ShittyDarkSouls

DS2 is my favorite of the Souls games. Its got so many diverse locations and build types. I LOVE that its so different from all the other games, it really feels like they put a lot more emphasis on the RPG elements. Its the one that feels most like an adventure to me and its got such a uniquely lonely atmosphere in a different way compared to the others.

I also love how distant it feels from DS1, like you are eons in the future of DS1, and everything from DS1 is just ancient legend. I kind of dont like how DS3 feels so direct as a sequel, and I kind of wished they had taken the distant approach of 2, minus the final boss, who I feel was very appropriate for what he is.

That being said, I do think DS1 is a better gane overall. If I had to rank the games as I enjoyed them, it would be: BB, DS2, DS1, ER, DeS, DS3

I dont get the hype around DS3. I really really dont. The game feels like such a boring slog, and it feels like your options to approach a situation are so limited. I think my biggest issue with DS3 is the roll. In DS1 and DS2, the roll was a tactical tool that you should use in some situations, though general movement could be a better way to avoid damage, or using a sheild, tanking, or dealing enough damage. In DS3, rolling is almost the only way to really avoid damage. Due to the fact so many enemies in 3 have very fast and long combos, it boils a lot of fights down to pure reflexes, which, imo, is kinda boring. I WANT to use my brain and position myself tactically in a fight, avoiding slashes by actually moving out of the way, rather than rely on i-frames.

Now, I am in the vast vast minority of players who play souls games and dislikes DS3. So at the end of the day, DS3 is just not for me. I understand that its considered a great game, but I simply do not like it. Elden Ring, however, I enjoy very much. I think the tactical options of Ashes of war, jumping, and the ease of changing builds makes the game a whole lot more interesting to play. Still too much rolling imo, but at least a super heavy build is very fun and viable!

I havent beaten Sekiro, but I really enjoy it so far! Sorry for the essay!