DARK SOULS II

Developer: From Software
Genre: RPG/Strategy/Action
Platform: Xbox 360

The much anticipated sequel to the 2011 cult classic, Dark Souls is now in stores and sparking debates and discussion worldwide. From Software's Dark Souls series is best known for challenging and strategy based gameplay, a vague, subjective storyline and numerous, memorable boss-fights in each game. The story is set in the world of Drangelic where the cursed undead protagonist is sent on a journey to collect souls to remove the curse.  Storywise, Dark Souls II is not directly related to the preview game, but it is set in the same world, only during a different point in time.
Back in Dark Souls, frame rate was a problem which led to a lot of frustrating lags in certain areas. The framerate is locked at 30fps. Huge improvements have been made on lighting and texture as well, giving the game greater depth and detail. There are plenty of sights to see, and the exploration is easier on the eyes. There is a large variety of places, adding to the depth of exploration in the game.
The gameplay, as stated above is challenging. Expectations were that this Dark Souls game was going to be a whole lot easier (as inferred from cryptic statements from the developers), but thankfully, Dark Souls II is just as punishing and challenging, if not more, than its predecessor albeit a lot less confusing and more relatable. Players new to the series can hop right in, and some will prefer playing this game before playing the original Dark Souls. Just like in Dark Souls, this game involves dying frequently due to the difficulty. The entire appeal about the game lies in pushing through it despite the heavily stacked odds. The player has a different set of classes to choose from when starting the game, and there is more variety of options in hand when it comes to developing a build for the character. This time, two handed arsenals are mandatory. Even when traversing through dark areas, like tombs or catacombs, you have to carry a torch in one hand. This makes it tough to defend from attacks when some players, like yours truly, are used to having shields to block.
One rather quite annoying addition to the game is the decreasing life meter. With every death in the game, a bit of the life meter is slashed off to make it more challenging for the player and at the same time emphasise caution.
Dark Souls II is a completely open world game, unlike Dark Souls where one had to unlock most of the areas to proceed with the storyline. The game is relatively lenient in handing the player with the reins, as there are multiple approaches to any area or destination. Fast Travel between bonfires (save points) are unlocked from the beginning of the game, whereas in Dark Souls I you had to trudge through over half the game to unlock that ability.
Another difference lies in the boss-fights. The bosses are a bit less scary. Half the bosses gave me mini-heart attacks when they showed up. Nevertheless, bosses in Dark Souls II are still highly challenging and enjoyably stimulating in their own ways. Only the effect is different. And less dramatic.
If you are already familiar to the series, or (if not) a fan of fantasy RPG and love challenging and tactical gameplay, and don't mind a vast 60-100 hour story mode/campaign this is a game for you.