Dark Souls 2 isn't really as hard as people say. I never really play much games, and I managed to finish it quite quickly even without playing its predecessors. I even finished my first play through with no bow, which in hindsight was incredibly stupid, adding a hilarious layer of difficulty in the area Shrine of Amana.

I also played underleveled and undergeared, just because I never really explore anything and just go straight to the boss while killing anything in the way. I also soloed everything, only calling NPC help occasionally (though I've soloed every boss without an NPC at least once in my 2 play throughs) and I never summoned human allies. I watch a friend playing his game with allies and it looks at least 3x easier than soloing. He does not even die once to some bosses.

I demolished everything except the Lost Sinner boss in NG+. It was very satisfying getting revenge for all the deaths I suffered before.

They have also nerfed a lot of bosses in the game since I finished it, so I imagine it would be easier now.

Just use a shield and a bow along with your main melee weapon and it will be a nice, challenging but manageable ride.