User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1317 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Mar 20, 2014
    10
    The best game experience I've had in a long, long time. Hugely satisfying. Even better, if just lightly than the two earlier games of the series. Take your time playing it. Highly recommended. Do chose a melee type character, as 100% range-based characters eliminate a great deal of the quality of the game.
  2. Mar 19, 2014
    10
    I laugh at guys who give this game a zero. User Deusex think's he can mash R1 to victory and complains about low stamina. I'm sure he couldn't get past the tutorial section and rage quit.

    Anyway, as a fan of the Souls series FROM doesn't disappoint me with their last game. It's a nice marriage between DeS and DKS 1. I love the warping between bonfires early on and cuts down on
    I laugh at guys who give this game a zero. User Deusex think's he can mash R1 to victory and complains about low stamina. I'm sure he couldn't get past the tutorial section and rage quit.

    Anyway, as a fan of the Souls series FROM doesn't disappoint me with their last game. It's a nice marriage between DeS and DKS 1. I love the warping between bonfires early on and cuts down on backtracking because the levels are fairly large and the game itself is huge!

    Also when FROM said that this game was going to more accessible, I was a bit worried that the game would be dumb downed..well rest assured the game is much harder than DKS 1. The enemy AI is much improved and some of the are bosses pretty tough. Some bosses are a bit samey which I really didn't mind. Because DKS 1 had the same thing going on as well.

    If you're a fan of the series, you'll love this game
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  3. Apr 7, 2014
    10
    If you even remotely liked either Demon Souls of Dark Souls, then this is a definite purchase. There is so much here to be had for $60. After "The Last of Us," I wasn't sure there would be another game worthy of a "10" rating... at least not on the PS3 or last gen consoles. This game is so incredibly difficult, but so satisfying when you triumph over an enemy that you attempted to kill 30If you even remotely liked either Demon Souls of Dark Souls, then this is a definite purchase. There is so much here to be had for $60. After "The Last of Us," I wasn't sure there would be another game worthy of a "10" rating... at least not on the PS3 or last gen consoles. This game is so incredibly difficult, but so satisfying when you triumph over an enemy that you attempted to kill 30 times before it. This is a true RPG. The great thing about this series, is that you can go back and play and replay the first Dark Souls and Demon Souls and still have that feeling of accomplishment. If you are an impatient gamer, then this game will temper you. Other game's difficulties are laughable at this point. This is the only RPG that truly makes you think about when and how to upgrade certain character statistics. Prepare to die... MORE. You have to love this game! I think about it even while at work... now that's saying something. Expand
  4. Apr 6, 2014
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game. Sits in a great place gameplay wise right between Dark Souls 1 and Demon's Souls, but is much more accessible to players new to the franchise. It's difficulty has a steep learning curve and a high ceiling, but is almost never unfair. Graphics-wise, it's not wonderful, but the aesthetics are fantastic and well crafted. Enemies, weapons and armor all fit seamlesslyAbsolutely fantastic game. Sits in a great place gameplay wise right between Dark Souls 1 and Demon's Souls, but is much more accessible to players new to the franchise. It's difficulty has a steep learning curve and a high ceiling, but is almost never unfair. Graphics-wise, it's not wonderful, but the aesthetics are fantastic and well crafted. Enemies, weapons and armor all fit seamlessly into the universe with a great eye for detail.

    PvP is also great; improved from the first game in most areas. Some things need work; for example the economy of PvPing with single use, hard to farm items is very weak, and could use some help. There are certainly some builds that need tweaking, but all-in-all, this game is excellent.

