When comparing DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin vs Lords of the Fallen 2014, the Slant community recommends Lords of the Fallen 2014 for most people. In the question“What are the best Action RPG games on Steam?” Lords of the Fallen 2014 is ranked 25th while DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin is ranked 31st. The most important reason people chose Lords of the Fallen 2014 is:
Lords of the Fallen has been pretty much modeled after the Dark Souls series with gameplay that is very similar. Though with LotF, the gameplay is a bit easier, with enemies not being as excruciatingly as tough. While the easier gameplay does make Lords of the Fallen more accessible, it is still a difficult game in it's own right.
Specs
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Pros
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.
Pro Easier than the Souls series
Lords of the Fallen has been pretty much modeled after the Dark Souls series with gameplay that is very similar. Though with LotF, the gameplay is a bit easier, with enemies not being as excruciatingly as tough.
While the easier gameplay does make Lords of the Fallen more accessible, it is still a difficult game in it's own right.
Pro Highly detailed graphics
Lords Of The Fallen features some very gorgeous graphics, something that really sets it apart from the game it takes its inspiration from.
Pro Arcade like combat
The combat in Lords of the Fallen is a bit arcade like in that it plays like a hack and slash more so than a tense combat parrying game. This makes for an easier to get into game.
Pro Risk/reward loot system
There is a risk reward loot system within Lords of the Fallen in where the player, the further they progress without saving, the better loot they will receive as drops. So depending on when the player wants to save can create a very tense situation when having not saved in over an hour and running low on health. It runs the risk of losing all of the players progress since last saved all for the hope of better items.
Cons
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.
Con Frame rate issues and crashing
Lords of the Fallen has suffered from frame rate issues and crashing since it's release. Various patches have been released to address these issues but they still remain to be an issue.
Con Last half of the game can be too easy
In the second half of Lords of the Fallen the player is able to accrue runes that allow for stat boosts, making the game arguably a lot easier that the first half.
Con Flat story
The story in Lords Of The Fallen never really explains much to the player, leaving the player feeling a bit disconnected from the game, not really caring about the characters or their outcome.