I would definitely have preferred armor but I found the weapon and spell progression to be really good up until it kinda just stops maybe 80% through ending A.

And entering the catacombs from the wrong (right?) direction is the kind of bullshit From aspires to. Pitch black, invisible enemies that feel like they are respawning, all just constantly rushing you from every direction as they walk through walls. And you are just struggling to find the torches while feeling like you are getting smacked with a greatsword every step you take.