The Dark Souls Discussion Thread

[Qrazy]

Just beat the game. Last encounters are pretty cool. Still at least 2 bosses I didn't beat and one area I didn't go to. Not going to progress to ng+ until I take care of those. 58 hours was my total time and I ended up at sl150 or so.

Is there a more robust story this time around? Longer end cut scene? Or is it pretty much like the original?

[D_Davis]

Fewer cut scenes, more obtuse story.

Like the original, the story is mainly told through item descriptions and environmental detail.

[D_Davis]

It starts off more direct, with your character having a back story and reason for going to where the game takes place. And within the first 30 minutes you're given your quest: to seek the king and gather 4 large souls. But after that, most of the plot threads unravel into strands of misinformation and ambiguity. The further you get from the hub world, the more ambiguous things become. The game's narrative mirrors the game's structure in an interesting way, but I do with there were a few more concrete clues given, because without guides/wikis there are things in the game that I would never, ever have known to do. So once it again it celebrates the idea of playground knowledge, speculation, and blind exploration.

[megladon8]

Did you love the Harvest Valley and Earthen Peak as much as I did? EP is so awesome.

So sad, too, that the Heirs to the Sun shrine is surrounded by such a bleak and poisonous place. Poor old Sun Bro...


I love the areas, yes. The castle covered in windmills was an incredible image that I honestly didn't expect to actually get to explore.

The Gutter is also very creepy. It's an area I can't wait to be done with.

[Sycophant]

LOL! I did the same thing. I was like, "I see you hiding you sneaky fucker!" And sniped him to death. :( He's the only NPC that buys stuff from you.

Haha. Oh shit, I did the same thing. Just saw him over there looking like a sneaky asshole, so I took him out with my bow. Oh well.

I'm maining a dex-based halberd-wielder (I adore that halberd, even though its moveset is changed in this game). Have a secondary character I've started who's a dual-wielder. It's gonna be a different play-style, since I am usually so dependent on a strong shield. But even though I'm not doing great with him, I'm adapting. Probably not gonna play him much more until I beat the game once with my main.

I might attempt a magic character at some point, but I tend to think of Souls games as primarily all about the melee. Thinking of getting just enough Faith to use a heal miracle, though, unless I find a bunch more Estus Shards.

I really like the game. I must say that some of the areas seem to lack character in comparison to a lot of Dark Souls or Demon's areas, and some stretches are surprisingly short and bosses tend to be less awe-inspiring (I beat the Dragonrider without even really blinking on my first try, which blew my mind). A lot of levels have weird dead-ends (especially little squarish, empty rooms) that feel like real disappointments, which I don't remember in Dark Souls, and some extended pathways lead to underwhelming, lonely treasure boxes. But I'm really digging it. The No-Man's Wharf area was neat. Something about the enemy placement reminds me more of Demon's than Dark 1, specifically that I tend to fight more enemies at one time in a room, where Dark 1 really more often let me mano a mano enemies.

Doing a lot more co-op on this one than the previous games, which is really cool.

Gotta get into a good covenant. I'm never summoned for Blue Sentinels.

[D_Davis]

From what everyone is saying, The Blue Sentinels covvy picks up in NG+, because that's where the most invasions are happening now. There are some people saying that they get invaded by blue phantoms every 5 minutes because they have sin that carried over from NG.

I agree with you about the lack of character in a lot of the areas, and in the odd number of empty, useless rooms. The levels in DS2 feel far less organic than in the other soul games. And yes, the bosses, especially during the first 1/2 of the game, are totally underwhelming in terms of spectacle.

I'm liking the game a lot, too. I mean, I still play it every day, and I'm thinking about it a lot. So even though I have a few problems with it, it's still good.

As far as Estus shards go, I ended NG with 11. But you can use bonfire ascetics in the places where they are and get more in a single play-thru.

[megladon8]

Working my way through the Iron Keep now. I am running low on human effigies again, so I am going to do 2 things:

Apparently going to speak to one of the old ladies in Things Betwixt will yield 6 effigies.

Also, I am going back to No Man's Wharf to get the Ring of Life Protection. Apparently this is essentially having unlimited effigies for 3000 / piece (by having it repaired at a Blacksmith).

I also rung the second bell in Bellfry Sol. Is that all there is to do in that area? I went up, rung the bell, crossed the roofs, then made my way down and ended up back in Iron Keep.

[D_Davis]

The Bellfry areas are really just for PVP, so if you're online you should be getting invaded there a lot by Bell Protectors.

Also, if you have a bonfire ascetic, you can burn that in the first bonfire in the forest of giants, and that will re-spawn the chest at the very beginning of the level containing 5 effigies.

And in a new patch hitting soon, we will soon be able to turn human after helping a host beat a boss.

[megladon8]

The Bellfry areas are really just for PVP, so if you're online you should be getting invaded there a lot by Bell Protectors.

Also, if you have a bonfire ascetic, you can burn that in the first bonfire in the forest of giants, and that will re-spawn the chest at the very beginning of the level containing 5 effigies.

And in a new patch hitting soon, we will soon be able to turn human after helping a host beat a boss.


Yeah I have been invaded a LOT in the bell areas :lol:

I am at the Smelter Demon and had two guys helping me but my internet kicked the bucket for a second and they both got booted, so I died very quickly.

[D_Davis]

Hopefully that doesn't happen too often! I think after 5 disconnects from multiplayer, you get locked out of co-op for good (but you can still get invaded), and the only way to restore co-op for that character is to burn a 1-time, 1-use item (can't remember what it's called, but you start the game with it. Says something about reconnecting the worlds).

[megladon8]

No, it just happened the once. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Is there no way for the system/server to differentiate between a player quitting the game, and an unintended internet disconnect? It would suck to basically be penalized for having a bad internet connection.

Anyways, another fantastic day of play. Made my way through Iron Keep and defeating both the Smelter Demon and, on my 4th attempt, the Old Iron King.

I then made my way through Harvest Valley to the entrance to Shrine of Winter, which I cannot access yet (same door as the one in Forest of Fallen Giants).

Now I am going to brave The Gutter...

[megladon8]

Okay, ending today with 14 hours of playtime between yesterday and today. Back to work tomorrow - I'll be thinking about the game all day!

Am at sl92, using a +6 Lightning Longsword.

Made my way to the bottom of The Gutter (though I never found the second bonfire). I am now in Black Gulch and holy crap, this area is nightmarish. Those giant black hand/tar demons are creepy as hell, and then the black Dune worms are just gross.

SO MUCH POISON!!!

[megladon8]

Mmmk so I defeated The Rotten which makes that the fourth of the Old Ones.

Went back to Manjula and the Emerald Herald told me not to trust some woman in "the ruins". Have no idea where she's talking about, or where to go next.

Will continue exploring! Maybe I'll go back to that eerily foggy area in The Shaded Woods.

[D_Davis]

Finally beat Dark Lurker. That portion of the Abyss was the only area of the game that I did enough times to de-spawn the enemies. Took me 20 Human Effigies to do it. Had to intensify the first bonfire in the Forest of Fallen Giants 7 times to get enough items to do it. Funny, though, that last time the boss was super easy. It's like he gave up and let me win. :)

Anyhow, going to take an extended break from video games. It's been a fun couple of weeks, but not its time to get back into music making and book reading.

[megladon8]

Oh man, the approach to Drangleic Castle is super epic.

Loved the visuals and the battle with the two big gold elephant guards.

Very cool stuff.

[D_Davis]

So you just completely skipped talking about my favorite part of the game. From the shaded woods down through Brightstone Cavern and the Doors of the Pharro areas. That sequence is just amazing. Love that temple with the cult worshipers.

[megladon8]

Ah yeah, that area was indeed pretty cool.

I really liked the initial approach, when you come across the Royal Guard Camp. That was really creepy. One of the enemies is standing over 5 corpses and doing God-knows-what. Each corpse has the Soul of a Brave Warrior.

[megladon8]

So I am currently traversing the Undead Crypt, so I gather I am nearing the end.

I have to say that at this point, my favorite area in the game is Shrine of Amana. Beautiful, haunting, full of traps and tough enemies - a great Souls level.

It also happens to have my favorite boss so far in the game. Again, in true Souls fashion, the Demon of Song is a twisted, enormous, tough encounter.

[D_Davis]

Shrine of Amana is amazing. And that boss is something else.

SoA feels the most Dark Souls like to me - it's almost as if the world of Lordran has burst through into this new dimension.

You still have a few areas to explore, including some interesting end-game content.

[megladon8]

One thing I certainly notice is how disconnected the game world feels compared to "Dark Souls".

In the first game, everything felt like it connected to create this larger whole. You could be so far away from home base, then turn a corner, open a door, and suddenly you realize that Firelink Shrine was right next to you this whole time.

This game feels like a large series of individual levels, not connected in much (if any) ways.

I do not mean this as a criticism at all. It's just different.

[D_Davis]

Yep. I think that speaks to the game's theme of multiple eras and kingdoms coming and going.

Far more Demon's Souls in that area, but Demon's Souls is even more so.

A major complaint I do have about DS2 is that none of the areas feel as fully realized as any of the levels in Demon's Souls or areas in DS. In Demon's Souls, each level had a self-contained story that shaped the geography of the level, and in DS each item, monster, and thing in the area felt like it belonged there. I don't get that feeling at all from DS2. One of my favorite things about DS was when you would stumble upon a body and find the starting gear of one of the classes, and you could imagine that class going on a quest in that area. There were also parts of areas in DS and Demon's Souls that I wanted to know more about, because they felt so naturally mysterious. All of that is basically gone in Dark Souls 2 - except for a few brief examples.

