[Update and Huge Disclaimer]
Switching my review to "would recommend" after the update.
There are still problems described as below, but they have been slightly improved and I also learned to work around them (I realize now I happened to be rolling in and out of loading zones that caused huge problems. Why they put the enemy in question right on the edge of loading zones is completely baffling and beyond my comprehension.)
I'm confident they can get it together and improve performance for a more consistent frame rate. DEFINITELY consider waiting a couple weeks if you're reading this as of my writing this update. Particularly if you're running an AMD system perhaps.

[Previous Review]
Super frustrating release. I was ready to love this game simply for being "Dark Souls 3.5" even if everyone else hated it, but I didn't expect crippling performance issues.
Refunded.
I have a 6900xt GPU, 1950x Threadripper CPU, and NVMe drives.
Everything was fine in the linear tutorial area, but after accessing the open world EVEN on "Low" settings I was maybe getting a max of 55fps, more regularly a 45fps slog, and then frequently the game would just dump into 12fps during certain animations I guess?
Tried the latest "Recommended + Optional" GPU drivers to the same effect.

I ended up just watching a friend play with a buttery smooth 60fps (nvidia/intel system) and at least got to enjoy that I guess.
Will definitely purchase again and change my recommendation if they can fix this garbage performance issue. It obviously isn't affecting everyone.

[Update and Huge Disclaimer] Switching my review to "would recommend" after the update. There are still problems described as below, but they have been slightly improved and I also learned to work around them (I realize now I happened to be rolling in and out of loading zones that caused huge problems. Why they put the enemy in question right on the edge of loading zones is completely baffling and beyond my comprehension.) I'm confident they can get it together and improve performance for a more consistent frame rate. DEFINITELY consider waiting a couple weeks if you're reading this as of my writing this update. Particularly if you're running an AMD system perhaps. [Previous Review] Super frustrating release. I was ready to love this game simply for being "Dark Souls 3.5" even if everyone else hated it, but I didn't expect crippling performance issues. Refunded. I have a 6900xt GPU, 1950x Threadripper CPU, and NVMe drives. Everything was fine in the linear tutorial area, but after accessing the open world EVEN on "Low" settings I was maybe getting a max of 55fps, more regularly a 45fps slog, and then frequently the game would just dump into 12fps during certain animations I guess? Tried the latest "Recommended + Optional" GPU drivers to the same effect. I ended up just watching a friend play with a buttery smooth 60fps (nvidia/intel system) and at least got to enjoy that I guess. Will definitely purchase again and change my recommendation if they can fix this garbage performance issue. It obviously isn't affecting everyone.