From Software's much anticipated 2011 action-RPG sequel ,"Dark Souls 2,", was the biggest surprise at the 10th annual Spike Video Game Awards ceremony. The company promises that it will be "fresh while not forsaking its roots."

"Dark Souls 2" comes as exciting and as punishing as the previous Souls games. The latest version comes with everything that a gamer can expect as The Escapist Magazine puts it - "a lonesome knight, dragons (both of the dead and living varieties), oppressive architecture, beautiful vistas and a generous helping of violence."

The game is in development for PS3, Xbox 360 and PCs and is rumored to be arriving during the holiday season of 2013, though there has not been any official word on a release date yet.

"Built upon the foundation established by Souls series creator and Dark Souls II Supervisor, Hidetaka Miyazaki with development helmed by From Software Director Tomohiro Shibuya, Dark Souls II will feature a new hero, a new storyline, and an unfamiliar world for players to survive in while delivering its signature brand of unrelenting punishment that players hunger for," the game promises to be in the same vein as Namco Bandai, confirmed the press release.

Gamers will discover a revamped server-based multiplayer experience, which will bring in a distinct "Dark Souls 2 twist' to the concept of playing and sharing with others. "This new chapter in the Dark Souls saga presents opportunities for us to drive innovation in gameplay design, develop an entirely new story, and expand the scope of the world in which the player interacts with the game," said From Software's Tomohiro Shibuya, Director of Dark Souls 2. "We have taken these necessary steps with Dark Souls 2 in order to evolve the overall experience of the Dark Souls series."

Namco Bandai's follow up to Dark Souls will still maintain the punishing game play that the series is known for, with some unique enemies and epic boss fights. "Dark Souls II retains the core essence of Dark Souls while evolving to present new twists and challenges that are sure to please longtime fans and attract new comers to the series," says Carlson Choi, Vice President of Marketing at Namco Bandai Games America Inc. "From Software is going to take a very dark path with Dark Souls II; players will need to look deep within themselves to see if they have the intestinal fortitude to embark on this journey."

Namco Bandai confirmed that more details will become available in the months leading to its release and until we get concrete details on the game, check out the Dark Souls 2 trailer below.