Even when I died, I always felt like it was my fault, as opposed to some vague undefinable thing I couldn’t hope to fight or stop.
Absolutely this.
Even some of the best players at other games (I’m thinking Starcraft, Hearthstone) can complain about unfair randomness and opponents getting lucky. But Soulsborne bosses do a really good job of training you that everything is beatable, you just need to practice and improve. (Though there are the rare engagements that give you limited control over their outcomes—like Vyke in Elden Ring.)
Absolutely this.
Even some of the best players at other games (I’m thinking Starcraft, Hearthstone) can complain about unfair randomness and opponents getting lucky. But Soulsborne bosses do a really good job of training you that everything is beatable, you just need to practice and improve. (Though there are the rare engagements that give you limited control over their outcomes—like Vyke in Elden Ring.)