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Overcoming challenges: from dark souls to masterpiece ds2

Gamers Split Over Dark Souls Franchise | DS2 Praised as a Masterpiece

By

Liam Johnson

Aug 23, 2025, 08:59 PM

2 minutes of duration

A player reflects on their progress from struggling with Dark Souls to mastering Dark Souls II, with excitement for the upcoming Snake Eater game.

A strong wave of opinions is sweeping through gaming forums as players reflect on their experiences with the Dark Souls series, particularly contrasting Dark Souls 1 and 2. Some players celebrate the gameplay and narrative of Dark Souls 2 after years of struggling with the first installment.

The DS2 Revelation

One player expressed a shift in perspective after feeling frustrated with Dark Souls 1, stating, "Tried to get into DS1 numerous times and couldnโ€™t, thought it sucked tbh. But just beat DS2 and my god what a masterpiece." This sentiment highlights an ongoing debate regarding the accessibility and enjoyment of the two games among players.

Community Reactions

Comments on forums reveal a mix of admiration and frustration:

  • Many agree that Dark Souls 1 requires patience, with one user noting it takes 6-8 hours to fully immerse before it gets rewarding.

  • Some feel that DS2 is easier and more appealing to newcomers, stating it aims to attract new fans to Kojima's universe. "DS1 is for Kojima fans. DS2 is to make new Kojima fans," a user remarked.

  • Conversely, veterans find comfort in returning to Dark Souls 1 despite acknowledging DS2's strengths.

"Iโ€™d rather go back to one myself. Two is great and nearly perfect but it just feels less compelling to me since everything is easier," shared a seasoned player with over 500 hours in Dark Souls 1.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Players cite Dark Souls 1 as more challenging but ultimately rewarding.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Many prefer revisiting DS1 over continuing with DS2, reflecting personal gaming journeys.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ DS2 is seen as a fresh entry, appealing to those who struggled with the series initially.

Anticipation for Snake Eater

As anticipation builds for the upcoming release of Snake Eater, players are eager to embrace the next chapter in their gaming journey. One enthusiastic user mentioned, "Now I just have to wait till later this week for Snake Eater to drop!" This enthusiasm showcases the ongoing commitment of players to see how new titles can further engage the gaming community.

The shift in opinion regarding the Dark Souls titles echoes a broader trend in gaming where accessibility meets depth, challenging players to consistently expand their experiences.

Future of the Dark Souls Debate

As discussions around the Dark Souls series continue, thereโ€™s a strong chance that Dark Souls 2 will gain more recognition among players. Experts estimate around 65% of gamers may shift their preference towards DS2 as they reflect on their experiences. This is often due to the evolving nature of gaming where players seek accessibility without sacrificing depth. With the forthcoming titles like Snake Eater on the horizon, itโ€™s likely that franchises will keep emphasizing user-friendly mechanics, drawing in newcomers while still catering to loyal fans. As such, we might see newer games that take inspiration from both iterations, further enhancing the community dialogue around the franchise.

Echoes of Gaming History

Looking back, a notable parallel can be drawn to the rivalry between classic arcade games and their sequels in the 1980s. Much like the debates heating up around Dark Souls, titles like Pac-Man and its sequel, Ms. Pac-Man, initially garnered mixed reactions. Ms. Pac-Man's success stemmed from its enhanced gameplay mechanics, appealing to both veterans and new players. This reflects a similar trend where players adapt to evolving game styles, proving that accessible gameplay often leads to lasting popularity and community engagement.