This is long but please read it. I've spent over 200 hours on this game and still going at it and having heaps of fun.
Yes it certainly is very challenging if you're used to games that don't punish you for anything you have done wrong like failing objectives and dying. And if you haven't played Demon Souls or watched strategic videos online then you would probably die about 20 times on the first boss which is right at the beginning of the game.
But don't despair! Once you've got used to the gameplay of trial-and-error, learnt to be cautious about what's around corners and started to summon online players to help you, this game will give you unlimited hours of fun!
A few things you can do in this game:
- Join the evil Dark Wraiths covenant and actively seek and hunt down other online players desperately trying to beat their levels. Disguise as part of the environment while you're at it.
- Help out fellow online players and help them beat the boss in a level where you're summoned.
- Join the Forest Hunters and fend off those who enter the sacred forest.
- Join the local policeman squad, The Blades of the Darkmoon, and bring the guilty to justice.
Customize your character to prepare for anything. Because you never know when other online players are going to invade your world. Be a melee fighter, a long ranged sorceress, a pyromancer or all three. But of course, specialization in one class makes you stronger in one aspect.
Personally, I think this game deserves a lot more credit than most players gave.