Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1451 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,013 out of 1451
  2. Mixed: 281 out of 1451
  3. Negative: 157 out of 1451
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  1. Gefamao
    Sep 7, 2023
    8
    this is the only 8 from Fromsoftware but I still respect the game and its incredible vision
  2. liorrubin1388
    Sep 6, 2023
    10
    This is one of my top 10 favorite games of all times.
    This is one of my top 10 favorite games of all times.
  3. MPK92
    Aug 31, 2023
    9
    Follows up on a lot of the greatness from the first game but kind of falters at times to deliver the same memorable experience. I think most things about it are good-great, but some of the map designs are a bit of a misstep to me and some of the boss fights could've been better. But overall a fantastic game with great DLC expansions.
  4. TheSatanist
    Aug 17, 2023
    10
    After going for all the platinums on Console and also 100% all available Soulsbornekiro-Games on PC I was actually shocked that I spent most playtime in Dark Souls 2 and had to evaluate on this unforseen outcome :D While the game clearly strays from the path of DS1, DS3 and Demon's Souls it actually has an intruiging way of telling its story and a really nice pacing. Are there some boringAfter going for all the platinums on Console and also 100% all available Soulsbornekiro-Games on PC I was actually shocked that I spent most playtime in Dark Souls 2 and had to evaluate on this unforseen outcome :D While the game clearly strays from the path of DS1, DS3 and Demon's Souls it actually has an intruiging way of telling its story and a really nice pacing. Are there some boring bosses? Hell yeah! Are the graphics a bit cartoony? Yes they are! But the atmosphere delivered is just amazing, the gameplay is a bit different from the other FS-Games but also super fun. While the vanilla game would only deserve an 8/10 the by now complete game including the 3 DLCs is a straight up 10 of enjoyment.… Expand
  5. CamyVero
    Jun 25, 2023
    9
    Un juegazo. Eso es lo que es Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin. En su día jugué la versión normal del juego en PS3. Hacía poco que había terminado el primer juego y el 2 me pareció un poco más fácil, pero igualmente disfrutable. Esta versión, aparte de la evidentes mejoras de rendimiento, ajusta la dificultad, especialmente al principio. El cambio de configuración respecto a laUn juegazo. Eso es lo que es Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin. En su día jugué la versión normal del juego en PS3. Hacía poco que había terminado el primer juego y el 2 me pareció un poco más fácil, pero igualmente disfrutable. Esta versión, aparte de la evidentes mejoras de rendimiento, ajusta la dificultad, especialmente al principio. El cambio de configuración respecto a la posición y cantidad de enemigos y que son más resistentes realmente hace que cueste al principio, pero al ir creciendo, como todos los juegos, esta curva se hace más llana y es cuando se empieza a disfrutar de los fuertes del juego.

    Lo mejor de estos juegos es su impecable ambientación. La fantasía oscura cobra vida en la saga Dark Souls y este juego no es la excepción. Todos los escenarios, los bosques, las mazmorras, las criptas, los torreones, castillos y catedrales son hermosos y desolados. Un mundo caído en una terrible maldición, muerto y suspendido en el tiempo, sumido en un eterno bucle del que no se puede salir. Qué ha ocurrido en esos reinos, antaño prósperos, ésa es nuestra misión. Averiguar porqué estamos sumidos en ese caos ordenado que es la maldición de los no muertos.

    En lo técnico podemos decir que en PS4 gráficamente el juego se ve fluido y detallado, pero algo desfasado, algo normal al ser una remasterización de un juego de una generación anterior. Aún así los 60 fps a 1080p son constantes y no he encontrado ni un solo bug en las casi 50 horas que me ha durado la historia principal. He jugado el juego en modo desconectado, no he interactuado con nadie para terminarlo ni me he enfrentado a sombras humanas, es un juego que sigue funcionando bien en este aspecto, pero prefiero la experiencia en solitario y es, de cualquier modo que se mire, un juego espectacular.

    En cuanto a mecánicas tenemos lo de siempre en un souls-like. Se trata de un juego con un combate directo, pero extremadamente táctico. Hay que calcular los golpes, los esquives, las animaciones para recuperar vida. Un mal paso y estás muerto. Vuelta a empezar desde la hoguera (punto de control) anterior. Tu misión a corto plazo siempre va a ser explorar para encontrar la siguiente y así certificar tu avance invirtiendo las almas ganadas (experiencia/divisa). Y los jefes, en esta entrega quizás no hay jefes imposibles, aunque morirás en alguna batalla, es cierto que es más fácil que el anterior. Sin embargo el diseño e imaginación volcados en ellos son dignos de mención.