    Praise the Sun!
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  5. Apr 1, 2014
    10
    As awesome as the first game but with better PvP (dedicated servers!) and an even bigger world.. what's not to love? Game of the Year contender for sure - I'll be playing this for a very long time
  6. Mar 15, 2014
    10
    Takes the same tried and true formula and amplifies it!!!!! Must buy GAME OF THE YEAR 2014........getting it again on the pc for much improved visuals............................................................
  7. Apr 24, 2014
    10
    I previously made a por review after playing 10 hours. Now after reintroducing myself back into DS and getting away from the FPS raging I can give a more, intelligent response to the game. It is the most amazing game I've ever played. I never thought I'd see a game better than Demon Souls, but they did it. Over 200 hours of play on my first character and still going strong, cant getI previously made a por review after playing 10 hours. Now after reintroducing myself back into DS and getting away from the FPS raging I can give a more, intelligent response to the game. It is the most amazing game I've ever played. I never thought I'd see a game better than Demon Souls, but they did it. Over 200 hours of play on my first character and still going strong, cant get enough. I truly hope they decide to continually make more Souls games! There are the best games ever made and I'm absolutely obsessed with them. Recommend you buy not only Dark Souls 2, but play them all. This is a series you wont want to have missed out on! Expand
  8. Mar 15, 2014
    10
    Got this game yesterday and it's great. Been playing it non stop probably 10 hrs already and I've only scratched the surface. Dark souls was an amazing game and this one easily follows suit. Graphics are nice and the controls are really responsive. This is what a 10 game is. I love the atmosphere as you edge forward bit by bit with your little shield up. It's great. PeopleGot this game yesterday and it's great. Been playing it non stop probably 10 hrs already and I've only scratched the surface. Dark souls was an amazing game and this one easily follows suit. Graphics are nice and the controls are really responsive. This is what a 10 game is. I love the atmosphere as you edge forward bit by bit with your little shield up. It's great. People shouldn't complain about getting killed here and there when in all challenging games you'll die a fair bit at certain points. The only difference with the souls series is you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Anyone who likes RPGs, solid combat, a fantasy setting, with fair challenging gameplay should lap this beauty up. It's a definite keeper!!! Expand
  9. Mar 11, 2014
    10
    Looking over Darksouls II, i can sum up my opinion of it in one word. FLAWLESS..........................................................................
  10. Jan 10, 2015
    10
    Avoid any other game if a challenge is what you seek, this is what made video gaming worthy in 2014,
    Dark Souls 2 is a way more friendly version of it's predecessor, which will allow newcomers to taste this phenomenal game, without getting al shot from the beginning, it will take you some time to get along still but once used you will for sure make a second and perhaps a third play
    Avoid any other game if a challenge is what you seek, this is what made video gaming worthy in 2014,
    Dark Souls 2 is a way more friendly version of it's predecessor, which will allow newcomers to taste this phenomenal game, without getting al shot from the beginning, it will take you some time to get along still but once used you will for sure make a second and perhaps a third play trough,
    haters here were probably not man enough to truly play this game as it should, if a challenge and great story is what you seek, this is your thing,

    if your a veteran player of the souls you know what you get, except that this one is kinda friendly, most bosses and enemies were possible to beat if the first round, but still this game will swell be worth your while,
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  11. Mar 11, 2014
    10
    I am long timer Souls fan. I enjoyed the original Demon Souls and Dark Souls. I own a copy of Dark Souls on every platform and have logged over 100+ hours. Dark Souls 2 does not disappoint. Art direction is amazing (lots of light, lots of color, lots of variation), combat is fluid and executes quicker, enemies set traps for you (very creative From!), etc. I could go on but I won't. MostI am long timer Souls fan. I enjoyed the original Demon Souls and Dark Souls. I own a copy of Dark Souls on every platform and have logged over 100+ hours. Dark Souls 2 does not disappoint. Art direction is amazing (lots of light, lots of color, lots of variation), combat is fluid and executes quicker, enemies set traps for you (very creative From!), etc. I could go on but I won't. Most reviews cover the good stuff anyway. Most importantly though, you need to buy a copy of the game and immerse yourself fully. This is the game I have been waiting for. Expand
  12. Mar 14, 2014
    10
    My god they done again, another awesome souls game prepare to die over and over with a smile on your face, because you know that it was your fault not the game. Dark souls 2 is a sure buy for everyone looking for an adventure like no other. Now if you excuse i will continue to play this beast. Praise the sun!!
  13. Mar 22, 2014
    10
    I just beat Dark Souls 2 after 47 hours of play and I must say...This is a great game. It was challenging and rewarding. I never felt like I was getting screwed over. If I died, it is because I did something wrong, and not the fault of the game or its mechanics. The length of the game was on par with where I thought it would be, and the new game plus adds even more depth (when I startedI just beat Dark Souls 2 after 47 hours of play and I must say...This is a great game. It was challenging and rewarding. I never felt like I was getting screwed over. If I died, it is because I did something wrong, and not the fault of the game or its mechanics. The length of the game was on par with where I thought it would be, and the new game plus adds even more depth (when I started new game plus, I immediately ran into a brand new enemy type in Things Betwixt).

