Dark Souls II: Crown of the Ivory King

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Gamers' Temple
    Mar 31, 2015
    93
    It wraps up the other two stories nicely, even managing to tie things back to the original Dark Souls, gives you a great final boss to deal with and rounds out the complete Dark Souls II experience.
  2. LaPS4
    Oct 13, 2014
    91
    Crown of the Ivory King is the last of Dark Souls II DLCs. A worthy unfolding, with new mechanics and full of hardships for those who haven't had enough. It won't disappoint fans in possession of the Season Pass.
  3. CalmDownTom
    Oct 23, 2014
    90
    Finding fault in small aspects of the DLC’s design is churlish considering the renewed appreciation for From Software’s work that this chapter has inspired. Crown of the Ivory King is Dark Souls in microcosm; a bite-sized but meaty slice of the series’ opaque lore, atmospheric locations and ludicrously difficult boss fights.
  5. God is a Geek
    Oct 13, 2014
    90
    If anything, the additional DLC has added more to a game that was already offering so much, and I’m personally glad that we finished on the high that this franchise deserved – although, the real Souls fans know that we never truly finish.
  6. GameSpot
    Oct 8, 2014
    90
    By conforming to the mold of most Dark Souls II bosses, Crown of the Ivory King offer comfort in providing much of what you expect.
  7. Games Master UK
    Dec 21, 2014
    86
    A fitting finale to a fantastic DLC series. We're only sad to see that story end. [Christmas 2014, p.72]
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  8. Power Unlimited
    Oct 6, 2014
    83
    The Crown of the Ivory King DLC could have been the best thing that ever happened to Dark Souls 2. It's just too bad that From Software dropped the ball on some design choices. It has great bosses and an overall perfect feel, except that one area... That area will make you hate snow and blizzards even more than you already do. It's a good thing it's optional. The rest is nearing perfection.
  9. Digital Spy
    Nov 4, 2014
    80
    Unlike previous DLC packs, which have left players with more questions than answers, 'Crown of the Ivory King' provides much more information about the world and its inhabitants, giving users a greater sense of closure.
  10. Game Revolution
    Oct 8, 2014
    80
    It seems fitting that FromSoftware ends its DLC trilogy in the snow rather than some hellish landscape or poison-infested shrine. Sure, I died plenty of times while playing Crown of the Ivory King, but I also remember the sense of accomplishment that contrasts those deaths.
  11. Eurogamer Italy
    Oct 3, 2014
    80
    Crown of the Ivory King is a good add-on with new enemies and a superb art design. The lack of variety with its boss fights is the main issue, but the DLC still worth 10 euros. If you love the Souls series, this is definitely a must buy.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS3 Game of 2014
54
#54 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2014
56
#56 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 81 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 81
  3. Negative: 16 out of 81
  1. nurfedx
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    One of the best Games known to mankind.
    From Software is a safe heaven for the Gaming community.
    Especially in times where big Developers    One of the best Games known to mankind.
    From Software is a safe heaven for the Gaming community.
    Especially in times where big Developers dissapiont us with theyr fraudulent intent.
    Praise the sun!    … Full Review »
  2. MasterMoonfire
    Aug 29, 2020
    8
    Dark Souls II: Crown of the Ivory King is the third and final expansion pack of The Lost Crowns DLC Trilogy for Dark Souls II. As with theDark Souls II: Crown of the Ivory King is the third and final expansion pack of The Lost Crowns DLC Trilogy for Dark Souls II. As with the second, Crown of the Ivory King is better than the first DLC, though it's inferior the Crown of the Old Iron King with underwhelming bosses and less than interesting locations. The player goes to Frozen Eleum Loyce, an ancient city blanketed in snow, where they are to recover yet another ancient crown while battling new enemies and bosses, and exploring new locations.… Full Review »
  3. Dingytheman
    Dec 10, 2019
    2
    Pretty from the outside, bland, boring, lazy from the inside. It's full of empty rooms and corridors.
    Difficulty is probably the most cheap    Pretty from the outside, bland, boring, lazy from the inside. It's full of empty rooms and corridors.
    Difficulty is probably the most cheap DaS2 ever got, enemies are slow but come in large numbers and hit like a train. Bosses pretty much the same thing, hard to find redeeming qualities about this final entry.    … Full Review »
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