More linear world progression gives way to what is probably still the most consistent difficulty curve out of all these games, and coupled with an impressive roster of bosses that is only really bested by Sekiro for me, I still stand by my opinion that 3 is probably the best introduction for new players to the series. I think if I'd gotten into these games earlier around the time Dark Souls 1 was first released I'd be much harsher to 3. Its frequent callbacks to what's come before border on becoming a detriment to any sort of unique identity, the faster more responsive combat taken from Bloodborne lacks the punch that game had, and on top of all of that this game is just so GREY. I get how the game being so colorless ties into the overall tone and narrative of the game, as well as its DS1 references I guess, but it's just something that I find makes this game more bland than interesting to me. Like don't get me wrong it's strong art direction, but I will prefer the grimy labyrinthine streets of Yharnam or the high fantasy beauty of the Lands Between any day. Plus, after the billionth "hey remember Dark Souls 1!" moment, it all starts to feel like the Souls equivalent of that RedLetterMedia Rogue One skit. If you know, you know I guess. Luckily for 3 however, it was my first Souls game and was what got me into the series in the first place, and all those "first Souls game memories" are enough for me to never be fully dismissive of it even if it no longer ranks among my very favorites of these games.