Review copy proved by the publisher. For information on scoring, you can read our Review Policy here.

Namco Bandai's newest release, Dark Souls II , takes players through a dark adventure that continues in the same world as its predecessor. Dark Souls II is not a sequel, but an entirely new game, set in the horrific world you were introduced to in Dark Souls .

Two steps forward and one step back for this incredibly challenging and rewarding experience.

A more refined user experience; incredible online fun and a new world teeming with secrets and terrifying danger

Combat feels less sharp and precise than before; and some of the environments are connected in a rather patchwork manner

Boasting some of the best combat in the series, Crown of the Old Iron King is an intriguing and immersive odyssey. Though less visually impressive than Crown of the Sunken King, this second DLC installment rewards strategic planning more fully than any other episode in the series.

Great combat; Plenty of surprises; Wonderful challenge

Awful scenery; Frustrating boss

The worlds of the Souls games have consistently excelled in conveying a sense of history. There's the impression that their castles and other fortifications have changed ownership by various invaders many times over.

Feels like a natural extension of the main game; Rich in implied history; Environments are inspired by reality but still seem otherworldly; Abundant in challenging and enjoyable combat

Like the last DLC; more uninspiring bosses

Crown of the Sunken King is the first downloadable content pack for Dark Souls II , and it is also the first part in a downloadable trilogy titled The Lost Crowns . Each add-on opens up a new area for players to explore, with the first being a subterranean maze of ziggurats known as Shulva, Sanctum...

It's time to head back to Souls.

+ New foes challenge with lots of death; + Combat and levels are built around deliberate exploits; + Rich lore

- New pyromancies are largely useless in the tower environment

I've loved From Softwares Souls games for a good length of time now and I was really anticipating Dark Souls 2. These games are hard, there is no question about it, but what I love about them is the combination of style; RPG with a bit of hack'n'slash thrown in for good measure and with Dark Souls 2...

good game; good story; true to the souls series

hard; you will die; you will get frustrated; but it's all in the fun

Crown of the Ivory King ($9.99) is the final entry in the Dark Souls II DLC trilogy, and takes players to the frozen citadel of Eleum Loyce. A seething chaos writhes beneath the icy ruins, and the powerful Ivory Crown relic is lost somewhere therein.

Well-designed cityscape and boss fights; Features plenty of interesting enemies, weapons, and equipment; Strong narrative

The optional challenge path is perhaps the worst of the three DLC add-ons; The snowy aesthetic can get a bit repetitive

Buy Dark Souls II Dark Souls II: Crown of the Sunken King is the first of the three scheduled DLCs for Dark Souls II . You'll be able to access it as soon as you purchase it and have reached the Primal Bonfire in the Black Gluch.