Ok based on the responses in this thread here’s some tips, because I found the game challenging but not unfairly difficult.
1. Abuse running R2, you have to unlock this but it really helps.
2. Abuse Hammer. The game should be called KENA: Hammer Time because the rot hammer is ridiculously powerful. The time slow will also effect enemies so you’ll be able to sneak it in more often then you think. Just be cautious with the wind up, you have to hold R2 for a beat before hitting square.
A good tactic is to run up with a heavy attack and follow with hammer while they are staggered.
3. Similar to bloodborne you want to be switching between being locked on and just freely targeting enemies. Things can get hectic with tons of enemies on the screen. Have a plan of attack for large groups. I like to deal with flyers first, then wipe out small guys and leave the big guys for last.
4. Slow mo arrows is a life saver. A fully charged arrow will kill flying enemies in 1 hit. And many enemies have yellow crystals or weak points on them that can be targeted. But what’s cool about bow is that it gets a kind of natural slow down if you draw it while jumping. When you unlock slow mo it like stacks with the slow mo you get from jumping and gives you TONS of time to line up shots.
5. Late game once you have the dash, you can use it to ram into enemies and do an attack, this will almost always cause a stagger which you can follow up with Hammer Time if you have a charge, or do a charged R2 attack. This works on most bosses as well.
6. Many cursed chests are hard if you try to tackle them all the same way. Think of them like puzzles. Use all the tools at your disposal. The penalty for failure is a restart somewhere close by, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
7. Bomb or use charged R2 attacks for shield enemies. Both will break their shields.
Also generally remember that there’s no stamina management in this game! You can go pretty wild with attacks and dodges. I don’t have any advice about parries other then hit block right before you get hit. The window is somewhat tight, but it’s not that bad imo. I was able to regularly counter most attacks about 1/2 way though the game. Practice makes perfect! Also, blocking is pretty good and can be a life saver, you don’t always need to dodge.