I just started playing this game (about 15 hours in) even though I've owned it for a few years lol. Never played any other game in the series, but im having this weird fascination with it, hence me being on this subreddit. From my perspective, whats drawing me in is a combination of awesome setting, this rare but awesome soundtrack, a combat and movement system that feels really defined (but i cant parry for shit), and especially this "story" that gives you 0 information and just throws you into the game with no direction but its all so intriguing, especially the npc dialogue. The map is huge and connected and theres some eerie charm to it. And of course the challenge, which is kinda refreshing. But i also sometimes hate it and almost uninstalled a couple times.. I hear thats normal though.