Dark Souls 2: 10 Lessons All Games Must Learn From It

6. Taking Risks Should Result In Big Rewards

Nearly everything in Dark Souls 2 comes with a risk. Carrying a large number of souls might be great for future investments but two deaths without a recovery and you've lost those souls €“ forever. Some items are also placed in areas which force you to take great care to prevent a fall; the Lost Bastille in particular has many items placed precariously along its various battlements. At the end of all these risks is a reward though; why else would we place our character's life in danger over and over again? A great example comes very early on in Cardinal Tower €“ there's a room filled with ballistas and enemies which can send you back to the last bonfire scarily quick. Clearing the room out results in a number of treasure chests and a useful miracle; risking your life here pays off massively. More games need to introduce that risk and reward strategy; it adds to the overall sense of accomplishment and victory. We all love to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and to do so, we need to feel like our lives are on the line the entire time.