Fair review, if not somewhat biased by the short and negative experience (this game requires more than 25 hours to be understood).

I had a similar experience with Demon Souls, but then I understood the game system (after 10-15 hours) and went on smoothly, of course dying like crazy even in the exact moment when the Platinum trophy popped up, when I made a run for it to get the last ring I was missing among a number of enemies who then slaughtered me.

I then played Dark Souls and the game felt almost "easy", given the previous experience. I can't recall being stuck anywhere for long like I did in the first game. I still have to try Dark Souls II (I have a kid now and much less time to play games) but if there is one critique I agree on, is the thin storyline. Other than that, yes, it's not a game for everyone, but this doesn't mean it's not a good game.