    First of all, there are a few changes that some people have been critical of. One of them is the fact that your maximum health bar goes down every time you die. The way that you remedy this problem is by consuming the human effigy item that find throughout the game. People have complained that these effigies are too few and that this change from Dark Souls is frustrating. I will tell you that at the time that I beat the game, I had 33 human effigies in my inventory and I used at least one before every boss to maximize my health bar. These effigies are found on many enemy types, and can be found for purchase in at least 3 different areas. I felt like I was finding too many of these items.

    Another thing people have been critical of is the difficulty of some of the bosses...THIS IS DARK SOULS!!! If you want a casual experience, do not play the game. What separates Demon/Dark Souls away from other games is the difficulty level. I actually felt that Dark Souls was much harder than 2, but that is just my opinion.

    As far as the graphics issue that people are complaining about, if you have a problem with the graphics on a PS3 or 360, then wait until it comes out on PC and play it on that. Surely the textures will look better and you can pop your graphics hard on in your pants. I never once thought the graphics were an issue. I thought the game looked creepy and beautiful at the same time. The frame rate was fantastic and ran very smoothly. I would rather have slight downgrade in graphics for a top notch experience, but that's just me.

    To sum it all up, this is a great game. If you love difficult games, or RPG's that don't baby you through your gaming experience, then this game is going to make you very happy. If you like to find fault in everything, complain about difficult games because you can't smoke a J and then casually play, or rip your hair out when you are not playing the most amazing graphics running on the world's fastest super computer. then go play Titanfall or something, and leave the real gaming to the real gamers.
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  14. Mar 13, 2014
    10
    Dark Souls II is a fantastic sequel. Everything is more polished and refined. The wonderful art direction, incredible enemy design, challenge and the great atmosphere make this game a must buy. This is not for the faint of heart however. You will die and the game requires patience. This doesn't mean it's for only the ''hardcore gamers'', no. It's for everyone to try out. You'll still haveDark Souls II is a fantastic sequel. Everything is more polished and refined. The wonderful art direction, incredible enemy design, challenge and the great atmosphere make this game a must buy. This is not for the faint of heart however. You will die and the game requires patience. This doesn't mean it's for only the ''hardcore gamers'', no. It's for everyone to try out. You'll still have a great experience, even if you somehow don't manage to finish the game up.

    Dark Souls II is visually stunning. The art style and varied environments keep the game feeling fresh. Even when you're ''stuck'' in a section of the game world for several hours even, you never feel like something is getting old. You constantly learn something new, whether it's a new attack pattern or a well hidden item.

    Just like it's predecessors, Dark Souls II is INCREDIBLY rewarding. Even for a Souls vet, like myself who's put around 2500 hours to both Demon's Souls and Dark Souls combined. You always feel like you're accomplishing something. No developer does it quite like From Software. Today's mainstream franchises feel like a waste of time compared to the Souls series. While, one might argue that the Souls games are mainstream now, with this being the third installment, it still haven't gotten old one bit. From always puts time, love and effort to their games to make sure they're polished and provide the best possible experience. Which probably is why the Souls series is my favorite of this past generation, and i'm sure other people think that as well.

