It came included in my "Prepare To Die Edition", so it plays relatively seamlessly. I also think the Royal Woods section felt reasonably meaty; I'm sure I haven't completely explored every cranny here yet. The Oolicile township is also proving to give a nice sense of space in its descent.
I'm still after some titanite slabs actually for one or two of my weapons/armour as a final upgrade. They're proving somewhat elusive to find, even with the covetous ring equipped, high humanity and in titanite-chunk drop oriented places.