in demon's souls i used a bow because i was scared of everything
in dark souls i used a longsword and bow because i wasn't that scared anymore
in dark souls 2 i used a greatsword because i am going to get into your face before i stab you with it, and it hurts the most close up

up close melee is the best and most efficient way of cleaning up because most games have invincibility animation frames while you're doing a kill animation imo

no guts no glory