    The gameplay is more or less the same. It's still the best combat system around only with some tweaks. Firstly, goodbye invincibility frames when rolling/dodging. This can make some of the first boss encounters feel a little odd, if you're coming from Dark Souls. You might say to yourselves ''THAT DIDN'T EVEN HIT ME!'' but trust me, it did hit you. The hit-boxes are really good in Dark Souls II. The parrying is a bit harder than in the first Dark Souls. It requires more timing and precision.

    The lore is still there to be find, even though the core story that you're playing through is explained to you by the various NPCs, the LORE is still there to be found and much speculation to be done.

    The boss fights are still incredible, although some of them feel a little too similar to each other, they're still very well designed and deliciously challenging. Here's a hoping for a Next Gen Souls release somewhere down the line. Just take your time From Software!

    9.5/10

    I rated it a 10 on the score because of the awfully stupid user score system. It's like you're allowing moronic troll children to determine what games people should play. The user score for the Xbox 360 version just keeps going down, it's like one person keeps making accounts to give Dark Souls II zeroes because they have nothing better to do with their life. If you want to see what people REALLY think about the game go see the Playstation 3 section. (unless you're already reading this there, then good for you.)
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  15. Mar 30, 2014
    10
    Just an awesome follow-up to the amazing DS1. If you're patient and want to experience extreme satisfaction in a game this is for you. Not for the easily discouraged or thoughtless gamer.
  16. Mar 19, 2014
    10
    This is one of those games that will go down in history as a legacy and never die. It will be something you can play years from now and enjoy, not just some once and done waste of time game. With Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, Dark Souls II is one of the greatest games ever created.
  17. Mar 29, 2014
    10
    Amazing game and a worthy sequel to one of the greatest games I've ever played. Some small negatives bring it down for me however, such as the simplification of the weapon upgrading systems and the un-inter-connectedness of the world, if that's a word, which it's not, i think. Penalties are lighter too, for abandoning covenants or killing npcs. I guess this is some of that accessibilityAmazing game and a worthy sequel to one of the greatest games I've ever played. Some small negatives bring it down for me however, such as the simplification of the weapon upgrading systems and the un-inter-connectedness of the world, if that's a word, which it's not, i think. Penalties are lighter too, for abandoning covenants or killing npcs. I guess this is some of that accessibility they were talking about. Last but definitely not least, a lot of the boss fights didn't grab me the same way as the first title, and the story isn't quite as interesting this time around either. Now, that's a lot of negatives for a 10 and that's because its a 9.5 but that option doesn't exist for some reason.
    Anyway the rest is brilliant. It was easier to list the negatives. Mechanically it's as refined and engaging as the first. The graphics are slightly improved with the lighting being the most notable improvement. The score is sparse and wonderful as usual. Multiplayer is great and there's more interesting ways to Pvp here than before. The new weapons, armors and magic look and feel great and the gameplay is still the most rewarding thing out there at the moment. Nothing like that rush of adrenaline when you escape a red phantom with your life just intact or finally fell the large beast you've been stuck on.
    Phew! Ok, well if you read all that thanks for your time, now go out there and buy this. peace.
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  18. Mar 12, 2014
    10
    This game is fantastic,the story,sound,gameplay and art are all unique.
    If you enjoyed Dark Souls you'll love this game,just like Dark Souls,Dark Souls 2 is really hard,but It's fair,so the pleasure for hardcore gamers will be great.
  19. Aqu
    Mar 11, 2014
    10
    If you were a fan of Dark Souls, you will love this game. It's even harder than the last, but less daunting at the start. It has a smooth transition into the game for new players, and veteran players like myself will feel right at home.
  20. Mar 11, 2014
    10
    Any negative comment is troll, or just some bad that cant beat something, ill admit the hit detection is bad atm but they will fix it like they did with the first game. Great game, worth the 60$
  21. ERB
    Mar 11, 2014
    10
    Obviously one of the best game this year. The game is awesome even though they made it more difficult this time. The game is fun and the story is amazing. This game is so difficult that I think I can finish the whole game in 100 hours or more. There are many to explore in this twisted world Of Dark Souls 2. It is fun to adventure the world and the graphics and environments are beautiful. IObviously one of the best game this year. The game is awesome even though they made it more difficult this time. The game is fun and the story is amazing. This game is so difficult that I think I can finish the whole game in 100 hours or more. There are many to explore in this twisted world Of Dark Souls 2. It is fun to adventure the world and the graphics and environments are beautiful. I know that in this game you will die countless times but even if it is frustrating, that is what makes this game so great. This game is has the most rewarding moments in gaming history. Because the enemies in this game is so difficult to beat that when you beat them you will have this mysterious beautiful feeling that is coming into you. That is right it feels really great when you beat them.

