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Dark Souls II vs. Dark Souls: Graphics Quality Will Be Inferior

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10 years ago

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Recently, I’ve analyzed the most recent batch of Dark Souls II screenshots released by Namco Bandai and I’ve concluded that the upcoming game will have inferior graphics, effects and detail quality. To prove this statement isn’t just an opinion, I decided to create a proper comparison between Dark Souls and Dark Souls II visuals. Note that all the following images presented weren’t edited or improved in any way.

Comparison I: Environment

The first comparison mainly features two environmental scenarios and the difference between the two games is evident. While Dark Souls II presents a flat and poor detailed scene with barely any shadowing, Dark Souls exposes neat effects, refined frame details and proper lightning/shadowing. The characters presented also display huge differentiations. In Dark Souls screenshot, it’s possible to see all the little details in the character’s clothes, hair and accessories. However, in Dark Souls II the same cannot be done, the character lacks quality everywhere, for example the plate boots look like hard leather instead.

ds comp enviroment

Comparison II: Daylight Fight

For the second comparison I decided to pick two daylight combat images from both games and the contrast is abysmal. Once again, Dark Souls II presents a humble scene with blurry shadows, poor detail, no effects and a rusty quality. The ground looks more like 2D, the stones are completely smooth and uniform and the grass around has nearly no detail. The characters are no different, only the shield has a decent level of quality. Now, if you take a look at Dark Souls screenshot the characters are properly polished, every material is well refined and nothing looks flat. The advanced and dynamic lightning/shadowing system is quite noticeable too since it makes the whole scene look more realistic and natural.

DS comp daylight

Comparison III: Dungeon Fight

Dungeons and indoors locations are probably the most appealing scenes in Dark Souls II, since sunlight effects are inexistent, which means the rendering complexity is inferior. This comparison is not as harsh as the others; however there are still some differences. Dark Souls II clearly stands behind Dark Souls in terms of definition, detail and lightning effects. But in my opinion, the second game becomes graphically more equilibrated in this environment simply because the contrast is less perceptible.

ds comp dungeon fight

Comparison IV: Elite Monster Fight

Finally, the last appreciation features boss fights and sadly, Dark Souls II graphics are much inferior compared to the first game. First of all, the boss is extremely blurry, flat and undeveloped, there are absolutely no effects and the only way you get to know it’s a boss it’s due to its giant size and supposedly special weapon. In Dark Souls, the boss actually has a proper aura – it’s well shaped, finely detailed with several special and lighting effects. All these visual features crate an accurate sense of virtual reality, which intensifies immersion and engagement.

ds comp fight

What would players prefer – a humble, flat and poor detailed game or a realistic, refined and high quality one? I’m not sure why the second game is getting inferior graphics than Dark Souls but it’s quite worrisome and disappointing since it’s a clear sign of regression. Evolution is a standard rule in video games and it’s rare to see a new game with worse graphics than its own predecessor. Dark Souls II will be released on March, which means better graphics won’t be worth hoping for.

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11 Comments

11 Comments

  1. E-dogz

    January 21, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    LMFAO! Dude before you write an article you should probably check the images you use, for starters, both the images of dungeon fighting are both Dark Souls 2 images and the so called boss fight image for Dark Souls 2 isn’t a boss fight, we’ve seen multiple images of this huge knight with maul suggesting he is an enemy type.
    Also since you are comparing graphics you obviously were not in the Network Test which did have superior lighting and graphics compared to its predecessor. Next time check your facks before you right a biased article.

    Reply

    • E-dogz

      January 21, 2014 at 7:47 pm

      *facts, my bad spelled to fast to notice my mistake.
      Anways another thing I want to point out about this article is that your first point can be chucked out the window as well, you are comparing a night scene with a day scene, of course you aren’t going to be able to tell differences in clothes because it’s freaking dark. Then you try to compare details in hair design when the guy in Dark Souls 2 image is wearing a hood? Come on man, at least try to put effort into the article.

    • Marta Branco

      January 21, 2014 at 11:14 pm

      Thanks for your comment. I analyzed many screenshots and I gathered the ones more alike. I couldn’t find any decent day screenshots for DS2, therefore the night scene shot. As for the bosses, it’s irrelevant tot he comparison, normal monsters or bosses, the quality is still inferior.

  2. Markus

    January 21, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    This article is nothing but biased garbage. Like the other comment left here, I too noticed that the dungeon fight images both come from Dark Souls II. Also, if you didn’t notice, Dark Souls is a 100% completed game. Meanwhile, most, if not all, of these images of Dark Souls II are from an older build of the game. Therefore, its obvious that they won’t be as good. The game wasn’t finished. Also, how can you expect Dark Souls II on the consoles to be all that much better anyway? The PC version this time -will- have better graphics. So amusingly dismissible article. You do, however, get a B for writing style. It works well. F for effort though.

