As I mentioned in the review, quite a bit has changed in the core experience of the game, so I don't think it's at all strange one can enjoy the other games but not this one.

And while I do admit some of my dislike is based on my expectations from a Fromsoft game, I do think there are more than enough flaws to keep it from being a Masterpiece. I do think it's well designed overall, but Masterpiece may be going a bit far.