PetriP-TNT
Member
Okay I finally finished this game yesterday, including all the DLC bosses (Kalameet, Artorias, Manus, dual Sanctuary bosses). I will not be moving on to NG+. There are too many mechanistic flaws for me to justify another playthrough. Specifically, subpar item/inventory management, infuriating camera, clunky combat (knockdowns, staggers, lag on running, hit box issues on smaller enemies, excessive startup on spells/item use, etc), grinding (particularly due to poor soul exchange on trading items/weapons).
I did get a great sense of accomplishment from taking down big and bad bosses, but I felt like my character wasn't growing despite 100+ levels gained. It felt like I was a regular NPC with better weapons and spells; and it never felt legendary, i.e chosen undead, successor to Gwyn. I remember seeing a blind and retired Gough down Kalameet with one shot, and saying to myself "What am I here for, again?" I'm supposed to outclass the knights of Gwyn, yet the relentless sword skills of artorias, and speed of Ornstein, I can never match. I think to myself "I wish my character could to that." I thought I'm supposed to be legendary?
People may hate to hear this comparison, but in Skyrim my leveled up character actually feels like a dragonslayer. In Dark Souls, my character looks like a dude who lost a bet or on a dare, taking on a dragon. And going through all that trouble to cut a tail off or getting boss souls only to craft a weapon (using an existing one which was difficult to level up) that I can't wield because the requirements are too high.
I wanted this to be the game of the generation, but it's just above average. It's hard, but it's not in the top 10 of hardest games I've player. Actual difficulty of the game is somewhat self imposed due to intrinsic mechanistic flaws, but the game is very beatable.
And on a side note, the framerate on the PC version is unwieldly. Just a poor all around conversion.
Not only I disagree on most of your gameplay complaints, I also feel that the thematic point of the game went over your head. :shrug