When Demon Souls first came out, I tried playing it and it kicked my ass hard, so I returned it and picked up Darksiders (which was much more enjoyable). It was at that point that I realized I didn't like that kind of game. However, when Dark Souls came out, I decided to check it out and borrowed a copy from Gamestop for 3 days and had the same issue, I just didn't like it because I literally could not do anything.
Well, a few days ago, my buddy and I both got the game and have been playing simultaneously over private chat and I've had a much better time playing it. I realized that the game just doesn't hold your hand in any situation. If you go into an area you are too weak for, you will not complete it, it's that simple. It's their way of saying find another path.
This isn't to say it isn't possible to do the graveyard and catacombs first in Dark Souls, but I think it'd be mighty hard. With all that said, I actually really like the game and enjoy the difficulty now that I've been able to get a grip on the system. My only complaint is the invasion system. I'm sick and tired of assholes invading my realm whenever I'm human. Especially when it seems like they have amazing weapons and equipment all the time. I was invaded by a half-naked man with poison arrows and some kind of fast fire katana that hit through blocks. Needless to say I was killed quickly. I just don't know why they'd put a system like this in the game. It makes me never want to be human, so I only reverse hollowing when I need to kindle bonfires.
So other than that, I really do enjoy the game. Accidentally found out what summoning dragon remnants did as well. Some Dragon Spirit guy invaded, but he sucked, so I killed him pretty fast. Won't be touching those summons ever again.
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The game was meant to be cruel and ruthless to you. The designer has said so. He ASKED invaders to be as cruel as possible. It was by design.