Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin Reviews

Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is ranked in the 96th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Mar 31, 2015

Between the new enemy placements, greater challenge, the improved visuals and all the additional bonus content, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is absolutely worth a first look if you're a newcomer to the series - and in the case of returning players, almost certainly worth a second.

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8 / 10
Apr 1, 2015

Even if it's only been a year, time has not been kind to Dark Souls' sequel and this remaster does little to help the situation – even if it 's a hugely engrossing game in its own right.

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8 / 10
Apr 1, 2015

A worthy technical upgrade, but changes to enemy spawn locations serve to add frustration and highlight issues with the original release.

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88 / 100
Apr 2, 2015

‎A great game in an edition full of content but with graphical improvements that do not justify its buyback.‎

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8.8 / 10.0
Apr 2, 2015

A great soulslike in a very valid edition, able to remix content in an interesting way even for those who know the original game very well.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Spaziogames
Pregianza
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Apr 2, 2015

Perhaps it will not have enough novelty to be a must for those who have already dusted Dark Souls 2 to the bone, but with the new positioning of the enemies, the technical improvements and the tweaks to the lore, Scholar of the First Sin undoubtedly deserves a prestigious place in the exclusive club of "reissues done as it should be".

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.8 / 10.0
Apr 2, 2015

‎The best version of the ultra difficult game par excellence. It may not be as cutting edge as it was, or it may not contribute as much if you already crushed it, but if it is not your case and you have patience ...‎

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Apr 2, 2015

The new enemy arrangements don't trump the original Dark Souls II, but it's still a great jumping-on point

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8.5 / 10.0
Apr 2, 2015

Paradoxically, it's a version seemingly made for people that have already played through the original Dark Souls 2, rather than new players, who might actually have a harder time with the new, tougher enemy placements.

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8.5 / 10.0
Apr 3, 2015

Players who have played Dark Souls II for an extended period, as well as all of the DLC may find that the rearranged enemy and item placement enough to get them fighting for their soul once again, but only if they are die-hard fans. If you haven't played the original or you were stopped a bit short the first time around, Scholar of the First Sin is the perfect excuse to come back and try your hand at the experience again. The new additions and visual upgrades make this the best version to play the game on. 

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Apr 5, 2015

Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin targets two audiences: newcomers and veterans. In both cases it succeeds.

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Apr 5, 2015

Not quite content with improving the graphics and lumping in the downloadable content and calling it a day, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin feels like From Software's definitive vision for the game.

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Digitally Downloaded
Matt S.
Top Critic
Apr 7, 2015

For people who enjoy getting into the multiplayer side of the Souls experience, it's worth nothing that Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin ups the number of players that can join in to six – up from four in the original game. I've never got on with the online component of these games because I find that the idea of having company helping me out defeated the melancholic, lonely tone that I look for in these games, but that aside I'm well aware of how popular Souls is in multiplayer, and this is something notable.

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88%
Apr 7, 2015

For newcomers Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is a superb package, with the wonderful DLC thrown in and the visuals at the best they have ever been. However, it's also tough going thanks to the remixed enemy placements and new random encounters. For veterans this is a welcome return to Drangleic but not one that is mandatory, as the changes feel all too insubstantial at times. So while Scholar of the First Sin is the definitive package, it isn't one that is required for repeat visitors.

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9 / 10
Apr 7, 2015

Dark Souls II comes to current gen with a vengeance.

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Apr 7, 2015

Is Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin worthy of a second purchase? If you loved the original release and want to experience the game with no major technical issues, a smooth frame-rate, enhanced graphics, and repositioned enemies, then it is well worth the price of admission. Those new to Dark Souls II will want Scholar of the First Sin to be their welcoming as it is the best way to play this glorious game.

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Apr 7, 2015

Dark Souls II: Scholar Of The First Sin is the definitive version of a masterpiece. Surprising for veterans yet deceptively welcoming to newcomers, this rebalanced remaster proves as deeply impressive as it is brutally compelling.

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7 / 10.0
Apr 8, 2015

Dark Souls II on PS4 introduces some new features, but it has some trouble with new challenges. A large portion of the content is available in the PS3 update. Haven't played? You can buy. Otherwise forgive.

Review in Polish | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Apr 8, 2015

Scholar of the First Sin is a noble attempt to right the perceived wrongs of Dark Souls II, but while some tweaks are welcome, others -such as certain enemy placements- are less so. Whatever way you cut it though, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is still a great game.

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8.4 / 10.0
Apr 9, 2015

The best, most complete version of a great game that offers compelling reasons for current owners and newcomers to invest in. It's not for everyone, but if you can "get into it," you're likely going to be hooked on not only the game, but the franchise.

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