Ok.

I like it.

But I'm so confused its not even funny. Needless to say I need some advice and hopefully I can get some before continuing. I will save those questions until the end because right now your all you want are impressions.

Here goes;

Coming from a first time "souls" player take these very vague and baseless opinions as just that.

- its HARD. Every single enemy is a challenge and I have yet to encounter an easy enemy
- controls seems responsive but it seems there are slight delays here and there, as if a animation needs to finish or something before I can initiate another input ( such as fighting/healing )
- graphics are great, obviously not the order great but much improved from the previous gameplay clips I have seen in the past. Aliassing is slightly noticable but on a whole new level of improvement from older gameplay clips we have seen.
- character customization is rediculously complex. Every single aspect can be adjusted with your character without any real constraints. To me it was far to overwhelming due to my OCD with making decisions like this. I hope I can go back and make adjustments later.....
- load times between death are satisfactory, not too long but not fast either.
- sound design is awesome. Really good environmental sound effects as well as positioning.
- perfect atmosphere. I purchased the game for the theme and it does not disappoint.

I have only played an hour or two so my impressions will drastically change and become more in depth as time goes on. Right now I'm too confused to comment on a majority of issues and need more time with the game to base an opinion. If as an outsider the series I'm pressed and enjoying it, you can imagine what that says for the diehard fans.