"This game is a nod to a specific group of successful/popular genres and draws obvious inspiration from the many elements and themes they portray" - he should stop beating around the bush and just say he copied dark souls and community contributions is not asset flipping haha
but im not entirely sure whether you mean it by rip-off
I hear someone try to copying my work.
(and copy&paste games)
First and Last warning
Mortal Shell was a nod to The Franchise, This is a copy.
Went to school and got the strap!
https://youtu.be/MjpORY8qgl0