92 with 19 review(x360)- http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/dark-souls-ii

90 with 33 reviews(ps3)- http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/dark-souls-ii

Looks like another winner, great end to a generation.

Eurogamer gave it a 9, good read: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-11-dark-souls-2-review

Overall, Dark Souls 2 probably isn't quite the same masterpiece Dark Souls is, but then neither is anything else, and the fact it comes so close is remarkable. From Software has delivered on its goal of opening the game up a bit to more daunted players without breaking the heart of Souls, and Drangleic belongs in the same conversation as Lordran for any number of reasons - but this is still an iterative sequel, so many of the old routines and patterns of discovery inevitably sparkle a little less the second time around.

 I really recommend you play Dark Souls 2 at the same time as friends, because the excitement and tension is too special to keep to yourself. Either way, make sure you play it, because Dark Souls 2 is in a class far beyond most other RPGs. Its gloomy crypts, haunted forests and burning fortresses are plumbed into the foundations of the world with the same carefully appointed detail as anything else in the Souls canon, sparingly direct about their history and intentions so that you piece what story you can together from scraps. It's full of startling and confounding moments, enigmatic systems and items that will only make sense over multiple playthroughs, and it is certainly a game you can hope to play and talk about for a long time to come.

Changes compared to Dark souls:
- Dark Souls 2 has a gentler starting area, where threats are obvious and instructions are spelled out on tombstones
- Enemies only come back to life a certain number of times
- Dying repeatedly brings down your maximum health by a sliver every time (restore with rare items)
- Fast-travel to and from any bonfire in the game once you discover it
- Much bigger game world
- More brightly lit areas
- Faster levelling
- More spell drops
- Voice chat enabled
- Can invade undead players

Several red flags, but I'm picking it up on thursday anyway. Can't wait to play a fresh souls game.

I wish it all the success in the world, and I don't doubt that the score is well earned. Not brave enough to play it myself though. I'd get made and quit the minute some overpowered jerk invaded me, and inFAMous will keep me busy soon.

I don't like that dying lowers your health, I will get round to play it but have not got the time. with infamous and ground zeros ordered il have to wait a while

Good for its fans but this game is the opposite of what I'd call a good game

This game is getting great reviews not because it is great (we all know it is). It's because the press caught on to the hype by the real gamers.

Damn it. One point above my 85-90 prediction! Somebody needs to give Dark Souls 2 a lower score as soon as possible!

Gold!! Love it LOVE IT!!!

I love it, makes the game harder, plus demon souls used to do the same.