I enjoyed the Dark Souls endgame. Due to me usually getting to games later than others, and the huge community that formed around the game, I ended up reading about these places before I was even playing. I heard a lot of mixed opinions but for the most part I came away with post Anor Lando is weaker than the 1st halfish of the game. And that is true to an extent, but I never had to force myself to play or to finish this game during the endgame. In fact, I played it more frequently than ever...
Duke's and Crystal Cave were beautiful areas that started off in a surprising fashion. It was also home to Seath, an awesome character in the lore of the game, and the tail of which was one of the most challenging things I did all game. Also, completing Big Hat Logan's quest line was a great moment, when I got his spells and literally said Fuck Yeah Dark Souls, get some.
Catacombs gave me one of the most oh fuck moments I had in the entire game. It wasn't that long prior that I was in the Painted World, and ran into my most hated enemy yet, the pinwheel skeleton. I'm cruising along and well, you know. I'm in a zigzagging sprint of what I assume to be sure death only to barely escape by inches. If I could have flipped them off afterwards I would have.
I was ready for Tomb of Giants, light wise. Getting that divine ember out of that room full of giant skellies was palpitating, as I was suicide running for it in a tiny room that I hadn't really planned for at all. Then I run into the dogs and realize no matter how powerful I get my character to be, this game will put me back into my place at a moment's notice.
New Londo Ruins was fascinating to me, the ghosts literally made me jump on more than 1 occasion, and gave me an unnerving feeling at times in places that oozed atmosphere. Followed up possibly the coolest boss battle in the game.
Had no problems with Demon Ruins or Lost Izalith. The latter of which being so short that I sat there surprised and saying, that's what everyone was complaining about? Running across that lava for my life was nerve-wracking, and the bitchness of the boss battle there was made less annoying due to the ease of getting back.
Then I got to end things. And damn was I satisfied.
I'm not going to change anyone's opinions who experienced it. But I have felt that the From needed to finish the game argument to fall short in many ways. Just my humble opinion.