I've been counting my deaths….
I'm up to 31 and I just staretd lol… :/

I now lost count but I think I died more times so far, than I did during the entirety of DS1.
This just got serious.

I'm waiting for the PC release next month! :D

I got my ass handed to me in DS1 as a warrior.
I made a Sorcerer a few months later and destroyed the game. (easy mode class).

This time around, I opted to play a cleric.
The game makes you start with a nice worshiper robe and a mace you cannot properly wield with one hand because you lack 1 point in STR…
That -1str was my downfall early in the game… Once I figured out the benefit of two-handing the mace, undead bodies were rolling on the floor all around me :)

I eventually found how to level up (not at a bonfire anymore) and got that point of STR I desperately needed.
Now, I properly single hand the mace while carrying a nice eagle shield for blocking incoming blows and projectiles.

Great game so far.
It is still very difficult but is also a lot more user friendly than DS1.