Dark Souls 2 Arrives March 11th In US, Collector's Edition And Black Armor Edition Available

March 11. That's the date Namco Bandai has invited the US to “go beyond death” with the release of the highly anticipated sequel, Dark Souls II. And for those who don't believe in the old saying “you can't take it with you,” there's even a spiffy Collector's Edition and Black Armor Pre-Order Edition up for grab.

This announcement was made official with the launch of a brand new trailer for Dark Souls II, seen above and arriving just in time to get everyone hyped during Tokyo Game Show.

For those unfamiliar with the series, the original Demon's Souls hit the PlayStation 3 a few years back, offering gamers a punishing difficulty and a risk/reward system that's second to none. With its light RPG elements, deviously designed levels and enemies and clever multiplayer implementation, Demon's Souls grew from cult status to an all-out hit. When its follow-up, Dark Souls, hit gaming machines a couple of years later, even more would-be masochists jumped on the bandwagon, building up the series' success.

Now Dark Souls II is primed to punish audiences for a third time, set to release on March 11 in the US.

“Offered in limited quantities and while supplies last, both the Collector's Edition and Black Armor Edition of Dark Souls II contain items that are sure to please fans of Dark Souls, a game that has been lauded by critics and fans to deliver one of the most challenging experience in video game history,” reads a statement from the publisher. You can expect the game on Xbox 360 and PS3 day one, with a PC launch to follow “shortly after.”

the Collector's Edition of the game will come with a Warrior Knight 12” figurine, as well as an exclusive hardbound art book, a full color fabric map and a metal case for storing your game and soundtrack. The Black Armor edition of the game features the same metal case with the game and soundtrack.

While you'll need to fork over a big extra for the Collector's Edition (still unspecified how much extra at this point), the Black Armor edition will be a free upgrade for all of the earliest pre-orders for the game, giving those who pre-order early an extra incentive to at least explore that option.

So, if you're ready to die over and over again come early 2014, now you know where you can put down your money to make that (decidedly dark) fantasy become a reality.

Ryan Winslett

Staff Writer for CinemaBlend.