Nikodemus_Blackwood

I can understand that feeling. I felt the same way with Devil May Cry 3's HELL AND HELL MODE. It made me feel like I was stuck and couldn't do anything because I am a casual gamer. I play all types of games for fun so once I beat a game a couple times, I usually retire it for a long period of time and revisit it later. But with DMC3's H&H Mode, I couldn't finish the game to completion like I like to do and it made me not play the next 2 games in the line. I have the new DMC in my games library, but I haven't touched it because that mode left a bad taste in my mouth.

But I am trying to give Dark Souls a fair chance and play it. So far, I am doing well and learning the ropes ok and have been watching some guides and LPs and such to help me through.

I'll be honest about it since I'm a fan of the series... it isn't as difficult as it really comes off... later on. The proper way to put it is... well, punishing, especially from the very get-go. It just seems difficult because it's an entire combat system you have to get used to and you'll have to take a lot of damage/die from enemies to learn their patterns. If there's anything that I would suggest to you, it's that Dark Souls can get soul depriving (heh) if you play it for too long and begin to get frustrated. Take breaks like you said and come back to it with renewed vigor. Also, upgrade a weapon that you really like (Zweihander if you're into slow sluggers, Claymore if you're into rounded weapons, and Longsword if you're into quicker weapons) and stick to it. Learn it and let it become your playstyle, reinforce it as fast as possible so you can do as much damage as possible (less important with armor, but still helpful). Keep an eye on that endurance too and never deplete it in combat as you should always be able to have enough to roll away.

Typed up a bit more than I thought I would, but... if you need any help, let me know. Would love to help you along without spoiling any of the story/bosses/etc along the way. :)

Yea. Having spent some time with console basic MMO's and then funny enough watching SAO I realized Dark Souls takes alot of those standard game tropes like minion/boss patterns, min/maxing, power leveling, etc. and combined them into a single player style mechanic with good, but hidden, story telling. So, now that I have that all in understanding and am taking it at small intervals (Maybe 1-2 hours a night for the first bit) I am finding it better than before and I am getting more into it and having more enjoyment than previous.