Yes, it is hard, but you have plenty of bench to save, in hollow knight, they were often far from bosses, here i think they are nearer. Difficulty seems to be like a souls like, once you learn the patterns, it becomes simpler; nevertheless, keeping calm can greatly increase chances in the first fights with new bosses. If you need a negative point to be happy with the review: music, previous game had amazing background music, this one feels simpler and less sticky; all other things are great, the learn curve is awesome and the enemies have a great variety.
I have love all the references so far. Halls enemies are pretty simple, but bosses are pure art. It have been some time since the last time a faced bosses so creative with their themes and attacka patterns, not all are that hard, but the ones that are hard, are a really pain in the ass, and I love it, it has been a good challenge so far. I dont know if it is my perception, but I already have the 4 armours, but the map is nearle the half covered. I hope there is some more progression over the abilities last in the other half of the map. Nevertheless, Congrat guys, you made a pretty awesome game, I'm looking forward to get more games from your studio