Why FromSoftware Must Revive Dark Souls 2’s Best Feature

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It appears that the period where Elden Ring is ruling supreme by FromSoftware may be nearing its conclusion, as Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch in 2025. Throughout history, fans have been treated to numerous eras defined by FromSoftware games, with additional content and re-releases allowing titles like Dark Souls 2 and Demon’s Souls to endure longer than anticipated. With the arrival of something new on the horizon, many players are seizing this opportunity to reacquaint themselves with FromSoftware’s modern masterpieces, such as Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls 2.

While some may dispute whether Dark Souls 2 is truly a “classic,” its unique blend of gameplay elements has left an indelible mark, with many fans praising it as the most mechanically innovative entry in the Dark Souls series. Despite efforts by Elden Ring to resurrect some of DS2‘s best features like Power Stance, certain elements were left untouched. One particularly noteworthy aspect from recent FromSoftware titles remains lodged within Dark Souls 2, and it’s high time the developers revisited this feature in its complete form.

New Game + Is A FromSoftware Staple, But Dark Souls 2 Excels At It

Every game developed by FromSoftware in the Soulslike genre, such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Armored Core 6, offers a New Game+ mode once the main story has been completed. This feature may be automatically activated or remain as an option in the game hub, but it’s always accessible. Notably, Armored Core 6 makes the most of its subsequent playthroughs, given that the first three installments are designed to form a single narrative. In contrast, other games allow players to retain their character levels and items while boosting enemy health and damage for added challenge.

How Dark Souls 2’s New Game + Works

In the game Dark Souls 2, things don’t just stop at what you might expect. For instance, when you start a New Game Plus (NG+), the game doesn’t remain the same as your initial playthrough. Instead, there are significant changes, such as an increased number of enemies in early battles like the one against The Duke’s Dear Freja. Additionally, minor chests that were emptied during your first playthrough will be replenished, and various small adjustments can be found throughout Drangleic. As you progress through additional New Game + cycles, enemies become stronger as usual, but Bonfire Ascetics offer an extra feature. By using them to permanently increase a local area’s NG number at a Bonfire, you can trigger boss rematches and the respawning of treasures in DS2. This gives players the ability to tailor their experience and farm Souls in unique ways that no other FromSoftware game does.

FromSoftware Should Bring Dark Souls 2’s NG+ Back

A New Game Can Complete DS2’s Repeat Playthrough Vision

The unique freedom offered in NG+ mode in Dark Souls 2 is appealing, but the way it’s executed feels less distinct from the initial playthrough than intended. FromSoftware, with their expanded knowledge of New Game + adjustments from Armored Core 6 and more resources at their disposal, could potentially refine this concept in future titles, making subsequent playthroughs a compelling reason to return. At present, an authentic Master Quest experience for Dark Souls 2 can only be achieved through mods, but a future FromSoftware game might build upon the foundations laid by Dark Souls 2 and create a sequential playthrough that’s truly worth revisiting.

Refining the enhanced New Game+ in Dark Souls 2 comes at a perfect moment, given that FromSoftware’s leadership has hinted that Elden Ring will mark the boundary of their capabilities within the Soulslike genre, and they aim to reduce complexity. A shorter game with an abundance of fresh content for subsequent playthroughs is an optimal choice, and such a game length, similar to typical 2010 FromSoftware titles, should hold appeal for players seeking a single run. Optimally, this title could incorporate both reworked and entirely novel content within its New Game+, ultimately fulfilling the promise that Dark Souls 2 made years ago.

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2025-02-02 19:44