[quote name='SynGamer']Ok, I'm expecting the game to arrive either today or tomorrow so I want to know as many start-up tips as I can
So far I have;
[/QUOTE]
That's really all you need to know. But here's a few things that might help some more:
Make sure you have your shield equipped in the left hand and silver catalyst in the right hand. Approach enemies slowly and press R3 (click the right stick) to lock on and then blast them with Soul Arrow (R1 button). Just don't run willy-nilly into a group of enemies as even the low-level shambling zombie things in 1-1 can kill you pretty easily early on (and even now that I'm soul level 30 or so) if they surround you and hit you without your shield up.
Oh, and find the Thief's Ring which is on 1-1 as soon as possible. I missed this the first time around and had to go back and get it later. With that you are pretty much invicible to many enemies (because you can sneak within soul arrow firing range without being detected).
Once you defeat the boss on 1-1 I would suggest leveling up strength so you can handle the purple flame shield and winged spear which you will find on 1-1 and 1-2 after you get rid of a certain flying pest. I'm still using these same items much further on in the game.
Oh, also remember that 1-1 is laid out pretty well to take on in chunks with visits back to the Nexus to save your souls (by buying stuff since you can't level up yet). You will make a couple of circuits around and unlock doors that make it easier to get back to where you were. At the end when you get the big boss door open (the big one at the end of the first approach) you can definitely make a quick trip back to the Nexus, then just go back in and defeat the couple of guys between the archstone and the door easily enough. You may want to buy a Heater shield with your collected souls as that is a nice in between item while you wait for the purple flame shield and will serve you well in the first boss fight.
Oh, and if you see a red-eye knight at the end of a long walkway (there's only one on the whole level), avoid him for now. Come get him again once you level up a bit.
So, yeah, I guess there are lots of tips besides being a Royal

.