Exactly one month ago, Shadow of the Erdtree, the first DLC for Elden Ring, was released. Since its official announcement, FromSoftware fans went crazy, counting the days to try a highly anticipated expansion of one of the most played and beloved games from the studio to date. And what was the result? A very demanding DLC (perhaps too much), but that has sold like hotcakes.
Now, let’s go to the opposite extreme. While Elden Ring received all the praise from users and specialized press, another FromSoftware video game was a magnet for bad reviews. And no, I’m not talking about Déraciné. Neither about King’s Field II (although it has its own problems). I’m talking about Dark Souls 2.
The second installment of Dark Souls was a real disappointment for all users for various reasons, from drastic changes in gameplay, somewhat “peculiar” hitboxes, a world that lacked coherence in connecting its scenarios (the opposite of its predecessor), little variety in boss designs, and so on, as with any criticism, it is always subjective. But is it really that bad?
The author of these lines has spent hundreds of hours playing Soulsborne games, and many of them were dedicated to Dark Souls 2. Far from wanting to harm myself (a reputation that fans of FromSoftware already have), my experience with this title was quite enjoyable, to the point that I would recommend it to anyone. Below, I will give you 3 reasons why you should play (or give a second chance to) Dark Souls 2. Do you think they are not enough? Believe me, they are more than enough.
Majula: more than just a resting place
Dark Souls 2 is a unique game, and that is evident from the first second, even before starting the game. The soundtrack of the main menu is far from the epicness of later games like Dark Souls 3 or Elden Ring, having a somber and chilling tone… but warm at the same time. That peculiar (and unique) sensation will be present throughout our adventure and in each of its maps, but one in particular stands out: Majula, the “nexus” of this game where we can rest between adventures. No other FromSoftware game has made me feel the peace and warmth that Majula conveys.
Power Stance
The Power Stance or dual mode is a mechanism that FromSoftware introduced for the first (and almost only) time in Dark Souls 2. Thanks to this system, players can have one weapon in each hand (except bows, staffs, and sacred bells) and attack with each of them, being able to perform devastating combos with the right weapons (even shields). However, to equip a weapon in each hand without any issues, you will need to have at least 1.5 times the required strength and dexterity indicated by each weapon. Trust me, it’s an incredible feature.
New Game +… in your first game
Many will already be familiar with the New Game + system of the Souls: you finish the game and can start again from the beginning with your level, souls, items, spells, etc. from your previous playthrough, but facing more powerful enemies with more health. Well, did you know that Dark Souls 2 is the only game from FromSoftware in which you can enjoy this New Game + in your very first playthrough?
In your journey you will come across the embers of adversity, a curious item that you can use in bonfires to increase the “game level” only in that area. And you might think: who in their right mind would want to increase the difficulty of a game area? Well, let me introduce you to another advantage of the New Game + system in Dark Souls 2: the unique items.
From the first New Game +, or in those areas where you have used a bonfire ascetic, you will be able to acquire +2 upgraded rings, usually after defeating the bosses of those areas. In addition, some very specific bosses will drop an additional great soul with which you can create very special weapons, spells or miracles. And if that wasn’t enough, the bonfire ascetic mechanism will allow you to fight the bosses over and over again (each time more powerful), being able to farm souls and great souls with great ease.
