i felt like this was just made because fromsoft forgot to include the painted world from ds1 in ds3's base game. ashes is more of ds3 but with a short runtime, 1 of the 2 bosses is actually challenging & a thrill to face, and about half of the map was just there creating some patches of emptiness. but i would be lying if i said the world didnt pull me in since dark souls lore is fucking baller as hell.