Posted on 03/17/2014 at 10:18 AM
| Filed Under Preview
Regarding Dark Souls and challenge: Yes, they are tough games, much tougher than most stuff that releases today that requires no strategy or effort. However, they are completely surmountable by playing smart and observing the environment and the enemies. As a matter of fact, perfecting your skills, and developing strategies to best tough foes is the entire draw of the game.
Now, Dark Souls II is definitely tougher than past entries, at least at the start of the game. After a number of play sessions this weekend, I've found that I've gotten over the hump, which has been something that's happened with both preceding games.
I think that the whole "easy mode" conversation was a result of bad translation and misinformation. There was no way this game was ever going to have such a function, nor was it going to be nerfed so anyone could play. They did add an optional "tutorial"-like area at the beginning to acclimate people and teach them the ropes, but it's basically the only concession you're getting from the Souls games.
On the topic of co-op - it's truly my favorite implementation of it in the history of gaming. Between the blood stains from felled hollows, to the written notes, to the ability to summon or be summoned before a tough boss, it's like this perfect intersection of worlds. Before the release date, I was playing it without any of this stuff and it's amazing how different it makes the game feel. You really do feel alone, whereas now, you always feel the faint presence of other players as you proceed.
I love throwing my soul sign down to be summoned to other worlds. I don't really bring people into mine because I like to overcome the challenge of the bosses (and the worlds) alone.
However, through a few token gestures and a short battle with a comrade, you feel more connected to your summoner than you do with anyone you could connect with via voice chat in another game. It's such a fantastic co-op system, I can't possibly put into words how much I love it. After finishing this game, I fully intend to head back through and continue to do co-op with others because of how rewarding and fun it really is.