Favorite game in the series. When I spend time thinking about it, I think DS1 is “better” designed and probably more memorable narratively, but I simply had the most fun playing DS2. It’s the game I go back to the most in the series, I just love it.

The combat is slow enough that positioning and patience make enough of a difference rather than simply rolling through everything. I really enjoy a lot of the mechanics exclusive to DS2, such as life gems, despawning enemies, bonfire ascetics, fun differences in NG+, etc. I get why people bounce off of it, but people also bounce off of whatever their fist souls game is initially as well. I think with a little patience it becomes a great experience.