DS2 seemed almost like they were trying to improve the game, which wasn't necessary. The animations were awkward and they focused far too much on graphics than story a logical use of items that already existed. The sequel also almost seems like the story from the first is nearly irrelevant, which definitely shouldn't be the case. Basically to me, it felt like I was playing a different series that tried really hard to be dark souls and the only reason they got the name, was because the same company made it.