SimonG: Does anybody know a program with which I can easily compare armour?
I've got a HUGE collection now and want to know what is best (especially after upgrades).
Also, considering my initial reaction to this game I can now give out a full recommendation. There are still some cheap issues and some design flaws. But the more you progress the more forgiving the game gets. And the non-linear exploration is one of a kind on the PC.
It reminds me a lot of the first two Gothic games.
Glad to see your opinion's turned around so much. Yeah, there're definitely some cheap moments but it is still an awesome game. The beginning's definitely the biggest hump.
As for comparing armor, you can use a Wiki or the Dark Souls character builder, but I don't think there are any programs for directly comparing one set of armor to another. I actually never bothered upgrading armor, as I like to switch sets depending on my mood, and I never had an issue for my first playthrough. You can probably do fine without upgrading armor and just experimenting. Keep in mind that there are specific Poise "breakpoints" where you're able resist stronger types of attacks. I believe 56 is the first notable one, where you aren't staggered by a one-handed Claymore strike.