Why Does Dark Souls 2 Get So Much Hate? Unpacking the Black Sheep of the Soulslike Family
Ah, Dark Souls 2. This title often sparks groans and passionate Reddit threads. In the Souls games realm, it sits at the bottom, the black sheep. But why? What is it about Dark Souls 2 that inspires strong opinions? Let’s explore why this entry gets such a bad rap.
General Negative Perceptions: Deserved or Just Hype?
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room: Dark Souls 2 often gets labeled the series’ weakest entry. You might hear it whispered or shouted in forums. Critics claim it “doesn’t live up to the standards of the other games.” Why? Many feel it is simply… unfair.
Difficulty in Dark Souls is legendary. It’s a badge of honor for the brave. Yet, some argue it crosses a line. Critics claim Dark Souls 2 uses cheap tricks and overwhelming odds. Enemies ganging up? Check. Ambush after ambush? Double-check. Many frustrated players scream, “Why is Dark Souls 2 unfair?”
This unfairness explains why some hate Dark Souls 2. “Why was Dark Souls 2 hated?” is a genuine question from puzzled fans. For many, it simply “doesn’t live up to the standards of the other games.” That’s a harsh assessment, given how great Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3 are. What makes it fall short to so many?
Comparing Souls: Sibling Rivalry or Stark Differences?
A big part of the Dark Souls 2 discussions revolves around comparisons to its siblings: Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3. Often, it doesn’t fare too well. Many consider Dark Souls 3 superior, especially in boss design and gameplay. “Why is Dark Souls 3 better than 2?” is a frequent question, often answered with its polish and refinement.
One area where Dark Souls 3 wins is boss design. Players highlight its visuals, narratives, and overall gameplay. That comparison cuts deep; it’s like saying your sibling is generally more competent. Not a great feeling for Dark Souls 2.
But why the difference? “Dark Souls 2 Had A Different Creative Vision.” This wasn’t just choice; it arose from necessity. As Screen Rant explains, Bandai Namco wanted a sequel quickly. Hidetaka Miyazaki was busy with another project, Bloodborne. A new director took over for Dark Souls 2. This change led to a different flavor, approach, and outcome.
This shift plays into gameplay. Some players find movements in Dark Souls 2 “slow and boring compared to DS1 and DS3.” This subjective point matters; sluggishness is a common complaint. Dark Souls felt weighty; Dark Souls 3 leaned into aggressive combat. Dark Souls 2 hovers in a strange middle ground that lounges with players who prefer other games. However, some believe Dark Souls 2 captures the difficulty sweet spot. “Dark Souls 1 is too hard; Dark Souls 3 too easy; Dark Souls 2 got it right.” It’s a contrarian view that suggests not everyone sees Dark Souls 2’s difficulty as a flaw.
Difficulty and Gameplay Mechanics: Fair Challenge or Cheap Shots?
Let’s dive into difficulty issues. We’ve discussed the “artificial difficulty,” where enemies “gang up on the player.” This isn’t just an irritation; it’s central criticism. Players often feel overwhelmed not by skillful placements but sheer numbers. It’s about attrition, pushing through hordes to reach your next bonfire. Less rewarding, more tedious.
The infamous death penalty adds to perceived difficulty. “Does Dark Souls 2 punish you for dying?” Oh, yes. “Each death takes away part of your health bar, with a max penalty of 50%.” You read that right. Half your health disappears just for attempting the game and failing. This mechanic can feel punishing, especially to newer players. It mocks failures as it chips away at life.
Succeeding in Dark Souls 2 requires a “different gameplay mindset than Elden Ring or Dark Souls 1.” Dualshockers points out, “yes, Dark Souls 2 is worth playing,” but you must adopt a new mindset akin to approaching Elden Ring. This mindset involves caution, ranged attacks, and crowd control tactics. Rushing in, like Leeroy Jenkins, often leads to disaster in Dark Souls 2. Yes, those “slow and boring movements” contribute to this more deliberate pace.
Boss Design: Epic Battles or Epic Fails?
Boss battles define the Souls experience; they offer memorable challenges. However, Dark Souls 2’s design sparks debate. Many players label bosses as “poorly made and not fun.” Harsh words! “Unfun bosses” and “lame” reflect a shared view. While Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3 receive praise for their iconic encounters, Dark Souls 2‘s bosses are often weak links.
Some argue that Dark Souls 2 has “the worst bosses in the series.” Specific examples like “Prowling Magus and Ancient Dragon” often arise. The Prowling Magus is a mob fight, while the Ancient Dragon is tedious and gimmicky. While some bosses shine, the overall quality is generally seen as lesser than its brethren. It’s like ordering pizza and finding questionable toppings.
Development and Direction: The Miyazaki Factor
The change in directors matters. “Miyazaki’s absence” often gets cited as a key reason for perceived flaws in Dark Souls 2. Many fans link Hidetaka Miyazaki with the Souls formula.
His vision and design were key to the series’ success. When he stepped aside for Dark Souls 2, some felt the magic left.