    Reply

    • Markus

      January 21, 2014 at 6:36 pm

      *So this is an amusingly dismissible article.

      I get an F for proof-reading. :P

  3. E-Dogz

    January 22, 2014 at 3:44 am

    Oh please, there are quite a few good day shots, you just wanted to create something bias to be a troll. I agree with Jim. The more I read it the more it leads me to think this is a troll article to just get people talking. You also didn’t seem to answer why you used two shots from Dark Souls 2 images in the dungeon section of the article yet claim one is Dark Souls, shows me you don’t know what you are talking about and again a troll article.

    Reply

  4. Ghandilol

    January 22, 2014 at 8:38 am

    Lol “the contrast is less perceptible.” That’s hilarious considering those screenshot are both from DkS2.

    Reply

  5. Thomas

    January 22, 2014 at 2:37 pm

    Have to agree that you should have done your research on the images used because they were pretty awful choices you chose for dark souls 2. The dungeons image you list for DkS1 is definitely from DkS2 because i played Dark Souls 1 many times and i never saw a dungeon that looked like that or that enemy type, which looks completely new nor was it from the DLC cause i played that.
    Sorry Marta while you attempted to make a decent article you choose terrible images which ruined the credibility of the article you wanted to create not to mention using images of an out of date version of DkS2, E for effort at least :P

    Reply

  6. Mojo

    January 22, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    It’s quite interesting, this is the only article talking about THAT particular subject.
    I remember the very first returns from “journalists” when the game was revealed : they said the visuals look like the cinematic, almost.
    It’s clear now that they were completely wrong.
    I think you are wrong nevertheless, the graphics from what I have seen will remain at the same level as Dark Souls, slightly improved :
    The environment are still cheap in term of details, polygons and texture quality.
    The characters are as detailed as in Dark souls 1, cheap for characters, good for armors.
    The only differences will be in animations and lighting / post-process which will increase the overall visual quality, concealing the poorness of the environment details.
    And I think Dark souls 2 is just a Dark Souls 1.5, a transition to make us wait and not forget, as they probably are working on the real Dark souls 2 ( whatever they’ll call it ), which I suppose will be Demon’s souls 2. After all, there can’t be other reason why Dark Souls’s dad is not at the wheel here.

    Reply

  7. Joel T

    March 8, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    I think one would know better than to write an article about which game people would prefer, when one of the games hasn’t even been released yet. And also making sure not to use two screens from the same game when comparing two games in a category. You’re bashing the game on something that, at the end, isn’t as important as the substance of the game. There are loads of games out there with amazing graphics that aren’t very good. Baldur’s Gate has terrible graphics, but it’s one of the greatest games of all time. I understand that we would like better graphics as a bonus, but true gamers know better than to take a game superficially. Also, it’s not that the dev’s *can’t* make the game better looking, it’s that the PS3 & X360 can’t handle much more. In the end, I disagree with this article, as I as well as several journalists agree that the game looks great. I say to you, Marta, let’s wait for the PC version to roll around. We know how notorious modders are for improving PC game visuals. Then this argument will be totally irrelevant.

    Reply

  8. Garry

    March 11, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    Sorry, but this article is rubbish. You’re describing something completely different than in the pictures and you don’t even mention which platform have the pictures been captured from.

    Then you say “Now, if you take a look at Dark Souls screenshot the characters are properly polished, every material is well refined and nothing looks flat.”

    You’re comparing two completely different sets of clothes and both lighting conditions are also completely different. And “nothing looks flat”? Seriously? Did you at least look at the floor?

    Reply

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Top 7 Video Game Based Movies You Must Watch on Hulu in NZ

Published

1 year ago

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March 28, 2023

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Hulu

Are you tired of playing video games all day long? Why not take a break and watch some video game-based movies on Hulu in NZ? With its vast collection of movies and TV shows, Hulu is the perfect platform to satisfy your gaming cravings.

From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, we would recommend you to get Hulu in NZ, because Hulu has it all. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ.

Assassin’s Creed (2016)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Justin Kurzel

Major Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons

Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes

The first on our list is the movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Assassin’s Creed.” Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, this movie follows the story of Callum Lynch, who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society of assassins. With stunning visuals and breathtaking action scenes, this movie is a must-watch for any Assassin’s Creed fan.

