When comparing Dead or Alive 5 Last Round vs DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin, the Slant community recommends Dead or Alive 5 Last Round for most people. In the question“What are the best PS4 games that run at 60fps?” Dead or Alive 5 Last Round is ranked 14th while DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin is ranked 17th. The most important reason people chose Dead or Alive 5 Last Round is:
Being that this is basically a "game of the year" release all previous DLC is included with the game making for a definitive edition of Dead or Alive 5.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro All original DLC included
Being that this is basically a "game of the year" release all previous DLC is included with the game making for a definitive edition of Dead or Alive 5.
Pro Every character can use multiple stances
Dead or Alive has always had stances built into the game, unlike other series like Street Fighter where one or two characters may have a stance that can change, Dead or Alive has this for all characters, and multiple stances at that. The stances allow for different moves to be pulled off depending on which stance the character is in. This makes for a great way to mix up the gameplay as there are so many choices and moves to be pulled off.
Pro Allows for original Japanes voice acting with subtitles
While the English voice acting is pretty bad, the game does allow for players to switch to the original Japanese voice acting with English subtitles. This makes for a better experience as well as allows for those that prefer to play with the Japanese on to do so (as not all foreign games allow this).
Pro Interactive environments
Players can push others up against walls and there are areas in each stage called danger zones that make for an area where one can fall down to another part of the stage. When in the danger zone the player in trouble also has a chance to grab their opponent, thus allowing for a way to switch situations. This all adds a level of complexity to each stage and each players tactics that can make the game more interesting over a game with static stages.
Pro Intuitive fighting mechanics
The basics of the fighting system is a rock, paper, scissors mechanic where certain moves defeat others. Say if a user throws a punch at the same time another user tries a throw, the punch will win. While there are more layers to this, this is the basic way the system works, which is easy to grasp, even for those that do not often play fighting games, making this one accessible.
Pro Not an RPG
The entirety of the Dark Souls series are NOT RPGs!!! They are Action Arcade Shooters with swords...otherwise known as a Third-Person Shooter.
Pro New lighting system
Before the original Dark Souls II was released the developer had shown off a lighting system where areas were pitch black and a torch was necessary to see. This was eventually removed before the release. Now with the release of the DX11 version, DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin is able to actually have this lighting system working on par with what was shown of years ago pre-release.
Many areas will now be completely dark and in order to traverse them the player will need to use a torch to see and light static torches throughout the level to keep it lit. This will then allow the player to go through the level without the aid of the torch in order to battle all enemies that lay within. this overhauled lighting system creates a whole new play mechanic that will force players to tackle levels in a completely different manner than the original game.
Pro Slow and deliberate fighting with reward/risk mechanics
Each enemy encounter needs to be calculated and precisely timed, as any mistake will most likely mean death. An added level of complexity to this equation is enemies that can be ignored but will then gang up on the player once a boss is beaten. This creates a risk/reward scenario that the player needs to weigh with a lot of thought.
Pro Excellent boss battles
There are many iconic boss battles throughout the game that make for some of the most difficult moments to be played. But once finally defeating a boss the feeling of accomplishment is well worth it.
Pro Expansive fantasy settings
Dark Souls II offers a wide variety of locales to explore, all within a fantasy setting. The amount of differing locations does give a feeling of lack of cohesion though but does have the benefit of locations that are wildly different from each other, which can be refreshing at times.
Pro Branching gameplay with plenty of choices
The branching gameplay within Dark Souls II makes for not only a great way to tailor each adventure to each player keeping everyones experiences unique, but also a reprieve from many difficult points in the game. If one area has become to tough or something has the payer stuck from advancing further, an alternate path in the game can be taken to wholly different areas. This allows for a multitude of options on how to level up as well as well as many different options in finding and equipping that found gear.
Cons
Con Horrible English voice acting
The English dub for this game is bad. Voices do not match the characters, much of the acting is over the top or just straight up unbelievable. While this can be seen as a non serious game it would have been nice to see the localization team give a bit more care to the voice acting, as is, it is pretty bad.
Con No friend matchmaking for online play
You can only do ranked matches for online play there is no option to play against ones friends. This really limits the multiplayer for those that do not like playing against random opponents.
Con Lower quality over next gen consoles
The PS4 and XBone version of the game has better graphics over PC as well as more content. The game was also released months late and missing online play for many more months. This speaks to what priority the devs have over the PC version, which may upset some people.
Con Not and RPG
The entirety of the Dark Souls series are NOT RPGs!!! They are Action Arcade Shooters with swords...otherwise known as a Third-Person Shooter.
Con Difficulty that requires a lot of time and patience
To be honest, difficult is a nice way of putting it, this game can destroy ones will to live. It is not even worth counting how many times one dies, as it will be in the hundreds if not thousands. Only through patience and sure determination will many reach the ending of the game. So much time is needed in order to replay many areas and bosses over and over in order to learn the exact timing and what moves to use that not many people can spare it.
This is not a game for casual players, that is for sure.