    Recomendadísimo, un juego de sobresaliente. Cualquier amante de los RPG de acción debe jugar las 3 entregas de esta saga. Yo ahora voy a ir a por el tercero.    … Expand
  6. RTCWFAN
    Jun 21, 2023
    9
    Was my first Dark Souls game on the Xbox 360 and replayed it on PS4. Great edition of an epic game. Overall rating: 8.8.
  7. giannis2001
    May 1, 2023
    9
    Not much to say here, incredible game like the rest of the series.The world is visually stunning and very interesting to explore. It basically has most food aspects from the other games so obviously it will be great. However, there are some things I want to point out that may deterioriate the experience for some people. Those are:
    1)ADP Stat. The game is 10 times harder if you don't    Not much to say here, incredible game like the rest of the series.The world is visually stunning and very interesting to explore. It basically has most food aspects from the other games so obviously it will be great. However, there are some things I want to point out that may deterioriate the experience for some people. Those are:
    1)ADP Stat. The game is 10 times harder if you don't increase this.
    2)Enemy ganking. In some areas it feels like the place is overflowing with enemies, and strong at that. It feels somewhat unfair. Especially for a new player. Thankfully, there is the mechanic that if you kill an enemy 15 times it stops spawning.
    3) The combat feels somewhat slower and the roll happens with a delay. That is due to the fact that you can't cancel attacks, or animations in general.
    4) Very easy bosses (excluding DLC). These are the most annoying things, but they really didn't do much to ruin my experience, because I actually appreciated and loved this game on my second playthrough, contrariwise to my first one. Give this game and the series in general a chance. They are masterpieces.    … Expand
  8. Nevbear1206
    Apr 10, 2023
    9
    As someone who has defeated every boss and completed every aspect of this game, I can ensure that it is still an amazing title, even if it doesn't hold up to other FromSoft titles as far as consistent levels of balance and quality. Controls take some getting used to, several bosses are mediocre or flat-out bad, and the main story isn't as engaging as those of Dark Souls or Bloodborne. YetAs someone who has defeated every boss and completed every aspect of this game, I can ensure that it is still an amazing title, even if it doesn't hold up to other FromSoft titles as far as consistent levels of balance and quality. Controls take some getting used to, several bosses are mediocre or flat-out bad, and the main story isn't as engaging as those of Dark Souls or Bloodborne. Yet the world of Drangleic is huge and sprawling with an incredible hub in Majula. NPCs and covenants are also the best in the series, and there are some great weapons and spells to make for an incredible RPG experience with tons of content.… Expand
  9. HeitorCampos
    Mar 13, 2023
    8
    Amazing, underrated game by the souls fans. The weakest souls game, clunky like the first one, but not as many high points, though it still does have many. Kind of improperly balanced, which is the main issue here, it´s very annoying, there is no way to not notice it, but it´s also not gamebreaking.
  10. uncleblazer
    Mar 12, 2023
    8
    I really like this game. i understand it has flaws but it also has cool lore and dark fantasy vibes and the world is just as cool as ds1 even though its not connected in the same way. the music in majula is constantly stuck in my head. the weapons and variety is amazing so many different builds. the bosses are not the best in the series, few memorable ones. dlc as always is top notch.
  11. AnderzinhoLoko
    Feb 12, 2023
    10
    Parabéns Yui Tanimura, Você Fez Milagre meu Fih!! Arrumou a Bagaça toda zoada e fez o jogo ser muito divertido, apesar das controvérsias Recomendo!
  12. Peli_Grosso
    Feb 12, 2023
    8
    As a Souls game, it is mediocre; however, as a game overall, it is by far above the average.

    DS2 lacks the incredible map design of the first game, but its atmosphere is almost intact. The battle system was slightly slowed and the Adaptability feature is definetly an error, but it was compensated with the addition of dual wielding and the quality of the DS combat system itself, that    As a Souls game, it is mediocre; however, as a game overall, it is by far above the average.

    DS2 lacks the incredible map design of the first game, but its atmosphere is almost intact. The battle system was slightly slowed and the Adaptability feature is definetly an error, but it was compensated with the addition of dual wielding and the quality of the DS combat system itself, that remains fun and exciting to play.

    Although more plain and less interconeted than in DS, areas are still fun to explore and offer an even better variety of enemies. The big issue here is that creators couldn't find an appropiate way to implement difficulty and opted for throwing dozens of enemies at the face of the player, which leads to frustration and weariness in more than one situation.

    Story telling style doesn't evolve, but NPC's are fairly more interesting and better created than in DS, which makes its lore be as interesting as always. Sadly, many of the new mechanics they tried to implement, like torches in dark areas, feel incomplete and barely exploited.

    DS2 doesn't improve in the overall over its predecessor, being worse in most of the aspects and better in just a few, but this series is so good that despite all its mistakes, it remains as a much better game than the typical product you can find at the store.

