Dark Souls II: Crown of the Old Iron King

A fun throwback to the feel of Dark Souls, but easier than we'd hoped.

Crown of the Old Iron King rewards players who accept its difficulty and required effort

Is Dark Souls 2's second expansion a song of ice and fire? Nope, that's ash, not snow.

From Software is able to create an eerie tower to climb down, but at the same time, doesn't really deliver on anything that we haven't seen before. The formula has changed slightly, giving players a little more freedom in what they want to do, but at the same time, pacing in how bosses are introduced could have been structured better and more varied.

For those that have yet to venture into Drangleic, this updated release might just be the best opportunity to jump in. Meanwhile, fans that have already conquered Drangleic may find it a convenient excuse to tackle it all once again.

Dark Souls II: Crown of the Old Iron King is even better than its predecessor. The fact that it's so close to perfection only makes it more painful that they marred such an excellent scenario with an uncharacteristically lazy decision for an optional boss.

So, while this expansion is still fun, it's the least worthwhile addition to the Souls experience to date.

The most disappointing area is tied to another optional boss, accessible only after you gain the titular Crown using the 'enter memory' mechanic. It lacks any of the distinct qualities of the Iron Keep or the Brume Tower, consisting of a series of windowless iron rooms and arranged ambushes.

Crown of the Old Iron King is another accomplished and well-constructed addition to Dark Souls 2, with a pair of bosses who rank alongside the best the series has to offer.

If you want more Dark Souls II content, you have to grab this. If you enjoyed Sunken King, you'll like this.