Rampage (2018)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Director: Brad Peyton

Major Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman

Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes

If you’re a fan of monster movies and video games, “Rampage” is the perfect movie for you. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie is based on the classic arcade game of the same name. The movie follows a primatologist who teams up with a genetically modified gorilla to stop two other genetically modified animals from destroying the city. With its over-the-top action and humor, “Rampage” is a fun-filled ride from start to finish.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

Director: Jeff Fowler

Major Cast: James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz

Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes

For all the Sonic fans out there, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a must-watch movie. Starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, this movie follows Sonic as he teams up with a human cop to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. With its fast-paced action and lovable characters, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a movie that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Mortal Kombat (2021)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Simon McQuoid

Major Cast: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson

Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes

If you’re a fan of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, you won’t want to miss the 2021 movie adaptation. With its gory fight scenes and iconic characters, this movie is a love letter to the fans of the game. The movie follows a group of fighters who are recruited to participate in a tournament to determine the fate of the world. With stunning visuals and non-stop action, “Mortal Kombat” is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Warcraft (2016)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Duncan Jones

Major Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster

Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes

Based on the popular MMORPG game, “Warcraft” tells the story of the battle between humans and orcs. Starring Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton, this movie follows a group of human heroes as they try to stop the orc invasion. With its epic battles and stunning visuals, “Warcraft” is a movie that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure.

Tomb Raider (2018)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Roar Uthaug

Major Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins

Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes

Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, “Tomb Raider” stars Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft. The movie follows Lara as she sets out on a dangerous journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. With its intense action scenes and captivating storyline, “Tomb Raider” is a movie that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Resident Evil (2002)

Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Major Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius

Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes

Last but not least, we have the classic zombie horror movie “Resident Evil.” Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, this movie is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The movie follows Alice and a group of survivors as they try to escape from an underground research facility infested with zombies. With its tense atmosphere and pulse pounding action, “Resident Evil” is a must-watch for any horror or action movie fan.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ. From the high-flying action of “Assassin’s Creed” to the terrifying zombie outbreak in “Resident Evil,” each movie offers its unique take on the beloved video games that inspired them.

Whether you are a die-hard gamer or a movie enthusiast, these movies are sure to satisfy your craving for pulse-pounding action and adventure.

Hulu in NZ offers a fantastic selection of movies and TV shows that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With these top 7 video game-based movies, you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite games and enjoy them on the big screen.

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Top Fighting Games on Android

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1 year ago

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February 21, 2023

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Fighting Games on Android

Fighting games have been a major sub-genre of the industry since the dawn of gaming. While the original fist-fighting game came out in 1976, the genre arguably peaked in the 1980s. Dozens of franchises came smashing down arcades, from Mortal Kombat to Tekken.

But gamers do not need to visit the local gaming center anymore to get in on the action, as platform fighters and hand-to-hand combat have long gone mobile. So, are you up for a brawl? Whether you’re into brutal MMA fights or formidable superhero battles, let’s round up some of the best fighting games to play on Android.

Marvel Contest of Champions

While movies and comic books are still at the core of its extended universe, Marvel has also expanded to the gaming medium. Much to mobile gamers’ dismay, though, exhilarating brawler games like Marvel’s Avengers and massive crossovers like Marvel vs. Capcom never made it to smartphones. But Marvel Contest of Champions is more than epic enough to make up for it.

Developed by Kabam, this versus-fighting action game features a pretty strong line-up comprising virtually every Marvel character in the book. Beloved heroes like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk are all set for battle throughout iconic Marvel locations, such as Asgard, Stark Tower, and Wakanda. Yet players may as well pick supervillains to pit against the good guys. So, assemble the strongest super-heroic team and combine each champion’s unique set of devastating attacks and special abilities. Better yet, this mobile Marvel game allows for competitive multiplayer fighting.

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG

Skullgirls is a solid contender for best mobile fighting game out there. This fighting RPG by Autumn Games has got some incredibly responsive battle animations going for it, and just enough grind to keep players engaged for hours on end. Fun special moves and combos take fast-paced combat to the next level, serviced by colorful background visuals and a jazzy soundtrack that may feel out of place but gives the game that much more flavor.

And all kicking and pummeling aside, Skullgirls has much in the way of the story, too. In an original twist on the genre, this 2D RPG features an all-female cast of quirky yet fierce hand-animated characters. Players may even customize their fighter while searching for the elusive Skullgirl and stopping her from destroying the city of New Meridian.

Mortal Kombat

Alongside Capcom’s Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat is probably the best-known fighting franchise in the world. The series stemmed from the idea of making a video game starring action movie superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme. Funnily enough, JCVD would eventually play center stage in the live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Still, Mortal Kombat spawned countless installations, TV series, and feature films.

And gamers can now experience the visceral fighting and trademark Fatalities that made the franchise so infamous straight on mobile. Mortal Kombat shows off a whopping roster of over 130 warriors, who level up through challenges of increasing difficulty. Teaming up fighters with matching synergies, mobile players can tackle ferocious enemies in online competitive mode or all on their own. This mobile version of the legendary game also includes a card collection feature.

