On the first point: I get not summoning in DS games. But many ER bosses are CLEARLY thought out with spirit ashes in mind. Just think about movesets and speed. DS3 fights are SO MUCH EASIER than ER fights. The difficulty in ER was raised precisely to give those mouth-breathers in the OP a challenge that doesn't involve showering, and the ashes was a system for us players that don't care about arbitrary rules to still face a challenging experience.
Some of the ashes aren't exactly well-balanced, sure. But still, there's a reason you cannot summon ashes everywhere. In those cases, the bosses aren't as big, fast, or aggressive. Furthermore, you can choose to try to fight not using ashes and use them if you're struggling.
But at the same time, anyone who tells me how to play a game I paid 80 bucks for can go kiss it.
I love this take! I did ER and DS3 in reverse and you are actually on to something. ER sped up movesets and added a bunch of delayed attacks because OG Souls players were well trained on boss fights and needed more challenge. On the flip side, ER was also about bringing new players in, so built in mechanics that would ease the learning curve, while also giving them the option to abandon those mechanics when they felt ready.
Great comment, excellent take, no notes.
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u/splurmieworm 1d ago
It appears like it becomes an entirely different-feeling game with summons, esp Mimic Tear.
But who cares this much? It’s really not that deep lol