I can deny it no longer: I like Dark Souls 2
Is the game amazing? No. Is it the weakest game of the trilogy? By a Lordran mile. Is it the worst FromSoft game due to its nonsensical enemy placement and bad level design? Actually no, have you played Demon's Souls?
Flaws aside, I don't want to sell Dark Souls 2 short. The attention to detail in this game is really admirable; finding all the shortcuts and hidden bonfires was always satisfying. All three DLC campaigns were strong, and the classic Souls combat and character building is as satisfying as ever, bolstered by worthwhile collectables and strong enemy variety.
The level design of Dark Souls 2 is excellent. If there is anything DS2 is the best of the trilogy for, it would be that. The levels don't feel as interconnected as in the previous game, but the endless hidden secrets, fair progression, and wealth of variety in themes and enemies made each location memorable and enthralling.
I won't pretend the critics of this game don't have a point: I didn't find the lore interesting, far too many ideas are lifted from the previous game, some graphics and designs can be banal and ugly. The game is also abundant in bad hit boxes, lame boss fights, and nonsensical enemy placement. DS2, while a worthy undertaking for sure, is unpolished at the best of times.
Darks Souls 2 deserves its bad reputation to a degree, but the positive aspects shouldn't be overlooked. If this installment truly ranks among FromSoft's weakest work, then they must be an amazing studio.
Is the game amazing? No. Is it the weakest game of the trilogy? By a Lordran mile. Is it the worst FromSoft game due to its nonsensical enemy placement and bad level design? Actually no, have you played Demon's Souls?
Flaws aside, I don't want to sell Dark Souls 2 short. The attention to detail in this game is really admirable; finding all the shortcuts and hidden bonfires was always satisfying. All three DLC campaigns were strong, and the classic Souls combat and character building is as satisfying as ever, bolstered by worthwhile collectables and strong enemy variety.
The level design of Dark Souls 2 is excellent. If there is anything DS2 is the best of the trilogy for, it would be that. The levels don't feel as interconnected as in the previous game, but the endless hidden secrets, fair progression, and wealth of variety in themes and enemies made each location memorable and enthralling.
I won't pretend the critics of this game don't have a point: I didn't find the lore interesting, far too many ideas are lifted from the previous game, some graphics and designs can be banal and ugly. The game is also abundant in bad hit boxes, lame boss fights, and nonsensical enemy placement. DS2, while a worthy undertaking for sure, is unpolished at the best of times.
Darks Souls 2 deserves its bad reputation to a degree, but the positive aspects shouldn't be overlooked. If this installment truly ranks among FromSoft's weakest work, then they must be an amazing studio.