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Revisiting Dark Souls 2: A Decade Later

A look back at how Dark Souls 2, often considered the odd one out in FromSoftware's catalog, has fared over the past ten years.
Revisiting Dark Souls 2: A Decade Later

Highlights

  • Dark Souls 2 remains a unique entry in FromSoftware's lineup, with a mixed but evolving reputation.
  • Distinct combat changes, a brighter visual style, the divisive adaptability stat, and a more linear level design set Dark Souls 2 apart from its predecessors.
  • Despite backlash, Dark Souls 2 introduced innovative mechanics that have influenced later FromSoftware titles positively, such as power stancing.

Ten years have passed since FromSoftware released Dark Souls 2, the sequel to the groundbreaking Dark Souls from 2011. While its predecessor is hailed as a monumental game that shaped the industry, Dark Souls 2 has not enjoyed the same level of acclaim. Let's delve into why this title has faced criticism and how perceptions have evolved over time.

Dark Souls 2 maintains the franchise's trademark difficulty, cryptic storytelling, and impressive level design but introduces significant deviations. Initially, players viewed Dark Souls 2 as a step back from its predecessor, leading to its status as the most contentious game in FromSoftware's Souls series. Unlike titles like Bloodborne or Elden Ring, which garnered widespread praise, Dark Souls 2 stands out for its polarizing nature within the studio's portfolio.

Revisiting Dark Souls 2's Legacy

The Controversy Surrounding Dark Souls 2

Players expressed frustration over gameplay alterations in Dark Souls 2, with combat retaining the series' essence while feeling notably different. A key point of contention was the adaptability stat, requiring players to invest in it for more invincibility frames, unlike previous FromSoftware games where frames were tied to equipment weight. This shift made transitioning to Dark Souls 2 challenging and contributed to its distinct combat feel.

Beyond gameplay, Dark Souls 2 diverged aesthetically from its forerunner, featuring a brighter, more traditional fantasy art style. Moreover, the game's level design departed significantly from the interconnected world of Dark Souls, which fostered immersion and exploration. In contrast, Dark Souls 2 felt more linear and disjointed, with early teleportation options hindering the seamless worldbuilding present in its predecessor.

World design holds immense importance in FromSoftware's games, often rivaling combat mechanics in significance, making Dark Souls 2's deviations a focal point of player scrutiny.

Redefining Dark Souls 2's Reputation

While Dark Souls 2 faced substantial backlash, time has softened some criticisms, revealing the game's redeeming qualities. Several design and gameplay changes introduced in the sequel garnered favorable responses and influenced future FromSoftware titles positively. For instance, mechanics like power stancing, embraced in Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring, originated in Dark Souls 2. The game also emphasized build variety, granting players more freedom in playstyles and balancing weapon viability.

Dark Souls 2 in the Shadow of Its Siblings

Dark Souls 2 faces scrutiny partly due to the monumental success of other FromSoftware releases. Drawing comparisons in 2024 between Dark Souls 2 and titles like Elden Ring may seem unfair, given the latter's culmination of the studio's extensive experience in crafting similar games. Moreover, the absence of renowned director Hidetaka Miyazaki, who led other Dark Souls projects, impacts perceptions, as Miyazaki's reputation influences players' preferences towards games under his creative helm.

When assessing a range of artistically significant products, one typically emerges as the weakest link. Dark Souls 2 assumed this role, facing criticism for its unique design choices, combat alterations, and Miyazaki's absence. Despite this, the game continues to have a dedicated fan base even a decade after its release, hinting that public opinion may continue to evolve over time.

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