[megladon8]

Just defeated the Guardian Dragon.

The bridge leading up to and away from the Guardian Dragon boss arena offers some truly stunning imagery.

I feel like this last 1/2 (or maybe 1/3?) of the game has almost all of the best stuff.

[megladon8]

D - did you kill King Vendrick?

He seems next to impossible. I have a +10 Lightning Longsword and I am barely hurting him.

I've read on wiki's that apparently you are not supposed to consume or use any boss souls until you fight him, because he is weakened by the player carrying boss souls.

[D_Davis]

You need to have 5 souls of giants in your inventory. You get those from a number if places including black gulch and the memories of the trees you can enter in the forest of giants. I did not kill him because those items say that they can be used for souls only, so I consumed them. Total bs. It's one of the things I really dislike about the game.

[megladon8]

Think I am almost done the game. I'm at Nashandra.

D - once Nashandra is beaten, is the game over?

I am trying to decide whether I should try to collect Giant Souls and defeat Vendrick now. If I am unable to do it later, I will do it now.

[megladon8]

Beat the game. 48 hours, sl133.

Started NG+ immediately.

Trying to decide if I should try NG+ with a different type of weapon, or continue on with my +10 Lightning Longsword.

I tried my hand playing with a few of the Ultra Greatswords, but I really don't like the movesets of any of them. I am not really into the swords that mostly thrust - I find slashing much more effective.

Perhaps I should try an all new weapon class altogether. Maybe a mace, or a hammer of some kind.

Did anyone else find the Boss Soul weapons pretty much useless? Most all of them are just raw power, but even at that, none of them come close to some of the upgraded basic weapons I've created.

[D_Davis]

Yeah - the boss soul weapons are pretty lame. The only one that's really worth anything is the Dragonrider's Bow, which is amazing, especially for a strength build; it takes a lot of stamina to use.

[megladon8]

Man, NG+ is going very easily. In less than 3 hours I have made it to The Lost Bastille, and have defeated The Last Giant, The Pursuer and Dragonrider.

[megladon8]

Aaaand Ruin Sentinels are down, first try this time.

The Lost Bastille is certainly a bit trickier in NG+. More of those big mummy dudes with the scythes, and a few black phantoms added in for good measure.

I took the route through beating the Pursuer. I am going to go back through No Man's Wharf and take the ship, so I can get access to the rest of the area.

[megladon8]

I think I've found a new weapon to play with. The Red Iron Twinblade. Thing's pretty badass.

Great mix of slow and quick attacks.

[D_Davis]

Beat the game 3 times now, before the EZ mode patch hits tomorrow. :)

Although I don't think it's going to be quite as drastic as that first major patch for DS1.

I still love the gameplay, but compared with the other Souls games I really dislike the levels and lore/narrative.

[megladon8]

Beat the game 3 times now, before the EZ mode patch hits tomorrow. :)

Although I don't think it's going to be quite as drastic as that first major patch for DS1.

I still love the gameplay, but compared with the other Souls games I really dislike the levels and lore/narrative.


Agreed! The gameplay is fun as hell, but I find the worlds don't really capture my imagination until the second half of the game. Around the time you reach Earthen Peak.

I may have spoken too soon on the Red Iron TwinBlade. Even though it has a durability of 70, it breaks down very quickly because every strike is actually multiple strikes in one.

It's also kind of slow, so attacks leave you wide open for a long time.

I really wish I could find a new weapon to compete with my +10 Lightning Longsword, but nothing comes close as of yet.

[D_Davis]

Meg, have you played Demon's Souls, yet?

[megladon8]

Meg, have you played Demon's Souls, yet?


Not yet, no.

Aren't the servers shut down now for that one, so no more online play?

I'm looking forward to it, though. I've read that it has a significantly more somber tone than either of the "Dark Souls" games.

[D_Davis]

Servers are still up.

They were going to take them down, but there was so much fan support that they decided to keep them up. Also, since Sony had the game on PS+ for awhile, that probably means that the servers will be up for some time.

I played through the game again a few months ago, and there was still quite a bit of online activity. Not enough to summon or get summoned all the time, but enough to get some use out of it.

In retrospect, I think it's the best of the Souls games.

[Scar]

I anxiously await tales from a virgin Demons Souls player.

[megladon8]

So D after three playthroughs how many hours of playtime are you at?

What gear and weapon(s) are you using at this point?

[D_Davis]

I think about 80 hours.

My cleric uses a combination of starting robes and the Drangliec set, with a +10 Lightning Mace, +10 Fire Longsword, +10 Lightning Mace of Innsolent (or something - can cast miracles with R2), The Dragonrider Bow, a +10 Lightning Disc Chime, a +10 Lightning Defenders Chime, +5 Throne Defender's Shield, +10 Magic LLywan (or something, those ghost mages in the Crypt) shield, and a +10 Dragon parma.

My fighter uses the upgraded Heide Knight set (used bonfire aescetics at the first bonfire in the forest to spawn the knight 8 times to get it) with the Cartographer's helm, a +10 claymore, +10 Knight (from the Crypt) halberd, +10 great shield, and a +5 Dragonrider Bow.

[megladon8]

Reached sl149, 56 hours of play. Just defeated The Lost Sinner in NG+.

The fight is made much more difficult by having Black Phantoms dropping in.


Something I find consistently interesting with this series of games is the varying experiences and trails/tribulations of the different players. Some players find certain areas and bosses to by super easy, while others find the same areas/bosses nigh impossible.

Case in point - The Lost Sinner seems to be widely regarded as one of the most difficult fights in the game. However, in both my original playthrough and NG+, I defeated her on my first try with no trouble at all.

However, the Bellfry Gargoyles I am having a heck of a time beating, and they seem to generally be considered quite easy.

[Lucky]

The gargoyles are considered easy? Well shit, I thought that was hard with three of the bastards bombarding at once. Maybe I should take up pyromancy instead of focusing on DEX. Sinners Rise now. Haven't found much time to play. Using falchion +5 and twinblade +4.

[megladon8]

The gargoyles are considered easy? Well shit, I thought that was hard with three of the bastards bombarding at once. Maybe I should take up pyromancy instead of focusing on DEX. Sinners Rise now. Haven't found much time to play. Using falchion +5 and twinblade +4.


They are considered easy, yes, but you also have to bear in mind that much of the "Souls" games' fanbase are gamers. There is some crazy elitist, juvenile bullshit in the "Souls" community just like in every other gaming community.

If you don't beat a boss one the second or third try, you're a "n00b" and you should go back to playing "CoD".

Actually it's funny, just yesterday I had my first DS troll experience - a dude invaded me and immediately just ran away. I went looking for him and he ended up hiding in a room full of enemies and helped them swarm me. I died, of course, and then he started spamming me with PM's.

Man...gamers are just so damn cool. I'll never be that cool.

[D_Davis]

git gud casule.

[Lucky]

Sinner's Rise complete. Respec'd to swap the points wasted in adaptability to some attunement. Pyromancy glove +3 should spin gameplay in my favor for now. Lingering flame is a nifty new addition.

[megladon8]

Working now with a +5 Lightning Drangleic Sword. Rockin' the house with it - destroys just about everything with ease. +3 Royal Kite Shield in my left hand, and +3 Dragonrider Bow as my second right hand weapon.

At the Iron Keep. sl160. Still more or less a tank - working with Smelter Demon Helmet and Leggings, Syan's Armor, Drangleic Gauntlets, Ring of Life Protection (IMO this is pretty much a must-have no matter your build), Covetous Gold Serpent Ring +2, Third Dragon Ring and Chloranthy Ring +2.

[megladon8]

Yet another example of how different players have trouble in different areas - I just demolished the Smelter Demon in NG+ with no help, and didn't even have to use an Estus.

Now working with the full Smelter Demon set. Totally tanking it. At sl166, and pouring every upgrade point (now taking about 36,000 souls) into Vitality so I can equip a Greatshield.

Also going to try to find a sword with a similar moveset to Drangleic but with longer reach.

I do love the moveset for the Drangleic Sword, though. The R2 thrust attack followed by a spinning slash is deadly.

[megladon8]

Just beat The Duke's Dear Freja on NG+. That was a tough fight - ended up needing 2 helpers.

I am going to start a second character today, a sorcerer I think. I have never played one of these games with a magic based character.

I have absolutely no idea how to do this type of build. Should be fun.

[megladon8]

I am getting very close to having spent as much time in "DS 2" as I did in "Skyrim" - currently at 75 hours on this character (having spent 10 hours on one that I abandoned, so a total of 85 hours play time).

Just reached the Undead Crypt in NG+.

As mentioned before I am a tank in this build. Currently wearing the full Smelter Demon set, and I just discovered the Black Knight Ultra Greatsword, which I am having some fun with.

I have to stop preemptively pouring titanite into weapons before I test them out properly. It happened with the Red Iron Twinblade, then the Mastodon Greatsword. I am going to properly test out how I feel about this one before I upgrade it.

It seems to be just pure, raw power...which is really what I am going for in this build.

That being said, it is awfully slow. And "DS 2" has quite an emphasis on speed, unlike the first game.

[megladon8]

Aaaaand Nashandra defeated in NG+. Gonna do a few little things (try to defeat the Royal Rat Vanguard and King Vendrick). Will only give them a couple of attempts - I'm ready for NG++.

I am also going to make my sorcerer character tomorrow.

