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.
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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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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Unscored
Apr 14, 2015

It's a game that keeps promising new beginnings but delivers only dysfunction repackaged as progress.

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7 / 10.0
Apr 21, 2015

While it's a hard sale for those that have already played the game to death, even with all the changes, but if you've never played it before, it's an easy recommendation. Pick this game up as it's chocked full of content that is still well worth your money. It's no Bloodborne though.

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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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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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RPG Fan
Top Critic
72%
Feb 19, 2017

Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin offers only minor tweaks to serious gameplay issues of the original game. Nonetheless, it still remains a wholly enjoyable online experience, just don't expect much from the singleplayer experience.

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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".

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9 / 10.0
Jun 4, 2015

Going backwards from Bloodborne feels almost archaic, and it takes some time to settle into that once familiar gameplay. However Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin offers the chance to revisit that still fantastic and familiar world with a slight twist to proceedings and a respectable face lift. The addition of the DLC makes this package more than worthwhile for any fan of From Software's catalogue, but those that already own the content on another platform may find the investment too high.

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8 / 10.0
Apr 16, 2015

The game is a brilliant and complete version of Dark Souls 2, with enough fresh content and tweaks to encourage veterans

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9 / 10.0
Apr 22, 2015

Dark Souls 2on the PS4 is as close to perfect as any game I've played this year. The game is beautiful and the mechanics are easy. The only thing that ever got to me was when I'd end up wandering around, trying to find the way to move forward. But I'm pretty sure that was intentional on From Software's part.

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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 13, 2015

If you're returning to Dark Souls II, you'll either come away pleased that you're on the same page as the designers, or annoyed by the seemingly perfunctory remix of enemy and item placement. On the other hand, brand new players may find Scholar of the First Sin to be an ideal, more guided tour of the world of Drangleic.

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Niche Gamer
Augusto A.
Top Critic
6 / 10.0
Apr 22, 2023

Dark Souls 2 has beautiful environments and interesting philosophical questions, followed by really mediocre gameplay and an ever-present feeling of being left unfinished.

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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 12, 2015

More, tighter, better, harder? I think it is these words that best describe scholar of the First Sin... But you have to know that this is not a game without flaws...

Review in Polish | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
May 21, 2015

The Scholar of the First Sin released as the final version for Dark Souls II and it is both an opportunity to play 3 amazing DLC's for people who haven't experienced them, as well as an opportunity for new players to dive in the depth of Dark Souls series.

Review in Persian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Apr 17, 2015

‎Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin‎‎ is a recommended edition for those who do not know the title or for those veterans who want a little more‎.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

10 / 10.0
Apr 10, 2021

For gamers of this generation, the game can also be a good choice to go back to the older time and understand the games of the generation before themselves, and perhaps I have to say they understand the meaning of a real game.

Review in Persian | Read full review

Drew Hurley
Top Critic
9 / 10
Nov 15, 2016

Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is a phenomenal game, taking the spectacular original and giving it fresh lease of life. Creator Hidetaka Miyazaki's grim and beautiful world is truly a wonder to behold, and this new journey into that world is filled with fresh challenges that will test even the most experienced Souls players. You will die over and over and over again, but the key thing is that you will love every minute of it.

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