Some players consider Dark Souls II the weakest mainline entry because it feels different from its predecessor and because Hidetaka Miyazaki did not direct it. That helps explain part of the debate, but it does not mean all players dislike the game—or establish which complaints are most common.
Why did Miyazaki’s absence become part of the criticism?
Dark Souls II was not directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, who was closely associated with the first Dark Souls. In a 2015 interview, global producer Atsuo Yoshimura acknowledged that some fans questioned whether the sequel was “the real Dark Souls” because Miyazaki was not involved in its actual development. Yoshimura also said Miyazaki was credited as supervisor and that the team sought his comments on changes. Game Developer’s interview with Yoshimura documents that this concern existed; it does not show that director identity accounts for every negative reaction.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Dark Souls II Game Guide: Complete Walkthrough, Secrets, and Strategies to Master Every Boss, Build,... | $17.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dark Souls II: Design Works | $28.34 | Buy on Amazon |
How does its identity differ from the first game?
Players often judge a sequel against what they valued in the game before it. A shift in tone, storytelling, or design can feel like a fresh interpretation to one player and a departure from the series to another. That is an evaluative comparison, not a measurable defect, and the available sources do not establish that all critics object to the same differences.
Can the story feel too cryptic?
Dark Souls II tells much of its story indirectly. An Xbox Wire feature describes Drangleic’s narrative as cryptic and fragmented, with players expected to assemble clues from item descriptions and character encounters rather than receive extensive direct exposition. Players who enjoy connecting those fragments may find the approach atmospheric; those who prefer a clearer account of events may find it opaque. That feature is a favorable editorial reading, not a survey of player opinion. Xbox Wire’s feature on Scholar of the First Sin discusses the game’s story and atmosphere.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- All 3 DLC Pack Contents: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King
- Additional NPCs Added For Enhanced Story Experience To Assist Guiding Players Through Level
- Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance
- Augmented Item Descriptions
- Increase in Maximum Online Players
Why do some encounters feel demanding or unfair?
Challenge is another point on which players can disagree. Xbox Wire characterized the difficulty as something players can learn, while Yoshimura acknowledged that some scenes in Scholar of the First Sin put many enemies together. A dense encounter may read as a demanding test to one player and as an unfair pile-on to another. The sources establish that this density was noticed, but do not show how often players cite it or prove a universal flaw across every release.
Which version are people criticizing?
The original release and Scholar of the First Sin should not be treated as identical in every detail. Yoshimura described Scholar as a revised perspective shaped by fan suggestions and said the team was not completely satisfied with its earlier version. Sony’s 2015 preview specifically covers the PS4 edition:
| PS4 Scholar of the First Sin feature | What Sony’s 2015 preview reports |
|---|---|
| Enemy and item placement | Locations were changed |
| Visual presentation | Upgraded lighting |
| Resolution and frame rate | 1080p resolution and a reported 60 fps |
| Expansions | All three Crown expansions included |
These details apply to Sony’s report on the PS4 version, not automatically to every platform or edition. The preview is available at PlayStation.Blog’s PS4 hands-on. Bandai Namco’s official game page lists the game and editions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the game universally considered bad?
No. The premise describes a critical view held by some players, not a consensus established by the sources here. Xbox Wire’s positive account of the sequel’s atmosphere, cryptic story, and challenge is one example of a different interpretation, but it does not represent players as a whole. The available evidence also does not establish how many people dislike Dark Souls II, or which particular criticism is most common.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