[megladon8]

Began NG++ with my tank character, sl205 and 90 hours playtime.

[megladon8]

Am I the only one left playing this here?

[D_Davis]

Nope!

I just don't have much to say, unfortunately.

Still playing it, but that's the extent of it.

[megladon8]

I am thinking of re-specing my tank character to work some attunement and intelligence in.

I'm at almost 90 strength. I feel like pouring more points into it is not doing too much.

I'm thinking I might respec and bring my strength to about 60, and spend the rest of the points in intelligence and attunement.

Thoughts?

[D_Davis]

Strength and Dexterity start to see diminishing returns after 40.

[D_Davis]

The only reason to have over 40 in any stat is if you need it for a certain weapon or spell, or you want to dual wield power stance a heavier weapon.

[megladon8]

Ah okay.

Yeah, I have a couple of weapons and shields that require 50 strength. So I think I'll go with my original plan of having about 60, and using the remaining points for attunement and intelligence.

I've also got 70 vitality, so that I can wear lots of heavy gear. I'll probably keep that.

[Spun Lepton]

So, I rented Dark Souls II this morning. Any pointers for making my day less rage-filled?

[D_Davis]

Patience. Learn from your mistakes. Take it slow. Shield up. Don't be afraid to run away. Watch enemies carefully. Don't be afraid to use your items. A weapon's move-set is more important than its ability to do damage. It's better to not get hit at all than to tank through hits. Play online and summon other people a lot. Don't get greedy for one-more-hit. In other words, watch your stamina bar, and always keep some in reserve.

[megladon8]

Ditto what D said, particularly the part about not getting greedy for one more hit. It's a trap I still fall into, and it always ends poorly.

And use your souls. Buy lifegems, human effigies, throwing knives (if you don't have a decent bow or ranger spell yet), and level up.

With leveling up, choose just a few areas to focus on - don't try to level everything equally. If you do that, you're doing it wrong. Figure out what type of weapon and armor set you want to use, and level up accordingly. If you are only going to melee, then you're throwing points away by leveling up Intelligence and Faith, which are solely for spells.

If things aren't making sense, or you can't figure out an area/NPC encounter, come here and ask. Both D and I have beaten the game several times.

[Spun Lepton]

Patience.

Uh oh. :)

[megladon8]

Question for D that I cannot find an answer on - if I use Skeptics Spice to lower the required faith needed for a miracle, does it have any negative effect on the miracle itself? Like, is the miracle also now weaker?

[Spun Lepton]

Sorry, guys. I ended up taking a mid-afternoon nap which made me groggy and "non-interactive" for the rest of the evening. But, the game's available at a Redbox a block from my home, so I'm sure I'll pick it up again. I am curious.

[D_Davis]

Question for D that I cannot find an answer on - if I use Skeptics Spice to lower the required faith needed for a miracle, does it have any negative effect on the miracle itself? Like, is the miracle also now weaker?

It's only weaker insofar as the scaling goes. So you'll get more scaling damage if your stat is higher, but it won't be perma-nerfed for using the spice.

[megladon8]

Sorry, guys. I ended up taking a mid-afternoon nap which made me groggy and "non-interactive" for the rest of the evening. But, the game's available at a Redbox a block from my home, so I'm sure I'll pick it up again. I am curious.


It's a lot of money to drop on a blind buy, for sure, but it's definitely worth a purchase. Especially because it'd be hard to really see what the game has to offer in a rental.

I just crossed 110 hours of play time, and I'm still finding new stuff every time I play.

[Scar]

It's a lot of money to drop on a blind buy, for sure, but it's definitely worth a purchase. Especially because it'd be hard to really see what the game has to offer in a rental.

I just crossed 110 hours of play time, and I'm still finding new stuff every time I play.

Spun rage quit Demons Souls. Weekend rental would be a good idea.

[Spun Lepton]

It's a lot of money to drop on a blind buy, for sure, but it's definitely worth a purchase. Especially because it'd be hard to really see what the game has to offer in a rental.

I just crossed 110 hours of play time, and I'm still finding new stuff every time I play.

I nearly put my fist through my TV when I played Demon's Souls. I may have broken the controller, I don't remember. Either way, I'm not going to buy it unless I know I can have non-ragey fun with it. I'm more casual than hardcore these days.

[megladon8]

Holy crap the missions for the Covenant of Dark are difficult.

There are three and I can't even beat one of them. In the one you access in Drangleic Castle, the first enemy you encounter is a phantom version of Havel the Rock.

[D_Davis]

Holy crap the missions for the Covenant of Dark are difficult.

There are three and I can't even beat one of them. In the one you access in Drangleic Castle, the first enemy you encounter is a phantom version of Havel the Rock.

The boss at the end is the toughest fight in the game. Took me about 35 tries to beat it.

[D_Davis]

The time that I enjoyed playing Dark Souls 2 came to end very, very quickly (relatively speaking, of course). I played Demon's Souls and Dark Souls for nearly 3 years, practically non-stop, and every time I started a new character I had a blast playing through the game. This weekend I started a new character (my 3rd) in DS2, and became completely bored with the game by about 1.5 hours. And with that, I'm done with DS2. I'm pretty disappointed in the game over all, although considering that I've put nearly 100 hours into it must say something good for it, no? While the moment to moment gameplay is still pretty solid, I'm just not at all interested in the world, the levels, the NPCs, or the atmosphere. It hasn't captured my imagination in the same way that the previous Souls games did, and I think that's a real bummer.

[megladon8]

I'm nearing the end, too. Just over 120 hours of play, on NG+++. The only bosses I haven't beaten are Darklurker, the Ancient Dragon and King Vendrick.

A mixture of the gameplay from this with the world of "Dark Souls" would be wonderful.

[megladon8]

Spoke too soon. I'm right back into it.

This is now the most time I have ever spent on a game.

I am currently using (and loving) the Drakekeeper's Warpick.

[D_Davis]

Rumor of Demon's Souls spin-off coming to PS4 as an exclusive (developed by From and co-developed by Sony Japan). Codename - Project Beast (Dark Souls was codename Project Dark):

http://i.imgur.com/2NhiI9V.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CYdoKFf.png

http://i.imgur.com/kYntMAz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/d7nuABO.png

[megladon8]

My GOD I hope that's true.

Just got the Black Knight Halberd. Really liking it.

[megladon8]

D - have you done much research (or piecing together of your own) of the "story" in "DS II"?

I have to admit I never looked into the first game at all - I just played it. But the sequel I have been trying to piece together a bit on my own.

I gather the war between Vendrick and the Giant Lord led to the way Drangleic is now - hollow and corrupt. Vendrick was definitely the one in the wrong in this battle, the Giant Lord and the Giants being fierce warriors for sure, but a peaceful people.

This is why just about every one of Vendrick's best soldiers and guards are now either hollow or phantoms, shadows of their former selves and cursed to forever live their past sins ins Drangleic.

That's about all I've pieced together for myself...and even at that I could be way off.

Really don't know what's going on with the Emerald Herald, or Nashandra for that matter.

[D_Davis]

Nashandra is part of Manus from DS1 (DLC), so she has ties to the abyss.

[megladon8]

Any other thoughts/theories on the lore?

[D_Davis]

Not really. It's been spelled out, and really doesn't interest me (not to sound rude to you, or anything!). The lore/story in Demon's and DS1 were far more interesting to me. This is one of the main reasons why I've come to the conclusion about DS2 that I have. It seems to me like the new producers were trying to create the same kind of mystery as Miyazaki did, but instead they created merely a shadow or poor emulation of it.

The emerald herald is half-dragon. I have no idea why, and it just seems to be a useless fact. She's an uninteresting version of Maiden in Black from Demon's Souls. At one point in the game she is supposed to be younger (there is even a voice credit for this), but the voice and her look is so similar that even after playing through the game multiple times I can't figure out when she is supposed to be young.

The king was trying to end the curse, but couldn't, and in the process he became cursed. To hide the curse from his people, he started shipping the undead off to the Lost Bastille. The Blue Sentinels were in charge of smuggling the undead through the wharf onto the ships that would take the undead to the prison to be out of sight. Giants are mentioned numerous times in Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, and the conflict between them and the humans is a unifying concept between all three games. The broken archstone in Demon's Souls is said to lead to the land of the giants, and Anor Londo is also called the land of the giants. So there is something going on with the giants, and you need an item to get the giants to help you onto the throne in DS2.

There is a lot of stuff in DS2 that just doesn't make any sense. For one: The Grave Wardens are in Earthen Peak. There is no reason given for this. They are supposed to be protecting the Crypt. In DS1, whenever an enemy seems out of place - like the Channelers - there was always a lore reason given in the game. Same goes for items. There is a reason for just about every item found in the previous games, and why you find them where you do. I don't get that sense from DS2 at all.

Another example of this is the broken Lord Vessel in the house in Majula, and Nashandra being part of Manus. Stuff like this just seems to be in place as cool call backs to DS1 without any real significance to DS2. So much of DS2 is just a faint echo of the previous games.

Or how about the geography? From the Earthen Peak, the highest part you can see, you take an elevator up to a volcano and the Iron Keep? Huh? How does that work? Of from Heide's Tower of Flame, a city sunken in the water, you take an elevator down to a cave that is also above sea level. Nothing about the land makes sense.

The whole game is full of scatter-shot ideas and mechanics that seem to be placed without much thought.

[megladon8]

So, wow, yesterday while playing I discovered that there are region specific weapons and armor. Anyone else know this?

