I've noticed with some of my favorite pieces of media, I initially dip my toe into the franchise or property and end up disliking it, and only when returning months later do I end up loving it. That happened here to a shocking degree. I initially thought I needed a shield to play this game because I was a pussy wanting to hide from the enemy attacks rather than just dodging and hitting, the basis of all Souls-likes. I think even with a shield (and apparently they do exist in the game), the combat would be unchanged. The way these attacks ebb and flow aren't based around finding opportunities to hit the enemy, but rather creating the opportunity yourself. That's what makes this game tick. The story is pretty vacant like all of these games, but that's what VaatiVidya exists for. I know I might be the only person on the planet that thinks this, but Bloodborne is a good-ass game.