So, now I've beaten the third boss
and STILL haven't died once. Well, that's a lie - I died because the game glitched and an attack which went through an enemy decided not to register, thus leaving me open to a stupid insta-kill counter attack combo.
Let me rephrase: I still haven't legitimately died once in this game. And this isn't a humble brag as I'm hardly a Souls series master or anything. Just genuinely surprised at how far I've made it without dying or getting caught out by any of FROM's usual traps. The 20 blood vial limit is far, far too generous. Especially with the extra ones going in your stash. Which is nice and convenient honestly but also a little much perhaps.
Although, to be fair, I did nearly die to a certain sniper
when I finally encountered him in his hiding spot. But then he dodged onto the side of the tower and I knocked him off for an insta-kill. Felt good. Cheesy, but in a good way for once.