La-Mulana vs. Dark Souls: Which has the best approach to difficulty?

Both La-Mulana and Dark Souls encourage exploration, yet one is more punishing than the other.

[Lifeequals42]

Interesting discussion brewing in the comments.

[illegalyouth]

I've never played La-Mulana, but I do like the way Dark Souls handles exploration already.

[VsAssassin]

I never felt bored by repeating levels because I died as opposed to what the article implies. Death in Dark Souls is something integral to the game and never cheap. When you die in Dark Souls, either you messed up, or you became too complacent and over-confident.

Now I never played La-Mulana, but it looks like a fun game.