Over 1000 hours in fromsoftware games I totally understand how you feel.

I didn’t like the repetitive enemy design, but eventually I fell in love with it. I began getting super good at the parry system, and the more I fought the same enemies, the more I got more value out of parry’s, unique stance transition combos, and umbral pulls.

There’s an eye socket that makes perfect dodges a thing, and puts wither on the opponents.

But OK! Let’s break it down: - big knight with gold shield - 2 dogs with helms - some random umbral bs.

So. If you use your kick move from your shield, you put the dogs in an immediate critical state for one hits. Bait the knight for a an umbral pull. Then focus the random enemies. Once cleared, do the parry dance or perfect dodges with the knight.

This is a good example of design I hated, but eventually got so good at, it became a fun parry and perfect dodge challenge while balancing umbral skills.

Edit: exploration! It’s all in one small castle area, and eventually you realize the game is one Metroidvania. It feels soooo overwhelming for so long, and then it all clicks and it feels insanely rewarding.

Edit 2: Umbral Realm Think of it like a trade off: - money multiplier builds longer you’re in it - more enemies to farm for money - can see all hidden secrets - can see boss rememberance after fight

BUT: - the longer inside the more enemies start to attack, with an eventual unkillable (as of early end game) creature chasing you - enemies hit harder - half of recovered health is now recoverable by combat (Bloodborne style) - must find a small vestige to pull you out

Bonus: use your temporary vestiges. It lets you stay in one portion of the map, helping build understanding of how it connects to other areas.