Do soulslikes like Lies of P hold a candle to FromSoft games for you? (context in comments)

Found a post on rxddit discussing that Lies of P is really high quality, and between the game's quality by itself and the recent DLC, they claimed it's among the best of its genre.

Another user chimed in and put together this comment that I found quite interesting (TL;DR at the bottom):

TL;DR: FromSoftware's level design and exploration are on a different level compared to Lies of P. While Lies of P has solid gameplay, its levels are linear and predictable, often looping back on themselves. In contrast, FromSoft games like Bloodborne and Elden Ring hide entire unique areas, bosses, music, and gear behind obscure paths or enemies, rewarding curiosity and exploration with awe-inspiring discoveries. These secrets and intricate designs make FromSoft titles feel special beyond just the "soulslike" label—something Lies of P hasn't quite achieved despite being a strong entry in the genre.

What are your thoughts on this? How important is the exploration to you?