New to Dark Souls

Hello world!
 I'm new to the game (I played Demon's Souls but very little) and was wondering if anyone would be willing to help out.  I've perused the site(s) but refuse to look at anything pertaining to walk-through.  I'm not looking for a step-by-step how to beat the game... I'm more interested in learning the ins and outs of the game mechanics, etc.
If anyone has any advice to offer, please let me know!  Also, I'm open to playing co-op with people so, if you're interested, hit me up!

North American version
Xbox 360
no DLC (yet)
SL - around 20 or 30, I think

Well I would help you out with co-op but I'm not on the 360. However, you can always check here for a bit of info pertaining to combat in Dark Souls. It won't help you out entirely as there are more ways to play once you get into PVP, this thread will help you out with that sort of stuff.

Also, welcome to the forums!

awesome!  thanks for the references & the welcome

Most important skills to learn in souls PvE are timing of attacks and rolls, stamina management and criticals (mostly BS)

Once you get those down, you've got souls by the balls essentially. Team those skills with some knowledge of how to upgrade weapons, armour, enemy attacks and counters to them.

I'd recommend your first playthrough be on your own as its more fun to overcome the bosses without help.

Lastly welcome to the forum

mmm I like to trade here mmm yes I do trade mmm this is what I do mmm

?

He's a guy on the forums who does item trading and has a huge stock. I'd say leave him along till you've done a playthrough or two

He's a useful guy to make use of once you start making specific builds for coop and pvp

Thanks, S_M, for the explanation and LoA, thanks for letting me know.
I checked out your "store" and got a better idea of what you offer.  I'll definitely keep the Store of Wonders in mind further down the line 

Lord of Ash wrote:mmm I like to trade here mmm yes I do trade mmm this is what I do mmm

 

Creepiest post of the week award.

Creepy like Chester?

hehe mmm creepy mmm this I can be mmm anyone want some of my dungpie mmm?  its delicious mmm

ps on a serious note my store post used to be in the thousands and the views way higher but it split and locked itself check customer satisfaction rate first thousand in my sig for the original thread

pps + 1 rep as a welcome gift try not to lose it