Got this game to see what all the fuss was about. I don't know where to begin, but luckily I wrote a rough review way back when so I wouldn't forget what it was like.

Good stuff:

Character design
•being able to create a personalized character
•creative enemy designs and some NPCS

fashion souls
•so many wearable outfits to choose from

Atmosphere
•dark atmosphere which fits the name of the game very well

Exploration (somewhat)
•being able to either slightly branch off paths or at the very least do things in different orders

Bad stuff:

Difficulty
•getting through the gauntlet of enemies is more annoying and infuriating than the bosses themselves
•some mid bosses are harder than the final boss
•carnal demon is in such a small boss area
•ornstein and smough

Level design
•blighttown
•skeleton catacombs
•tomb of the giants
•warping isn't available until after anor londo so backtracking was the only way to move around until then

NPC 'lore'
•NPCs barely talk
•most lore is given through item descriptions so anything can be missed very easily for the more casual player

Music (lack thereof)
•no music except for bosses

Multiplayer
•multiplayer can add to frustration in the idea of being invaded at inoppurtune times

Armor
•armor barely protects against attacks
•armor hinders roll-dodging

In conclusion, when I beat this game I didn't feel satisfied and haven't done another full run since.