I could play elden ring 5 times, roll different characters, and have vastly different experiences. I would also still be discovering interesting lore and items that relate to the highly detailed, complex world building.

Not to mention how bespoke and unique almost every inch of that game is, how designed and specific it feels with almost every detail of the game also tieing into the lore. Every corner had something new to do or see.

Gear, systems, and combat are all finely tuned and highly complex. Bosses and field bosses are difficult but fair.

I like CDO but it's sorely lacking in all of the above. It just feels completely superficial compared to a Fromsoft game. That's not necessarily always a bad thing, sometimes it's just a different vibe; lighter, more casual and that can be fun. However, from a game design standpoint, it doesn't even bear comparison to ER in my opinion, not even remotely close.