Dark Souls II Dev’s Message to Fans: You’d Best be Careful

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking: “Like I had to be told!”

Dark Souls II will be one of the most challenging games of the generation. That’s a given. Despite what developer From Software has said about added “accessibility,” the hardcore fans don’t have to worry about an easier adventure. In fact, they’d better prepare for an even more brutal challenge (if that’s possible).

In a recent OPM interview with producer Takeshi Miyazoe, we learn that players are vulnerable to invasion at any time. In other words, being in Hollow form won’t save you from running into other players. Prior to this effort, in both Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls, players could only connect with other players when in the Human state.  Well, no longer.

On the surface, this sounds like a problem. However, Miyazoe promises that they’ve implemented new balancing. For instance, a new covenant will act as a makeshift police force, and there are additional risks:

“Also, there will be penalties for players who invade, but still lose. There are risks. And there will be ‘policemen’ against invaders and a ransom system where if you constantly invade or kill NPCs there will be motivation for summoned players to go after you.”

Then there are covenants that aren’t interested in the heroic and virtuous. No, they encourage the devil in you, which is all sorts of enticing. The Brotherhood of Blood loves to cause problems for other players…

So, you up for this?