It is highly integral to the experience.
You will use it a lot, on purpose. I believe the game is going to feel very different from DS. The new covenants, the stat changes, dual welding w/ combos, torches, losing life bar, etc, etc.
From has got to give me that PC release date!
I can't believe I'm jealous of consoles players... This is absurd.
God I hope I can avoid buying it on console. I hope PC is within 2 weeks.