DARK SOULS™ II Crown of the Ivory King Review Summary

Challenging and epic boss fights: Bosses in the game are noted for being very difficult, powerful, and providing a significant challenge. The final boss fights are particularly highlighted as epic and among the best in the game.

Visually stunning environments: The game's environments are described as very beautiful and visually stunning. Players appreciate the beautiful scenery and locations throughout the game.

Unique and creative level design: The game features highly praised level design that is unique, creative, and well-received by players. The maps and enemy designs are particularly noted for their excellence.

New NPCs and lore: The game includes new NPCs with unique AI designs and adds significant lore and story elements, enhancing the overall narrative.

Solid and excellent DLC: The DLC is described as solid and excellent, providing a worthwhile experience that is considered one of the best among the DLCs.

Frigid Outskirts criticism: The Frigid Outskirts area is widely criticized for its poor design, lack of visibility, and frustrating gameplay mechanics. Players find it to be one of the worst areas in the game.

Enemy design issues: Enemies are criticized for being monotonous, forgettable, and overly difficult. Some enemies are also noted for their frustrating mechanics and overpowered abilities.

Bosses are overpowered: Many players find the bosses in the game to be overly powerful and difficult to defeat. This includes specific mentions of bosses like Lud and Zallen, who are noted for their challenging fights.

DLC design flaws: The DLC is criticized for its lazy and unfinished design. Players feel that the content is not worth the time or effort, and it is considered the worst DLC in the Souls franchise.

Visibility problems in areas: Certain areas in the game suffer from severe visibility issues, making it difficult for players to navigate and enjoy the gameplay. This is particularly noted in snowy and cloudy areas.

Survival and exploration mechanics: Survival mechanics in harsh environments like snowstorms and the need for exploration to progress are notable. Players must explore areas multiple times, facing changing challenges and finding items that allow further exploration.

Co-op and dungeon segments: Players enjoy the co-op dungeon segments, which include unique environmental challenges like blizzards and specific enemies such as reindeer. These segments also involve cooperative gameplay with other players represented as statues.

Boss fights and enemy variety: Boss fights and the variety of enemies are key features. Players find these encounters challenging and engaging, especially when facing new types of enemies and bosses.

DLC content and story: The DLC offers a different story, new enemies, and items, providing additional content and extending the gameplay experience. It starts in the Shrine of Winter and is seen as an extension of existing areas.

Recruiting knights for final battle: Recruiting and freeing knights for the final battle is a crucial gameplay element. Players need to gather a group to defeat the final boss, adding a strategic layer to the game.

DLCs highly recommended: Many players recommend purchasing and playing the DLCs as they are fun, well-made, and enhance the overall gaming experience.

DLCs improve base game: The DLCs are noted to address some shortcomings of the base game and provide better-designed and more challenging content.

Positive player experiences: Players express positive sentiments and enjoyment from playing the DLCs, indicating a satisfying experience.

Community fair range: $30.00 - $50.00.

Game completion: 20.0h.

Story completion: 6.0h.

The game initially presents challenges and frustrations, particularly in co-op segments and level design, but becomes more enjoyable as players progress and engage in epic boss fights and co-op battles.

Reported time to anchor: 2h.

Friction: Frustrating co-op segments with visibility and mobility issues; Tedious level design; Challenging and repetitive boss fights.

Unlock drivers: Progressing through the linear level design; Engaging in co-op play.

Co-op Challenger: Seeks out and engages in cooperative play, often tackling challenging areas and bosses with others. Motivation: Cooperative gameplay and shared experiences. Stance: sale.

Content Explorer: Explores new areas, enemies, and equipment, appreciating the nuances in level design and challenge. Motivation: Exploring new content and experiencing unique level design. Stance: buy.

Value Seeker: Provides recommendations and advice to others, focusing on the best ways to experience the game. Motivation: Maximizing value and enjoyment from the game. Stance: sale.

Monetization: The user feedback on the DLCs is generally positive, with many users recommending the Season Pass for the best value. While there are some mixed feelings about the content, with a few users finding it frustrating, the overall sentiment is that the DLCs are worth the investment and provide an enjoyable experience.