Dark Souls II Announced, Introduces New Hero, Server Based Multiplayer

Yesterday at the Spike TV Computer Graphic Awards, renowned game publisher Namco Bandai announced the coming of Dark Souls II, the sequel to one of the most ground breaking games of this generation, Dark Souls. Namco Bandai understands its loyal and hardcore base of followers, and will be releasing Dark Souls II on all platforms (PC, PS3, and XBOX 360). The first part of the series, Demon Souls, was released only for the PS3. Dark Souls was initially released on the PS3 and XBOX 360, but a mass online petition submitted to Namco Bandai, signed by 100,000+ fans, requesting a PC version of the classic, eventually prompted Namco to develop a PC port. The PC port, called Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition, had its issues but still offered its unparallelled hardcore gameplay.

Dark Souls II will be a true Dark Souls 2.0. In its press release, Namco Bandai says Dark Souls II will have a new hero. We’re not really sure whether we understand this, since in the previous games, one had a plethora of choices when selecting a hero. This could mean that the game could have only one playable character. This is only speculation, though. Other new features promised are “New World” and “New Multiplayer Mode.” The multiplayer mode of Dark Souls II will be ‘server based.’ So is Dark Souls II heading the WOW category with server based multiplayer? Once again, this is just speculation, and we’ll have to wait for more information from Namco Bandai.

Regardless of all the new features, the familiar unrelenting challenge, paranoia, and suffering offered in the Souls series, which is a landmark in the genre, is still promised from its Japanese developer, FromSoftware. “Dark Souls II retains the core essence of Dark Souls while evolving to present new twists and challenges that are sure to please longtime fans and attract newcomers to the series,” says Carlson Choi, Vice President of Marketing at NAMCO Bandai Games America Inc. Playing through Dark Souls, as punishing as it might be, is considered a philosophical and transcendental experience by many, and has led many to introspection. This remains the core intent of the gameplay, and that’s a good thing, as confirmed by Carlson Choi. “FromSoftware is going to take a very dark path with Dark Souls II; players will need to look deep within themselves to see if they have the intestinal fortitude to embark on this journey.”

Staying true to its design philosophy, the Dark Souls II development will not be spearheaded by the series creator, Hidetaka Miyazaki, who for Dark Souls II is working as a supervisor. The man in charge this time is Tomohiro Shibuya. This could change things a bit, in a good way; let’s hope. Having a new leader of an established franchise can be a disaster, but if pulled off well, it can only add to the sheer brilliance offered by the Souls series. Who knows, Dark Souls II might even end up being the pinnacle of the Souls series.

Whatever we and you say, we can’t wait to get our hands on Dark Souls II. Hell, many iLLGamers are still hustling around in Dark Souls. I myself am in the Game++ mode now. With about 200+ hours in on the game, I am not yet done with it and might not be for a long, long time.