Power stance is the shit.
More specifically, it's when you're dual-wielding with two similar weapons (thrust/thrust; slash/slash; etc) and if you have 1.5x the stat reqs for each, then you can hold down Y (or triangle) and you'll go into power stance, which is where L1 and L2 attacks will be with both weapons simultaneously. You can dual-wield just about any weapon I think - I'm excited to try dual-wielding whips at some point.
The benefit of dual-wielding with power stance is increased damage (and feeling like a total badass). The downside, like you pointed out, is that you don't have a shield to block with. It's probably not the most effective strategy relative to magic wielding or strength based characters (dex isn't as strong as it was in DS1), but it fits the style of play I like. (And you can dual-wield strength-based weapons, but those obviously won't be agile characters.)
I always tend to play dex/agile-based characters, so I went into this one wanting to dual-wield when I heard that it's suppose to be a more viable option. Starting out though, I tended to use my shield quite a bit, partly because you don't begin the game with stats for power stance, and partly because I'm not that experienced with Dark Souls.
The more I played, though, the less I used the shield, and now I rarely use it. The key is upgrading the new adaptability stat which increases the effectiveness of your dodge rolling. I do struggle a bit with PvP, though that might just be because I suck or lack experience or both, but PvE is no worries without a shield after a while. And a very effective strategy is to go into every new area with a shield equipped, but once you've figured out enemy locations and basic patterns, dual-wielding isn't all that hard.
I fully recommend dual-wielding for the pure fun factor, though like I said, if you're concerned with having the most effective build, it might not be the right choice.
I too have been quite confused at times about the areas, where to go, how much is completed, etc. I've also cheated a bit by looking things up online when I've been stumped or frustrated. And I did some levels in the "wrong" order. Actually I'm pretty confused most of the time. I really enjoy the challenge of the game, though not the parts that are a result of the game being purposely vague.
Yeah, I kinda knew the FIFA analogy wasn't quite right, though I do feel that the game hasn't evolved all that much since Demon Souls. Part of that I guess is down to console limitations leading to the graphical downgrade, and I guess another part of that is the style of game design which to me seems a bit archaic but might actually be just down to From's design philosophy (in so many ways it more resembles game design of the PS2 era than today's productions). Still, a really good game overall.
