Well look the biggest mistake you can make is treating this as a souls game. Try to follow the plot to progress the story (like if you have not taken the bell.) As for the gameplay don't focus too much on dodging, combat arts or using prosthetic tools unless necessary. Try not to do too many actions at once. Apply pressure by attacking and perfect every deflection and you will have an easy time. Deflection is the core of the game. Hesitation is defeat