Dark Souls II: Crown of the Old Iron King Image
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83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 96 Ratings

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  • Summary: Crown of the Old Iron King features an entirely different world within the Dark Souls II universe where players will venture into a massive tower swamped by black mist where flames, smoke and sorcery sadistically lurk.

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Dark Souls II - TGS 2013 Trailer
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Aug 27, 2014
    91
    Crown of the Old Iron King is quite different from the first DLC. Harder, a smaller map, more optional quests. In general terms, it's still a more than interesting experience, not just another additional content, it has its own story... for those who pay attention.
  2. Sep 10, 2014
    90
    FROM continues to surprise and amaze with the direction it is taking with the DLC. The Crown of the Iron King is a must have purchase for any Dark Souls 2 fan. With beautiful graphics and haunting sound, you would be daft to not take the trek up Brume.
  3. Games Master UK
    Oct 23, 2014
    88
    A wonderful environment meets memorable boss battling to great effect. [Dec 2014, p.79]
  4. Aug 26, 2014
    80
    It's a challenging area with a pleasing aesthetic and is set to offer a lot of potential talking points for fans of Dark Souls lore.
  5. Sep 1, 2014
    80
    Crown of the Old Iron King is a challenging add-on with tons of enemies and a great aesthetic. You'll have to plan your strategy in order to survive the deadly ambushes set by hidden enemies. For 10 euros you'll get an interesting new area for a really good game and so... buy this DLC.
  6. CD-Action
    Oct 24, 2014
    80
    Brume Tower is less claustrophobic than Shulva and the second DLC did a much better job convincing me to revisit Drangleic and its surroundings than the first one. [Nov 2014, p.73]
  7. Sep 6, 2014
    80
    Old Iron King's focus on fire is a welcome change, and despite some uninspired moments, it has the atmosphere and challenge we've come to expect from the series. Souls fans will likely find something to enjoy here.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. 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!
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  2. Aug 27, 2014
    9
    Feels very much like dark souls 1. Best thing in this dlc is Sir Alonne. You can't miss this epic boss fight with probably one of the bestFeels very much like dark souls 1. Best thing in this dlc is Sir Alonne. You can't miss this epic boss fight with probably one of the best soundtracks for a boss battle. Expand
  3. Aug 26, 2014
    9
    Crown of the Old Iron King manages to achieve original combat scenarios, all new to the series, while refraining from the muddy atmosphere ofCrown of the Old Iron King manages to achieve original combat scenarios, all new to the series, while refraining from the muddy atmosphere of previous settings (like Crown of the Sunken King) and bringing a welcome high fantasy atmosphere to the setting.
    If you liked the previous DLC, this is going to be even better for you, since it improves upon the bar set by the Crown of the Sunken King in classic Dark Souls fashion. These improvements come in the form of powerful and more varied enemies; the inclusion of "effigies" that you can destroy that produce certain buffs on enemies, or summon firestorms that hurt you if you get to close; and the intricate and complex level design we saw (and personally loved) from the last DLC gets to be the center of attention this time around, with the central area being a huge hollow tower, with an almost labyrinthical structure, full of shortcuts, enemies and gorgeous views.
    As the previous DLC, this one comes packed with 3 bosses, with a clear emphasis in 1v1 encounters like we saw in the Artorias of the Abyss DLC for Dark Souls 1 (Artorias like boss fights) instead of the barrage of enemies thrown at you in previous bosses that made deaths feel cheap or unfair.
    These type of fights offer a much less frustrating game experience, while retaining the challenge we love from the series.
    Expand
  4. Oct 30, 2019
    8
    Yet another fantastic addition to DS2.
    Crown of the Old Iron King offers another totally different environment, this time with a bit of a
    Yet another fantastic addition to DS2.
    Crown of the Old Iron King offers another totally different environment, this time with a bit of a puzzle aspect.
    That boss, Fume Knight, consider this a warning
    Was never able to take out Sir Alonne, next time.
    Expand
  5. Aug 29, 2020
    8
    Dark Souls II: Crown of the Old Iron King is the second of the three expansion packs and is a great addition to the base game, though theDark Souls II: Crown of the Old Iron King is the second of the three expansion packs and is a great addition to the base game, though the first DLC was kind of a chore but still good, Crown of the Old Iron King greatly improves on that with its variety and new content, the player goes to the Brume Tower, a tower sky high above, where they are to another ancient crown while exploring new locations and dealing with new enemies and a very satisfying end boss to conclude it. Expand
  6. Aug 29, 2014
    5
    Very disappointed in this release of DLC for DS2. I have bought every game in the series from Demons Souls on, and all the DLC's. The levelVery disappointed in this release of DLC for DS2. I have bought every game in the series from Demons Souls on, and all the DLC's. The level design was good, and some new enemies was nice, but the bosses were horrible. Sir Allone is nothing more than a ramped up version of the regular Allone Knights, Fume Night was a beefed up version of Pursuer with maybe 1-2 new moves, and of course the "NEW" Smelter Demon was exactly the same except he uses magic instead of Fire. WTF!!! Ive been a fan of the game becuase of difficulty and great boss battles, but this feels like I got robbed of $10. What about great bosses like the False King Allant, Four Kings, FlameLurker etc.???? Also, they throw in items to find that are pretty much useless. Finding a +7broadsword at this stage of the game seems pointless. If you are buying the DLC chances are you already have all the weapons you prefer upgraded to max level. The new spells or pyromancies are boring, and not really useful in battle. When will they come up with new creative spells to cast? How about something as simple as cast some sort of stationary landmine that you can try to get enemies to follow you and they hit the trap? How about some sort of spikes of ice or flame that if it connects can launch an enemy into the air possibly for additional hits? Anyways there are tons of options. I just downloaded the DLC on Tuesday, it is now Friday and I have beat it all. Didn't like the bosses, didn't find it too difficult, and didn't like any of the items I found. I am sure I will buy the next DLC because I like the gameplay, but it's going to get to a point where I won't if they keep robbing me of my money. Expand
  7. Dec 10, 2019
    4
    Because vanilla wasn't ganky enough this DLC and the last one take ganking to a whole new level! Progression is just tedious, full of cheapBecause vanilla wasn't ganky enough this DLC and the last one take ganking to a whole new level! Progression is just tedious, full of cheap encounters from beginning to end.
    Level design is good but not great, it has verticality but also the same issue many areas in vanilla had, empty corridors or rooms that lead somewhere that doesn't make much sense, it doesn't feel like a real place, just a game level.
    Bosses are the best part but partly because most were pretty mediocre in vanilla. If you compare Sir Alonne or Fume Knight to Artorias they pale in comparison because the hitboxes aren't as tight and the lore is weaker. Smelter reskin is worth a mention for how lazy it is.
    Did fans tell you the DLC was better than anything in DeS or DaS? well they lied or never played those games.
    The first DLC Crown of the Sunken King is good, the second is decent but brought down by cheap difficulty and the last is just plain garbage.
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See all 10 User Reviews