I summoned a player to help me fight the Looking Glass Knight in NG+++, and he appeared to have no armor or weapon, those his hands were out as if he was two-handing something. He was absolutely demolishing the boss as well as the minions he summoned - whatever weapon he was using was powerful, and was capable of several hits with each attack.

After the battle I PM'd the guy to find out what he was using. He replied that he was in Japan, and this was actually a standard weapon and gear over there.

[D_Davis]

He had the rings you get for beating the game without dying and without using a bonfire. The Rings make your armor and weapons invisible. They aren't region specific.

[megladon8]

He had the rings you get for beating the game without dying and without using a bonfire. The Rings make your armor and weapons invisible. They aren't region specific.


No, he PM'd me back with the name of the weapon and it doesn't seem to be one available here. When I get back on I will post the name of the weapon here.

[megladon8]

Oh man, after a combined 210 hours between DS1 and 2, trying out "Demon's Souls" is...rough.

The controls and combat feel so clunky and, again, rough.

Going to try my best to get into it.

Just finished NG+++ in "DS2", and finally beat Vendrick!!

[D_Davis]

I think Demon's Souls is the best, or, at the very least, the most consistently good through out. There isn't a single bad part.

[megladon8]

Still working my way through Boletaria (sp?). I just rescued some dude (his name is ________ of Boletaria...don't remember the first name) who was up on a platform surrounding by Hollows. He jumped down, told me he had things to do, then blindly wandered around the map, walking into walls and doors. He eventually got stuck behind a barrel and I never saw him again.

Anyways, after getting smoked by the fire-breathing dragon about 15 times, I've decided to try a different strategy for crossing the bridge.

[Scar]

Run, very fast.

[megladon8]

Man, getting to the Phalanx was about 15 times harder than the actual fight with the Phalanx.

First try. +1 Longsword imbued with fire. Absolutely destroyed it.

[megladon8]

Successfully defeated The Tower Knight (hey, it's Havel!) and I am, yeah, hooked on this game.

Loved having to figure out the strategy. I found "Dark Souls 2" a little easy (a few frustrating parts, but that's about it), mainly because the servers were so active I was able to summon at just about any point.

I haven't seen a single summon sign yet in "Demon's Souls", so I am having to brave it all alone and figure things out for myself...which is much more rewarding.

[Scar]

Yeah, you'll find more invaders than helpers. I think they can only invade if they're on the same play through, but I could be wrong.

[Scar]

Oh, and you can kill that dragon with a decent bow and a shit ton of arrows from one of the towers. Boring and very repetitive, but it gets the job done.

[megladon8]

Oh, and you can kill that dragon with a decent bow and a shit ton of arrows from one of the towers. Boring and very repetitive, but it gets the job done.


If you do this, does it respawn?

I need to build my dex up a bit before I can use the bow I found.

I am doing a fairly basic strength build, which is what I've done with both Souls games before for my first playthroughs. I found a merchant selling a Claymore which I may buy - right now I have a +3 Longsword.

[Scar]

If you do this, does it respawn?

I need to build my dex up a bit before I can use the bow I found.

I am doing a fairly basic strength build, which is what I've done with both Souls games before for my first playthroughs. I found a merchant selling a Claymore which I may buy - right now I have a +3 Longsword.

No, it doesn't respawn. You get a Small Flame Scale Demons Soul. You can cash it in for 10,000 souls, I think. That's all its good for. The Blacksmith can't use it on a weapon, and you can't cash it in for a spell.

Make sure to not cash in Boss Souls for regular souls until you know you don't want the weapon/spell it can be used for.

I wouldn't bother with the claymore.

[megladon8]

No, it doesn't respawn. You get a Small Flame Scale Demons Soul. You can cash it in for 10,000 souls, I think. That's all its good for. The Blacksmith can't use it on a weapon, and you can't cash it in for a spell.

Make sure to not cash in Boss Souls for regular souls until you know you don't want the weapon/spell it can be used for.

I wouldn't bother with the claymore.


Thanks for all the advice!

Yeah, I am not going to touch the boss souls until I know what I can do with them.

I imagine this will be similar to the other two Souls games in that it will be a while before I am able to trade them for weapons/spells.

[Scar]

Thanks for all the advice!

Yeah, I am not going to touch the boss souls until I know what I can do with them.

I imagine this will be similar to the other two Souls games in that it will be a while before I am able to trade them for weapons/spells.

You'll meet another blacksmith on 2-1. There's a certain soul he's looking for, a nice RED HOT one.

[megladon8]

Boy, this giant armored spider boss is being a pain in my keester.

[Scar]

Boy, this giant armored spider boss is being a pain in my keester.

I think I beat him once or twice by just getting under that fucker and just start swinging and healing.

[megladon8]

I'm actually finding the guides (at least the online wiki's) for "Demon's Souls" to be more or less useless.

There doesn't seem to be much (if any) info out there for first time playthroughs. I've been looking up melee strategies for the Armor Spider boss, and they all show gear and spells that can't be acquired until either later in the game, or NG+.

One video strategy recommended being at sl 200!! I'm at 24!

[Scar]

I'm actually finding the guides (at least the online wiki's) for "Demon's Souls" to be more or less useless.

There doesn't seem to be much (if any) info out there for first time playthroughs. I've been looking up melee strategies for the Armor Spider boss, and they all show gear and spells that can't be acquired until either later in the game, or NG+.

One video strategy recommended being at sl 200!! I'm at 24!

I'm guessing I probably went through 1-1 a couple times just to strengthen my character.

[megladon8]

I'm guessing I probably went through 1-1 a couple times just to strengthen my character.


Yeah, I've actually gone through it a good 5-6 times at this point, particularly making my way to the Red Eye Knight who drops 2000 souls every time I kill him.

Finally beat the Armor Spider just by carelessly running up to it, sitting under its belly and slashing away.


I am now in the lower mines of Stonefang Tunnel and have no clue at all where to go. It's a freaking maze.

[Scar]

I am now in the lower mines of Stonefang Tunnel and have no clue at all where to go. It's a freaking maze.

*chuckle* Even after numerous playthroughs, I get turned around down there.

[megladon8]

Defeated the Flamelurker and the Dragon God last night.

Dragon God was an intimidating mofo, but kind of a pushover. I had a lot more trouble with the Flamelurker.

[Scar]

Defeated the Flamelurker and the Dragon God last night.

Dragon God was an intimidating mofo, but kind of a pushover. I had a lot more trouble with the Flamelurker.

Flamelurker is tough as a melee guy. A lot easier when you use magic. Magic can be a bit over powerful in Dark Souls. I'm glad my character that went NG+++++++++ was a melee guy.

Dragon God was more of a puzzle than a boss fight. Still awesome visuals.

I'm guessing you know where to go with the Flamelurker soul?

[megladon8]

Flamelurker is tough as a melee guy. A lot easier when you use magic. Magic can be a bit over powerful in Dark Souls. I'm glad my character that went NG+++++++++ was a melee guy.

Dragon God was more of a puzzle than a boss fight. Still awesome visuals.

I'm guessing you know where to go with the Flamelurker soul?


Yeppers! I'm leveling up my bow so I can make the lava bow.

[megladon8]

Defeated the Penetrator last night (hehehe...penetrate). Biorr of the Twin Fangs came to help me, but he just stood in place and let the boss swing at him until he was dead. I mean, he drew the Penetrator's attention so I could swing at him unharmed...but he was kind of useless.


But hey, if anyone here is interested, there are two GREAT Souls shirts on sale today on The Yetee:

http://s17.postimg.org/jk9uwdzj3/ds_shirts.jpg

[Sycophant]

Defeated the Penetrator last night (hehehe...penetrate). Biorr of the Twin Fangs came to help me, but he just stood in place and let the boss swing at him until he was dead. I mean, he drew the Penetrator's attention so I could swing at him unharmed...but he was kind of useless.

With the exception of Iron Tarkus in Dark Souls (and maybe a couple others), that's roughly what NPC summons do, isn't it? They sometimes whittle their damage bars down a little, but mostly they're useful as decoys, it seems.

[megladon8]

With the exception of Iron Tarkus in Dark Souls (and maybe a couple others), that's roughly what NPC summons do, isn't it? They sometimes whittle their damage bars down a little, but mostly they're useful as decoys, it seems.


In DS2 I actually found the NPC summons pretty helpful. Lucatiel of Mirrah was fantastic in the fight against the Smelter Demon, and Jester Thomas practically beats Mytha the Baneful Queen himself.

[megladon8]

Man, the Blue Dragon is a real sombitch.

[Scar]

Man, the Blue Dragon is a real sombitch.

If you can dash to cover until you can get underneath him, you can lock in on him with a bow and light him up. Granted, you have to deal with a migraine inducing camera at that point.

[megladon8]

If you can dash to cover until you can get underneath him, you can lock in on him with a bow and light him up. Granted, you have to deal with a migraine inducing camera at that point.


I was incredibly pissed to find that he reverts to the first stage of the battle (where he's perched over the bridge with the two Fat Officials) if you die.

I wasted about 300 arrows getting him down to half health at that part, so he'd fly to the staircase. I died at the staircase, worked my way back and found him at the bridge again.

GGAAHHH!!

[Scar]

I was incredibly pissed to find that he reverts to the first stage of the battle (where he's perched over the bridge with the two Fat Officials) if you die.

I wasted about 300 arrows getting him down to half health at that part, so he'd fly to the staircase. I died at the staircase, worked my way back and found him at the bridge again.

GGAAHHH!!

