Going to The Catacombs and Tomb of the Giants before Blighttown sure is interesting. I wanted to gain early access to some miracles and the divine ember, and somehow I forgot what a pain it would be to exit the place without the Lordvessel. Making my way from the TotG bonfire to the Cata bonfire
was the most tense experience I had in this game. All those giants and archers in the dark, the annoying Bonewheel Skeletons, a Black Knight, and a Necromancer fireball to the face makes this GOAT material right here. Resting at the bonfire and knowing I wouldn't have to redo the whole thing felt better than beating most other games.
While I'm on the subject, is that room with the divine ember the most evil thing in the game or what? I had to try so many different things (and 2 rings of sacrifice) to get that thing. Going later on with better gear and a ton of health makes it easier of course, but wow. See ya in 30 or so game hours after I have the Sunlight Maggot, TotG.