I bought this game a loooong time ago at the same time I bought Rez HD and I couldn't get into either of them. I went back to play Rez last week and it's now my favorite XBLA game, so I thought I'd give this game another go. I remember playing the original back on my PC and becoming obsessed with it when I was younger. (Back in the day when a new game was hard to come by). It's a little insulting that I suck so much at this game because I remember my best time on the original had 34 minutes remaining. It took MONTHS to do that, but it's sad how I can't even get to level 6 in this game... Does anyone have any tips? I've read the instructionsin the game, but the combat still doesn't make any sense to me. Going from the original and NEVER getting hit, and now this, where any old guard can slay me, is just not good. What are some techniques I should learn in order to improve combat? Is there a distinct timing window I should be aware of? Thanks!

Hi. Same as you I remember having great fun on the PC version. But with the XBox I also struggled with the combat. Yes, timing does seem more important - it's no good just pressing away like crazy hoping to get through. There are definite attacks the guards make, that if you try to attack after them, they will get you first; and also some when you will get them first - just watch carefully at when you manage to get them, and when they get you to get a feel for when to hang back and bide your time. This is particularly important for some of the bigger guards with loads of lives in the higher levels.

I've sometimes managed to get a good sequence in where I've got a hit and pressed my advantage immediately and killed them without them getting a strike or just the odd parry. it does seem to vary quite a bit. Also sometimes, try taking a step back after a strike that they parry so they can't get straight back at you.

Because I had so much trouble, and I'd seen so many YouTubde clips of people apparently finding it so easy, I spent quite a bit of time watching and thinking about the fight sequences I was getting into, and it really helped me to make progress. You could try going back to replay levels where you've had particularly bad fight sequences see where you could improve. It may take a few attempts, but hopefully you'll come out of it with a better time and be able to progress further.

I also find it easier to use the triggers rather than the buttons.

Hope thats helpful

Oh yes, there are also some guards whrere you don't need to fight them to the death - keep moving foward and parrying their strikes and see if you switch places - you can then move backwards and walk away - cowardly, but it could save you time.