That kind of games are not my thing but I had the best experience this DD so far.
I wish the scaffolds in buildings would let me actually find alternative paths, but I guess those are only for hiding.
I'm not sure about backstabs, I managed to do a few of those in the grass field but I didn't manage to replicate a one hit take down later.
Footstep sounds work great mechanically and for tension.
Game has dropkick - that means it's good. I didn't use the dodge or blocking (seemed too risky to engage in sword fight directly) too much, instead I dropkicked the shit out of enemies and finished them with a sword. I also only sparingly used items but they were useful for escaping once I got surprised by a second guard. Being able to step on your own caltrops is hilarious. Is there a way to swap between caltrops and smoke bomb?
I didn't engage with all the systems because once I got some progress going I didn't want to risk losing it. Had a lot of fun sneaking, fumbling and having to escape, and bullying the guards with caltrops though.
>that ending music