DARK SOULS 2: The Search for Solaire's Gold
 

Not thread for it so I suppose I'll make it, Dark Souls 2 is out and it's actually somehow better than the last one. I'm nearly at NG+ and I'm still finding shit. One thing I've noticed is they seem to have responded to the criticisms about the drop in quality after Anor Londo in DS1, the content seems to be somewhat backloaded, the start is good (but even harder than DS1's) but it gets better as the game goes on and the later areas seem to have noticeably more budget behind them, which is unusual for games and a welcome change.

Multiplayer also seems to work better, they've toned down backstabs and the servers instead of PnP means lag is much less of an issue and matchmaking is fast if you're in somewhat decent level range. I've spent most of today infuriating people in the successor to the forest covenant.

Oh there's also a ring which allows for higher multiplayer matching by players naming the same god to worship. Should we pick one?

Oh and

PRAISE THE SUN

No it's not.

http://i.imgur.com/NVbDTuy.png

Mumu you're a slacker

So, how about all that downgrade stuff? Like the graphics in the demo and all pre-release screenshots looking almost nothing like the final game. The website itself still shows them. Biggest case of bullshots I've ever seen, even counting most Ubisoft games. Doesn't bother me too much, but there is a hell of a lot of internet rage about "Scamco lies".

I think the downgrade stuff was for consoles to get it to run smoothly, which it does it has none of the framerate issues DS1 had. They're less bullshots and more shots taken from the PC version. I thought you'd be crowing about that RO. It still looks better than DS1 anyway so I'm not too bothered.

Evidence currently suggests that PC's getting the same lighting as the consoles, though. Details aren't exactly forthcoming from FROM. I guess I'll find out on the day.

And beaten it, 60 hours in and it's better than the 1st (or 2nd really with Demon's which it is also better than). The graphics thing doesn't matter it's a fantastic game. Make sure to explore thoroughly from Majula, there are 3 level paths you can go on right from the start and two that unlock by going some distance down some of the others.

And that's all that really needs to be said.

Been playing it since it came out. Even only going after work you can get through it fairly quick.

Up to lvl 110, going a Polearm Lightning Cleric Build. Began as Cleric and currently have a Lightning Halberd +10, Lightning Estoc +9, Binoculars (They come in super handy to aim Miracles), Royal Knight Shield +7, and Lightning Priest's Chime +7 (to be replaced with a Lightning Dragon's Chime). Wearing the Saint's Hood +1, Creighton's Chainmail +6, Engraved Gauntlets +1, and Drangleic Pants +2.

Then all the lightning miracles and Sun Blade. I'm made of lightning.

It might just be a side effect of me region-locking my multiplayer experience, but the invasion side of summoning seems to be pretty lax outside of FUCK THAT PLACEthe goddam belfry. The only non-gray invasion I've seen so far is a guy invading in the Forest of Fallen Giants while I was summoned into a Pursuer murder party, and that guy was glomped before the dagger wizard at the front of the group could land a backstab.

Maybe the invasion changes are less appealing, or it might be my tendency to overlevel but I get the feeling that hostile invasions are falling out of style.

Red orbs are limited in supply before NG+, and in NG invasions are tied to both Soul Level and Soul Memory whereas in NG+ it's tied to just Soul Memory. And most people going through the game for the first time probably don't want to invade as a red phantom, anyway.

I did one red invasion myself in the Forest, where I introduced a person to guard breaks. I also got invaded yesterday by a red, in Black Gulch. Insane decision, so I killed him for it.

As for the Belfry... which Belfry? :smug:
Rats.

Do you let yourself get stabbed so you can then commit wanton acts of REVENGEANCE?

Yeah NG+ is loaded with invasions, I'm getting at least 2 or 3 an hour playing NG+. Also I found something amazingly dickish. You can invade in the Abyss covenant levels.

Also my favourite Belfry trick is to run around with high stamina chuggging green leaves til the host gets sick of it and tries to climb the tower. Then lightning bolt them as they climb. DS has so many fun dickery options.

The belfry would be better if doing the boss fight without summons isn't near impossible with certain builds. And the invade rate is insane since I can't even throw down a white soapstone before having to dagger wizard on two gray invaders.

Dagger wizard actually works amazingly well in PvP. Sorcery them down at long range, and when they wise up and come in close you backstab them or punish them for having stupidly low poise.

Black Mage tactics are legit.