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Hey guys,

A month or so away from the release of this game and wondered if anyone is going to pick it up?

Seen a couple of videos of the game and it looks like it will be quite similar to the first one and Demon Souls. One moment in particular springs to mind where a skeletal chariot randomly trundles around a corner, running over the character and killing them instantly, which looked rather amusing.

Also, determined to get into this one early before the gankers (is that a fair term in this game?) with ridiculous names cement themselves in certain parts of the game, using taunts and attacking you at the most in-opportune moments! Not sure how this new game will differ in that regard?

Believe this one is going to be on both PS3 and Xbox, and is being touted as one of the last, top-quality titles for those systems.

Pre-ordered the collectors edition for PC so.. yeah.

As for ganking, it will be worse, because you can be invaded even when undead now. You will never be safe.

Also, it's being designed for PC first, then ported to consoles so you can bet your ass that's the best version.

I for one welcome the thousands of deaths and broken controllers.

 Soladrin wrote:

Also, it's being designed for PC first, then ported to consoles so you can bet your ass that's the best version.

Where did you get that from? PC version doesn't even have a release date because FROM is making their games for PS first. If I'm wrong here and they learned something from their Dark Souls PC port, please provide a link to the source.

Topic: Also pre-ordered PC version. I really hope this game lives up to the expectations, Dark Souls was one of the best games of the last years for me.

Pre-ordered 360 version, as I heard the PC version won't come out until later, and I can't find it for sale anywhere here.

Seems like they're out of Collectors editions though, so had to settle with Black Armour edition. I wanted that miniature knight and cloth map too. :[

Anyway, classes are up (though this might not be the full list): http://darksouls2.wiki.fextralife.com/Starting+Classes

What are you going to start with? I'm thinking of 'Swordsman' (aka Wanderer) to try out the new dual wielding.

No plate sets in the starting armour, it looks like.

Hanskrampf wrote:

 Soladrin wrote:

Also, it's being designed for PC first, then ported to consoles so you can bet your ass that's the best version.

Where did you get that from? PC version doesn't even have a release date because FROM is making their games for PS first. If I'm wrong here and they learned something from their Dark Souls PC port, please provide a link to the source.

Topic: Also pre-ordered PC version. I really hope this game lives up to the expectations, Dark Souls was one of the best games of the last years for me.

Where did I hear that? Every interview and news thing that covered it? They were pretty up front about it. CBA to find you a source since I'm at work.

Ok did a quick google search. Here you go:

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/04/19/pc-version-of-dark-souls-ii-aint-no-port/

Just google Dark souls 2 lead platform, there's plenty of articles on it.

It looks slightly more accessible in terms of its mechanics than the last one. I bought it and played it and I thought was very good, but something about the sticky, imprecise movement didn't sit well with me, so I never finished it.

Plus, knights with fur cloaks. The pinnacle of fantasy.

Imprecise movement? It's very much the opposite.

 Daba wrote:


No plate sets in the starting armour, it looks like.

What about that chap from the cover of the game, I wonder if he will be a starting character?

Have been with this game ever since the original Demon Souls came out on Jap import years ago, can't wait for this one.

If you say so. I think it was mainly due to how fast you could move. I'm probably too used to very fast paced games and the slower, more deliberate movement and animations wasn't my thing. It felt like I could never hit or roll or shuffle as precisely or as quickly as I wanted to. Maybe that's the point, but regardless, it wasn't for me. It looks like they've alleviated that in Dark Souls 2. I might end up being completely wrong but we'll just have to wait and see.

I attempted to complete Demon Souls but it became a "party game" for my mates, we would all attempt it and then pass the controller along. Made for good drinking games too. We never really made any progress (unsurprisingly)

Maybe I will actually finish this one. Then again, I probably won't.

 iproxtaco wrote:
If you say so. I think it was mainly due to how fast you could move. I'm probably too used to very fast paced games and the slower, more deliberate movement and animations wasn't my thing. It felt like I could never hit or roll or shuffle as precisely or as quickly as I wanted to. Maybe that's the point, but regardless, it wasn't for me. It looks like they've alleviated that in Dark Souls 2. I might end up being completely wrong but we'll just have to wait and see.

