Dark Souls II Tidbits

Reddit user luutz has transcribed and translated some new tidbits on Dark Souls II fresh off a preview from famed Japanese magazine Famitsu. While you shouldn't expect any game-changer from these tidbits, it does sound like they'll have some interesting effects on the various builds playstyle and the title's balance, compared to the original Dark Souls:
Controls

  • There's a new special attack called the "guard break" which is like a riposte, except after breaking someone's guard. Great for strength builds?
  • L3 = jump while running
  • Press R1 while two-handing a bow to shoot from left quiver, and R2 for the right.


Magic+Miracle Descriptions

  • 1st row: Soul Arrow, soul spear, and an "exploding" soul spear magic that makes magic rain from the sky.
  • 2nd row: Magic greatsword, a fire whip-like spell, and a fireball spell which damages both enemy and caster.
  • 3rd row shows miracles: Replenishment, a buffing spell that increases atk and def, Lightning Spear, and Dark Orb/Sphere that steals stamina (not magic).


Item Descriptions

  • 1st row: Life gem, stronger life gem, grass that restores spell count (new!), and a stronger version of that grass.
  • 2nd row: Green blossom, sticky white stuff-like enchanting item, bomb with magic damage, and estus.

Thanks to Official Xbox Magazine for first noticing it and bringing it to our attention.