What are you playing?

Dark Souls does it better because there's so much more to explore. And entirely secret areas (unless you spoil yourself beforehand, which I doubt you do). There's also more you can do with NPCs to unlock different scenarios/events. No you can't use spells on the environment, at least not to any real gain.

YES THERE IS SO MUCH MORE ARMOR AND WEAPONS. AND EVERYTHING. THIS IS THE MAIN, SERIOUSLY THE MAIN, REASON DARK SOULS IS SO MUCH BETTER. MY GOD. DeS is seriously like using the same exact crap. Or using the same OP spells. It's so boring once you're used to DaS' level of choices and versatility. You will love this, trust me. You actually get to build your character. Magic isn't VASTLY OP like DeS (though it's still kinda lol). There's a TON of weapons and styles you can incorporate. Armor actually MATTERS and can be upgraded this time. Gonna blow your mind.

Crystal weapons can't be repaired and break very easy, yes. You are correct. But you will also never use a crystal weapon because they are ass. I drop them. Or never loot them once I knew where they were. Seriously. Crystal? More like trash. There is a spell for Crystal enchanting, though, and that is what will benefit you if you want power. All the weapons that actually matter in the game can be repaired.