Dark Souls 2 to offer more freedom, can start halfway if "brave" enough

[Wright]

PureDante said:

If this is true, it'll make the NG+'s a bit...easier...simply being less boss fights to haggle through. But, again, on the first play through, it'll be an interesting challenge.

No, it doesn't, since the bosses will crush you anyway on NG+. Think of the Four Kings.