A carefully considered sequel that avoids upsetting existing fans and offers an olive branch to newcomers – all the while retaining its position as one of the most challenging, and rewarding, video games of modern times.

Tweaked combat is harsh but fair, role-playing elements are more varied and transparent, and exploration is more open-ended and non-linear; Online is expanded just enough to please everyone

The game world lacks the cohesion of the original, in favour of more variety; Visuals often struggle to impress; Slightly brighter tone and non-respawning enemies may upset some

Excellent game! Every bit as challenging and fun as the first. The "black armor" edition didn't really add much to the experience, just a sort of random assortment of free starting gear. It did come with the game soundtrack CD though, which was nice.

I am well aware that I am writing a review which is contrary to popular consensus. However, like Mugatu and his understanding that Zoolander's Blue Steel pose is the same expression as all his others, I appear to be highlighting something that other people can see, but seem resistant to acknowledge.

Good game - preferred the original which is my issue but this still gave me a few hours of good gameplay

Dark Souls II is easily one of my favorite games of 2014 and when, after many many attempts, I was finally successful in completing the main story, I couldn't wait for my next taste of the Souls franchise.

Pretty much every aspect that made Dark Souls was carried over or improved upon and it has resulted in this masterpiece. It carries a lot of what made Demon's Souls too which is actually a good thing.

If the concept of getting your ass kicked, and hard, by a video game is of little interest to you, then the original Dark Souls was likely a turn-off from every possible angle. In an unforgiving, visually coarse manner, the now-and-again masochistic desires of the common gamer were fed upon and...

A solid game that definitely has an audience. Might lack replay value, could be too short or there are some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun. How we score: The Destructoid Reviews Guide

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