If you kill him, like the red dragon, he'll be gone for good.

Otherwise, you can get passed him without killing him.

If you kill at least the red dragon, remember to go back earlier in 1-2? to the part outside the castle where the dragons were chilling on the hill. With the red dragon gone, you can time your treasure looting to the blue dragon's tail.

If you kill them both, you can take your time.

[megladon8]

If you kill him, like the red dragon, he'll be gone for good.

Otherwise, you can get passed him without killing him.

If you kill at least the red dragon, remember to go back earlier in 1-2? to the part outside the castle where the dragons were chilling on the hill. With the red dragon gone, you can time your treasure looting to the blue dragon's tail.

If you kill them both, you can take your time.


I actually went back there on a whim a few plays ago, and found both dragons gone. So I was able to peacefully collect all of the loot there.

Hey here's a question - did you find it took quite a while before you found armor/weapons better than what you more or less started with?

I am still wearing my starting armor, using a long sword (which I upgraded to +10) and the starting heater shield. I'm almost at 15 hours of playtime.

I got the Purple Flame Shield and the Tower Shield, but both are too heavy for me to wield without slowing down significantly. So they're kinda useless for now.

[Scar]

I actually went back there on a whim a few plays ago, and found both dragons gone. So I was able to peacefully collect all of the loot there.

Hey here's a question - did you find it took quite a while before you found armor/weapons better than what you more or less started with?

I am still wearing my starting armor, using a long sword (which I upgraded to +10) and the starting heater shield. I'm almost at 15 hours of playtime.

I got the Purple Flame Shield and the Tower Shield, but both are too heavy for me to wield without slowing down significantly. So they're kinda useless for now.

I kept the starter armor for quite some time. I'll have to fire up my +++++++++++ guy to see what he's wearing, since he was a melee beast.

I accidentally deleted the save file a year or two ago, but at the time I had PS+, so it was saved there, too. I got PS+ back in November, and it was there!

I think my current guy is wearing the Assassin's armor set. Mr ++++++++ might be rocking the Ancient King's armor. Long story short, I wore the regular armor for a LONG time. Eventually, I switched to using the Meat Cleaver two handed w/ the Adjucator Shield (Regeneration) strapped to my back, plus a regenerating ring.

[megladon8]

OK good to know I didn't like totally miss some amazing set at the beginning of the game.

I guess it doesn't really matter if you're getting through the game though, right?

I got a sword called the Penetrator Sword (apparently nothing to do with the boss) and it's actually kind of crappy. All it has to offer is that it looks cool.


On a side note, I find that giggle that the Fat Official's make kind of creepy.

[Scar]

OK good to know I didn't like totally miss some amazing set at the beginning of the game.

I guess it doesn't really matter if you're getting through the game though, right?

I got a sword called the Penetrator Sword (apparently nothing to do with the boss) and it's actually kind of crappy. All it has to offer is that it looks cool.


On a side note, I find that giggle that the Fat Official's make kind of creepy.


I think you've got a more bad ass weapon than what I had on my first play through. I would forge the Meat Cleaver eventually to give it a try. Definitely relies on timing since its a BIG mother fucker.

The Fat Official's are certainly creepy.

What I like about the long sword is you've got a slash attack, and a pierce attack, which comes in VERY handy with those miner guys.

[megladon8]

I think you've got a more bad ass weapon than what I had on my first play through. I would forge the Meat Cleaver eventually to give it a try. Definitely relies on timing since its a BIG mother fucker.

The Fat Official's are certainly creepy.

What I like about the long sword is you've got a slash attack, and a pierce attack, which comes in VERY handy with those miner guys.


YES! Double-tapping the R2 strong attack gives a great pierce/slash combo. I can take out most enemies with one of those combo attacks, and on others it at least does a heck of a lot of damage.

I am still finding the red eye knights can be a tough battle. Well, not so much tough (I never die) but trying - those guys are all about timing and countering. Just one hit from them (particularly the ones without shields, but instead two-hand their swords) can demolish your health.

[megladon8]

Holy crap, the Tower of Latria is like 1/2 way to being a horror game.

Cthulhu guards are creepy as hell.

[Scar]

Holy crap, the Tower of Latria is like 1/2 way to being a horror game.

Cthulhu guards are creepy as hell.

Ahh, the mind flayers. Easy to kill, until they see you. Love the bell.

[Scar]

Tread lightly. Don't want to make a mis step.

[megladon8]

Had a very successful day today, defeating both the Maneater (kind of a pushover) and the Old Monk (tried three times...but you're actually fighting an invading player so I guess there's no real, solid difficulty level to this fight).

On to the Shrine of Storms.

I still can't seem to make much of a dent on the Blue Dragon in Boletarian Palace, so I am going to wait until I've leveled up my dex. a bunch more so my bow does more damage.

[Scar]

Had a very successful day today, defeating both the Maneater (kind of a pushover) and the Old Monk (tried three times...but you're actually fighting an invading player so I guess there's no real, solid difficulty level to this fight).

On to the Shrine of Storms.

I still can't seem to make much of a dent on the Blue Dragon in Boletarian Palace, so I am going to wait until I've leveled up my dex. a bunch more so my bow does more damage.

Hold off on the final section of Boletarian for the end, if you can.

Shrine of Storms has some challenging enemies, and good rewards, so explore, explore, explore.

[megladon8]

Hey cool! Miyazaki (the guy who directed the first two "Souls" games) was just made president of From Software.

[megladon8]

I haven't been able to get on the "Demon's Souls" server for a couple of days now.

I've asked about it on a couple of forums but it doesn't seem to be a widespread issue.

I thought it was my good ol' internet connection, but I am still able to get on the "Dark Souls 2" server no problem.

Oh well. I haven't even seen any summon signs in the 25 hours I've played so far, so the only thing I'm really missing out on is the occasional helpful message.

[megladon8]

Aside from the Flamelurker (took me 4 tries), this bosses in "Demon's Souls" are freaking push overs.

I defeated all three bosses in the Valley of Defilement without even getting hit.

[megladon8]

I spoke too soon. Old King Allant is proving to be a real sombitch to deal with.

[megladon8]

I'm back on "DS2" because of the DLC. I love that it automatically downloaded as an update for the game while I was sleeping last night (hadn't even purchased it yet). Came on today to buy it, and it was just a 110kb download to unlock the content! Didn't have to wait to play it!

What a maze of a world Shulva is! And so many freaking poisonous enemies!

It's the first time I've seen an area in a Souls game where the player can actually interact with and change the environment - VERY cool. Being able to hit a switch and create cover from a legion of snipers is a great addition.

I'd also forgotten how pretty this game is.

[Lucky]

I've also recently been having a surge in my playtime with DS2. Finally making steady progress -- crypts now. Ricard's Rapier +10 and the Hunter's Blackbow +10 have done wonders for my struggling little dex build.

[D_Davis]

I'm having a hard time getting excited for the DLC.

I came to the conclusion that I just don't like DS2 much. However, I've heard that the DLC is far more like DS1 in that it's actually a good level, with some good exploration.

Really hope the A-team does a good job on Bloodborne.

[megladon8]

I belong to a couple of Dark Souls forums, and the general consensus seems to be that the DLC is great, and the final boss is one of the best bosses in the entire franchise.

I'm enjoying it so far - have played for about an hour.

Like I mentioned above, the ability to change the environment is very cool.

[megladon8]

Man, the DLC is hard!

I'm also playing it for the first time on NG+++...

[megladon8]

Just beat the final (very epic and super difficult) boss of the DLC.

There's a whole other area of the DLC I haven't gone to yet, so off to there soon!

Cool that the reward for beating the final boss also unlocks some new content in the main game.

[megladon8]

I'm now going for 100% completion in DS2.

I've had to make a new character, because some of the covenant-awarded spells will be too damn hard to acquire on NG+++.

I'm doing a dex/int build.

[D_Davis]

Wow. So the latest patch actually made my character totally useless.

I built up a 180lvl cleric that relied mostly on lightning spells. Never really bothered with many weapons at all.

the latest patch lowered the number of lighting casts by 2/3. So now I have a character at sl180, about 100 hours of gameplay, in NG+++ that is entirely useless.

I've grown to dislike this game more and more, but now, won't be playing it at all.

[KK2.0]

I agree that DS1 is better but I still enjoyed the hell out of DkSII and I'm getting the DLC.

These series are like if From read my mind and made the game for me, they have just the elements that I love the most in videogames, the setting/atmosphere, the exploration, the surprises, the secrets... I hope they take more time and bring a true next gen sequel, I'm afraid between Bloodborne and that pretty Souls' clone Lords of the Fallen, the formula may become a bit thin by the time DkSIII is out.

[D_Davis]

I'd be surprised if there is a Dark Souls III.

Pretty sure that BB is where the series is going.

[Sycophant]

Yeah, I don't necessarily see them sticking to the Dark Souls brand going forward. Though even if they did, we haven't gotten tired of the FPS and cover shooter formulas, so why should less than a half dozen of these adventures down this set of ideas exhaust the premise? Excellently executed with variations and such, the basic tentpoles of the structure should be almost endlessly repeatable.

[megladon8]

The platinum trophy feels so close yet so far.

All I have left are the trophies for learning all pyromancies, hexes, sorceries and miracles.

I've started a new character to do this, because there's no way I can beat the Darklurker on NG+++, in order to get the final hex.

[megladon8]

Now only 3 trophies away from completion.

It will be the first time (on any console) that I have achieved 100% in a game.

[megladon8]

D are you trying the DLC?