    Pros:
    - Dual wielding is fun and adds depth to the already deep combat system.
    - Areas are beautiful and inmersive, offering a great variety of engaging enemies that keep the player focused and entertained in every moment.
    - NPC's are interesting and make you want more about their stories.
    - The game is long and full of secrets, with a NG+ that is considered the best in the series.

    Cons:
    - Plain and poorly conected map that feels like a collection of independent areas sloppily glued together. Still, each one of them more than good.
    - Too many bosses with only a few offering the quality expected from a Souls game. Luckily, the regular enemies and mini bosses compensate this issue.
    - Rough fights until adaptability skill is maxed enough. This problem is accentuated by disgusting hitboxes and slow animations when healing.
    - Still bad menus and poorly explained stats.

    I give it a 8.1/10 as a game, but a 6/10 as a Souls game.    … Expand
  13. hector_bcn98
    Nov 17, 2022
    8
    Buen remasterización. No está al nivel del primero, pero el que diga que no es altamente disfrutable, miente.
  14. Reydriar
    Nov 12, 2022
    10
    Best main hub atmosphere out of all fromsoft games. Also I wish they would bring powerstance from DS2 back.
  15. Gabitoxico
    Nov 10, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. JUEGAZO. Realmente me encantó el juego. FASCINANTE LA AMBIENTACIÓN Y LA JUGABILIDAD… Expand
  16. mitsarakos
    Sep 23, 2022
    8
    Its a very good game, buy it. I didn't buy it for long because I believed the bad reviews here, bad after dark souls 3, elder ring and dark souls 1, I decided to try it, and I am angry with those who gave bad revies here. They are rong. IT'S A VERY GOOD GAME !!
  17. MaxieZeus
    Sep 2, 2022
    9
    Not as polished as the first game but still one of the best rpg's ever with amazing combat and improved sorcery and miracles.
  18. Mangough
    Aug 2, 2022
    8
    It gets too much of a bad rep for no reason. Just level adp and you'll be grand!
  19. NotMinhLe
    May 23, 2022
    9
    Fantastic game with extremely well crafted areas and challenging obstacles. The same goes for SOTFS as it does with "Dark Souls : Remastered", which is that it is NOT a must play for returning players that have already completed the PS3 version however this version does change up enemy placements and item locations for a subtle yet noticeable change. Personally, this game did notFantastic game with extremely well crafted areas and challenging obstacles. The same goes for SOTFS as it does with "Dark Souls : Remastered", which is that it is NOT a must play for returning players that have already completed the PS3 version however this version does change up enemy placements and item locations for a subtle yet noticeable change. Personally, this game did not disappoint me at all.… Expand
  20. frederik1478
    May 6, 2022
    9
    It's more a sequel to Kingsfield than dark souls a Demon's Souls but it's still a really good game and refreshing if you're just played the two . not as good as demon souls a dark soul 1, but it's still a good game and I would have full Hartley recommend it.I would say that this game has more ignoring difficulty than demon's Souls and dark Souls 1 it just feels more mean I just doesn'tIt's more a sequel to Kingsfield than dark souls a Demon's Souls but it's still a really good game and refreshing if you're just played the two . not as good as demon souls a dark soul 1, but it's still a good game and I would have full Hartley recommend it.I would say that this game has more ignoring difficulty than demon's Souls and dark Souls 1 it just feels more mean I just doesn't feel right sometimes when you die… Expand
  21. 323
    May 3, 2022
    10
    Ds2 played an outstanding role between 1&3, If you want to make a trilogy and don't know how to design the second one. Whether you obsessed with worldview shaping, map design, or combat system upgrade. Ds2 is one of the best answer.
  22. BumPump
    Apr 12, 2022
    10
    I will never not recommend this game to anyone looking to get into the series. A significant portion of players were overwhelmed by the difficulty, but it's nothing short of the biggest and most expansive of the Dark Souls trilogy.
  23. destinyfan1
    Feb 7, 2022
    8
    A fun souls game that suffers from level design issues but brings the most content from any souls game.

    positive + lots of content + the amount of areas and multiple ways to explore bring an addicting flavour to the game + lots of enemies, some being nice designed, some not + art design is nice + lots of bosses + lots of weapons negative - level design is made to be hard, but    A fun souls game that suffers from level design issues but brings the most content from any souls game.

