I should answer myself I guess...
guild wars 2- I absolutely love the game and I actually find the combat really enjoyable. I like all 3 game types, but it especially shines in PvP. even so, comparing even fairly action-y MMORPG combat (you know, in an ACTUAL MMO) is pretty stark. i think the two games complement each other very well when you can play both, but I keep thinking about how much I want to double jump, slide, or just fucking headshot something
Still, the wintersday event is fun and I love the guild so it's a good time as always. If anything, it highlights how much the other elements of a game can hold up gameplay; though it better be good to begin with or I'm not interested
dark souls 2- the controls and gameplay are sublime. There are aspects of the control that are actually better than Destiny, even though it's more complex. There's nothing like the "sprint cooldown confusion" with sprinting in Souls games. Melee feedback in the Souls games has always been like my favorite thing ever, and I play like a ninja-style close range character with lots of backstabs and no shield. I love it. However, the part I'm at right now is crushing me. I can't get past this damn lava. But the series is Castlevania-hard, it's meant to break your spirit and force you through. I'm getting past it tonight one way or another, fuck. I have been thinking about it though, in the Souls games I feel like I'm ill-equipped for an entire world of danger and pain all around me, in Destiny I feel like a badass. As much of the time that I'm frustrated while seeing the result of an engram or a loot roll after completing something, the vast majority of the time I'm actually killing stuff I feel completely up to the challenge, which is fun in a different and very enjoyable way.