Compared to when it first launched, It Takes Two has cooled down a bit.
After all, the game doesn't have much replay value.
Unlike Dark Souls, which has many strategies, the core of It Takes Two lies in its clever level design.
Once players have experienced the levels and item combinations, the only new fun comes from playing with a different partner.
The game itself no longer feels fresh to those who've finished it.
Plus, during this time, many other game companies have announced their future plans.
Some local publishers even brought in great overseas titles from last year.
All of this pulled a lot of players' attention away.
Even so, after GameSpace published the interview, it still drew plenty of attention.
The article had some edits, but the main points were clear.
Especially that part where Lucas spoke directly to the players, using his original words: "Every game carries my love for the players, and I've always been committed to creating games that warm people's hearts."
This interview was also translated into English and shared on overseas platforms.
During this time, Target Software also started releasing some of Nebula Games' earlier small titles overseas.
So anything related to Nebula Games, Target Software was actively promoting.
Plus, the influence of Dark Souls overseas hadn't completely faded yet.
Because of that, Lucas's interview caught a lot of attention from players abroad.
When they saw his words, many overseas players gave a big thumbs-up and started discussing it on forums and communities.
"I have to say, I'm really looking forward to this game designer's next project!"
"Yeah! Only someone who truly loves players can make such great games!"
"I heard Target Software, the company that published Dark Souls, is working to bring out some of his past classics. I can't wait!"
"I saw some videos on YouTube. Looks like this designer has a new game, a co-op one, and it feels really cheerful. I have to say, now I'm excited for all those heartwarming games too!"
"And the best part, the article hinted at a Dark Souls sequel?"
"Really? That's awesome!"
Players overseas were full of hype, but players back home had a different attitude.
"Sure, It Takes Two is really warm and sunny, but I'm still skeptical about what Lucas said!"
"Sounds nice and all, but why does it feel like he's just talking big?"
"+1. Love for the players? Fine, I'll believe that. But 'warming people's hearts'? Let's not take it too seriously."
"Love warrior or whatever… doesn't matter. Lucas's games still have to be bought."
"Don't listen to Lucas talking nonsense. Love warrior, warming hearts… just laugh it off. The real takeaway from this article is that the Dark Souls sequel is going to be a prequel!"
"Exactly! That's the real point!"
"Yeah! This time the story of Dark Souls might finally be complete!"
"Haha, can't wait to see the faces of all those lore experts and theory guys. Who's going to be wrong, and who's going to get it right?"
"True! At least the lore community won't be fighting every day anymore."
"But why do I feel like it won't be that simple? The prequel could still have that fragmented storytelling!"
"Forget the story! The real thing is the difficulty! Didn't Lucas say it's going to be a brand-new crazy adventure with even bigger surprises? Or should I say, bigger scares!"
"Scares my foot! After getting beaten so many times before, we're mentally prepared now. I can't wait. NG+8 Ashen One reporting in!"
"Damn, NG+8! I heard that's brutal. I'm only on NG+3. Tell us how it feels, pro!"
"Not much, really. Just wearing Havel's set and the boss still smacks me around like a little chicken."
With this interview article from GameSpace, players' excitement was instantly set ablaze.
Some players believed Lucas when he kept talking about "warming people's hearts."
But many long-time Nebula Games players and Lucas' old fans said they wouldn't believe a single word.
Still, most players weren't really focused on whether Lucas was truly the so-called warrior of love or not.
What caught their attention was the news in the article about the prequel to Dark Souls.
During this period, die-hard Dark Souls fans had been constantly longing for news about a sequel.
Some even tagged Lucas on his official social media every few days.
Whether or not they got a reply didn't matter — they just wanted to make their feelings clear.
Now, the news of a new game had finally arrived!
As for the difficulty? They were supposed to be scared?
Compared to the early days after release, Dark Souls' gameplay had already been thoroughly explored, with a flood of high-level players emerging.
Videos of things like beating bosses without taking damage or killing them in record time had become common.
Online, there were more and more fun videos — like unexpected moments in random modes, meme-filled clips, lore analysis, and even hardcore records of world speedruns and boss speedkills.
So, most players were feeling very confident.
After all, they were no longer those clueless beginners from the early days of kindling the flame.
They weren't afraid of the game being too hard — they were afraid it wouldn't be hard enough.
When the time came, they would redeem themselves and show what it meant to be an excellent fire keeper!
Faced with countless players' enthusiasm, this time Lucas didn't stay silent. He logged into his official account and posted a message with a picture of a bonfire.
The post was simple:
"News about the Dark Souls sequel will be revealed at the gameplay expo. The new game's setting will be in the distant Age of Fire, and it will also fill in some story details. But one thing will not change — it will definitely bring players a journey of kindling the flame that they will never forget."
With Lucas' post, players were completely hyped.
This was as good as official confirmation.
Within ten minutes of the post, the comment section had already gathered thousands of replies.
Scrolling through, there were countless "this fire can't be kindled" memes.
But deep down, these players were actually very excited.
Because one thing's for sure — suffering is addictive.
(End of The Chapter)
---
Read +100 advanced chapters on my patre*n
patr eon.com/GustinaKamiya
Free Tier can read 3 advanced chapters
---