Yeah that's fair. Personally I like it because it gives ya a distinctly different way of engaging the enemy than dodging, with a different (albeit delayed) reward. To me the health loss is more of an investment than a punishment, ya know? The punishment only comes if I fuck up.
The game is definitely largely influenced by Dark Souls, especially in terms of map design and equipment.
It's the movement and rally system that I think it pulls from Bloodborne. Wasn't Bloodborne the game to introduce enemies picking up your souls as well?
I'm still early in the game (maybe I'll get my ass handed to me later lol) but the enemies I've fought so far with 3-4 hit combos have enough time between each attack to parry/dodge, attack, rinse, and repeat. If there's a bunch of weaker mobs I make sure to clear them out first.