Bandai Namco Games has a welcoming gift for people that pick up Dark Souls II early. The Black Armor Edition (the standard launch copy with a soundtrack and metal case) and the Collector’s Edition will include codes that give players early access to the Black Armor Weapons pack. In addition to the regular starter weapons, the Black Armor Weapon Pack adds items players would usually find in Dark Souls II. Possible spoiler alert since the descriptions reveal where you can find these goodies.
Black Flamestone Dagger and Black Flamestone Parma – A dagger and shield encrusted in Black Flamestone both found in the Gutter at Black Gulch. Even though they are heavier than a normal dagger and shield, the Flamestone crystal’s unique properties make the dagger extremely sharp and give the shield high resistance to damage.
Yellow Quartz Longsword and Yellow Quartz Shield – A straight sword and small shield hardened with yellow quartz both uncovered at the bottom of the Iron Keep. Even though these items can break easily due to their high level of corrosion, they are exceptionally light and their power to inflict damage has not declined.
Bound Hand Axe and Bound Wooden Shield – A brutal hand axe and shield found in the Undead Purgatory. Both items are wrapped in chains and thorns to cause additional bleeding on enemies. Both the axe and shield have diminished in overall slashing power but their ability to deliver pain has been deliberately increased.
Homunculus Mace and Homunculus Wooden Shield – A mace and shield with spherical protrusions found in Aldia’s Keep. Although heavier-than-normal maces and shields, the hard protrusions greatly increase the striking power of the mace as well as the shield’s defensive capabilities.
Transgressor’s Staff and Transgressor’s Leather Shield – A staff and leather shield entwined with an unknown and seemingly lackluster element; these items are found in the Dark Chasm of Old. They have become a catalyst for sorcery and hex and cause an effect known as Darkness.
Having these weapons should make Dark Souls II easier, but giving players a helping hand kind of goes against what made Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls before it unique. From Software’s Souls games are punishing yet extremely rewarding when you beat a boss. Giving players an advantage to tackle the challenge blunts the triumph to some degree because you started the challenge with an edge.
Dark Souls II comes out for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on March 11. A PC version will be released after the console versions.
