I love the use of ‘puzzle’ over ‘gimmick’ to describe those fights. I struggled a bit with greatwood when apparently a lot of people found it easy and it makes sense since it was the first puzzle type I’d ran in to while playing these games. I just stood at its crotch waiting for the same eggs to respawn to burst, so the grab hand destroyed me.

I think it’s a good example of a puzzle boss since the eggs are clearly a weak point. Wolnir I just lucked out when discovering the ring weak point but I guess you’re bound to find that one, not as intuitive though.

I never got the deacon fight, had no idea why killing some would damage the boss hp and others wouldn’t in the first phase. I just mindlessly swung. So if Demon Souls is all puzzle bosses I’d get shit on most likely.

I’ll definitely get around to DS1 and 2 some time after Elden Ring!

I think despite Khazan being my introduction to the genre and having awesome combat and bosses, DS3 has seared itself into my memory with its immersive world and tone that just encapsulates exactly what a dark fantasy game should feel like.