*asking because I saw you playing earlier*

[D_Davis]

I am. Started a new character to go through the dlc. They totally nerfed my dude in ng+++ making him entirely unplayable, so I started a new game.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Is this also the Bloodborne thread?

[megladon8]

I am so damn close to having a Platinum Trophy.

I need one sorcery and I one hex.

For the sorcery I need to defeat 30 players trying to invade a Bellfry. I have beaten 10 so far.

For the hex I have to beat the Darklurker. This one I am particularly worried about.

[Lucky]

I finally beat DS2 the other day. Will probably buy the DLC shortly. Maybe it was my crappy DEX build and lack of a good weapon, but the first half of this game was more difficult than the first DS. Second half was a breeze, though. Burned through several bosses on the first try, including the final boss (another lackluster final boss). Hardest boss was the spider. Coolest boss was the dragon in the cage.

[D_Davis]

Is this also the Bloodborne thread?

I think we'll have to wait to see how Souls-like it is.


I've explored a bit of both of the recent DLC areas - they are fantastic. They feel more like DS1 areas, and are generally very, very difficult. I'm a bit too low-leveled to take them on completely right now, but this new content has made me more into the game recently.

[D_Davis]

I am so damn close to having a Platinum Trophy.

I need one sorcery and I one hex.

For the sorcery I need to defeat 30 players trying to invade a Bellfry. I have beaten 10 so far.

For the hex I have to beat the Darklurker. This one I am particularly worried about.

What SL is your main? How many hours?

[megladon8]

What SL is your main? How many hours?

SL 264, 170 hours, NG+++

[D_Davis]

I hadn't been through the Shrine of Armana since they totally nerfed it, but after going through it last night I can safely say that From made a huge mistake. That area was absolutely perfect before the nerf. It's beauty was perfectly offset by its difficulty. The tranquil nature of the atmosphere mirrored the style of play one needed to get through the area unscathed - slow and steady, with patience. However, now it's so easy that I can just run through without fear of anything.

Like DS1, I'm glad I got to experience DS2 before From started messing with all the balancing and patching. Both pre-patch versions are better than what they eventually became.

[D_Davis]

SL 264, 170 hours, NG+++

Nice. I've never taken a character to that high a SL before - do you find that leveling up is pretty much useless?

[D_Davis]

February 5, 2015 - so soon!

[megladon8]

Nice. I've never taken a character to that high a SL before - do you find that leveling up is pretty much useless?

No levelling is still quite handy because there are so many categories to level up. I'm nowhere near the point where all my categories are at 50.

[D_Davis]

No levelling is still quite handy because there are so many categories to level up. I'm nowhere near the point where all my categories are at 50.

Right - but most start giving diminishing returns past 30, some at 40, unless you need a higher stat just to use something.

[megladon8]

When I get home from work I'll post my stats.

Man I don't know if I will be able to get the platinum. For the Bell Keeper cov sorcery I need to win 30 invasions. I got my first 10 without a hitch, but I haven't been able to win a single match since.

[D_Davis]

That's a bummer.

I wish games wouldn't lock stuff away behind online requirements.

I'll never get 100% in Dark Souls II because I absolutely suck at PVP.

[megladon8]

People being so very certain that "Bloodborne" has nothing to do with the "Souls" series make me eyes roll a little. People upset by this idea make my eyes roll a lot.

Easter eggs in "DS2" show that the series could very well have iterations taking place in modern day.

All I want is a good game. Whether it is or isn't a "Souls" game doesn't matter to me in the least.

[D_Davis]

It's not a ------Souls game, but it is a "Souls" game.

Dark Souls wasn't originally going to be called Dark Souls. It was going to be called something like Dark Race - in Japanese, so not racist - or something like that. Something having to do with the Dark Sign. Funny, the one item in everyone's inventory, the most important lore item, the item that the game was named after, is largely forgotten about and never used.

Bloodborn has glowing soul items on bodies and fog gates, a stamina bar, and a similar looking UI. It looks like a souls game, for sure. But from what I've seen so far, you don't collect souls to level up or anything like that.

[megladon8]

I am wondering if they ever will make a modern Souls game. Basically have guns replace staffs/spells.

There are cars in The Pit.

[D_Davis]

Finished up the two released DLC packs.

Wow.

If I didn't know better, I'd say that Miyazaki came back and showed the B-team how to make a Souls game. The two areas in the DLC packs are amazing. They're full of challenging enemies, creative environments, shortcuts that actually make sense, level geometry that works to create a cohesive feel and atmosphere, and are packed with a ton of things to do. There is actually still a boss in The Old Iron King level that I haven't challenged yet.

Man, if all of Dark Souls II was as good as the DLC, it would have been the greatest game ever.

[megladon8]

I loved Shulva. Such a cool environment.

I get chills when I enter the catacombs and the eerie vocals come in.

[D_Davis]

I loved Shulva. Such a cool environment.

I get chills when I enter the catacombs and the eerie vocals come in.

Oh yeah. It filled me with that same sense of awe and dread that Demon's and Dark Souls did. Pre-patch Shrine of Amana did that in DS2, but now, not so much.

[megladon8]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UaT25NYWNaU

[D_Davis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvFGQ-tie-o

[megladon8]

Looks so freaking cool.

[D_Davis]

I hear they're sending out codes for the beta.

All you PS4 owners make sure to check your messages.

[D_Davis]

Ordered Bloodborne and a PS4 today. Comes out my B-day weekend. I'm glad this game is coming out during a Winter month.

DS2 was spoiled a bit by coming out in the spring - too much sun outside to get the right mood.

These are October-November games.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Nothing for me yet, and even though that's not typically my cup of tea, that game looks incredible enough that I'll be downloading the beta if I have the chance.

[megladon8]

Not a Souls game or even by From, but "Lords of the Fallen" is looking like it could be freaking incredible.

Love the incredible sense of weight and mass in the gameplay I've seen. The weapons and gear feel like they weigh you down, and he blows feel devastating.

[D_Davis]

I'll definitely be buying it next year. It's crazy Souls-like. Has weapons that scale with STR, DEX, and FTH, when you die you have to get back to your ghost to get your experience, dark fantasy setting, etc. Looks kind of like Souls via Warhammer.

Hope it plays as good as it looks and sounds.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oROMuRvRLps

[D_Davis]

I really hope that the screen tearing and frame rate are fixed on the final release, because it's really bad in the newest videos that I've seen.

I expect more from a PS4 game.

[D_Davis]

Rumor has it that Bloodborne has a permadeath mode.

[D_Davis]

The 3rd-person-tactical-action-with-stamina-and-lock-on-dark-fantasy genre is growing!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkDn5r1CieI

[megladon8]

Looks super cool.

[D_Davis]

Looks super cool.

I think so, too. Looks like a slower, more methodically paced Darksiders. I'm totally down for something like that.

[megladon8]

So it looks like there is going to be more DLC for DS2.

I still haven't played the last one (Ivory King).

[D_Davis]

I hated the last one. Quit playing it.

Where did you read there will be more?

[megladon8]

IGN. Apparently some Reddit user found a From listing for "DLC4".

[D_Davis]

So jazzed for Lords. Got it all pre-loaded.

I love the sound of the risk/reward system for XP. The more XP you hold on to, the more you get, and the higher your XP multiplier and item-discovery become. All this is reset when you 1) level up, 2) save, or 3) replenish your health items. So the longer you go without having to do any of those means you will get more XP and you will find better items, thus giving you a reward for being good at the game. But if you die, you will lose more and you will be further back at an earlier checkpoint. Also, after you die, and your XP is left on your ghost where you died, the XP starts to count down to zero, thus making it crucial to get back to your ghost ASAP. Or, once you get back to your ghost you can choose not to pick up your XP and instead use your ghost as an AOE buff, giving you extra health to defeat whatever killed you.

In this area, it sounds like a huge improvement to the souls style because it gives you choices.

Also, I am loving that it's all in one massive area - a Monastery. It's more of a Metroidvania, with interlocking paths, locked doors, secrets, and exploration.

[megladon8]

Where are the reviews? I'm starting to worry.

[D_Davis]

Like a lot of games, embargoed until release date.

I think I have a good idea of what the game is after watching about 8 hours of footage over the last week, or at least I have more of an idea of what it is than I would after just reading.

Lobos Jr. has a 5 hour video in which he beats the first 2 bosses with all three starting classes. Safe to say, if you like what you see, you'll probably like the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNCXprgI9A8

[D_Davis]

The only thing he wasn't allowed to show are the secrets, and I've heard that there are many secret areas to find more loot and stuff.

[megladon8]

Oh and D I strongly suggest you check out John Wick. Like Johnnie To and the Wachowski's teamed up to make a hit man flick.

I think you'll love it.

[D_Davis]

Played Lords of the Fallen for about 30 minutes this morning before heading to work. So far, so good.

It's a much, much slower game. The weapons and armor feel far more heavy - everything is chunky and slow, brutal and powerful. Where the Souls games are often more tragic, the heroes starting more frail, Lords is a pure Power Fantasy. It is Conan, the Souls series is Elric.

I love the atmosphere - it's a pure dungeon crawl. It feels more like a 3rd person Diablo.

Unfortunately, it's also buggy. It's got that Eastern European jank in spades. I've already had all the voice work and music cut out on me...twice.

I think I'm going to like the game quite a bit.

[megladon8]

Bugs aside is it a pretty game?

[D_Davis]

It looks great.

