Dark Souls II: Crown of the Old Iron King

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. LaPS4
    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. God is a Geek
    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]
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  5. Power Unlimited
    Sep 3, 2014
    86
    While Crown of the Old Iron King is a small step backwards in comparison to the previous Dark Souls 2 DLC, it’s still superb. It’s not as dark or filled with poison as Crown of the Sunken King, but fire is the trade-off here. The enemies are not as tough as you're used to, but there are many of them. And it is truly a treat to walk in and around Brume Tower. Crown of the Old Iron King is a must-have for the great 3 to 6 hours you get.
  6. Gamers' Temple
    Mar 31, 2015
    85
    Depending on your skill level, this DLC could take between 3-8 hours to get through, and the loot that you'll find, especially the rings, make it worth it.
  7. 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]
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  8. Game Revolution
    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.
  9. Eurogamer Italy
    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.
  10. GameSpot
    Aug 27, 2014
    80
    What is noteworthy about Crown of the Old Iron King is how it conveys a deep sense history without the help of a flashback.
  11. IGN
    Aug 26, 2014
    80
    Though less visually impressive than The Lost Crowns, this second DLC installment rewards strategic planning more fully than any other episode in the series. Creative traps and engaging battles make this a wonderful addition to Dark Souls 2.
  12. Digital Spy
    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.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PS3 Game of 2014
35
#35 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2014
68
#68 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 96
  3. Negative: 20 out of 96
  1. Tommapar
    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.    … Full Review »
  2. Bossuk
    Aug 27, 2014
    4
    This DLC is visually stunning, but the least they could do is give us original bosses. Slapping a bit of Blue paint on a a boss from the mainThis DLC is visually stunning, but the least they could do is give us original bosses. Slapping a bit of Blue paint on a a boss from the main game does not make it new. it's also a little short for the cost.… Full Review »
  3. Darthtux
    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.… Full Review »
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