It's the perfect entry. From a character building and equipment standpoint, it's the most streamlined of the Souls games. That's not a knock against it either.
How has this been for player count? I only got invaded 2 times when I played but wish I had more, probably since I did not play it in its prime. It was thrilling when it happened.
Fuck yes. This is literally the only game I ever regretted missing out on when it was free. A lot of great free AAA games have come and gone that I've missed out on but nothing I regret.