Dark Souls 2 lighting and textures are a 'delicate balance' for 'continuity,' dev says

Dark Souls 2's lighting and textures on consoles differs from pre-release footage to allow for "continuity in graphical quality, gameplay dynamics and balance within the game," a representative at From Software told MCV.

After it was released last week on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, players noticed differences between the pre-release versions of the game and its retail release.

The game's lighting effects were on display when we played Dark Souls 2 at E3 2013. An area filled with dangerous enemies was pitch black. We could only see our surroundings and adversaries if we swapped our shield for a lit torch in our left hand. That Dark Souls 2 section was also part of the gameplay reveal last year. Although the same area appears in the retail version, it's only dimly lit and does not require a torch to see.

A representative at From Software said that the differences resulted from a balance that delivered "continuity" to the game.

"Throughout the game development process, a game is constantly being balanced not only in game playability, but also in the realm of resource management," the From Software representative said.

"A developer is always challenged with creating the most rewarding gaming experience while delivering continuity in graphical quality, gameplay dynamics and balance within the game. The final version of Dark Souls 2 displays the culmination of this delicate balance and we're very proud of the positive media and fan reception for the game."

Dark Souls 2 will be released for Windows PC April 25. According to the developer, that version will launch with "increased texture resolution and an enhanced frame rate option."

For more on the game, be sure to read and watch Polygon's Dark Souls 2 review, our tips for beginners and returning masochists and the Overview video above.