I have faith that, with this and Duskbloods, they're taking online play more seriously. But still I'm with you in waiting for reviews to confirm that's the case before considering buying it. Network test existing doesn't tell us anything about how the final product performs until the final product is released.
There are some things "wrong" with it, like with all of them, but I love it. Especially the DLCs.
Yes, and you can do it multiple times, with the NG+ bump persisting and also increasing per each proper NG+ cycle. So if you were on NG and used bonfire ascetics to fight the same boss 3 additional times (NG+3 difficulty), when you finish the game and come back in a proper NG+ that area will be NG+4.
Speedrunners use it to farm to the 1 million soul memory threshold for a certain locked door and skip a lot of the game. There are also some unique item drops from bosses in NG+, like the soul for Moonlight Greatsword.
I really wish they had kept the bonfire ascetic mechanic in DS3 and Elden Ring. Not to mention DS2's NG+ cycles add additional enemies and some shop items, so it's a bit different and gives some incentive to actually play through multiple times. It's one of those quirky DS2 things they took a chance on and got it right.
DS2 has bonfire ascetic which lets you bump an area up by one NG+ level and respawns the boss.
Raw red onion with some dijon mustard...
Location is very important. If you don't get any nibbles or see anything jump, try moving to a different spot.
Time of day and patience are key. Sometimes you'll get bite after bite, and then the next time at the same spot, nothing.
Also try switching up your bait if it's not working, but you think there are fish there, as they can be picky eaters. Using shiny lures seems to work well.
Never underestimate the effectiveness of giving the line a little jiggle as you reel it in to simulate live prey.
I like to bring gloves to protect my hands from sharp fins (some can cut the shit out of you easily), as well as pliers to remove the hook as quickly and painlessly as possible.
I've also learned I should bring maybe more than one spare tire, but driving slower on the sharp shale roads will reduce likelihood of puncture, and expect a shattered windshield.
Yeah the roads can get pretty rough up there. I agree that taking your time is the best bet. You could bring some tire sealant just in case - Canadian Tire sells bottles of green "Slime 2-in-1" sealant. You would still need to get to a gas station to refill the air, but it could save you a lot of hassle just in case.
My former neighbour made this trek and had a blast. I haven't been all the way up there, but I have been to Yukon which I believe you will have to pass through. While you're there I suggest checking out Dawson City where you can camp next to the Yukon River.
Also check out Tombstone Territorial Park.
Bring bear spray.
Mine arrived and I am pleased with how quality it feels.
D-pad is better than I expected. No more stick drift. Cost half as much as an Xbox controller. You can't go wrong.
My Ultimate 2C is being delivered today and I'm very excited.