Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin

 Xbox One
Metascore
89

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
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  1. USgamer
    Apr 10, 2015
    100
    Even if you know the Kingdom of Drangleic like the back of your hand, you're in for many new surprises. And if you've never played Dark Souls II before, your patience has paid off: This is simply the best version of it you'll ever play.
  2. ZTGD
    Apr 23, 2015
    90
    PC players that have already played the game and DLC are the ones that will maybe think twice before going through it again, while Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players will get the most out of it.
  3. GamingTrend
    Apr 9, 2015
    90
    Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin improves upon Dark Souls 2 in nearly every category, and is the Souls game that current-gen console owners deserve.
  5. GameSpot
    Apr 8, 2015
    90
    The world of Dark Souls II has a way of digital life that involves sacrifice, hard decisions about the distribution of power, and the fact that seeking more has an iron price.
  6. Attack of the Fanboy
    Apr 6, 2015
    90
    Not quite content with improving the graphics and lumping in the downloadable content and calling it a day, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin feels like From Software's definitive vision for the game.
  7. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Apr 3, 2015
    90
    In terms of the resolution and textures, it's certainly a lot crisper. Design intricacies can now been seen smattering aspects of the world which could not be made out in the infamously grimy original. The subtle texture of your falconer armour, for example, can be appreciated in all its stitched up glory, while the rivets of a buckler, should you be working on your parry hand, look like actual rivets, rather than indistinct smears of non-detail.
  8. Xbox Achievements
    Apr 8, 2015
    88
    For newcomers Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is a superb package, with the wonderful DLC thrown in and the visuals at the best they have ever been. However, it's also tough going thanks to the remixed enemy placements and new random encounters. For veterans this is a welcome return to Drangleic but not one that is mandatory, as the changes feel all too insubstantial at times.
  9. IGN Spain
    Apr 7, 2015
    88
    The best possible version of the 'impossible game'. Maybe its technical side is getting too old for next gen consoles, but that is its only mistake, on a package that offer hundreds of hours of death and joy.
  10. MondoXbox
    May 10, 2015
    85
    From Software brings back its game making the game even better without distorting it. The result is an even harder game, surely suggested while we're waiting for the inevitable sequel.
  11. LevelUp
    Apr 18, 2015
    85
    The definitive edition of the soul-crushing dungeon crawler, Scholar of the First Sin, boasts increased difficulty and a new ending, but does not offer much more to the tired veterans.
  12. X-ONE Magazine UK
    May 26, 2015
    80
    It's still one of the best RPGs out there at the moment, but the NPC invasions and enemy placement felt a little unbalanced this time around. [Issue#124, p.79]
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Xbox One Game of 2015
25
#25 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2015
32
#32 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 302 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 212 out of 302
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 302
  3. Negative: 42 out of 302
  1. justin760
    Apr 10, 2015
    10
    I've never been sucked into and spat out so intensely from a video game. I played the original Souls game years ago when I was about 17 andI've never been sucked into and spat out so intensely from a video game. I played the original Souls game years ago when I was about 17 and didn't have the patience and will to acclimate to the steep learning curve and ended up trading it in two days after it was released, and only played maybe 60min. After hearing the insane amount of praise from critics and gamers I stepped up to the challenge and bought this game.

    The level of difficulty can vary based on your commitment to playing it. At first it is definitely challenging, you will be crushed, stabbed, killed, pushed off cliffs, accidentally fall off cliffs, and completely owned in a hundred different ways hundreds of times. Evasion by rolling or back stepping is essential, whether your a melee fighter or ranged. Timing your attacks and evasion techniques is also a skill needed. You can grind/repeatedly kill then respawn enemies at the camp fire and make rounds to level up more if the challenge is too much and enough of this will make enemies and bosses much easier. Death is inevitable and you learn from each one, any confidence and security gained will be crushed over and over as increasingly difficult enemies are encountered.

    Gameplay is smooth and controls and animations/movement is realistic and exhilarating. The difficulty creates exhilaration and adrenaline rushes, you will get worked up in a good and bad way. Graphics are not comparable with other current games and they are definitely dated but the gameplay and combat system is fulfilling and entertaining enough to make you not even care.

    So far, 30 hours in I am maybe halfway through the game, more like 1/3 way through including DLC. Multiplayer PvE/coop is optional and a huge help if your stuck on a hard area/boss. Considering the depth of this open world, the plethora of weapons items and armor as well as possibilities to upgrade them embodies the typical dungeon crawler loot and item system you've come to enjoy very well. Character creation, interaction with characters in the game, and the deep intricacy of the world of Drangleic gives you an intimate connection to the enormous mystical world of Dark Souls 2. You will come to adore everything including the difficulty and unease from the atmospheric regions. It's why many critics consider it sadomasochistic in many ways.

    In short, if you like RPGs or similar genres (dungeon crawler, hack n slash, action/adventure) them this is a MUST own, especially if you haven't played Souls 2 already when previously released on last Gen consoles. As for returning players, it gives a reason to play again with the significant and small changes made... But personally if I have sunk in 60+ hours into a game I probably wouldn't pay 60$ to play it again. Because its still the same game, the changes are mainly insignificant and not enough to make it a new or moderately different experience. Don't listen to the people crying about capitalism and the "money hungry" ethics behind this re-release. If you don't want to pay for a game you've already played again, or don't have the money then shut up and don't hate on it, just don't play it. The critic that gave a 0/10 score purely based on this idea is in my opinion a troll and angry person and his words disgrace the game reviews community and brings the emotional motivations of all critics into question.    … Full Review »
  2. sabaothkelly
    Jul 30, 2020
    0
    Dark Souls 1? Masterpiece.
    Light Souls 2? What a PIECE of TVRD, ¡seriously!? There are too many enemies and bosses doing s**t that is just    Dark Souls 1? Masterpiece.
    Light Souls 2? What a PIECE of TVRD, ¡seriously!? There are too many enemies and bosses doing s**t that is just just random, absurd or jank. Honestly, it's just barely above "Lords of the Fallen" trash mechanics.
    Dark Souls 3? Amazing.
    Sekiro? Very Good.    … Full Review »
  3. ahussainn98
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    Awesome game! As soon as I purchased this game I got hooked on it! I have not stopped playing it since, it is so addicting. The first levelAwesome game! As soon as I purchased this game I got hooked on it! I have not stopped playing it since, it is so addicting. The first level was so fun and easy to complete! it was simply amazing! I have almost completed the game, The quality of the game is perfect! 9/.10… Full Review »
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