In the expansive world of gaming, discussions surrounding the Dark Souls franchise have always sparked passionate debates among fans. One of the most contentious topics is the reception of Dark Souls 2, often labeled as the weakest entry in the series by some gamers. However, this perception may overlook some exciting and ambitious elements that were ultimately left on the cutting room floor. Recently, YouTuber Zullie the Witch uncovered an intriguing tidbit about an unimplemented boss battle that would have featured a giant hermit crab adorned with elements of the Lost Bastille.

As Zullie the Witch revealed in a detailed video, the Lost Bastille was initially designed to host a formidable crustacean boss battle. This would not have been just any ordinary giant crab; the creature was envisioned to carry a portion of the Lost Bastille itself on its back, adding a unique twist to the gameplay experience. Fans of the series might find this particularly fascinating, as the dark fantasy world of Dark Souls is no stranger to unusual and memorable boss encounters.

The video delves into speculative scenarios regarding how this boss battle could have been executed. One possibility involves the player confronting the gigantic crab in an expansive arena located right in front of it. However, Zullie suggests a far more engrossing alternative: players could have ventured inside the castle tower, descending spiral stairs to attack the crab from behind. This would make for a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience, wherein players could earn the coveted Malformed Shell, originally intended as the two-handed hammer of the Hermit Crab. Additionally, the Malformed Claw, another item associated with this scrapped boss, showcases the depth of the games design intentions.

It appears that FromSoftware, the developers behind the Dark Souls series, had a keen interest in incorporating crab-like creatures into Dark Souls 2. The game files even contain references to a second crab-centric design in the Bastille area. This alternative version featured a more intricate design, boasting multiple legs and a rounder body, with a head that suggested it could leave its tower shell. Such mechanics would have allowed players to exploit brief windows of opportunity to deliver devastating attacks on the creatures vulnerable underside.

These revelations serve as further proof that Dark Souls 2 possessed numerous innovative ideas that never made it into the final product. Among these, the game's dynamic lighting system stands out, a feature showcased pre-launch by FromSoftware but later abandoned. Modders have since restored this system, underscoring the passion within the community to keep the game alive and evolving. Furthermore, many players have noted a pervasive sense of emptiness in various areas of Dark Souls 2, reminiscent of certain PS2-era dungeon crawlers, giving the game a unique atmosphere that is hard to define yet deeply felt.

The debate surrounding Dark Souls 2s merits continues to thrive within the gaming community. In 2020, writer James Davenport sparked controversy by highlighting the games hidden brilliance, a stance that many players vehemently opposed, often attributing the game's shortcomings to a lack of creativity. In 2022, Lincoln Carpenter chronicled the plight of defenders of Dark Souls 2, while just last year, Sam Greer declared that time has redeemed Dark Souls 2. However, this assertion itself is up for debate, as many fans argue that the game never required redemption in the first place.

In conclusion, the recent discovery of a cut boss battle exemplifies the rich tapestry of ideas that shaped Dark Souls 2, reinforcing its value within the broader narrative of the gaming world. As discussions about the game continue, it is clear that Dark Souls 2 remains an intriguing subject for both critique and celebration, with revelations like these only adding fuel to the fire of passionate debate.