The 30cm high figure of the Collector's Edition does not look good but nothing more. As a "high quality" I would not classify now. However, I must also say that Dark Souls 2 the first game that I have acquired as CE. And not because of the character but because of the artbook and soundtrack.
The artbook is a little longer than that of the first part and therefore you do not really fit next to each other if they want to put in a bookcase for. What the hell, the artworks are really good - although you could see the drawings previously determined 1/3 on the Internet.
Next comes the fabric card: not necessarily the winner. Good quality but otherwise there is not much to note. Personally, I would not frame this anyway but leave more unused in the game shell.
The soundtrack on a separate CD: is not in the artbook but in the DS2 Steelbook. The songs stored in MP3 format on the CD and can be without problems on PC or PS3 copy. Obviously there is no copy protection (and thus FromSoftware need not be surprised if the OST is the day of publication to find already on the internet). The 35 tracks remind partially to the first part, but partially bring a fresh breeze to the Dark Souls universe. I personally do not like a lot better because every song so shrill sounds like the boss music from the first part. Especially the tracks "Majula" and "Milfanito" have convinced me.
The Steelbook: beautiful design and makes a very high-quality impression. And fortunately the Steelbook is not simply a "tougher" version of normal packaging but comes from a separate style.
Now we come to the game itself. As the player, the story of how, have to look together in the first part, I will not lose many words here, except that one, and that is the intro already clear focus heavily on the "Hollows" has placed itself, its origin and the "transformation" of the undead in this very.
Graphics:
No matter how you look at it: the PS3 version of the game is technically or visually, only average. Even if one has reportedly developed a completely new engine, it elicits me the odd chuckle when I see how washed out partially, the textures and how bad (as opposed to all trailers) are the lighting effects. In principle, the same as in "Aliens: Colonial Marines".
But because it's just Dark Souls, the outcry of the Community is not as great. Nevertheless, if you look at games from past years you really have to admit that From Software is just not one of their games may be provided on the current consoles with decent graphics. We now write the year 2014 and even Metal Gear Solid 4 looks better (more than 5 years ago appeared).
Sound:
The sound, however, is really good. Harmonious atmosphere (due to lack of background music between the bosses) and a great 5.1. Surround Sound leave nothing to be desired. With most sounds were probably taken from the first part.
Gameplay:
Here partial lot has changed. One can carry much more equipment, there are more attributes for leveling (which partly relate to each other - this was the first part is not the case) and the upgrade system of armaments and weapons has been simplified. There is no blacksmith is * ch the world at Ar and there are not dozens of different ways to improve the weapons. Upgrading Simple +10 and the infusion system with which you can add the weapons properties like poison damage, bleed enough to excel the predecessors - perhaps part of this in the first part to difficulty but in my eyes then complete nonsense because it greatly affects the flow of the game , I remember for a quick on the last blacksmith in the first part. I found the way to him, and also the location almost as an insult.
Anyway, DS2 has been greatly improved in this respect.
With regard to the control: everything here is almost stayed the same. The Guard Breaker animation has changed and also the assignment of the jump key has been placed on L3. Initially perhaps getting used to but it is later in the game has its advantages. Furthermore go weapons and equipment destroyed faster than in the first part. And an extra repair is not needed if the object is not completely out - in Dark Souls 2 the Bonfire for the repairs makes.
Slay one from Bonfire Bonfire to be thrown at many and partially known enemies and there are plenty of boss fights - too many in my opinion. After all, some bosses are repeated and most of them are not as impressive as in the first part by far. It gives the impression as if to so increase the difficulty but since many bosses can be defeated by simply circling "roll, roll, hit" by or is this approach more bad than good. Also missing part of the terms of the bosses to the story. And just get a coherent intro. Here you could nachbesser can - if not even need because a sequel is supposed to outdo its predecessor in every respect.
The game itself takes a lot longer than the first part (if you really want to see everything and create). There are many optional areas, and thus many optional bosses. But the rewards are usually not so hot. The Boss weapons make her not much, and the same is true for most spells that can be bought through this. Who created a DEX-based hero, for example in the first part is well advised at the Great Sense or Uchikatana to stay. Although (the Halberd for example), some weapons are stronger than in the first part but in the end we remain comfortable with the "never change a winning team" principle.
However, the most important change involves "human effigy". You die gradually the maximum Anzhahl decreases the life points - up to use the above-mentioned item and then "human" is. At first it appears very difficult but as the game progresses you will find enough human effiges and players of the first part will probably not die so many times that they have the HP only at 50% and no effigies are transport clients.
Furthermore, you can now increase the strength of Bonfire with the result that all enemies respawn (including bosses) and this one stage are stronger. A Level = a playthrough. Say if I reinforce a bonfire in the first play-through, the enemies are around it on a par with the NG +, etc. - then the other as well as new items that previously were not these Droppen available. The same applies to bosses drop the partial other souls and thus other Boss weapons can be produced. Thus, a further passage over the first part worth. Even more opponents are added and they get some new attacks. Certainly an incentive for the most diehard Dark Souls players.
The multiplayer has not really changed. In Gegnsatz the first part there is the possibility, if one is because it is precisely in the corresponding Covenant to compete in arenas against other players. Also you can increase the chance with a friend to make a pilgrimage through the world of Drangleic (with the corresponding item) but the sum is everything still random.
I'm certainly not here to all MP / SP Items received because otherwise it is supposed to be a review and not a "walkthrough" or Guide. But the players will not feel strange total of when he comes Drangleic.
Conclusion:
Dark Souls is a good continuation. Although it graphically disappointed right the rest. As written above, I had partially the impression From Software wanted to "cheap" way increase the difficulty level but above can be overlooked because everyone Boss is, at least initially, a small challange , And the length of the game exceeds that of the first part in order lengths.
It took me almost a week for my first round and went about 150 ma to the ground. Yes I know there are many that are "better" than I or less die my review is rather aimed at the "casual gamers" and not the hardcore Dark Souls players.
Worth the Collector's Edition? Well, if you figure, map and artbook needs - then yes. Had the artbook and the OST on the Black Edition Armour given (this includes only the OST), I would dispense with the CE.
Is it worth the game? In any case.
