Embargo just ended and we're seeing some new previews and impressions of the first hour of the game.
DTOID
Gamesradar
Playstation Blog
There should be more dropping soon.
DTOID
Surprisingly, I felt there were many callbacks to the original Souls title, Demon's Souls. A steeper learning curve, a trial by fire scenario -- after letting my experience with the game digest, Darks Souls II seems to be a nice blend of the best qualities from both its predecessors. As there's a greater focus on putting pressure on the player, without making them feel too overwhelmed and frustrated. For the people that welcome this experience, of course.
Gamesradar
Dark Souls 2 seems to be exactly what we'd all hoped it would be. Which is to say, painfully difficult but immensely rewarding. I enjoyed what I played, though I wish I'd had more time to explore and see if its world offers various branches, or funnels you down a pathway of logical progression. Are you looking forward to dying over and over again? Have any specific questions about my time with the game? Drop a note in the comments below and I'll be sure to respond.
Playstation Blog
One thing that hasnt changed is the series uniquely haunting atmosphere. Dark Souls IIs stellar opening cinema is adorned with disturbing imagery: a dead tree swarming with bloated fireflies, a ruined kingdom of impossible age, and a cackling coven of mystics. You, as a Hollow, are cursed to feed on the souls of the living. But you knew that already, didnt you?
There should be more dropping soon.