Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Despite loads of fantasy violence, this tough RPG impresses.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Dark Souls II
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this is an intense and challenging video game that blends dark fantasy elements with a steep learning curve, making it suitable primarily for older teens due to its difficulty. While the gameplay offers deep mechanics and rewarding experiences, the content includes themes of violence and some mature elements, which may not be ideal for younger players despite the option to reduce graphic content.
- intense challenge
- dark fantasy
- suitable for older teens
- rewarding experiences
- mature elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
DARK SOULS II is the highly anticipated sequel to one of the most notoriously difficult role-playing games (RPGs) in recent memory. This Japanese-made adventure definitely includes some of the series' hallmarks: third-person action, unrelenting enemies, eerie labyrinths to explore, and epic boss battles. But there's lots of fresh content too: a new undead hero, an updated story line, advanced graphics, and both cooperative and competitive multiplayer support. Along with many weapons to master, Dark Souls II includes lots of customization options, unlockable moves, and various soul-sucking skills to use against enemy ghouls, zombies, giant rats, and the like.
Is It Any Good?
With its dark atmosphere, thrilling combat, and memorable enemies, Dark Souls II ends up being just as gratifying as its predecessor. Rather than being kept on a short leash, this time you're rewarded for exploring all the spooky environments found throughout the land of Drangleic (picking up secrets and collectibles along the way), while the intense combat rewards you with weapon and armor upgrades, new skills, and other assorted goodies. Also, if you found the first game a bit too hard, you'll be pleased that Dark Souls II goes easier on you than its infamous forerunner, making for a less frustrating experience overall. (Note: Although it's rated Teen by the ESRB, there's still a lot of stuff here that may be too disturbing for younger players.) However, if you enjoy fantasy combat with great pacing, an enjoyably dark plot, and ultra-creepy boss fighters, Dark Souls II is worth your time and money.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Is fantasy violence such as this tame by today's standards -- enough to net a Teen rather than a Mature rating? As Common Sense Media lists here, other role-playing games (RPGs) have considerably less violence, blood, and gore.
Game Details
- Platforms : Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 , Windows
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Namco Bandai
- Release date : March 11, 2014
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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