DS3 really nails that balance. Mostly linear but usually has some sort of side option if you need a break from your current wall of a boss. Playable end to end without devoting like 100 hours. It also comes after Bloodborne where From nailed down more fun active combat vs. relying on a shield, and before Elden Ring where they went hard on crazy delayed boss attacks.
These days DS3 is probably my favorite of the series overall.
Dark souls 3
Coming back after finishing Elden Ring, and I must say, the concise, “railroaded” world works much better for the FromSoft formula, IMO
No hate against ER, it’s a great game. But it definitely drags on a bit long
DS3 really nails that balance. Mostly linear but usually has some sort of side option if you need a break from your current wall of a boss. Playable end to end without devoting like 100 hours. It also comes after Bloodborne where From nailed down more fun active combat vs. relying on a shield, and before Elden Ring where they went hard on crazy delayed boss attacks.
These days DS3 is probably my favorite of the series overall.