Dark Souls 2 needs to be harder, discussion

[mtu9356]

Dark Souls 2 should be harder and encourage challenge runs.

Dark Souls 2 needs to be harder than Dark Souls simply because Demon's Souls and Dark Souls exist.  When Dark Souls came out you had 2 different players, new ones and Demon's Souls vets.  The majority of vets had an easy time playing through Dark Souls the first time simply because Demon's Souls prepared them.  The players who were new to Dark Souls struggled their first play through which is to be expected.  Now, both Dark Souls vets and Demon's Souls vets will have much less trouble on their first play through of the prequel because of their 'training'.   The gameplay has and likely will continue to stay relatively the same which is why it should be harder.

I would like From to include difficulty modes.  Not an easy medium or hard mode but an unlock-able mode which brings more challenge to players who have beaten the game under certain conditions.  Perhaps something as simple as being able to start the game in ng+ mode.  Speaking of ng+ mode, it could be better implemented.  How about adding more enemies including black phantoms and randomizing their locations.  It would also be cool to see From try to catch players off guard on their second/third play throughs by adding extra environmental traps.

I would also like for them to include achievements for challenge runs.  An example I've heard/seen (in Dark Souls) is the challenge of completing the game with the calamity ring equipped the whole game.  The ring doubles the damage you receive from enemies making the game quite a bit more difficult.  The fact that u cant get this ring till half way through makes this challenge not possible (unless your on pc of course).  I feel like the current achievements are a waste and could be improved to add both replay-ability and challenge in the upcoming prequel.

From is going to have to do a balancing act.  Dark Souls 2 needs to keep vets on their toes while introducing new players to the gameplay mechanics.  I for one would like a more fleshed out tutorial to help out new players.  However, it should be skippable by experienced players.  An optional tutorial boss could be used as a barrier.

On a side note I'm excited to see how they use the new boss mechanic.  From said that, in Dark Souls 2, bosses can be fought at different times, meaning more experienced players can challenge bosses earlier than what's required.

What are your thoughts?

sorry for any spelling/formatting errors, I wrote this in my notes app on my phone lol