[D_Davis]

Remember that time in Dark Souls 1 when you first took the elevator up from the Undead Parish and discovered where it led, and where you were in relation? I've already had the experience like 3 times in Lords of the Fallen. Just a tremendous game. I'm totally lost, exploring a huge, inter-connected maze, discovering weird creatures, loot and mysteries at every turn. Yes, it's a little janky (maybe a lot janky), and kind of clumsy, but it's also, so far, the best game I've played this year.

[D_Davis]

Streaming on twitch now if you want to check it out.

[megladon8]

I would but I am at work. You have me anxious to try it out, maybe when I am done with "Shadow of Mordor".

[megladon8]

I saw a satirical article yesterday in which the "Bllodborne" creators stated that they are scaling the game back to 20fps, because it is "the only way to play action games". They also said that "anyone who says they like 60fps at 1080p is lying".

It was hilarious to read the comments and see how butthurt and completely oblivious the fans were. All ready to abandon the game, some even saying they were going to sell their copies of the DS games because of this.

Man, people can be dumb.

[D_Davis]

The start of my Lords node map. First couple of areas.

http://i.imgur.com/tGmsphy.jpg?1

[D_Davis]

Dammit I'm loving this game. This one boss - The Worshiper - gave me so much damn trouble. Probably died like 10 times to him. Finally beat him. And found the blacksmith finally. Crafting is pretty simple - just socketing runes - but it adds some nice effects to the weapons.

[D_Davis]

About 13 hours into Lords of the Fallen, and I think I'm in the last 1/4 of the game. It's been very good so far. Yes It's pretty much Janky/Clunky Souls, but I'm finding a lot to enjoy. It's super heavy handed in every way - it's like a Souls games for angsty teenagers discovering GWAR for the first time, and that's totally cool. I don't mean that its juvenile in any way, it's just not as refined and nuanced as the Souls series is. If Souls is a dynamic audio master, Lords is a brickwalled casualty of the loudness wars.

I'll always take more Souls-like games, so I hope this does well enough to give us another. There are enough good things here to continue, and some things that, with a little bit of improving, could be excellent. There are also some things that this game does better than any Souls game. I love the risk-reward element of getting an XP multiplier for keeping streaks going between using checkpoints, and the fact that your ghost/dropped-XP can be used to heal or be gathered is a great touch.

I love games without mini maps, quest logs, and giant flashing arrows telling you where to go and what to do. So in this regard, Lords is a breath of fresh air in the era of hand-holding, modern video games.

Here is a map I made to help navigate the main world:

http://i.imgur.com/wIQ9FQw.jpg?1

[megladon8]

Does it have the same DS style of combat, wherein you press a button and commit to an action with no way to back out? Or is it more free flowing?

[D_Davis]

Does it have the same DS style of combat, wherein you press a button and commit to an action with no way to back out? Or is it more free flowing?

Same, but even slower with way more weight. Some of the weapons feel like you're swinging a skyscraper.

Lot's of tracking, too. Enemies can track you, but you also track them. It's an interesting tradeoff that I don't know if I like.

When I say it's Souls-like, it's Souls-like in just about every single way, but also more heavy handed in every way. If you like the Souls games, there should be no reason not to play this, and you will most likely love it. It's also easier. So far, one boss has given me trouble - died about 10 times. But other than that, it's been easy. There have definitely been some intense moments though.

[megladon8]

Is this game really only 5.1 GB?

[megladon8]

Seriously, "Lords of the Fallen" is only 5.1 gb.

How is that? Is the game tiny or something?

[EyesWideOpen]

Seriously, "Lords of the Fallen" is only 5.1 gb.

How is that? Is the game tiny or something?

According to the internet it's right under 10gb. It has a day one patch of 4 or so gb. The majority of games that have a huge file size have a ton of FMV it doesn't necessarily mean the game is big. Dark Souls 2 was around the same size as this game.

[D_Davis]

Beat Lords. Very, very good. I'd say it's excellent up until about the last 1/8 or so, in which it trades difficulty for cheapness. It's definitely an inferior Souls games, but even as it is I'd take it over most other games these days. It's a really food foundation on which to build, so I hope we see more in the series in the future. Some of the final areas look stunning - it's really the first this-gen game I've played that makes me excited about the future of this gen.

Even though I enjoyed my initial play-thru more than I did Dark Souls 2, I doubt I'll continue on through the next two New Game plus modes (by comparison, I've played through DS2 three or four times). Because the whole thing is so heavy handed, I don't feel as though I missed out on much, even though there were some side quests and lore items I failed to discover. I don't know - we'll see. In all it took me about 20 hours to beat, and I enjoyed 18 of those immensely.

It's really a great game.

[D_Davis]

Seriously, "Lords of the Fallen" is only 5.1 gb.

How is that? Is the game tiny or something?

Barely any FMV, a twisting, not sprawling land mass, and few long audio tracks.

Remember, the number of GBs and Ps does not a good game make!

[megladon8]

Third time dying in the secret spider room in the first area.

I think I'll come back to this later when I'm stronger.

[D_Davis]

Third time dying in the secret spider room in the first area.

I think I'll come back to this later when I'm stronger.

Yeah - those big spiders are the hardest enemies in the entire game.

[megladon8]

Man this game is super rough around the edges.

Some of it is charming. Some of it is annoying.

[D_Davis]

Yep. Janky Souls.

[megladon8]

The Commander boss fight is proving to be annoying.

[megladon8]

Beat him on my fourth attempt.

I think one thing throwing me off is that in the DS games generally circling right is a good strategy against most enemies. In this game it's circling left.

[D_Davis]

Lords is more about attrition, and trading blows.

[megladon8]

Now fighting the Worshiper boss. Have been playing for just under 3 hours. A few preliminary thoughts:

Visually uninteresting. The sprawling monastery is all so samey looking that I find it very hard to determine where I am in relation to where I've been and where I'm going.

Similarly, the enemies (and bosses) are all samey. Variations on "big guy in armor". I've fought three bosses now, and if you were to show me pictures of the three and tell me to label them, I don't think I could.

Was having some trouble with a few enemies with shields until I discovered that, just like DS, you can backstab! Using the Monk Staff, and the animation is pretty neat.

Hearing an awful lot about my character's crimes. If they don't spill what it is I did, I'm going I be pissed.

Apparently this game has actually made quite a bit of money, so assuming and hoping there is a sequel, they've got a lot of stuff to improve on. But it's a good start. Combat feels good, and looting is fun.

[megladon8]

"Bloodborne" delayed until March.

[Idioteque Stalker]

"Bloodborne" delayed until March.

:cry:

[D_Davis]

"Bloodborne" delayed until March.

Perfection takes time. ;)

Probably a good thing with The Order and Witcher 3 coming out in February. Give people a little time to breath.

[megladon8]

Does the look of the Monastery ever change up at all?

[D_Davis]

The Monastery is a single area/level, so like most things it contains a singular look, a consistency in architecture and atmosphere.
There are other areas that are vastly different. Remember those screenshots I sent you?

[megladon8]

The Monastery is a single area/level, so like most things it contains a singular look, a consistency in architecture and atmosphere.
There are other areas that are vastly different. Remember those screenshots I sent you?

Ah see I thought the whole game took place in the Monastery so that's where I was kind of thinking "man, this is going to be impossible to navigate".

[D_Davis]

Ah see I thought the whole game took place in the Monastery so that's where I was kind of thinking "man, this is going to be impossible to navigate".

That's why I made this! :D

http://i.imgur.com/wIQ9FQw.jpg?1

[megladon8]

Ok what the hell am I doing wrong in fighting the Worshiper?

He is SIGNIFICANTLY faster than I am so I can't even get any hits in.

Also magic is useless in this game.

[megladon8]

Will get back to this after I am done with CoD.

Really not liking it much so far though. Where the DS games were challenging this feels frequently cheap. Enemies move significantly faster than you, so it doesn't feel like skill will help me progress, rather better armor so I can take more hits.

Still stuck on the Worshiper. Have watched half a dozen strategy videos for the fight and none have provided a strategy that works for me.

[D_Davis]

Lords is more about attrition, like I said above. It's more about trading hits than it is avoiding being hit. Can't even imagine playing the game as a rogue wearing no armor.

The Worshiper fight was the hardest part of the game for me. Luckily, I was able to rely on my cleric magic which helps a great deal in distracting his minions, as well as using the shelter spell to gain HP boosts.

[megladon8]

So apparently there's an area in "Bloodborne" underneath the city which is randomly generated so every player has a different layout.

[D_Davis]

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin

Totally remastered version of DS2, with all the DLC, new NPCs, new enemies, and much, much more. Maybe the original lighting engine?

http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/25/7278217/dark-souls-2-ps4-xbox-one-release-date

I have a feeling that this is the version of the game that should have been released.

[D_Davis]

Best thing - it's a free update (but without the graphical enhancements) on last gen, and a new game purchase on current gen with improved graphics.

I'll definitely buy it for the PS4.

[megladon8]

I'll wait to see what the reviews are like. I played the hell out of it already so there'd have to be a killer reason for me to come back to it.

[D_Davis]

The current gen versions will expand the amount of players to 6!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/1502180_768126103260436_380656 2328285846253_o.jpg

[megladon8]

http://youtu.be/jrCwaYjFRYk

[D_Davis]

I didn't know about the beast mode in BB. You drink blood to heal and power up other effects. However, if you drink too much you turn into a beast, and the only way to turn back into a human is to hunt down other players for their blood. So you invade other players as a monster.

[megladon8]

I've now seen several gameplay videos and I'm a little concerned that every video shows the same armor and same weapon.

