When Dark Souls 2 made its debut in 2014, it garnered widespread critical acclaim globally. The game was lauded for its intricate combat systems, expansive world, coherent storyline, and captivating visual and environmental design. Despite receiving accolades from critics, Dark Souls 2 failed to resonate with fans in certain aspects, affecting its overall reception.

Although over time, many fans have grown to appreciate Dark Souls 2, it remains the outlier in FromSoftware's Soulsborne collection. While titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring manage to transcend most criticisms, Dark Souls 2 has struggled to overcome its weaker elements. Nevertheless, Dark Souls 2, despite initial perceptions, has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of FromSoftware's future projects, a sentiment echoed by FromSoft's Director, Hidetaka Miyazaki.

Unveiling Dark Souls 2's Influence

In a recent dialogue with IGN, Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind every FromSoft Soulsborne installment except Dark Souls 2, shared intriguing insights about the enduring impact and legacy of the game on the development team. During the interview, Miyazaki expressed, 'Regarding Dark Souls 2, I genuinely believe it was a significant project for us, and many of the connections and ideas it fostered continued to shape the series.' Miyazaki also pondered on the hypothetical scenario of the series' evolution without Dark Souls 2.

The Evolution of FromSoftware

Despite not helming Dark Souls 2 directly, Miyazaki's involvement in Bloodborne and his oversight of the sequel underscore the profound personal influence the game had on the esteemed game developer and the entire FromSoftware team. Miyazaki's assertion that many concepts in subsequent FromSoftware titles can be traced back to Dark Souls 2 is evident upon reflection.

A decade later, Dark Souls 2's defining characteristic emerges as its ambition. Rather than playing it safe after the success of the 2011 hit, FromSoftware opted for unprecedented ambition and innovation. While the execution of these ambitious ideas may have been flawed, the foundational concepts were instrumental in shaping some of Elden Ring's standout features, as highlighted by Miyazaki.

One prominent feature from Dark Souls 2 that influenced Elden Ring is its diverse range of build options. Unlike the previous Dark Souls installments, Dark Souls 2 excelled in magic-based builds from the outset. Additionally, the introduction of Power Stancing enabled players to dual-wield an array of weapons with distinct double-attack animations. This, coupled with the game's extensive arsenal of weapons, spells, and shields, demonstrates a clear influence on Elden Ring's design.

Another key idea from Dark Souls 2 that seems to have transcended to future titles is the emphasis on expansive game areas. Despite its linear map structure compared to its predecessor, Dark Souls 2's locations felt grander, a trait further developed in Dark Souls 3's vast areas like Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. The grand scale of Dark Souls 2's environments appears to have shaped Elden Ring's sprawling landscapes, highlighting the enduring impact of the sequel's concepts.