Dark Souls II: Crown of the Sunken King

 Xbox 360
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. God is a Geek
    Aug 12, 2014
    90
    With nods to the previous games, it makes you wonder what else they have up their sleeve. Probably more genius, tucked up there like a spare hanky. Anyway, now for that 3/10. Oh, it’s too late. You’ve already bought it.
  2. XGN
    Jul 31, 2014
    85
    Crown of the Sunken King shows a side of the Dark Souls-universe we have never seen before. In stead of focusing on puzzles, this expansion makes you solve puzzles in a very Zelda-esque way. Of course there are still enough big bosses to fight through, but the level design is the star in this DLC.
  3. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Sep 3, 2014
    80
    It may be tough, but Crown of the Sunken King delivers some of the series' best, most intricate level design so far. [Oct 2014, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GamingTrend
    Jul 28, 2014
    80
    The Crown of the Sunken King is a very promising start to a challenging trilogy. The added puzzles, tougher bosses, and unique environments make this DLC a must-have for any Dark Souls fans and a welcome addition to a game that already offers so many unique challenges.
  6. Eurogamer
    Jul 25, 2014
    80
    There are no standout battles - save, perhaps, for the grim final encounter - but the cumulative effect of its fights, puzzles and secrets is memorable.
  7. GameSpot
    Jul 24, 2014
    80
    Crown of the Sunken King's standout exploratory design and abundance of engaging enemy encounters make it a terrific adventure, though a hair short of being essential. Equally significant is that it succeeds at raising the stakes for the next installment.
  8. VideoGamer
    Jul 24, 2014
    80
    Sunken King is a promising start to Dark Souls 2’s DLC: if From Software can build on it, and address the traversal issues of this pack, we could see some of the best moments in the series to date.
  9. Destructoid
    Jul 22, 2014
    70
    Dark Souls II: The Crown of the Sunken King is not a "must have" add-on, but it does its job of delivering more Dark Souls.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2014
38
#38 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 65 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 65
  3. Negative: 7 out of 65
  1. Tron28
    Jul 25, 2014
    9
    The new areas have some of the best level design in the whole game. The puzzles may not be amazing, but they are a welcome addition to theThe new areas have some of the best level design in the whole game. The puzzles may not be amazing, but they are a welcome addition to the game. The two new main boss fights are challenging, and the last one especially is one of the best Souls fights. The optional third boss is designed for co-op and kinda lacks creativity, but still a fun challenge.
    There are some great moments when you will be reminded what a SOuls game is all about, either by NPC invasions or just getting lost and not knowing where to go next.
    If you explore everywhere, it will take you about 4 hours.
    My only real complaint is not enough weapons/armor.

    Highly recommended.    … Full Review »
  2. 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 »
  3. Hornwalker
    Aug 19, 2014
    8
    More Dark Souls 2, what else do you need to know?

    Cool addition to the backstory, the whole area is quite fun and challenging, and some fun    More Dark Souls 2, what else do you need to know?

    Cool addition to the backstory, the whole area is quite fun and challenging, and some fun new items and enemies. I would give it a 10 but two minor points- 1) Ascetically, its all kind of the "same" within itself. Obviously this was intended but I love the variety of areas in DS 2 and the whole Sunken King DLC doesn't change much in terms of look and feel throughout the experience. Also I felt it could have used a few more boss fights(I love seeing the crazy bosses they come up with in Dark Souls). Otherwise, if you like Dark Souls 2 then don't hesitate in buying, this will give you more of a good thing.    … Full Review »
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