EA Sports UFC

The intensity of the Octagon translates superbly to the gaming medium. Released by Electronic Arts on multiple platforms, EA Sports UFC quickly became the go-to title for gamers with a knack for mixed martial arts. And the mobile version doesn’t disappoint, pitting up to 97 UFC fighters against one another in heated fashion – and even martial arts legend Bruce Lee as an unlockable bonus. EA Sports UFC may thus be the perfect mobile game to dive into while waiting for the next big superstar comeback.

Meanwhile, prominent fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Nikita Krylov will keep fans on the edge of their seats in upcoming UFC events. And MMA enthusiasts can even spruce up the experience with a gamble. Reviewers like SBO have laid down the most profitable online bookies for punters to explore. The best sportsbooks offer a range of betting options on MMA, ranging from method of victory to total rounds. Lofty bonuses and welcome packages also await newcomers. And online punters can make bank out of even more sports, from the ultra-popular to the niche.

Fighting games are as old as time. But with improved gameplay and ever-so-striking aesthetics, they’ve remained fresh throughout the decades. And players can now get their fists to do the talking on mobile, from retro titles to inventive entries.

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What to Expect from Gaming and Online Casinos in the Next 10 Years

Published

1 year ago

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January 30, 2023

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Cards,Mouse,Coins and dice.

The 21st century has been a great time for gaming and online casinos. We’ve seen explosive growth in both sectors, with new technologies and platforms emerging constantly. The following 10 years promise to be even more exciting, as we’ll see even more innovation and growth in the gaming industry, as well as the online gambling industry.

In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends that we think will shape the next decade of gaming and online casino development. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gambler, read on to find out what the next 10 years have in store for you!

The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming

With many people stuck at home, they turned to digital platforms for entertainment, including gaming and slots sites. As a result, these sectors have seen explosive growth over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of technology, games have moved from physical pieces to digital pixelated ones, allowing for even more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.

With the online world ever-growing, it was only a matter of time before gambling followed suit. Nowadays, casinos are looking for ways to pull in more business through rewarding online slots promotions, as opposed to the regular operations in brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of online slots, poker rooms, and other casino games that are not only secure and safe to play but also offer a level of quality that is comparable to land-based casinos.

Although we have made a lot of progress, especially with online casinos and online slots games, there is still more to come. Here are some of the changes we predict for this billion-dollar online casino industry in the next ten years:

The increasing legalization of online casinos globally

As online gaming becomes more and more popular, we are seeing an increased push for the legalization of online gambling in countries all around the world. With more people playing on digital platforms and experiencing the benefits of online casinos, governments are recognizing this trend and moving towards changing laws to allow for wider access to these online gambling sites.

For example, in the United States, more states are beginning to implement legal gambling solutions due to the US federal government softening its regulations. And this trend will likely continue in the coming years, as more countries begin to recognize the benefits of legalizing online casinos which include increased tax revenues and a better way to regulate gambling in the digital age.

Virtual reality gaming

With the rise of virtual reality technology, we can expect to see casinos offer more immersive gaming experiences. Players will be able to experience realistic casino environments and games through VR headsets, allowing for an even more realistic gaming experience. Game developers are constantly releasing new concept games to online casinos, and we can expect these same sorts of fun, attractive experiences to be available in the next few years.

Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems

Another major trend that we will see in online casinos and gaming over the next decade is the use of blockchain technology. With this technology, players can rest assured that they are getting a fair chance to win while enjoying secure transactions and transparent gambling systems. Blockchain technology allows for all casino transactions to be recorded on an open ledger, making it difficult for casinos to manipulate the outcomes of games. As a result, players can enjoy more trust, transparency, and fairness in their online gaming activities.

Casino

Game development

When visiting an online casino, it is essential to find an operator that provides a good variety of games. For instance, slots games are very popular in the digital environment, finding a provider with a good variety of slots games will chance your experience. You could find different slots themes and choose the slot game you like the most. In the next ten years, we could be expecting new games integration with better graphics, creative and fun. Game developers will have a higher demand and they will be providing cool slots themes and other casino games.

Top of the line Live Dealer Games

Finally, we will also see more sophisticated live dealer games in online casinos and gaming over the next decade. With the rise of 4K and 5K resolution cameras, online casino providers have been able to offer gamers a much more realistic viewing experience.

These live dealer games can be streamed from various locations, allowing more people to join and play different types of online games. With a more advanced streaming quality, players can now interact with real dealers in real time and enjoy a variety of table games such as roulette, slots, blackjack, and baccarat. With so many exciting changes coming our way, we can look forward to even more engaging gaming experiences in the years ahead!

In Summary

Overall, it’s clear that the gaming and online casino industries are undergoing major changes as we look toward the future. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a casual player, there are exciting developments on the horizon that will shape how we interact with these platforms – and how they affect our daily lives. So if you’re looking for the best possible experiences from the gambling and casino industry, in particular, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting online casino trends as well as online slots promotions that suit your playing style.

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