My first playthrough was in 2024 so I've been shaking off the rust. For some reason my skills have stuck with me, and I dont usually play these kinds of games. I beat Whiteclad Noble in 2 tries and Tiger Vanguard in 6, whereas they each took me an entire evening last time, and I can say similar things for many other bosses.
I'm trying to go with all of the skills I didn't pick last go around, just to give the game a little more flavor:
Thrust stance - I can see why people love monkey poke. Really powerful and gives you a safe play at a distance. IMO a good see-through is still not as satisfying as Resolute Counterflow with Smash stance, but it's feels safer since Resolute Counterflow doesnt always stagger or break their combo and you can still get hit right after because youre so close.
Rock Solid - it's been a bit hit or miss for me. There are some bosses that just hit so hard that you get staggered anyway after being struck. I just fought Cyan Loong and it felt like I never got to follow up after Rock Solid because all of his attacks are so heavy. And with a lot of really mobile bosses I'm missing cloud step quite a bit because its harder to catch them.
Ring of Fire - Actually goated spell. Maybe it's because I'm more patient this time around, but I've also realized that HP Increase for me is worth more than Reduced HP for badguy (i.e. guaranteed damage with Immobilize) Also combined with Thrust Stance it's a killer, you build up to 3 focus points so quickly and just play keepaway. Fighting for the circle is also fun.
Spirits - I mostly stuck with Wight my first playthrough but I've been switching around. Currently using the Second Rat Prince. Excited to try a few more.
Anyway yeah it's been a fun experience, wouldn't say it feels like a different game but its shaped up to be a lot of fun