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- Red Hook Studios
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- Red Hook Studios
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- Red Hook Studios
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- Red Hook Studios
Darkest Dungeon II
Released On: May 8, 2023
81
5.9
All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 59 Critic Reviews
81
78% Positive
46 Reviews
46 Reviews
15% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 59 Critic Reviews
81
78% Positive
46 Reviews
46 Reviews
15% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Darkest Dungeon II showcases how sequels can surpass the original through its captivating gameplay, stunning art style, and immersive music. While the game's complexity may prove challenging, those who venture forth are rewarded with hours of engrossing gameplay and a constant yearning for one more expedition.
Darkest Dungeon II is a gruelling experience where you constantly fail and luck isn’t on your side. But as you learn from your mistakes and unlock more resources, the challenges can be conquered, and it feels mighty good to do so. Veterans of the previous game will be surprised by the reworked mechanics, and it will take some time to adapt. Though that doesn’t away from the huge amount of enjoyment the game is able to instil and the exhilaration you get when exploring Darkest Dungeon II with an open mind. For a roguelite experience that pushes your creativity and tolerance to the limit, you’ll struggle to find much better than Darkest Dungeon II.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 138 User Ratings
5.9
41% Positive
57 Ratings
57 Ratings
27% Mixed
37 Ratings
37 Ratings
32% Negative
44 Ratings
44 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 138 User Ratings
5.9
41% Positive
57 Ratings
57 Ratings
27% Mixed
37 Ratings
37 Ratings
32% Negative
44 Ratings
44 Ratings
I'm switching up between Zelda and this. Compared to the first game, I'm not wanting to rage quit so my girlfriend is not complaining about wasting our budget replacing keyboards! I enjoy both DD1 and DD2. They are different but that amazing narration and atmosphere is still there. I wish more Indies made games like this. I loved Tunic, Hades and Vampire Survivors.
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PC
Imagine playing DD1 without all the things that were a slug (like the endless money grind, specially when you lost a max party), with astounding graphics, with an amazing and expanded lore and backstory, and a Journey that you will be happy to re-do either for challenges, experiment and progression
I played close to 250 HS the EA and was throughout the Journey since Oct 2021 until 1.0 in May 2023. The full release is definitely the best iteration of the Game. And from here it will only get even better, just like it's predecessor. Most of the critics the game received are mostly from a comparison POV from fans, like myself, of DD1. The problem these fans have it's that DD2 is NOT basically DD 1.5. 90% of the things that changed in DD2 are a welcoming change. It is true a few things got lost in the change, but that is part of the process. Doesnt matter if you love or not the DD2 formula, it's imposible to give this Game a score below 7. So I would just ignore anyone scoring below that, and would consider the overal score of the Game a Solid 8.5, and probably in 6M/1Y a Solid 9.5
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PC
Darkest Dungeon 2 is truly a “streamlined, unnecessary genres dropping and infinitely expanding“ evolution of its predecessor. This beautiful work of harmoniously coexisting design and mechanics reminds me of an enormous roguelike jug filled to the brim with horrifyingly hardcore gameplay, many difficult choices, huge 50+ hours long campaign and a whole bunch of Lovecraftian horror! Oh and there are cute pets riding on your stagecoach too.
Darkest Dungeon 2 offers an addicting gameplay loop and satisfying systems.
This Lovecraftian road trip takes you to the guts whether it's during the strategic fights that end in sweat and blood, in the introspection of the heroes or in the exploration of the dreadful places. Darkest Dungeon II made the risky bet of not being content with being an improved version of the first opus. Although we may regret some changes, we must still note that the game has found its identity. The pre-eminence of the rogue-lite aspect is the strong choice of Red Hook which thus manages to create the impression of facing adversity that is beyond us. The game is not perfect, however, suffering in particular from rather hollow passages with the diligence and from its sometimes punitive hazardous dimension. Intended mainly for seasoned players, this title will delight those who have a taste for optimization and effort.
Darkest Dungeon 2 is a challenging yet fun roguelite experience, even if it does sacrifice some of what made the original great.
Darkest Dungeon 2 is a worthy sequel to the 2015 original. It’s a fearless alteration of a well-known formula, while also building a game that you really don’t need any context for. Despite issues with some of the best aspects of the game being thinned by its new formula, Darkest Dungeon 2 remains one of the most exciting strategy games in a while.
The general loop concept is cool, I like the cart traversal, the paths and the thematic. Placing trinkets and combat items as well as planning at every moment is key. As for the combat, I like the mechanics and positioning rules. The amount of character abilities and combinations possible is very big and invites you to think a lot about composition. You'll die a lot, if you don't like that or thinking stuff a bit too much this is not your game. Otherwise, it is a fun run. The stress events almost always end up in meltdown so I feel they are pointless. Progression relies on rerunning the level, getting candles and buying upgrades, as well as visiting shrines to unlock caracter abilities. It may be a bit grindy and gets a bit repetitive. I only completed the Denial chapter and took 10+ hours, and feel I've had enough.
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PC
Overall bitter taste after trying it.
Drawing got much better, I wan't fun of chibi in the first DD1. Fighting got more predictable, reworked skills are awesome, token system is cool. And... that's it.
Sequel is more repetitive with no diversity between runs apart from different comps. Every region is the same, just different colour scheme, doesn't feel like progression. I finished the Mountain from the first try, and then game just tells you to do it again... no fun beating the same enemies over and over when there is nothing new awaits at the end except more same enemies. Again, yet to see anyone doing Rogue-like as good as Binding of Isaac
Relationship system is meh. Not bad, but it's too many things to take care of now. Driving the cart is useless. No log to understand what happened. No dungeons.
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PC
Summary Darkest Dungeon II is a roguelike road trip of the damned. Form a party, equip your stagecoach, and set off across a decaying landscape in a last gasp attempt to avert the apocalypse. The greatest dangers you face, however, may come from within...
Rated T
for Teen
Platforms:
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
Initial Release Date: May 8, 2023
Developer:
- Red Hook Studios
Publisher: Red Hook Studios
Genres:
