dark souls. yeah, it's said a lot, but it's rarely truly done. only one example comes to mind -- lords of the fallen -- and it just didn't hit the spot. I couldn't make my own character, I had to play as bald angry muscle guy, and it simply lacked the bold level design and challenge of a real souls game.
but I'm glad it exists -- and we need more people to copy dark souls. it's said a lot, but so far not done much.