So I'm back a week later, having completed Scholar of the First Sin + DLCs. My opinion on Dark Souls 2 in general hasn't changed much after this replay: it's the weakest Souls game, but it is by no means a 'bad' game. Honestly, SotFS wasn't much different from what I remember of vanilla. There were a few more ambushes for sure, and the enemy leash was INCREDIBLY long (thank god they've never been that long again), but that's about all I noticed. Aside from that, the game was just as experimental and occasionally annoying as I recalled.
For instance, I hate the design decision to have so many shortcut bonfires hidden. I'm okay with having to trek back to the boss (I just replayed Bloodborne & DS3 so I'm quite used to it), but making the player do an even LONGER run back just because they didn't find the completely random illusory wall is just a crappy design decision. Glad they did away with that nonsense in the following games. Though I think Elden took it a bit too far with the Marika Shrines... but that's another discussion.
Also, the geography of Dark Souls 2 has always bothered me because of how so many areas don't connect in a logical way. Why does Heide's Tower appear miles away, but is only a 30 second walk from Majula? Why does Earthen Peak, a giant isolated windmill, have an elevator that goes UP into an iron castle that has sunken into lava??? WTF???
I know that seems like a weird complaint but one of my favorite things to do in Dark Souls games is take in the view and see if I can path out where I'll be going over the course of the game. You can't really do that in Dark Souls 2 because, again, nothing really connects. The DLC is the only time where you actually can do that.
On the subject of geography, one thing I do like is the torch lighting mechanic. It's completely superficial in most cases, but seeing The Gutter lit up and visible thanks to all your work is a satisfying feeling lol. It's silly, but I have to admit I miss torch lighting mechanics in these games. Also, THE TORCHES CAST VISIBLE SHADOWS IN DARK SOULS 2. Why doesn't Elden have that??? C'mon From...
Anyway, when all is said and done, even though I still think it's the 'worst' Souls game, it's still a pretty good game overall. A solid 8.5/10
Lastly, I actually really liked the DLCs. They were short and sweet Legacy dungeons (to adopt Elden nomenclature) with some fun bosses. No complaints here, as opposed to my general dislike of Ringed City (fuck those Angels and Summoners).
It has superior item placement to original (Ember/Fragrant Branches/Rings/Estus Shards/Weapons early on) and a few added shortcuts (No Man's Wharf and Dragon Aerie) to make the game less difficult. A bunch of added Pursuer events across the Lost Bastille for farming twilight titanite. More Heide knights and a sleepy dragon in Heide's Ruins. Otherwise it is very similar to original and 3 DLC areas are unchanged as far as I can recall. I think it is worth playing, but your mileage may vary.
I would say knock Nioh out of the park before going on a non-linear adventure with mechanics that deviate from the formula that you are used to. Don't forget adaptability stat controls item use speed and invincibility during rolls. Also, double chugging Estus to negate damage taken during animation is important. If you are doing a low level health build it is vital to acquire Gower's Ring of Protection in Shaded Woods as it allows you to survive any hit from behind.
P.S. DS2fix mod for PC addresses durability issue in 60fps for original release.
Just wanted to say thanks for the detailed response as well as the tip to double chug Estus. Saved my ass quite a few times lol
Also apologies to OP for the bump again. This will be my last one.