I hope they are just holding back for the release.

But in the vids for the Souls games we saw the variety on display.

Surely you can't be restricted to a single weapon and look?

[D_Davis]

I don't think armor is going to be a big issue in this game. It's more about dodging, and since the enemies have guns as well, armor wouldn't make a lot of sense. We'll be seeing more coats and hats, and so far they've shown a couple different styles - the latest multi-player trailer shows a new white coat and style. The original pre-release Souls trailers focused on only 2 sets of armor - the elite knight set for DS1, and the Farem (?) set for DS2. Each souls game had a certain character that became the iconic look for that game, so we're seeing the same thing with BB.

Also, they've shown two different melee weapons in BB, each corresponding to a different class/play style. And each weapon has multiple modes of use. So far they've shown the giant hammer and the razor blade.

It could be that this game isn't focusing on a whole bunch of different armor and weapons. That'd be fine. Then the game is less about what equipment you're using, and more about how you use what they give you.

[D_Davis]

Here's a quick run-down of a few of Miyazaki's notes from the panel:



Over 10 maps in the world.
Each map is unique with it's own "situation."
The Chalice dungeon is a multi-layered map located in the city's lower levels
Procedurally generated, but massive, spanning the entire underground area of the city.
Each area in the underground has a holy chalice; finding that allows you to break the seal and access another section.
By multi-layer, that means there are three layers to present different surprises and traps to widen the game's strategy
After generating your dungeon through the Holy Chalice ritual, it stays fixed. That allows players the opportunity to master each dungeon while still providing "fresh and interesting" experiences.
Assume the difficulty level of the dungeons is high. They won't be easy to breeze through.
Like Demon's Souls, the focus on is on the sense of accomplishment and achievement after clearing a dungeon.
Increase the scale of sharing. Players will be able to share generated dungoens and the methods they used to complete them. You can narrow those down to specific communities or just a close group of friends.
The Chalice Dungeon isn't tied into the main story; it's optional.



And points from the Q&A:





Character customization will be about on level with Dark Souls II, but there will also be some unique features. As an action-RPG, it'll have everything "to be expected from an RPG."
The team is working to keep the game running at the highest frame rate they can, and the final specifications will depend on what works best for the experience.
There is PvP in the game.
There might be something along the lines of the fight in Dark Souls II where you took on the role of a boss and fought against another player.
The concept of dying and Hollowing from Demon's/Dark Souls will exist in some form in Bloodborne as well.
The dungeon you saw during the keynote was made for the presentation; the actual dungeons will be much larger and more complex.
The boss characters are also part of the randomly generated element.



http://www.gamespot.com/articles/more-details-on-ps4-exclusive-bloodborne-s-co-op-m/1100-6424050/

[D_Davis]

http://cdn4.dualshockers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Bloodborne-9.jpg?eaa32f


http://cdn3.dualshockers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Bloodborne-3.jpg?eaa32f

And yes...the new Valley of Defilement!

http://cdn4.dualshockers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Bloodborne-8.jpg?eaa32f

[D_Davis]

http://www.co-optimus.com/images/gallery/11414xbloodborne-screen-02-ps4-us-12aug14.jpg

http://www.co-optimus.com/images/gallery/11412xbloodborne-screen-01-ps4-us-13aug14.jpg

http://www.co-optimus.com/images/gallery/11411xbloodborne-screen-01-ps4-us-12aug14.jpg

http://www.co-optimus.com/article/12680/bloodborne-co-op-details-revealed-in-its-alpha-manual.html

[D_Davis]

Some real inside baseball shit.

Front right, Marcus, aka Epic Name Bro, back left, Miyazaki, apparently at dinner discussing Bloodborne.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bx5bVHKCYAAWpx6.jpg:medium

Not sure who the other white dudes are. One of them might be A German Spy.

[D_Davis]

Oh wow.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/02/bloodborne-the-first-18-minutes-ign-first?watch

[megladon8]

Cant say I am too excited about "Scholar of the First Sin".

Putting a shit ton more enemies all over the place sounds like a very dumb way to make the game "harder".

[megladon8]

About to give up on "Lords of the Fallen" again, and in the same place.

The Worshiper boss fight is just fucking stupid. There is not a single weapon fast enough to deal out damage without getting hit 3-4 times in the process. And once he starts summoning his little minions it's pretty much game over.

I've never seen such an unreasonable difficulty spike so early in a game. Just ridiculous.

[D_Davis]

Cant say I am too excited about "Scholar of the First Sin".

Putting a shit ton more enemies all over the place sounds like a very dumb way to make the game "harder".

From what I've read and heard, it's not more enemies, it's just new placements. It's like a remix, with slightly different placement for some enemies and items, along with some enemies from different places in new places. I'm hoping they address the laziness of things like placing the Grave Wardens in the Earthen Peak, a placement that made no sense whatsoever, and stuff like that. I think this is Miyazaki stepping in and helping to make things make more sense, because a lot of the stuff in DS2 seemed haphazardly thought out at best.

[megladon8]

I have now spent a total of 7-1/2 hours trying to beat the Worshiper. There is absolutely no weapon in my possession which can be swung fast enough to deal damage while also not getting hit.

Watching the "how to" videos makes it even more maddening. Where have these people gotten these magical weapons that allow them to dish out 40 and 50 points of damage in a single swing? And why can they shoot multiple projectiles from their gauntlets, while mine completely drains me of magic after shooting one?

I am nearing the point of setting my PS4 on fire, and mailing the ashes to the developer of this game.

I never had this much trouble with a single area in all my time in the Souls games.

[D_Davis]

I had some trouble with that boss, but not as much as you're having!

Damn, I would have given up a long time ago if I were you. :)

[megladon8]

Over 8 hours on this one boss and I finally beat him. I don't even feel satisfaction from the victory, just aggravation at having to have gone through this.

And the weapon you get from beating him does 4 damage? WTF?

[megladon8]

At the Infiltrator boss.

Tricky but I think I see the strategies I need to employ. Nothing like the Worshiper which felt genuinely cheap

And man, this game is SSSOOO boring to look at. Stone, metal and flame. That's all there is. I honestly have no idea where I am because everything looks the same.

That's something's wonderful about the DS games - every location looks so different and has its own personality. I can see just a glimpse of an area and know exactly where I am.

I am currently supposed to be in another dimension, and I cannot tell the difference between it and the monastery I started in.

[megladon8]

Have been plugging along. Just bra the Beast - so freaking easy. First try, didn't even use a health potion.

[D_Davis]

The next four weeks are going to be painful.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9kAbFa78kA

[D_Davis]

A Gun-Sword!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QewbgOGJMbE

[megladon8]

Stuck on the Lost Brothers. These guys are tricky.

[D_Davis]

I'm sure the astute listener observed that the narrator in the BB story trailer above is none other than the Maiden in Black voice actress. This coupled with the use of "Umbasa" in one of the trailers is strengthening the idea the BB is more of a spiritual successor to Demon's Souls than it is to Dark Souls.

[megladon8]

Beat the Lost Brothers.

I gather I am nearing the end of the game.

It reminds me a lot of Demon's Souls, in that it's a heavily flawed experience that hints at great things to come. Having played both of the Dark Souls games before entering the first Souls game, I found it very disappointing, and it really went to show the incredible strides that From made with each new game.

I hope that, with a Lords of the Fallen 2 officially underway, the dev's similarly improve and refine the formula.

[D_Davis]

Demon's Souls, flawed?

It's the best of the Souls games. I think it's the least flawed of the series. It's at least the most consistent.

Dark Souls, the last 1/4 is pretty meh, and Dark Souls 2 is, well, pretty much a mess from start to finish, with a few moments of brilliance, especially compared to Demon's and Dark 1.

Demon's Souls maintains a level of excellence throughout the entire game.

[megladon8]

I found Demon's Souls very "meh" from start to finish. Found the worlds a bore to explore, the bosses were pretty blah, and the combat felt clunky.

Both of the Dark Souls games were worlds I wanted to see every inch of. DS2 became the game I have spent the most time with, ever. Even in NG+++ I was still finding new stuff.

[megladon8]

Beat the Lost Brothers when I wisened up to putting some runes on my armor.

Now I am at the Judge, who seems pretty difficult as well. I'm using a mace/hammer called "Stain", and have been for a better part of the game. It can't take runes, but it has high physical damage and also delivers poison damage.

All the quick look/walk through videos I've seen show people absolutely demolishing with swords, but I have yet to find a sword that was worth its weight in spit.

[megladon8]

Okie doke, beat Lords of the Fallen. 22 hours.

[megladon8]

Man, NG+ is like playing on easy mode.

[Dukefrukem]

So I must have missed something but, Dark Souls II is coming to PS4 in April? When was that announced?

[megladon8]

A couple months back.

1080p 60fps, all the DLC, new enemy placements, and the ability to have 6 players in one game (limit was 3 before).

[D_Davis]

T-minus 22 days...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V644um07tvQ

[D_Davis]

Darkbeast Paarl


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0FKfK0H9dY

[Dukefrukem]

T-minus 22 days...


One of these has to get delayed right? Dark Souls II remastered and Bloodborne released within 30 days of each other?

[D_Davis]

One of these has to get delayed right? Dark Souls II remastered and Bloodborne released within 30 days of each other?

BB already got delayed from Feb. 6 to March 24.

DS2: Scholar of the First Sin is coming out right after BB.

[D_Davis]

Different publishers - BB is Sony, DS2:SotFS is Bamco.