Dark Souls I, II, and now III!

[Kong Wen]

The first new DLC for Dark Souls II, "Crown of the Sunken King", is coming out next week, on 22 July!

It'll be $9.99 on its own, or you can get a season pass for $24.99 that'll cover all three coming DLC episodes.

[Kong Wen]

Here are some new screenshots from the Sunken King DLC.

On one hand it looks pretty damn cool... but on the other hand, it looks pretty damn Gulchy.

[The Shoemaker]

What's everyones general opinions on this one? I hear a lot say that it's not quite as good as the first one.

I've never actually 1 or 2, but it sounds like an interesting series.

[Kong Wen]

What's everyones general opinions on this one? I hear a lot say that it's not quite as good as the first one.

I've never actually 1 or 2, but it sounds like an interesting series.

I don't like it as much as the first one, and not just because it's not as fresh or unique (which is the qualifying reason a lot of people give for this preference). I thought the plotting was a bit weaker, a couple of the mechanics didn't work as well, etc. Very slight differences, but just enough to make it noticeably less fun. It's still an excellent game, and one of the highlights of 2014 so far.

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

I would say it depends on what is more important to you.

DS1 is better in terms of scenario, atmospehere, world building and delivers a better interconected world.

In DS2 summoning/being summoned is less complicated, the covenants which you can join are better explained, the crafting system is clearer, the teleport feature makes it more comfortable and I would say that it is generally easier to play and to get into.

Both very good games. Just pick one and get going.

[VictorViper]

I could write a dissertation on the ins-and-outs of why Dark Souls is the one shining gem in the Souls series, but if I had to condense it into two quick points, it goes as follows:

Dark Souls: Something extraordinarily special built on a strong, unique foundation

Dark Souls II: Something fundamentally strong built upon something extraordinarily special


[EDIT]

As for the topic, I may wait to see if an official PS4 announcement is given before springing on the DLC, especially given the package deal. Without question, however, I will be playing all DLC From releases for the title.

[Kong Wen]

Vic, let me know how the DLC is when you get a chance to play it (tone, difficulty, etc.). I'm interested, but I'll probably hold off until I go back to complete the game anyway (which will probably be in September or October).

[VictorViper]

These are coming out much quicker than I had expected. Crown of the Iron King was released almost two weeks ago already!

KW, I still haven't really dug too deep into the sunken crown DLC, but you are going to LOVE the environment design. Very interwoven and vertical.

[Kong Wen]

The environment in the third DLC looks gorgeous!



But all that snow doesn't settle for just decorating the ground! Check out at least the first bit of this video. The snow billows through the air! The effects look fantastic! This would be so damn nice on PS4.

[Niahak]

Looks like the third DLC is out in about a week (delayed slightly).

Haven't made it to any DLC yet, but been gradually moving through with a new character (no shield, no spells, greatsword + cestus + crossbow). Might have to make some concessions about spells and shields for some areas, but we'll see!