DS2 can be trivalized pretty easily actually. Lock-off, you have more dodge windows, you can move around easier and you can attack them from behind since enemies does not know to deal sideways attacks. Also stock up on heal gem, lol those are so broken compared to bottle.Never played the original DS2. SOFTS can be downright brutal at times. Coming from the original dark souls I thought it was going to be a walk in the park. Boy was I wrong.
I don't really touch MP build since those things does not require you engage in actions. But I think all DS trilogy and DeS has broken MP builds honestly turn it into wizard games, which kinda broke the action thing.