    This game is really amazing and a must buy game for all gamer around the world especially for fans of this game. A great improvement upon the original and more rewarding moments, this game deserves a 10/10 score from me.
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  22. Mar 12, 2014
    10
    Definitely the hardest game I have played on the 360 and is very rage inducing. However, this game makes you come back for more because the game is still fun and is so rewarding when you complete something u were stuck on. Another note is that the music within the game is stunning.
  23. Jan 14, 2015
    10
    I never thought I would enjoy the Dark Souls games, as I hate dying or losing. I still wasn’t quite sure I did when I played about half of the original Dark Souls. Then I started playing Dark Souls II, beat some guys I thought were impossible… and it clicked. The desire to level up just one more level, beat just one more boss and discover just one more area is intoxicating. And man, theI never thought I would enjoy the Dark Souls games, as I hate dying or losing. I still wasn’t quite sure I did when I played about half of the original Dark Souls. Then I started playing Dark Souls II, beat some guys I thought were impossible… and it clicked. The desire to level up just one more level, beat just one more boss and discover just one more area is intoxicating. And man, the difficulty level is high, but satisfying. The only knock I would have on the game is stupid people invading my world. Aside from those rage-inducing moments, I had an awesome time from the beginning to end. My only regret is not being able to beat that dragon… Expand
  24. Jun 10, 2015
    10
    Dark Souls 2 may be a little difficult to get into at first (especially for players new to the series) but those that stick with it soon find a title which not only amazes but also rewards gamers for their determination and persistence, If I had a top ten list of favorite games this would easily be on it.
  25. Jun 2, 2014
    10
    One of my fav. games of the past 5 years. Very rarely do I spend well over 200 hours on a game and thirst for more. It's not perfect - hit detection can be off, and pvp is unbalanced overall. But I cannot give it less than a 10 when I know I'll be consistently playing this for at least the next 3 months (probably 6).
  26. Mar 20, 2014
    10
    Um lançamento desse nível para consoles já com poder gráfico ultrapassado é fantástico, além do fato de Dark Souls 2 ter mostrado uma evolução do primeiro jogo e ter ouvido os fãs, pois muitas das mudanças são pedidos de fãs da série. O jogo possui um grau de dificuldade maior, seja pela mudança de depois de um tempo os inimigos não nascerem novamente, evitando o avanço de nível no mesmoUm lançamento desse nível para consoles já com poder gráfico ultrapassado é fantástico, além do fato de Dark Souls 2 ter mostrado uma evolução do primeiro jogo e ter ouvido os fãs, pois muitas das mudanças são pedidos de fãs da série. O jogo possui um grau de dificuldade maior, seja pela mudança de depois de um tempo os inimigos não nascerem novamente, evitando o avanço de nível no mesmo local, ou pela inteligência artificial ter subido, ao ponto de um inimigo ser atacado, todos ao seu redor vão ajudar o inimigo, fazendo lutas um contra um, voltarem a ser um (você) contra todos daquele grupo.
    Vale a pena o jogo.
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  27. Mar 14, 2014
    10
    Dark Souls 2. It ain't no candy crush.

    I figure there are two types of folks who would consider buying this game: people who loved the first two titles of the 'Souls' series, and people who heard about the hype over the first game and it's notoriety for being rock hard. For the former, all I will say is PLAY THIS GAME. It's faithful to the challenging nature and tight gameplay of the
    Dark Souls 2. It ain't no candy crush.

