Dark Souls 2 is sadistic.

[Kopikatsu]

I'll have to withhold complete judgement until I get my hands on Dark Souls 2, but I'm not really buying your point here. The way you describe the story sounds very similar in presentation to Demon's Souls, and not that far off Dark Souls. Except in Dark Souls, we can replace some of that text with "find two bells, because a mad person said so". I'm not seeing how the nonstory of Dark Souls 2 is worse than the nonstory of Demon's Souls or Dark Souls.

I think the best way to sum it up, is stakes. (As an aside, the lore served up in asides and item descriptions is a bit lower too).

By the end of the introduction, in DS1, you've had the origin/purpose of the fire/light sort of laid out. The light went out, and people started turning undead. Through various means (via the asylum in wherever you're from), the undead have all been pilgrimaging into the ancient land of the kings/gods, presumably to somehow relight the fire. The Hollow's are undead who have ditched the quest in madness or despair. Then the random guy tells you to go ring bells.

By a similar point in DS2, you are the only mentioned undead so cursed, you visit the witches/oracles (they're thus far unexplained), and they somehow send you to Dragneic, or were in Dragneic, since the area just kind of leads there without a portal/crow transition. The Hollows and Phantoms are there, but they aren't really delved into. The apparent stakes are that you'll turn into a mindless Hollow if you aren't cured, but there's nothing in the game that actually makes this into an impetus to move forward.

Dark Souls throws out a very loosely presented story, but the arcing narrative and purpose of moving forward is presented, even if just as a pointless macguffin (depending on whether you figure you succeeded at the end). DS2 says you're undead, go here, and just kind of dumps you in a sandbox.

Its not helped that the early part of the game doesn't exactly kick up the pace in gameplay either. You'll be up for an extended slog against the same boring (especially coming off DS1 and familiar with them and the combat) Hollow in what I guess is supposed to be the "more accessible entry point" part of the game, broken only by a very occasional elite/miniboss thats not much different. It takes quite a while (barring some chance of stumbling the right way) to throw the first real boss at you and get the pace moving.

Why the Undead fester Drangleic is actually explained, although that bit of information is a major spoiler (Which is probably why it isn't mentioned early in the game). And the 'oracles' are actually the lost Firekeepers. Although why they're concerned about your quest and hiding out in the woods instead of tending to the bonfires like they're supposed to be doing (An NPC mentions they've been missing for hundreds of years), I do not know.

 

[Ishal]

snip

I see. I'll tackle Lost Bastille tonight or tomorrow then. It really is interesting that a lot of people think it's more accessible now. I'd say that's only true in the presentation of the curse and why you're in Drangleic at the very beginning. Talking to the NPC's in Majula sets you on an understandable path. There's more explanation than was in DKS I. The game feels like what the reviewers have been saying, it's Dark Souls refined. There are some things I miss, but overall they've improved on just about everything I loved about the first game.

Also, confirmed: Adaptability likely increases your i-frames. Getting Adaptability to 20 makes it feel like DKS I in terms of rolling through attacks.

 

[Ishal]

snip

So today I decided to give melee another shot since I couldn't get past the Pursuer Knight with a mage. It's been going a lot better. I was doing a high endurance dex/str character but as soon as I saw the elite knight set I dumped everything into my carrying capacity (what ever that stat is called). Is it really worth it to kill the Pursuer Knight? What does he drop? I decided to skip him since I got so frustrated with my last character and I've made it past Heide's Tower and to No-Man's Wharf without much problem.

He drops the Ring of Blades (increases phsyical damage) and, of course, his soul.

But killing him opens the easier path to Lost Bastille. Of course, you could go in the back way through the No Man's Wharf and still end up in Lost Bastille.

Elite Knight's set? Are you calling the standard Knight set that, or is there actually an Elite Knight set that I missed?

The elite knight set is sold by Maughlin at the beginning of the game. You have to purchase his wears first, I think 1000 souls or perhaps 1500. I bought a shield from him, then I came back and he has new dialogue. He updated his stock and you'll find the elite knight set there. It looks badass.

 

[BreakfastMan]

Gah, can't seem to get past The Pursuer. Can never seem to hit him with the giant crossbows... Do any of you have a good, offline strategy (because online on PS3 seems broken) to hit him?

Also, has anyone figured out what to do in Soldier's Rest in Forrest of Fallen Giants, yet? Because it seems like a complete dead end, currently. And that weird door that says you need to present something of the king to open it; what is up with that thing?

 

[MrDumpkins]

I've found the game has a very lack or direction, but then again I played DS 1 with a walkthrough so that could be it. As for the well, I've been down there and beaten everything down there. If you thought the depths and blighttown were fun... well... And you have to go there eventually just lvl up HP. I'd definitely go all the way through heides or forest of giants first (all the way through, both lead to the same new area so it doesn't matter which one you take through, though if you want awesome locations go through heides first.