    positive
    + lots of content
    + the amount of areas and multiple ways to explore bring an addicting flavour to the game
    + lots of enemies, some being nice designed, some not
    + art design is nice
    + lots of bosses
    + lots of weapons
    negative
    - level design is made to be hard, but forgets to be fair, putting 10 swordsman next to each other is not hard, rather annoying
    - some lazy bosses
    - combat can feel clunky at times
    A great game , but it instead of putting hard unique enemies clever over a level , the developers decides to just spam enemies next to each other. Still i give it an 8 because it remains an addicting game.    … Expand
  24. ylnylmn
    Jan 12, 2022
    9
    What a long game. I did everything to do in the game. It took 68 hours. It was good, nothing bothered me except the DLC bosses.
    If I had to compare it with Dark Souls 1;
    First of all, Dark Souls 1 was a shorter and more concise game. The story and characters were very good. The atmosphere and level design were better. But on the DS2 these are not well done. There are huge differences in    What a long game. I did everything to do in the game. It took 68 hours. It was good, nothing bothered me except the DLC bosses.
    If I had to compare it with Dark Souls 1;
    First of all, Dark Souls 1 was a shorter and more concise game. The story and characters were very good. The atmosphere and level design were better. But on the DS2 these are not well done.
    There are huge differences in difficulty level on DS2. The bosses in the normal game are very easy, but the bosses in the DLC are extremely difficult. It is very difficult to avoid damage by rolling in DLC bosses. You need to give the ADP skill to roll better, but the game doesn't tell you that. You have to give a lot of Vitality to wear a strong armor. Weapon durability is very little, it can be broken immediately. Estus Flask takes a long time to drink.
    DLCs ​​were good overall. But in some levels, the way to the bosses can be torture. Although some bad decisions were made, I enjoyed playing it. But it didn't fascinate me as much as dark souls 1.    … Expand
  25. guillerulezzz
    Dec 2, 2021
    8
    Sinceramente es un titulo que me gusta mucho, el problema es que la correlación entre mapas es realmente mala, como cuando tomamos el elevador en el pico terrenal y asciendes al torreón de hierro,
    muchos jefes son muy olvidables, algunos escenarios no están bien cuidados, pero a pesar de eso he disfrutado de este titulo, la IA no esta tan pulida como esperaba, mas bien pusieron mas    Sinceramente es un titulo que me gusta mucho, el problema es que la correlación entre mapas es realmente mala, como cuando tomamos el elevador en el pico terrenal y asciendes al torreón de hierro,
    muchos jefes son muy olvidables, algunos escenarios no están bien cuidados, pero a pesar de eso he disfrutado de este titulo, la IA no esta tan pulida como esperaba, mas bien pusieron mas enemigos en vez de hacerlos mas difíciles.
    Lo que mas disfruté sin duda fueron los DLC, muy buenos y le sumaron una experiencia muy buena.
    Lo malo son todos estos errores o descuidos que no fueron pulidos    … Expand
  26. AsalCristian
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Me parece un juego INCREÍBLE. Es el primer Souls Like que me estoy jugando y por lo que llevo jugado, es un auténtico goce continuo. Es taaan satisfactorio matar a los bosses que lo repetiría una y otra, y otra vez. No entiendo las críticas que tiene este en especial. Pero si no lo has jugado aún, juégalo, hazme caso.
  27. DevilSurvivor
    Nov 18, 2021
    9
    After seeing the remaster of DS1, yeah, I much rather prefer this.

    It's more Dark Souls, better in some ways, worse in others. I loved the first one, but for some reason this one stuck with me for longer and also felt more memorable.
  28. 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 dissapiont us with theyr fraudulent intent.
    Praise the sun!
  29. Hackslashshoot
    Nov 24, 2020
    10
    my favorite of the series !!!!!! killing an enemy multiple times will make it disappear and bonfire esthetic so you can farm bosses are 2 things in this game that are not in the others. You can buy a bosses armor after you beat them and you can upgrade armor. A lot of little things in this game make it unique compared to the others. Soul memory is a real bummer. No password to link upmy favorite of the series !!!!!! killing an enemy multiple times will make it disappear and bonfire esthetic so you can farm bosses are 2 things in this game that are not in the others. You can buy a bosses armor after you beat them and you can upgrade armor. A lot of little things in this game make it unique compared to the others. Soul memory is a real bummer. No password to link up with friends either. I don't mind going solo but it would be nice to run this game with friends.… Expand
  30. franktze
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    The best game ever!
    Really loves the whole souls game series. I really enjoy walking around and taking fights every day.
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PS4 Game of 2015
24
#24 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
36
#36 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Gaming Nexus
    Jun 23, 2015
    90
    Whether you're new to Dark Souls II or played it on older consoles, Scholar of the First Sin is worth revisiting. This PlayStation 4 collection features the original game, along with the three expansion packs.
    Read full review
  2. The Digital Fix
    Jun 5, 2015
    90
    Going backwards from Bloodborne feels almost archaic, and it takes some time to settle into that once familiar gameplay. However Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin offers the chance to revisit that still fantastic and familiar world with a slight twist to proceedings and a respectable face lift.
    Read full review
  3. GameOver.gr
    Jun 2, 2015
    100
    The changes have made this edition slightly more difficult, but the core of the game remains true to the superb game design of the original.
    Read full review
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