combat action game I've ever played. The fact it's also a role-playing game that makes you invest a part of yourself takes it to another level.

    I didn't give it a perfect 10 because of the online pvp issues. Hackers are abundant and I don't like that pvp is sometimes forced. I enjoy pvp but I did not enjoy some of the mechanics that promoted ganking like the bell tower or certain areas of the game.

    Still a classic, and could very well be one of the best series of all time.    … Expand
  27. johnykorry
    Aug 27, 2014
    9
    Love dark souls 2. If you are into melee fighting you must buy it. Great bosses, great mechanics, nice armors, pvp is interesting. and beautiful dark locations. Lots of replay ability.
  28. 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
  29. Stilloffside
    Jul 11, 2014
    9
    I give this a 9.5 but there are no .5's here...

    The souls games are arguably the best RPG games on the market (in my opinion). Neither title apologize from start to finish...They both have their technical short comings and can be cause for frustration but the core of each title, the depth, the literal...OK GO aspect to the games mentality separates them from other RPG's period. I am    I give this a 9.5 but there are no .5's here...

    The souls games are arguably the best RPG games on the market (in my opinion). Neither title apologize from start to finish...They both have their technical short comings and can be cause for frustration but the core of each title, the depth, the literal...OK GO aspect to the games mentality separates them from other RPG's period.

    I am so mentally exhausted over RPGs highlighting the path...making *the thing to pickup glow...Dark Souls series games literally show a lovely cut scene and then like I said basically boot you in the ass and tell you to go like you would a teenager who needed to find a job.

    Dark souls II made up for a lot of the PVP short comings and connection issues that Prepare to Die had (on PC). The PVE felt very similar and was only made *easier due to the face that most people sort of knew what a souls game was. Dark Souls perpare to die was vicious... almost like a Great White Shark swimming in chum. Dark Souls II however was still vicious but a lot more fun...like a Great White Shark wearing a Party hat..

    I have over a 115 hours into this title...two level 130 + characters and almost every day I still get the urge to start again...try a different build and really just be in that Dark Souls world. The atmosphere created especially with a could ENB tweaks (PC again) literally make me "Praise the sun!" around almost every corner.

    The sound...the voice acting...the depth are all second to none. Sure the NPC characters mouths dont move but the pure voice acting is spot on...The complexity you can find in this world if your patience is high is unmatched.

    Some people moan about having to use a controller on a PC game...(insert cricket noises here). I have had a controller in my hand since my first DX 4-100 that I built in the late 80's...they are for gaming and PC's are the master race of gaming...so no big issue for me there.

    I can only hope for more souls games...at a minimum DLC content soon.

    I have heard that Demon Souls may get a part II which would be epic considering I never got the chance to play (never came to PC)

    Dont miss this game if your a true hardcore RPG fan...    … Expand
  30. Jannus
    Jul 30, 2014
    9
    Dark Souls, can there be any argument this is the most innovative entry to the RPG genre in a very long time? It may be low on direct narrative and high on twitch gaming skill demand, but It also requires grasping the games solid character stats basis, and a continual piecing together of the deep, subtly hidden narrative (e.g. in NPC backstory & item provenance), requirements immediatelyDark Souls, can there be any argument this is the most innovative entry to the RPG genre in a very long time? It may be low on direct narrative and high on twitch gaming skill demand, but It also requires grasping the games solid character stats basis, and a continual piecing together of the deep, subtly hidden narrative (e.g. in NPC backstory & item provenance), requirements immediately reminiscent of 'oldskool' and implemented faithfully here, even though the gameplay is very much a new beast.

    The technical triumph of Dark Souls is its melee combat, each weapon type (~20 in all) has its own moveset enabling wildly differing combat depending primarily on what the player chooses, although being comfortable swinging them all pays off as adapting beyond your comfort zone will be required and weapon set knowledge transfers an advantage (logically) against the many devious enemies on your path. No other game has accomplished such a consistent portrayal of hand to hand combat, it has a high learning curve, but once peaked it becomes intensely satisfying.

    And for me personally thats where the real triumph of Dark Souls resides, utterly regardless of normal narrative techniques to involve the player emotionally, this games combat (incorporating the whole death-hallowed-life cycle) has managed to make me identify closer with my nameless & voiceless avatar than the vast majority of all the great cRPGs of the past.

    It's a Masterpiece, get it & don't give up !

    DS2 (vanilla) is moderately better than DS1 (fully patched & modded) in PC responsiveness, DS1 remains the more difficult game, arguably slightly better on that score, and a more interesting hallowing mechanic, but I imagine some of the "streamlining" for 2 is probably a good thing designed to ease new people into the world better.

    Make no mistake, these games will challenge & disturb you !    … 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

All reviews »
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.
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