I'm not a souls-like player -- this is my first time attempting this genre.

I like it 🙂 it has an open world ripe for exploring, but it is difficult and challenging. You will die a lot. A lot. If you're easily frustrated, you might not find it enjoyable. But if you like exploring, taking things slow, strategising when attacking groups so you can make it out alive, and feeling excited because you succeeded at defeating what felt like an impossible enemy, you might enjoy it!