From Software The Dark Souls II Megathread™

[Karellen]

So, here's some reportage from the second beta, which just ended. According to the Internet, no one from America was able to connect to the server and therefore couldn't play at all - there was no such problem in Europe, but even here, the online stuff didn't work properly. I saw a lot of funny messages and hilarious bloodstains and phantoms running around, but invading didn't seem to work at all, and I only ever saw one summon sign, so regrettably no jolly co-operation took place. Interestingly, that was after I'd already beaten the boss - I wonder if it's just for the beta, or if it's possible to summon people even after clearing an area in the actual game too?

The single player was great fun, though, since they now have enemy monsters that pursue quickly and aggressively, which makes them a lot more dangerous and harder to cheese. That goes especially for the special monsters with the Black Phantom glow guarding the paths to the bosses. I only managed to reach the Chariot Boss because it took me a good hour to get through them, as well as the ridiculously strong NPC Black Phantom guarding the fog gate. The actual boss fight was much easier, so I wonder if the extra monsters are there just to keep beta players in check. Afterwards, I didn't have enough time to explore the other path, so I pushed onward from the boss room, found an NPC, killed him and wore his stuff. :monocle:

Because the beta didn't really work as a "network test", there's apparently going to be an extra beta round of the beta in November. With any luck there'll be some PvP, but if not, I look forward to killing the other boss as well.

 

[Elwro]

I saw other people's ghosts, messages and stains but wasn't able to leave or see any signs. There was a message from the devs that they know there's an issue an they're "assiduously" working on it. Well, too bad

I also only reached the chariot boss late. That last red phantom before the fog gate was really tough. I eventually ran past him. The area just before, with the pillars, was awesome.

I also realised only then that you can run to the Purgatory without fighting anyone.

I see now that the biggest change -- apart from the fact that everything tends to happen faster -- is that having an enemy locked on has little to do with whether you're targeting him or not. You have to be extra careful, especially with thrusts.

Zweihander rocks :D I learned to dominate those sickle-wielding fuckers with it.

Question: there are 2 places in which you can jump down from the bridge. One is before that location you can reach from above the bonfire already. But the second one suggests that with perfect timing one could reach the area BELOW the chariot boss location. Did anyone manage to go there?

 

[DragoFireheart]

How is magic in DS2? As good as in DS1 and Demon's?

 

[pocahaunted]

Wasn't able to show up for the third test, can't wait to jump back in for the next.

 

[Malpercio]

http://archive.foolz.us/v/thread/215881442/

Nothing is sacred.

 

[felipepepe]

SHIT.

 

[felipepepe]

Hopefully they are just re-skins, but anyway From Software giving into retailers exclusive items is pure DECLINE... if that's in Japan,. just imagine when it reaches western shores.

 

[Hobo Elf]

Those weapon + shield designs look like SHIT. I can't wait for the fans to figure out that they are amazing in PvP and shit blood when they realize that they pre-ordered from the wrong retailer. I feel sorry for Hidetaka Miyazaki. First they take away his baby, and now they are putting it up for prostitution. FROM, man, you used to be cool.

 

[praetor]

fuck them. fuck them sideways. i'm this close to cancelling my pre-order (the only other game i preordered in my life was DkS1. and now they pull this shit)

 

[Fat Dragon]

Meh, not a huge deal imo. I've backed kickstarter games that have done the same thing. Fallout New Vegas also did it. Stop getting asspained over nothing.

 

[Elwro]

Well, it'll be fun when people will who buy this for the loot realise that in PvP a Club + Plank Shield wielded by a skilled player will easily trump their aw3som4 itemz.

 

[Hobo Elf]

Meh, not a huge deal imo. I've backed kickstarter games that have done the same thing. Fallout New Vegas also did it. Stop getting asspained over nothing.

Flawed argument is flawed. New Vegas is a single player game, DaS2 is online.

 

[Fat Dragon]

Meh, not a huge deal imo. I've backed kickstarter games that have done the same thing. Fallout New Vegas also did it. Stop getting asspained over nothing.

Flawed argument is flawed. New Vegas is a single player game, DaS2 is online.

Yes, I'm sure From put all that hard work into improving DS2's online play balance and stability, just to throw it all out the window with some overpowered pre-order weapons. Come the fuck on. Have you seen the pics for these weapons? They're just generic noob starter weapons but with a bunch of gaudy textures slapped on to them.

But hey, let's not let common sense get in the way of butthurt and melodrama.

 

[Hobo Elf]

Yes. Let's encourage them by letting shit like this fly by. What could possibly go wrong?

Yes, I'm sure From put all that hard work into improving DS2's online play balance and stability

Is this supposed to be ironic?

