Dark Souls 2, the action role-playing game developed by From Software, is a beloved franchise in the gaming community. However, there has been a long-standing debate among fans as to whether Dark Souls 2 is considered part of the franchise’s canon. In this post, we’ll look closer at the canonicity of Dark Souls 2 and the evidence for and against it being considered part of the franchise’s official continuity.
Evidence for Dark Souls 2 is Canon
Direct Connections to Other Games in the Franchise
Dark Souls 2 features several direct references and connections to the first Dark Souls game, such as familiar enemies and locations, as well as characters and events from the first game being mentioned in the second. These references and connections suggest that Dark Souls 2 is meant to be considered part of the franchise’s official continuity.
An Official Part of the Franchise
Dark Souls 2 has been officially released and marketed as part of the Dark Souls franchise and is considered an official sequel by FromSoftware. This designation as an official part of the franchise suggests that Dark Souls 2 is meant to be considered canon.
Evidence Against Dark Souls 2 being Canon
Different Tone and Style
Some fans argue that the tone and style of Dark Souls 2 are significantly different from the first Dark Souls game and that this difference suggests that Dark Souls 2 is not part of the franchise’s official continuity.
Separate Development Team
A different team developed Dark Souls 2 than the first Dark Souls game, which some fans believe may have contributed to the differences in tone and style between the two games. This separate development team may have resulted in a different vision for the franchise, which some fans believe undermines the canonicity of Dark Souls 2.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the canonicity of Dark Souls 2 is a matter of interpretation and subjective opinion. While there is evidence to suggest that Dark Souls 2 is meant to be considered part of the franchise’s official continuity, there are also arguments that suggest the opposite. Whether Dark Souls 2 is considered canon is up to each franchise fan.
FAQs
Is Dark Souls 2 considered part of the official Dark Souls continuity?
The answer to this question is a matter of interpretation and subjective opinion. While there is evidence to suggest that Dark Souls 2 is meant to be considered part of the franchise’s official continuity, there are also arguments that suggest the opposite.
What evidence suggests that Dark Souls 2 is canon?
Evidence that suggests that Dark Souls 2 is canon includes direct references and connections to the first Dark Souls game and the fact that it has been officially released and marketed as part of the Dark Souls franchise.
What evidence suggests that Dark Souls 2 is not canon?
Evidence that suggests that Dark Souls 2 is not canon includes differences in tone and style between the first Dark Souls game and Dark Souls 2, as well as the fact that a different team developed Dark Souls 2 than the first Dark Souls game.
Who decides whether Dark Souls 2 is considered canon?
Whether Dark Souls 2 is considered canon is ultimately up to each franchise fan.
Is Dark Souls 2 considered a separate game or part of the franchise?
Dark Souls 2 is considered a separate game and part of the franchise. It is a standalone game in its own right but is also officially recognized as a part of the Dark Souls franchise.
Do the different development teams affect the canonicity of Dark Souls 2?
The fact that a different team developed Dark Souls 2 than the first Dark Souls game may have contributed to differences in tone and style between the two games. Still, it does not necessarily determine whether Dark Souls 2 is considered canon.
How does Dark Souls 2 connect to the first Dark Souls game?
Dark Souls 2 features several direct references and connections to the first Dark Souls game, such as familiar enemies and locations, as well as characters and events from the first game being mentioned in the second.
Are there any other factors that impact the canonicity of Dark Souls 2?
The canonicity of Dark Souls 2 can also be impacted by fans’ personal preferences and opinions and the official statements and marketing from the developers and publishers.
Is there an official stance on the canonicity of Dark Souls 2?
As far as it is known, there is no official stance on the canonicity of Dark Souls 2 from the developers or publishers of the Dark Souls franchise.
Does the canonicity of Dark Souls 2 impact gameplay or the player’s experience?
The canonicity of Dark Souls 2 does not necessarily impact gameplay or the player’s experience, as the game can still be enjoyed and appreciated regardless of whether it is considered part of the franchise’s official continuity.
Umair Ramzan