 

[tehwes]

snip

So today I decided to give melee another shot since I couldn't get past the Pursuer Knight with a mage. It's been going a lot better. I was doing a high endurance dex/str character but as soon as I saw the elite knight set I dumped everything into my carrying capacity (what ever that stat is called). Is it really worth it to kill the Pursuer Knight? What does he drop? I decided to skip him since I got so frustrated with my last character and I've made it past Heide's Tower and to No-Man's Wharf without much problem.

He drops the Ring of Blades (increases phsyical damage) and, of course, his soul.

But killing him opens the easier path to Lost Bastille. Of course, you could go in the back way through the No Man's Wharf and still end up in Lost Bastille.

Elite Knight's set? Are you calling the standard Knight set that, or is there actually an Elite Knight set that I missed?

The elite knight set is sold by Maughlin at the beginning of the game. You have to purchase his wears first, I think 1000 souls or perhaps 1500. I bought a shield from him, then I came back and he has new dialogue. He updated his stock and you'll find the elite knight set there. It looks badass.

If you spent 16000 souls on him (i.e. buy everything in his initial catalogue) you can buy the Alva Armour and certain boss armours (after you beat them). I'm using it now and it looks pretty cool... the red trim is nice. It's also got decent poise, great scaling on the chest piece and is fairly light -- you shouldn't have any weight issues unless you've carrying a Great-sized weapon.

 

[Kopikatsu]

snip

So today I decided to give melee another shot since I couldn't get past the Pursuer Knight with a mage. It's been going a lot better. I was doing a high endurance dex/str character but as soon as I saw the elite knight set I dumped everything into my carrying capacity (what ever that stat is called). Is it really worth it to kill the Pursuer Knight? What does he drop? I decided to skip him since I got so frustrated with my last character and I've made it past Heide's Tower and to No-Man's Wharf without much problem.

He drops the Ring of Blades (increases phsyical damage) and, of course, his soul.

But killing him opens the easier path to Lost Bastille. Of course, you could go in the back way through the No Man's Wharf and still end up in Lost Bastille.

Elite Knight's set? Are you calling the standard Knight set that, or is there actually an Elite Knight set that I missed?

The elite knight set is sold by Maughlin at the beginning of the game. You have to purchase his wears first, I think 1000 souls or perhaps 1500. I bought a shield from him, then I came back and he has new dialogue. He updated his stock and you'll find the elite knight set there. It looks badass.

If you spent 16000 souls on him (i.e. buy everything in his initial catalogue) you can buy the Alva Armour and certain boss armours (after you beat them). I'm using it now and it looks pretty cool... the red trim is nice. It's also got decent poise, great scaling on the chest piece and is fairly light -- you shouldn't have any weight issues unless you've carrying a Great-sized weapon.

I've yet to find anything better than the Drangleic set, which is obtained near the beginning of the game despite being at Iron Keep.

Even the Alva Armor isn't as good as the Drangleic set (Although I guess you could argue weight is more important than sheer stats). I mean, the Drangleic set gives more armor than the Old Knight set, despite the Old Knight set being limited to 30~ durability for everything and weighing more than a morbidly obese elephant.

Makes me sad, yo. I want to upgrade.

Going to level up my dex a bit and see if the katana I have can compare to the Drangleic Sword.

Anyone find the fire resist ring or the sweat pyromancy spell? I need them to cross the magma paths in Iron Keep. I guess.

Edit: Meh, Katana was terrible. TERRIBLE.

 

[Easton Dark]

I've found the game has a very lack or direction, but then again I played DS 1 with a walkthrough so that could be it.

Yeah, I played Dark Souls 1 without any guides. Really had no clues about where to go or what I was meant to be doing other than one direction had slow zombies and the other had rolling, poisoning skeletons.

Demons' Souls was the same way. No real stated goal or true path, just play.

 

[Kopikatsu]

Gah, can't seem to get past The Pursuer. Can never seem to hit him with the giant crossbows... Do any of you have a good, offline strategy (because online on PS3 seems broken) to hit him?

Also, has anyone figured out what to do in Soldier's Rest in Forrest of Fallen Giants, yet? Because it seems like a complete dead end, currently. And that weird door that says you need to present something of the king to open it; what is up with that thing?

-shruggle- Just keep at it, I guess.


You get a ring called the King's Crest later. +5% damage to fire element attacks and access to those doors.

 

[Rylot]

Gah, can't seem to get past The Pursuer. Can never seem to hit him with the giant crossbows... Do any of you have a good, offline strategy (because online on PS3 seems broken) to hit him?

I'm in the same boat with the Pursuer. I went through Heide's Tower and took down the Dragon Rider with little problem. Then I went back and I think I got the Pursuer down ten percent before he wasted me. And yeah he just charge through the crossbows and hits me when ever I try to go for them. Most frustrating part of the game so far.

 

[Kopikatsu]

I'm wearing Havel's set right now. I'm at 140% weight capacity, but I don't care. I have 160 poise. STAGGER ME NOW, DARK SOULS.

If only I had a weapon worthy of my grand stature. Too bad the Lost Sinner's Sword makes it so I can barely crawl with this getup.

The armor part of it doesn't do jack diddly though. I take almost as much damage with 600 resistance as I did with 200. Not sure why heavier armor has so many drawbacks when it's basically made of paper either way. 'cause I legitimately do not think I could beat Last Giant with my current setup. The inability to move my fat ass is really kind of crippling. (My running speed, which drains stamina like crazy, is like...a little slower than a moderate-build's walking speed.)

 

[tehwes]

Anyone find the fire resist ring or the sweat pyromancy spell? I need them to cross the magma paths in Iron Keep. I guess.

I was trying for over an hour to get the chests on the lava path, using these two things. It doesn't work, at least not that way. I even tried combining with large lifegems and the fire-resist burr. Also tried Iron Flesh, same deal.

I was able to land on the chest, allowing me to literally fall off and hit A... and you STILL don't have enough time.

Someone mentioned you're supposed to use the Pharos lockstone above the archer, but I don't have any left.

 

[Kopikatsu]

Anyone find the fire resist ring or the sweat pyromancy spell? I need them to cross the magma paths in Iron Keep. I guess.

I was trying for over an hour to get the chests on the lava path, using these two things. It doesn't work, at least not that way. I even tried combining with large lifegems and the fire-resist burr. Also tried Iron Flesh, same deal.

I was able to land on the chest, allowing me to literally fall off and hit A... and you STILL don't have enough time.

Someone mentioned you're supposed to use the Pharos lockstone above the archer, but I don't have any left.

But all that does is make a little tiny puddle of water. I think. That's what it did in Earthen Peak.

I guess I could try it, since I just picked up a bunch of new Lockstones from the Shaded Ruins.

 

[tehwes]

Anyone find the fire resist ring or the sweat pyromancy spell? I need them to cross the magma paths in Iron Keep. I guess.

I was trying for over an hour to get the chests on the lava path, using these two things. It doesn't work, at least not that way. I even tried combining with large lifegems and the fire-resist burr. Also tried Iron Flesh, same deal.

I was able to land on the chest, allowing me to literally fall off and hit A... and you STILL don't have enough time.

Someone mentioned you're supposed to use the Pharos lockstone above the archer, but I don't have any left.

But all that does is make a little tiny puddle of water. I think. That's what it did in Earthen Peak.

I guess I could try it, since I just picked up a bunch of new Lockstones from the Shaded Ruins.

Yeah having wet feet is supposed to let you avoid the fire damage, from what I hear.

 

[Kopikatsu]

Anyone find the fire resist ring or the sweat pyromancy spell? I need them to cross the magma paths in Iron Keep. I guess.

I was trying for over an hour to get the chests on the lava path, using these two things. It doesn't work, at least not that way. I even tried combining with large lifegems and the fire-resist burr. Also tried Iron Flesh, same deal.

I was able to land on the chest, allowing me to literally fall off and hit A... and you STILL don't have enough time.

Someone mentioned you're supposed to use the Pharos lockstone above the archer, but I don't have any left.

But all that does is make a little tiny puddle of water. I think. That's what it did in Earthen Peak.

I guess I could try it, since I just picked up a bunch of new Lockstones from the Shaded Ruins.

Yeah having wet feet is supposed to let you avoid the fire damage, from what I hear.

Eeeeh. I had someone tell me that you could do it by removing all of your armor (for speed) and rolling through the five vases of water near the illusionary wall beside the merchant would let you safely cross the molten rock. Totally didn't work.

 

[Diablo2000]

Gah, can't seem to get past The Pursuer. Can never seem to hit him with the giant crossbows... Do any of you have a good, offline strategy (because online on PS3 seems broken) to hit him?

Also, has anyone figured out what to do in Soldier's Rest in Forrest of Fallen Giants, yet? Because it seems like a complete dead end, currently. And that weird door that says you need to present something of the king to open it; what is up with that thing?

You need to learn The Pursuer moveset if you want to beat him hand to hand, there's no way around it. I find that his running upward slash (that when he raises his shield up and dashes you, just roll to side and you should avoid it) and his 3 slash combo (roll back I find more affective on this one) gives you a fair window to attack afterwards. 1 or 2 slashes and move the fuck away, except don't go too far from him, he has a ranged magic attack that will wreck you.

