Game Review: Dark Souls II – Scholar of the First Sin – A Demanding Journey for the Determined

 

Dark Souls II has been a divisive title since its release in 2014—both among From Software veterans and newcomers to the franchise. For some, it’s the most ambitious and expansive installment in the series. For others, it’s a step back from the cult classic original. After over 60 hours spent in the kingdom of Drangleic, I can say with confidence: this is an imperfect, yet immensely valuable game. A title for the patient and persistent, that—despite its flaws—offers an experience that’s hard to replicate.

Gameplay – A Tough but Fair Test of Character

Dark Souls II doesn’t compromise. It’s a demanding, at times ruthless game—but nearly always fair. The combat system, built on patience, observation, and precision, has been expanded since the first game—though not every change will please longtime fans. Animations feel a bit slower, and stamina management is even more crucial—every mistake comes at a price.

Frustrations do exist: maximum health decreases with every death, the humanity restoration system relies on scarce Human Effigies, and some PvP mechanics are questionable. Yet each defeat offers a lesson. The game consistently rewards patience, analytical thinking, and thorough exploration.

The World – Beautiful, But Less Cohesive Than Before

Drangleic is vast, diverse, and filled with secrets. From ruined castles and shadowy catacombs to poisoned swamps and mystical towers—locations make a strong visual impression. Unfortunately, they lack the geographical cohesion of Lordran from the first Dark Souls. The ability to fast travel from the beginning—though convenient—detracts somewhat from the sense of discovering an interconnected world.

Still, despite this fragmented design, exploration remains immensely satisfying. The game offers many branching paths, often allowing players to choose their own route. This non-linear structure encourages replays and the discovery of secrets hidden far from the main path.

Visuals and Technical Aspects – Evolution, Not Revolution

Graphically, Dark Souls II holds up well—especially on PC, where textures, lighting effects, and smooth animations shine. Naturally lit locations, dynamic shadows, and the ability to use torches in dark areas enhance the atmosphere and force interesting tactical decisions: shield or light?

Performance is stable—even during intense combat scenes. The frame rate drops that plagued the first game (see: Blighttown) are a thing of the past. In this area, From Software did an excellent job.

Systems and Multiplayer – More Options, Not Always Better

Dark Souls II introduces a more complex covenant system that significantly impacts online gameplay. Defending areas, invading others, co-op boss fights—the game blends cooperation and competition better than most single-player titles. A standout example is the Rat Covenant, which lets players place traps and enemies to ambush other users—an original and bold concept.

On the downside, needing to return to the central hub (Majula) every time you want to level up feels like artificial padding. This mechanic echoes Demon’s Souls more than Dark Souls—and not necessarily in a good way, as it breaks the flow of progression.

Bosses – Less Iconic, Still Challenging

One of the Souls series’ biggest strengths has always been its bosses. While Dark Souls II’s don’t quite reach the iconic status of Artorias or Ornstein & Smough, they still impress with design and difficulty. Encounters like the Mirror Knight, Old Iron King, and Fume Knight are memorable and serve as real skill checks.

Notably, many bosses take on entirely new characteristics in New Game Plus mode—altered movesets, new companions, and sometimes entirely new combat contexts. This gives players a solid reason to return after completing the game once.

Pros:

+ Demanding, satisfying combat system

+ Huge, diverse world to explore

+ Well-optimized PC version – smooth performance and solid visuals

+ Expanded multiplayer with creative covenants

+ High level of challenge that rewards persistence

+ Non-linear structure – multiple paths and exploration routes

Cons:

- World layout less cohesive than in Dark Souls I

- Decreasing max HP after death can be discouraging

- Having to return to Majula to level up – unnecessary complication

- Some bosses lack the memorability of previous entries

- Magic and parry systems feel less polished than in other Souls games

Conclusion – A Game for the Chosen Few

Dark Souls II is a game full of contradictions. On one hand, it’s technically refined, rich in content, and offers dozens of hours of challenging gameplay. On the other, it's less narratively cohesive, with some design choices that may alienate players.

This isn’t a game for everyone. It doesn’t offer a clear story, it doesn’t hold your hand, and it demands patience and a willingness to fail repeatedly. But if you’re seeking a challenge where the satisfaction is directly proportional to the effort invested—Drangleic awaits.

My Score: 7.5/10



My Gameplay: