Customer reviews are independent and do not represent the views of Zavvi.

A unique experience

There were some concerns in the gaming community that Dark Souls 2 wouldn't hold up to the exceptional Dark Souls. But soon after I started playing, I knew this game was still a true Souls experience. Still no hand holding, but this game has more direction than the others games in the series, which helps to avoid the frustration of unknown consequences of your actions in the original Dark Souls. This doesn't make the experience easier however; it simply helps avoid the "red mist descending". The new fast travel system is a nice addition, allowing the player to travel from bonfires to any previously discovered. This reduces the amount of navigating that felt pointless in the first game, and allows the player to focus on progressing in a certain area but also switch between levels as required. The online functionality works better too, I never had trouble summoning players to help me with the harrowing boss fights beyond mist covered portals. For players with a darker side, the ability to invade others player's worlds has also made a return. Overall, Dark Souls 2 is a welcome return for players of the previous titles, and even introduces some improvements. That doesn't mean new players shouldn't pick up this game though, as the mechanics are less perplexing and the story is entirely separate. But be warned, this is only for people who like a challenge.