I just restarted a playthrough but stopped when I got to the Depths.
The first time you play DS1 everything is so new and scary and exciting that larger issues with level and game design sort of go over your head. On replays though, especially once you've played DS3 and Bloodborne, the problems hit you in the face. Depths and Blighttown are a slog, then you get Sen's Fortress and Anor Londo which are awesome, but from then on, Crystal Cavern, Lost Izalith, and Tomb of the Giants all range from unfinished-bad to what-were-they-thinking-bad.
It's a very important game in the industry but DS3 is the total king of the franchise.
I agree with this. I think DkS3 is underrated coming so close on the heels of Bloodborne.