While I understand the appeal, and though I don't really dislike how it's done in Dark Souls, I've never been partial to open-world games. I prefer most games structured into levels. That's not a big deal, though. It's actually done fine.
The real thing that bugs me is how long it's taking to find respectable equipment. I got the Drake Sword and that's the only thing I have that can do a decent amount of damage. Everything else is barely in the double digits.
I remember taking a really long time to beat Demon's Souls the first time I played it, but on subsequent playthroughs, I breezed through it. I wonder if it will be the same with this game, but I'm not sure since, at least in the early game, I have been at such a severe disadvantage as far as weapons are concerned.
I know spells and miracles were somewhat costly in the first game, but I haven't found any place that will even give me enough souls to buy them without dedicating hours to grinding.
Same thing goes for upgrading equipment. It seems unlikely to happen at this point.
Perhaps things will change once I ring the second bell. I'm working on getting past those ghosts at the moment, though. Not working out so well.
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"Filthy lawbreaker, unhand that vending machine!" - Casey Jones