From Software The Dark Souls II Megathread™

[Brayko]

I really hope they push back the release date because 10/28/13 looks dangerously close to Wasteland 2.

 

[Fat Dragon]

Box art released, found on Forbes. They're really going all out with details on this game. Notice that there's no GFWL logo.
http://b-i.forbesimg.com/erikkain/files/2013/04/DARKS2_PC_PFT_Front1.jpg

 

[AngryDude]

Box art released, found on Forbes. They're really going all out with details on this game. Notice that there's no GFWL logo.
http://b-i.forbesimg.com/erikkain/files/2013/04/DARKS2_PC_PFT_Front1.jpg

 

[Fat Dragon]

You are the worst alt ever.

 

[AngryDude]

Even the box art is ripped off. Stop pretending that DS is something which is not. It's just a glorified QTE action game.

 

[Fat Dragon]

Even the box art is ripped off. Stop pretending that DS is something which is not. It's just a glorified QTE action game.

Troll harder. DS2 boxart is similar to DS1 boxart, which was released a year before the TW2 xbox port that used that image.

 

[AngryDude]

http://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/12/122378/1852472-dark_souls_le_box_art.jpg


This is similar? o_O

 

[Fat Dragon]

 

[AngryDude]

Not similar at all, plus there are different versions (like the one i posted above) depending on the boxed version which all are different.

 

[Clockwork Knight]

oh snappolos!

 

[Manjuice Nutella]

EDIT: Damn, beat me to it.

 

[AngryDude]

Nameless One is not amused

 

[Brayko]

 

[Fat Dragon]

Planescape Torment boxart is underrated, I've always liked that one. Stood out from all the other Infinity Engine boxes.

 

[Manjuice Nutella]

I remember From Software saying they did a different cover for Europe and Murrica because covers there pretty much have to be focused around a central character.

 

[LivingOne]

http://www.videogamer.com/news/dark_souls_2_director_on_difficulty_obviously_the_game_will_not_be_easier.
http://www.examiner.com/article/dark-souls-2-box-art-revealed-new-features-detailed
http://www.shacknews.com/article/78672/dark-souls-pc-was-half-assed-but-dark-souls-2?
Also another article but I'll just copy-paste it rather than linking it because of the author

by Ian Miles Cheong on 11th Apr, 2013

Dark Souls 2 is one of the most highly anticipated role-playing games on the calendar. It shouldn't come as a surprise given the popularity of Dark Souls and Demon's Souls. Slated for release on current-generation consoles, the game is set to offer a much larger world for players to explore.
In anticipation of its release, fans of Dark Souls have begun to compile every piece and tidbit of information about Dark Souls 2 that has been revealed through existing previews of the game, as well as screenshots and gameplay videos.
Monsters
The most obvious improvement in Dark Souls 2 is the AI (artificial intelligence) of the monsters you encounter throughout the game. Instead of simply charging at you or running back and forth as you snipe them from a distance, enemy pathfinding has been attuned so players won't be able to trick monsters into running off cliffs or stand around like sitting ducks.
Certain monsters will have the capability to regenerate their health.
Due to the addition of the torch, monsters will have to rely upon more than just the darkness to ambush players. Skeletons will have a chance to rise up from a pile of bones, for example.
Combat
Combat will be getting an overhaul, with the addition of many new moves, including context-sensitive ones. In the 15-minute demo, the player can be seen deflecting thrown axes. It's unknown whether this could also happen with arrows and other thrown items. It may be possible to reclaim thrown items.
Like regular single-handed or two-handed weapons, dual-weapon combat will be getting improvements, especially in regards to movement and attacks.
Players will be able to run and shoot their ranged weapons in Dark Souls 2. You won't have to remain stationary to fire your weapons.
Likewise, your rolls will be affected by the weapons you have equipped. Big, bulky weapons will slow your rolls.
Items
To make the game slightly more accessible for newcomers, there will be healing items that allow players to regenerate their health. These healing items do not replace estus flasks, which will see a return.
You will be able to heal while on the move, so you won't have to stop for a break.
There are now torches, which act as light sources for the character by illuminating the area around you. No longer will you have to crawl around in the dark.
The game will see the addition of single-use keymouth stones which can be used in various parts of the game. They can serve to make the game easier by lighting up dark areas.
User Interface
The game's user interface is context sensitive. It will shrink unnecessary indicators such as your health bar when you aren't in battle so you can enjoy the view.
There is more information on the spells you have available to cast in combat. In addition to the level info of your spell, the UI will have a counter which also tells you how many times you can cast the spell you have equipped so spellcasting doesn't devolve into guesswork.
There is now a durability indicator to provide you with information on the health of your equipment.
Finally, the fast-equip interface has been overhauled so you'll be able to swap weapons more easily.
Environment and Deaths
There will be many new ways for players to die. It's one of the biggest aspects of the game that's being added onto by the game's developers, who recognize that death is a major part of Dark Souls. Players will have the opportunity (or misfortune) to be killed by boars whose charge can potentially launch players off a mountain or into a pit.
Characters will also be properly animated this time around instead of turning into lifeless ragdolls upon dying or falling. Likewise, characters will have more environmental cues, such as losing their footing on uneven ground and staggering.

 

[Brayko]

So yeah, more fluid combat, but still challenging as fuck, less linear and claustrophobic world. Color me interested!

 

[praetor]

while i'm sharing most people's positivity, there's one thing that makes me slightly worried and sticks out like a sore thumb:

You will be able to heal while on the move, so you won't have to stop for a break.

 

[AngryDude]

Only a step away from health regen. FromSoftware is innovating, now it's only a matter of time.

 

[Vaarna_Aarne]

Guys, I can't believe you haven't done the only proper response yet.

Only a step away from health regen. FromSoftware is innovating, now it's only a matter of time.

'sup Drog.

 

[Manjuice Nutella]

Dark Souls 2's director Yui Tanimura has pledged that the upcoming sequel's difficulty will not be scaled down to appeal to a wider audience

In your face, consoletards

 

[pocahaunted]

It's a console title, first and foremost...

 

[Brayko]

Luckily, it's not your average streamlined console first person shooter, and they're releasing the game on PC from the getgo, instead of a year later. Since they sold around 300.000 copies on Steam they're being much more diligent with their PC release this time around. It really is a complete set of good news.

 

[Surf Solar]

DS II will be just more of the same, banal shit boring buttan mashin, wake me up when they develop a proper game like Might and Magic and not street fighter II hardkore simulator.

This is what the Codex wants. Dipshits like you want every new game to be completely different. If it is a sequel, it needs to use the same mechanics. If they add more to the game, on top of the preexisting mechanics, even better. Fuck off.

Don't respond to Drog and you are fine off.

 

[Stonewolf]

upcoming sequel's difficulty will not be scaled down

The only real difficulty in Dark Souls was forcing yourself to waste so much time to kill all those fucking respawned mobs and run x minutes to the boss because you died due to retarded controls or some scripted bullshit you had no chance to see coming unless metagaming.