Meme is on point, IMO, but not to be overthought. SotFS is my favorite Souls (oui, love; there are many of us) but launch edition DS2 was blasted. Problem is meme-maker used wrong cover art for the meme, lazily choosing launch edition. SotFS and HK: S/s = love.
I love Dark Souls 2 as well. Its my most played Souls game, only usurped by Elden Ring.
I was a late bloomer, so I only ever played SOTFS. I did hate it at first though. With the limited directional movement, walking a thin plank was the first real boss.
There were either problems with hitboxes or lag too, causing you to get murked by an attack no where near you.
Some of the level design doesn't make sense as well (Earthen Peak to Iron Keep wtf lol) but outside development hell explaining it, I was under the impression that Drangleic was a dreamword everyone but a few NPC's were unknowingly trapped in.
I couldn't imagine the game without Aldia in it. He added so much to the lore/story, totally shaking things up with Gwyn.
The goat line in the series: "A lie will remain a lie"
Anyway, it sounds like this game has some changes I'll need to get used to as well.
I've been hesitant to fire it up as I'm too busy atm, and this game will ruin my already terrible sleep cycle.