Hey, since the game is finally on a 75% sale, i bought it (without DLC) and while it's downloading, i took a look on the wiki at what the character's stats do and how they influence gameplay.

I have 400 hours on DS1 and 200 on DS2 so i was wondering if there was a place where i could look at the main differences between the games.

Or if you have the time i got a few questions:

• i saw a fire gem to infuse weapons with fire as a starting gift. It seems to be back the DS1's way with no scaling so is it as OP as in DS1 where you just leveled your HP and EquipLoad Stamina with a fire weapon ?

• How are katanas ? I loved using Uchigatana in DS1 but i hated Katanas in DS2 as they felt so slow (well everything in DS2 felt slow including rolls)

• Is equip load relevant again ? OP in DS1, useless in DS2

• What gift would you start with ? It looks like Fire gem or 2k souls are the only good options

• Is dual handing a weapon good or not ? It was the way to go in DS1 with your shield in your back but in DS2 it felt like 2handing did nothing but slow you down

• What weapon's category feels good to use ? I played a lot with Uchigatana, Great Scythe, Zweihander, Greataxe and Queelag's fury in DS1 but in DS2 i didn't find anything that suited me, played a bit of curved sword and rapier.

• As i don't have the DLCs, will i know if the zone i can't get to is from a DLC so i don't look for hours how to access it ?

• Does parrying feel good like DS1 or is it as bad as in DS2 ?

Thanks !