Yet, it isn’t that simple. Miyazaki didn’t direct, but he involved himself in development. He had oversight. Some criticize the game for his absence. However, it’s odd for him to trash a game he supervised. Miyazaki expressed positivity towards Dark Souls 2. While missed by some, he wasn’t completely detached.
A new director stepped in while Miyazaki was focused on Bloodborne. This shift in leadership led to a different game. Whether this change is “bad” is subjective. Dark Souls 2 has a distinct identity, diverging from established norms. It’s like a new chef at your favorite restaurant; the menu may change, leading to unexpected flavors.
Technical Aspects: Under the Hood Differences
Technically, Dark Souls 2 differs from its predecessors. The development team used a more powerful engine. This aimed for better visual fidelity. Some claim it came with a cost. While Dark Souls 2 may be advanced in some aspects, its art direction received criticism for lacking cohesion and atmosphere compared to Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3. Picture a car with a powerful engine but an unappealing design; it may perform on paper but lack visual enjoyment.
The game boasts a more advanced AI system allowing enemy reactions to player actions. In theory, it’s great. Yet, many players feel it creates “artificial difficulty.” Engaging enemies can lead to frustration. If they become overly aggressive, it hampers the gaming experience. Balancing this is delicate; many believe Dark Souls 2 tips toward frustration.
Canon and Narrative: Branching Out or Losing the Thread?
Narratively, Dark Souls 2 takes a different approach. While canon in the Dark Souls universe, it creates its own story instead of directly continuing from earlier games. This can be strength or weakness. It allows exploration of new themes, free from the first game’s plot. Yet, some feel it lacks the narrative weight and impact of Dark Souls, which had a more resonant story.
Remember, events in Dark Souls 2 couldn’t happen without the first game’s events. Lore remains interconnected, despite differing narrative threads. Connections to both Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3 exist. The Dark Souls universe is vast, with Dark Souls 2 adding layers, even if less tightly woven than others.
Each Dark Souls game takes place late in the Age of Fire. The world’s cyclical nature is a recurring theme. Despite its narrative deviations, Dark Souls 2 fits within this framework. It’s a different chapter, perhaps a side story, but still part of the saga.
Success and Reception: Critical Acclaim vs. Fan Disdain
This is intriguing. Despite criticisms, Dark Souls 2 received universal acclaim on Metacritic. Critics loved it. It garnered high scores for gameplay, scale, and challenge. How can a game criticized by fans also gain critical acclaim? This paradox proves the subjective nature of taste and the disconnect between critic consensus and player views.
The game’s commercial success adds to the intrigue. It sold well, aiding franchise growth. By objective measures—critical reception and commercial success—Dark Souls 2 succeeded. Yet, negative fan perception remains strong. Community opinion holds power; fan expectations can be unforgiving, especially with beloved franchises.
Story and Characters: Hidden Depths in Drangleic
Beneath boss design issues, Dark Souls 2‘s storytelling shines for many. It hosts some series’ saddest stories, with characters like “Ivory King” and “Lucatiel of Mirrah” embodying loss and sacrifice. Lucatiel’s narrative is often called poignant and heartbreaking. These characters provide emotional depth, despite overarching plots feeling less impactful than others.
Multiplayer: Disconnected and Soon to be Offline (For Some)
Dark Souls 2‘s multiplayer faces challenges too. Technical issues impact online play. In case of problems, players must minimize the game, disconnect internet settings, access in-game settings, minimize again, reconnect, and reopen the game. Not a seamless experience.
Moreover, servers for PS3 and Xbox 360 will shut down on March 31, 2024. Messages will display that online play has ended. Offline play continues but marks aging game infrastructure. Meanwhile, PC, PS4 & Xbox One servers will remain active. This server closure serves as a reminder of the game’s age and changing online landscapes; watching once-thriving communities fade is saddening.
Value and Recommendation: To Play or Not to Play?
The big question: “Is playing Dark Souls 2 worth it?” Despite criticisms, the answer is yes. Dualshockers states emphatically that Dark Souls 2 deserves revisiting. However, approach it with a different mindset from Elden Ring. Expect a unique experience with different flavors of Souls; your expectations might surprise you.
“Should I skip Dark Souls 2 in favor of playing 3?” Absolutely not. “Do not skip any games if you liked the first!” Each Dark Souls offers something unique; skipping Dark Souls 2 would mean missing vital series history and lore. The opinions are varied, with some claiming the original is bad while asserting II and III are better. The strength of the series lies in its diversity; Dark Souls 2, despite flaws, remains essential.
Remastered Version: A Second Chance for Drangleic?
A glimmer of hope arises for Dark Souls 2. The long-awaited remaster approaches finally after years of anticipation. Ten years post-release, it finally arrives. This remaster offers newer players an improved experience while letting veterans revisit Drangleic anew. Check out the trailer below! Finally getting the deserved remaster. Perhaps this will allow it to step out of its siblings’ shadows alongside unique merits.
Only time will reveal if Drangleic can rise again as a beloved part of the Souls community. One thing is clear: Dark Souls 2, for better or worse, remains a game that refuses to be overlooked.