You're probably fatrolling.

If your equip burden is over half of your maximum, you're going to be a (barely) walking target. If it's over a quarter of your maximum, you'll at least be able to move decently. If it's under a quarter of your maximum, and you've got the darkwood grain ring, you're a freaking ninja.

Anyway, waiting for the PC version to show up on steam. Really disappointed that they're making us wait an extra month for it, especially since it is the lead platform. But scumbag publishers are going to be scumbags. I wish they'd just come out and say that they're doing that because they can charge more for the console version. At least they wouldn't be lying.

He'll, I'd be willing to pay $10 extra for the first month of the PC release.

When I pre-ordered the PC version it was still set for the same date at the store so... no clue what's going on there. And I'm already paying 30 extra for the collectors, I shouldn't have to wait an extra month too..

I might end up buying it twice like I did with DS1 on the PC anyway...

Though what would the multiplayer be like on the PC compared with consoles?

Better with less lag and no reliance on gakky third party companies who may or may not feth up the network as well?

Also, you don't have to pay for it?

Having to pay for XBL Gold does suck, but I already have it for a year so might as well use it.

DS used GFWL, which while you don't need to pay for you still sign up for the same thing. I don't know of they will do the same here?

While I generally do prefer PC gaming, will the install base on PC be big enough for it to work? If it does really well on the PC, then I'll probably go for it though.

This might be the last game I get on the 360, and an MS console in general anyway (unless BB:Chronophantasma comes out on it in EU, but chances are it won't)

It won't be using GFWL on PC. Another reason the PC version will be awesome, it has dedicated servers.

And hell, even DS 1 was better on PC after you got that easy modfix. Better resolution and framerate.

DkS2 will not be using GFWL. With the dev team saying they really wanted to put in a real effort for the PC version this time around, I'm pretty sure this was the first decision that was made concerning it.

Also, if you've ever gotten the chance to play DkS1 in 60 FPS, looking back at 30 just is never the same. Even if the PC version doesn't run at 60 natively (which would be blasphemous a second time around), there will be mods for it.

Also, I'd consider the gap in community size to not be as big an issue as it was with DkS1 (although, for what it's worth, I never noticed a huge loss when switching from PS3 to PC, and I even found a great group of people to PvP with on a semi-regular basis, in addition to normal duels). Because the 360 and PS3 are on their way out, it's not unreasonable to assume that the communities on those systems will dwindle with them, especially since both current gen systems lack backwards compatibility. The PC version won't be faced with this issue.
While the console versions might have larger communities at launch, I expect PC to be the one that lasts longer. Especially with steam sales down the line to give the community a booster shot every few months.

Yeah, that was definitely true. I didn't get 'Blight Town Lag' on the PC one.

If it doesn't use GFWL then I'll move over, but I'm impatient so will want to play soon. I got the first Dark Souls twice anyway...

I haven't looked forward to a game in a while.

It can't use GFWL even if they wanted to. GFWL is being scrapped in it's entirety.

Didn't know that!

 Pacific wrote:

What about that chap from the cover of the game, I wonder if he will be a starting character?

Have been with this game ever since the original Demon Souls came out on Jap import years ago, can't wait for this one.

The cover guys generally aren't one of the starting classes, but someone who you can get the armour for later.

Demon Souls had Ostrava on the cover, IIRC with his fluted plate.
Dark Souls either had the Elite Knight, or a Black Knight though the regular 'Knight' armour was similar to the Elite Knight set.

The Knight in DS2 doesn't have plate at all this time round, if that picture on the wiki is to be believed.

DeS let you start with the fluted armour if you picked the knight class.

Is that the same one Ostrava had? It was generic enough, while I think the DS2 one slooks a bit too ornate to start off with.

Although Ostrava was more notable for his sword and shield. Which sucked.

As for the Elite Knight set, it's just an upgraded version of the starting Knight set, with its visor pulled down. Outside of the surcoat replacing the breastplate and reinforced greaves, the armour sets are identical.

Extremely excited about the release. Everything looks fantastic.

