Once it clicks, it’s like riding a bike. Started a second playthrough a year after beating it, and I beat Genichiro first try.

Peak game design.

Best From Software game in terms of movement and exploration. Best From game in terms of plot and presentation of that plot (it’s not completely opaque).

Not only the best combat in any From game, but the best combat in any third person game, period imo. It’s perfect, and the feeling you get when you finally get the timing right and beat a boss, is second to none.

Because you know that it was all you. No cheese builds, no OP weapons. You get better because you get better. And it makes every single win feel like a legitimate accomplishment.

I’d love to see a sequel