 

[Fat Dragon]

I'm not encouraging anything, I just don't give a fuck. It's not a big deal. Who cares about some half-assed little trinkets that were probably put together by From's janitor during his lunch hour? I like Dark Souls but its pulled together one of the most obnoxious fanbases ever, constantly flipping their tops over every little thing.

 

[Hobo Elf]

What's wrong with wanting at least ONE game series to remain pure? Is it too much to ask? I'm gonna assume that these weapons are gonna be on the same level of usefulness as the Drake Sword, but who knows? It is annoying if even one of them ends up being a beast of a weapon. Also, this is just one step away from Gamestop pre-order exclusive "POWER TO THE PLAYER" shield emblems.

 

[Kanedias]

δelta from the Soulswiki Forums attempted at doing the japanese translation of these items:

Okay... translation below, and I apologize for any errors. For those who want the short version, the weapons are basically rebalanced versions of starter gear with added effects eg add bleed, lower durability. Also, and I'm not sure, but they are obtainable ingame, the preorder people just get it earlier.

Black Flame Stone Dagger and Round Shield
A dagger with black crystals attached.
Found in the black valley deep in the trash heap. (blight town-ish?)
Heavier than a normal dagger but these crystals are sharper than a normal blade.
Among those thrown down into the trash heap are ones who search for a way back to the surface. But nobody has ever returned and they are all said to have died in regret.
(shield description is same but says that it's better at slash defense)

Yellow Crystal long sword and shield
Long sword with yellow crystals attached.
Found in the depths of the melted iron fortress. Though corroded and easy to break, it is light with no loss in power.
In order to show his authority, the old king built an iron castle and collected many weapons. But that glory sank into the melted earth due to his arrogance.
(shield description is the same)

Bound Hand Ax and Wood Shield
An ax with a weird appearance.
This was found in the Undead Purgatory. The chain and thorns increase bleeding but decrease slash damage.
This alteration which hides the personality of the weapon wasn't done to merely defeat an enemy. The goal was likely to simply cause more pain.
Special ability: Bleed
(shield is degraded but also causes bleed)

Pygmy's Mace and Wood Shield
A staff with round objects attached. Found in a mansion in An Diel.
It is much heavier than normal but the hard spheres increase blunt damage.
To the east of Drangleig is a mysterious mansion forgotten by time. Something that should be forgotten still lurks there.
(shield is heavier but stronger)

Criminal Staff and Leather Shield
A staff with a dull black something attached.
Found in an old dark hole. Used for magic and dark magic.
In places around Dranglieg are dark holes. There is yet nobody who knows what lies beyond these holes.
Special Ability: Darkness
(shield is same, just takes out part about it being used as a catalyst)

Still, it's very worrying.

 

[Fat Dragon]

I just think you guys are worrying a bit too much, you risk spoiling the game for yourself. These are just silly cosmetic stuff made to help sell pre-orders, nothing more. It's no different than that useless cosmetic skill in Wasteland 2, used to encourage people to donate to it. From's other game Armored Core Verdict Day also had cosmetic dlc like this but it didn't have any effect on the actual game.

 

[Fat Dragon]

Goddammit! Japs get the superior boxart yet again.

 

[Kanedias]

I just think you guys are worrying a bit too much, you risk spoiling the game for yourself. These are just silly cosmetic stuff made to help sell pre-orders, nothing more. It's no different than that useless cosmetic skill in Wasteland 2, used to encourage people to donate to it. From's other game Armored Core Verdict Day also had cosmetic dlc like this but it didn't have any effect on the actual game.

It's just that this face is very frightening, is it not?

 

[Heresiarch]

I just think you guys are worrying a bit too much, you risk spoiling the game for yourself. These are just silly cosmetic stuff made to help sell pre-orders, nothing more. It's no different than that useless cosmetic skill in Wasteland 2, used to encourage people to donate to it. From's other game Armored Core Verdict Day also had cosmetic dlc like this but it didn't have any effect on the actual game.

From my experience with Jap games, this kind of bonus items occur quite a lot and are actually carefully balanced against the vanilla equipments. I won't be surprised that they are more like the extra weapons in PS2: extra, but not overpowered and you can live without them.

 

[Serious_Business]

Jesus christ, calm the fuck down, it's just a couple of items

 

[DragoFireheart]

New Vegas had "starter items" as well but it didn't break the game or anything.

I'll wait and see what impact they have.

 

[AN4RCHID]

Ever since the announcement at the Spike VGAs it's been pure

It's like they're trying to convince me not to hype.

 

[pocahaunted]

On principle alone, that's fucking nasty.

Bought 3 copies of DaS (retard mode) and one copy of DeS, but after this announcement I might procure a preview version before committing.