DARK SOULS 2 Announced at VGAs!

[Zaki]

So is this only playable for 2 hours? The message for the beta is a bit confusing.

[Paddy]

Tried starting the BETA today but couldn't as I got the message that "the server is not yet online. Please check availability at (insert Dark Souls EU BETA url here)".

Seems like the first test session is between 8:00pm-10:00pm on Saturday unless I'm mistaken? Was going to be out for a friend's birthday but thankfully its free now. Looking forward to giving it a whirl and dying a few times in the process...

[Cornflakes]

So is this only playable for 2 hours? The message for the beta is a bit confusing.

They are doing it to stress test the server, like the japanese beta, which happened on the 29/Sep. The first test only lasted for 1h. The second japanese server test is on the 12/Oct and lasts for 2h and the third is on the 27/Oct and runs for 3h. I reckon the EU and NA have a similar pattern.
It is a server test so make sure to invade people ^^

[Golgo]

So u got to redeem code at 8 tomorrow and then get an hour or so to muck about and then get chucked? ****ing odd beta, this.

[Zaki]

So u got to redeem code at 8 tomorrow and then get an hour or so to muck about and then get chucked? ****ing odd beta, this.

Yup Just got kicked out after defeating the chariot boss.....I cannot wait for this game!

Typical fantastic souls atmosphere.

My only complaint was that it was too dark. I couldn't figure out how to use torches.

It looks lovely, but the frame rate kept dipping (I'll be getting the PC version for sure).

[Brad]

Looks great. I have no concerns. Didn't reach boss as I was busy griefing others. Well it did say it was a server stress test!

I had my TV in the wrong hdmi colour range mode originally which made it too dark to play. No framerate issues.

Backstabbing seemed a bit too easy plus your dude goes a bit nuts with multiple attacks. Seemed unnecessarily ott to me

[Paddy]

Came home from a friend's birthday to give this a play and I can happily say that it maintains the franchise's feel and difficulty. Atmospheric as ever, you get thrown into a wood-laden area with the ability to light a torch at the bonfire as well as the typical levelling up/sorting your equipment out.

The game doesn't let up with dark passageways to traverse, enemies hiding in the tightest of crevices and overpowered phantoms ready to decimate you in a couple of swipes. It carries that 'get straight back in to try and get further' that the previous games have and it is just as difficult as ever. My experience of the framerate in the demo was a very smooth one, something I'm happy to see From Software have worked to improve from previous instalments.

Bring on the next BETA test (got a message 10 minutes from the end that it will be held on October 27th (Sun)).

[MisterBubbles]

I would love to have tried it. But it was from 7AM to 10AM, Really, a stress test of 3 hours on the servers and i wasn't even awake, what was they frightened of that we would find out in 3 hours. Plus the US beta got cancelled at the last minute. We'll maybe it's for the best and to remain spoiler free.

[briareos_kerensky]

I was able to partecipate in the first run of the US beta test, the game is there and, yeah, I partially regret to play it, as I haven't even watched any video after the announcement trailer at E3. I think I'll stay out of any further beta testing to avoid further spoiling of the game.

[Brad]

This Sunday between 7 and 10am for the next beta test. Trying to decide whether to try a boss fight or be a griefing arsehole again...

[Paddy]

For all who have the BETA downloaded to their PS3's? Or is it it region-specific?

If I'm covered I'm on as I missed the last one.

[Uli]

so from what i've read in the last Edge interview with the producer Takeshi Miyazoe Dark Souls 2 will no longer allow players avoiding invasion by other players? hence i conclude the game will now be online-only?

someone please tell me that i misunderstood. if this turn out to be true i will cancel my pre-order and wait for the **** storm to take effect in a reversion of this crap idea and subsequent patch.

[fuse]

so from what i've read in the last Edge interview with the producer Takeshi Miyazoe Dark Souls 2 will no longer allow players avoiding invasion by other players? hence i conclude the game will now be online-only?

someone please tell me that i misunderstood. if this turn out to be true i will cancel my pre-order and wait for the **** storm to take effect in a reversion of this crap idea and subsequent patch.

Pretty sure most previews have mentioned you can still play the game offline if you don't have an internet connection, it's more about no longer being safe from invasions when you're hollow.

[chopemon]

Yep, internet is not required but if you are connected, you can always be invaded. You can join a covenant that auto summons people to help if you get invaded though.

Dealing with invasions was some of the most tense fun I had in the other games so I'm really looking forward to there not being a 'creche' mode.

[112]

I revisited demon souls over Christmas and was invaded for the first time... I shat myself! but the invader who was red didn't want to fight me, instead he helped me?!! Till we got to a boss battle and he disappeared... I'm curious if an invader kills you does he take your souls also do I lose my souls?

I am itching to play this new sequel...

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