EXCEPT the PVP. I've decided to play the Game completely Offline now, and will pull the Plug on day one. Will loose the ability to summon humans and see bloodstains/markings, but as long as I dont have to put up with Invasions, its fine by me.

Im very excited about the new classes and improved combat. Less Backstab-focus will do the Game a lot of good, and make combat less of a "Who can strafe harder"-competition.

Stuebi wrote:
Extremely excited about the release. Everything looks fantastic.

EXCEPT the PVP. I've decided to play the Game completely Offline now, and will pull the Plug on day one. Will loose the ability to summon humans and see bloodstains/markings, but as long as I dont have to put up with Invasions, its fine by me.

That's missing out on half the fun, really.

Granted, I absolutely detest chickenhawks, but normal invasions are fun, although I'm more partial to honour duels over hunting runners down (although watching an invader trying to hide on a bridge or other dangerous precipice start freaking out when I pull out a Dragonslayer Longbow is absolutely priceless).

Also, there's a covenant you can join, the Covenant of the Meek (I think), that lets you avoid PvP.

Im very excited about the new classes and improved combat. Less Backstab-focus will do the Game a lot of good, and make combat less of a "Who can strafe harder"-competition.

Even in DkS1, constantly strafing was a great way to open yourself up to a pivot backstab. Good players spend more time feeling each other out with feint pivots than anything else. If anything, there's a good chance that that's what this could turn into, since pivoting looks to be gone (which isn't to say this alteration is a bad thing, but hopefully they've structured PvP combat in a way that makes up for the lack of pivots).

 Fafnir wrote:

Stuebi wrote:
Extremely excited about the release. Everything looks fantastic.

EXCEPT the PVP. I've decided to play the Game completely Offline now, and will pull the Plug on day one. Will loose the ability to summon humans and see bloodstains/markings, but as long as I dont have to put up with Invasions, its fine by me.

That's missing out on half the fun, really.

Granted, I absolutely detest chickenhawks, but normal invasions are fun, although I'm more partial to honour duels over hunting runners down (although watching an invader trying to hide on a bridge or other dangerous precipice start freaking out when I pull out a Dragonslayer Longbow is absolutely priceless).

Also, there's a covenant you can join, the Covenant of the Meek (I think), that lets you avoid PvP.

Im very excited about the new classes and improved combat. Less Backstab-focus will do the Game a lot of good, and make combat less of a "Who can strafe harder"-competition.

Even in DkS1, constantly strafing was a great way to open yourself up to a pivot backstab. Good players spend more time feeling each other out with feint pivots than anything else. If anything, there's a good chance that that's what this could turn into, since pivoting looks to be gone (which isn't to say this alteration is a bad thing, but hopefully they've structured PvP combat in a way that makes up for the lack of pivots).

I DETEST PvP in Dark Souls.

Pretty much every run in with the PvP-Community I had was horrible. Griefers, flamers, it doesnt matter if you win or loose an invasion of your world. You will get "Lol scrub" and other nice messages across the board. If you even _mention_ the slightest distaste in PvP, you'll have countless of the same Flamer-kIddies telling you that you play the game wrong, are a massive carebear and should deinstall.

Not only that, but it also felt horribly inbalanced. I was completely fine with the challenge the PvE offered, it was harsh, but fair. With invasions mixed in, you could be invaded while being in a tight spot, or allready in combat. Not only that, there were a ton of cheaters and hackers, lagabusers and other idiots around. Add in the fact that experienced players knew where to get decent gear and spells early on, or just twinked for the fun of bashing Newbies, and you'll have Griefer Paradise.

DS 2 promises to fix a lot of these issues, but honestly, I dont trust the PvP as far as I can spit. You cant patch the HIDEOUSLY toxic community and some of the more subtle issues. So i'll pass. DS1 was my game of the year and I played it either Offline, hollow, or by rolling off the cliff instantly when "scrubbasherxx1337fethlord" invades yet again. And I never even got the faintes feeling that I was missing stuff.

This seems relevant:

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/8802-Dark-Souls

Can't watch that as I'm at work right now, but what does he say?

He came off as really whiny and bad at games in the Demon Souls review.

He loved it. No suprise there, the dude is always going on about games being depthless drivel.

Way to turn around once he found out it's popular.