Talk:Dark Souls II/@comment-72.208.169.188-20150210081938/@comment-16047389-20150210140824

The fact that it doesn't pause the game, is part of the inherent challenge of the game. If they gave you the chance to pause the game in the middle of the fight, that would give you time to calm down and assess the situation.

If you need a moment of respite, then go back to Majula, or to the title screen.