This game feels like the developers really wanted to make a more focused game than the first two, which depending on what you prefer will be a positive or a negative. Level design is much more straightforward than DS1, but that makes them a lot less frustrating. There's almost no confusion on where to go, and most enemies don't come with really annoying gimmicks. The same can be said for the bosses, which are easily the best in the trilogy. Aside from one or two gimmick fights which are really easy, every boss in this game is well-designed and fun to fight. All of this makes the pacing of the game much faster and smoother to play through. I also appreciate that this game has a different art style than the first game while not feeling confused like the second. They really convey the theme of ash with the much more grey and silver look to the game and it's great. I completely understand why some people would like Dark Souls 1 more, as I think that game has an overall stronger atmosphere and sense of discovery. However this is my favorite of the trilogy and the one I'd most likely come back to in the future.