Funny that you mention Demon's Souls and Returnal together. My first foray into soulsbornes was Bloodborne, and it did not work for me. Too punishing, too stressful, and I could never figure it out. My successes were owed exclusively to luck.

I took that as a sign that the hardcore, challenging game type wasn't my style. But Returnal's setting and style caught my attention bad, so eventually I gave in and bought it. I loved it from the start. Something clicked for me and I started naturally treating it like a puzzle game. Learned to stay calm, accept defeat and learn from it, and try again. I played the hell out of that game.

So then I wondered if I might like the Demon's Souls remake and...hell yeah I did. Couldn't get enough of it. And when Elden Ring came out, I was all about it too. If it wasn't for Returnal, I don't think I ever would have reopened that door.

I never did go back to Bloodborne though. Feel like I gave it the best shot I could already.