If anyones gonna play something in the Dark souls series, definately play Dark souls 1 (the original) DS 2, for me was a dissapointment, I still play it but it didn't grip me like numero uno, the realization that Location A is right next to B because you discovered a shortcut was mindblowing. Gah, Dark souls 1 felt great running around and learning each place was connected...wow.
Dark souls 2 is just places split up that you warp to, with no sense of connection. Like a broken Puzzle.
I found out one of the major directors in Dark souls 1 wasnt present in the second game, which has got to be a reason why it didn't have the same effect. This same guy is present and currently working on "Bloodborne" so yeah things look decent!
@Clau - did you enjoy the Crown of the Sunken King DLC? I only have ever bought 1 DLC in my time, and that was the artorias expansion for Dark souls 1 and I enjoyed every damn bit of it!
Some things improved in DS 2 like sprinting, and the animations, but the visuals went back a step.
I still to this day, have to stop and look at Anor Londo, theres no place in Dark souls 2 that comes close to Anor Londo from DS 1