And anyone knows where to find that Sorcery-Slash thing that was show in earlier gameplay? I am trying to do the All Magic Archivement and I don't have a clue where I find the Sorcery Slash thing.

Edit: Also where I find the Velka Crow Women that I rescued after I rescued her? I was promised a reward. I want my goddamn reward

 

[epicdavenport]

Honestly I have not had any problems from the game and have quite enjoyed it. The pursuer gave some challenge as well as the ruin sentinels and I have found multiple paths to other areas that give me choice. I`ve skipped the pirate ship and everything to get there but i`m already in the lost bastille. With the turtle enemies just simply wait for him to swing from his left and go in and land a hit and walk back before he swings. My only fight choice so far has been sword and shield or two handing a blade but everyone I have spoken to enjoys their respective classes.

 

[Kopikatsu]

Edit: Also where I find the Velka Crow Women that I rescued after I rescued her? I was promised a reward. I want my goddamn reward

Saving her was a moment of shame for me. GREAT SHAME.

When I first saw the Scorpio-man, I didn't think he was hostile at all. When I first saw the woman, I was like 'OH GOD KILL IT KILL IT IT'S GOING TO EAT MY EYES'

Anyway, her home is in Brightstone. It's next to the third bonfire of the area. She's the one who continues trading you boss souls for their weapons. Her prices can be more than 1.5k though. I think the Lost Sinner's Sword cost 10k? Don't remember.

Edit: BY THE WAY. BECAUSE I KEEP HAVING TO PARTY UP WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T DONE THIS-

You can manipulate the boss rooms of at least three bosses.

Dragonrider: There are two levers. One is hidden behind the third Old Knight of the area, the second is revealed when you kill the three Old Knights in the main room (Greatsword and two sword/shields). Each lever adds another ring to Dragonrider's arena to prevent him from insta-killing you with a thrust.

Mytha: By the second bonfire in Earthen Peak, there is a windmill. You can use your torch to set this on fire. Doing so will remove most of the poison from Mytha's boss room, allowing you to fight her relatively safely. Also, the AI Phantom for this fight (Jester Thomas) is actually very powerful and will spam high-level Pyromancy spells. Don't be afraid to take him along for this fight, he'll be a great asset.

THE BIG ONE! Lost Sinner: If you get the Ballista Key in the area after defeating the Belfry Gargoyles, you can open up the cell doors on either side of the fog door. The black puddles there are oil! Set it on fire (Easiest way is to just use a Flame Butterfly) to light up the Sinner's room. In the light, he's slower, weaker, and won't break lockon when he jumps.

 

[Not G. Ivingname]

No, I'm not talking about the difficulty of the game.

In Majula, there is a large well with a bunch of very obvious items placed on various planks inside of it. Attempting to jump down the well will result in your immediate death. Right beside this well is a cat that sells a ring that supposedly lowers falling damage for 13400 souls. So, after a good 2-3 hours, I grinded the souls to be able to purchase this ring so that I could get at those sweet, sweet items (Even had to kill the White Knight in the Forest of Fallen Giants)

But the ring didn't help. The fall still instantly kills you even with no armor on. You probably need the Sorcery that does junk to fall damage. I am very the sads now.

Spoiler: Here is my advice.

Obviously that cat is running some kind of scam. How do you think all that treasure got down there in the first place?

 

[tzimize]

Not being snarky here; just genuinely confused about why people like the Souls games. They do have good segments that are actually difficult, but there's just so much cheap bullshit that even a skilled player cannot predict.

Again, I'm not saying that people don't enjoy these games - they clearly do, but I'll never understand why.

Because its fun to master new things.

I started playing the new thief game, and realized that besides opening drawers I might as well have been watching a movie. Gameplay is something that is sorely lacking in most modern games. Dark/Demons souls is brutal. And there is some cheap bullshit, not a lot. It might feel like a lot, since its hard and punishing, but most of the time you can do something to avoid it. And honestly, what good is a trap if its a breeze to avoid?

The feeling you get when you finally master a boss that has been making your life hell for the last hours is unparalleled. As is the feeling of wonder when you can finally explore a new area, and its of course dangerous as hell.

I would not want ALL games to be like the Souls games, that'd just tire me out. And I usually cannot play it in as long segments as I can some other games (like for example Diablo) but when I actually do sit down with it, its some of the best times I've had in gaming. Fights, even with regular mobs feel like fights, and not like boring button mashing to make your character do quadruple back flips while shooting enemies from six angles.

OT: Havent played DS2 yet, have to finish the first. And I'm pretty far from doing that.