When I start playing, after a few minutes I get disconnected from xbox live and get put back to start screen. I log back into xbox and carry on playing and it doesn't happen any more on that session. The problem is when I go back in, I can't see messages or write them and don't think I can see the phantoms of other players running about.

Has anybody had the same problem or know how to solve it?

I've got to admit I haven't been playing for long, only got the game when it was given away on Xbox gold.

I've been gradually going through all characters and haven't rung the first bell with any of them yet. I won't be playing knight because tanking is not my style. Anyway, back to the fun build, or should I say the one I'm having the most fun with.

It's the deprived. I'm not wearing any armour and have no shield. I'm just armed with my club in right hand and a talisman in my left hand to fire 'force'. Also just got a bow to take out the fire bombers on the roof, you know where I mean. It will probably be handy for pulling later anyway. Apart from putting 1 point into faith to use the miracle and 1 point into dex to use the bow, I'm pumping the points into strength. I might put the occasional point into vitality and endurance, I'll see how it goes.

I've made it to the Taurus Demon so far and have died less times than any of the other characters. In fact I think I've only died twice and one of them was due to me flipping backwards over the edge. 'Force' gives it the fun factor, like when you stand at the top of the stairs in undead burg and blast them over the side to their death. It works wonders with those pesky spearmen. Blast them with 'force' then double hand them with club to the head.

I don't know if I'll get much further without a shield but will try my best.