    I figure there are two types of folks who would consider buying this game: people who loved the first two titles of the 'Souls' series, and people who heard about the hype over the first game and it's notoriety for being rock hard.

    For the former, all I will say is PLAY THIS GAME. It's faithful to the challenging nature and tight gameplay of the other titles. You will probably enjoy this game.

    To anyone else, just consider what you're getting yourself into. If you're the kind of player who loves the euphoric feeling of toppling difficult challenges, you will like this series. If you find yourself somewhat impatient, and not willing to put up with a steep learning curve, then you might want to skip it.

    Either way the game is oozing with dark atmosphere. The world of DS2 is not a friendly place, and the world itself feels like it's decaying...falling away into pertetual darkness as it's denizens have all turned into undead monstrosities, or have accepted their own numbing fate as they stand upon the coast watching a sunset that never ends.

    The tightness of the combat has returned, and while I can't say what the PvP scene is like this early...I think it will be promising. This may very well be the title that keeps the Xbox / PS3 multiplayer scene alive for years to come. We shall see.
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  28. Oct 29, 2014
    10
    Quite possibly one of the best games I have every played in my life. I beat the game 8 times on my main file, and 2 times on my alternate file (made this file to play with my friend, who beat the game twice as well). But yeah, this game is just so damn unique. I love how challenging this game is, and I love the setting as well. If you love games with difficulties that are similar to theQuite possibly one of the best games I have every played in my life. I beat the game 8 times on my main file, and 2 times on my alternate file (made this file to play with my friend, who beat the game twice as well). But yeah, this game is just so damn unique. I love how challenging this game is, and I love the setting as well. If you love games with difficulties that are similar to the old SNES games, this is definitely something you will enjoy. Please buy this game, and the first Dark Souls, and Demon Souls, you won't regret it. It's an underrated game that people don't play because it requires patience, thinking, strategy, teamwork(if you summon other players), and pretty much skills that normal people don't really possess. Normal people nowadays enjoy casual games like COD, because there isn't any thinking involved. OH yeah, the multiplayer is so original, I don't know any other game that has a multiplayer system like the Souls games. You can summon other players via a sign place on the ground for bosses and for areas in the game. I think it's cool. It does get annoying when you get invaded though, but nevertheless, it is cool. This game has raised my standards to very high levels, which is good because I can save money on video games now. Expand
  29. Mar 12, 2014
    10
    Best game of the year so far,great gameplay and unique story.
    Dark Souls 2 is huge,so there are lots of places to explore and discover,but don't be so happy because this is a game for hardcore players,It's really hard.
    If you like RPGs with unique story and gameplay,you should try Dark Souls 2,specially if you like long games,be ready to spend 60+ hours playing this game.
  30. Mar 14, 2014
    10
    I hate this game but I also love it to bits. That was the magic that the first Dark Souls had, you hated it, you simply just hated it, but it has something that keeps you going and in the end you love it more than anything. With Dark Souls 2, its the exact same except better and the feelings are stronger the second time around. You'll die a lot, but you wont stop, nothing will stop youI hate this game but I also love it to bits. That was the magic that the first Dark Souls had, you hated it, you simply just hated it, but it has something that keeps you going and in the end you love it more than anything. With Dark Souls 2, its the exact same except better and the feelings are stronger the second time around. You'll die a lot, but you wont stop, nothing will stop you from finishing it and playing through it again. Expand
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Oct 9, 2014
    60
    Though it lasts a long time and provides a decent challenge, I think it really needed an extra push on top of what the game contains. I would describe it as just above average, but that’s as far as I’d go.
  2. Apr 2, 2014
    90
    Its over dependence on group battles, less interesting boss designs and a slightly more forgettable world let it down, but none of this is so severe that it stops it from becoming another superb entry into one of the best series of games of all time.
  3. Mar 25, 2014
    100
    If you have any interest in playing this game after reading this review, do yourself a favor and get it now. If you allow yourself to be enthralled with its atmosphere and game play you’ll become an avid fan just like me.