Yep, games like these pays off. Also if you have a proper 7.1 surround it'll will speed boost your experience.
This is why I love single players. They give us proper memories.
Master parry bro. It's not souls like in combat, you have to parry. There are bosses later in the game which are almost impossible to beat without parry.
In terms of mechanics, it's not as punishing as other souls games.