Why do Soulslike/FromSoft clones never come close?

[HoloDust]

LegitHyperbole said:

HoloDust said:

I never considered combat in Souls to be that great to start with, nor really its defining feature, so for me it has always been about level design and overall atmosphere, which are top notch, and that's how I judge Soulslikes.

Yeah aside from Sekiro and BB, FS combat is not great, Nioh or Khazan do it better so this only adds to the question of what is going on, and what the x factor is. FromSoft Souls combat is satisfying as all hell despite it not being refined as well as Sekiro, Khazan or StellarBlade. I just don't get it, hence the thread. 

I've only played Khazan demo - satisfying combat, but I found level design to be mediocre at best. I didn't like Sekiro, grappling hook for me breaks level design, and I really don't consider it Soulslike given how different it is in most aspects. BB has setting that I don't care much about, and it's purely offensive oriented with no shields as an option, which I like in older Souls.

So...I guess everyone has different things that looks for in Souls.