Combat too difficult for me - any tips?

[Natty Boh man]

Could someone provide some constructive tips on making combat a little easier?
I am having a tough time pulling off the counters when surrounded by lots of enemies.
I tried to lower the difficulty, but there was no setting for that. Maybe there's a mod or an add-on pack that would help me to progress in the game.

I hear the game is actually too easy for a lot of people. If you're one of those people, I'd appreciate any constructive tips.

HOWEVER, if you don't have a tip and just want to brag about how easy the game was to let everyone know you're a 1337 player with mad skillz, please save us all some time and just silently pat yourself on the back instead of posting.

The game is incredibly well done so far and I want to see it through. Unfortunately, I can see myself rage quitting though and I'd really rather not.

Thanks, in advance, for any suggestions.

[pks]

The combat isn't a race, wait for counter attacks, and in all honesty if you're having trouble pulling off counters then you need to get that ♥♥♥♥ figured out.

-Environmental attacks are one hit kills, and there is usually a couple around every scripted fight
-Bump into girls on the street so they drop their purses, they are pretty effective weapons

But yeah, once you can counter everything the combat becomes pretty damn easy.

[Natty Boh man]

Thanks pks. I tried taking out a few quickly with the environmental attacks.
Thinning their numbers using that tactic made a big difference.
Still having trouble with counters when I'm surrounded, but I'll keep working on that.

[junkiiiii]

just keep practicing. I had a semi hard time winning some fights as well. Especially the one at club bam bam. But once you get used to the combat it's a piece of cake. Counters are definitely key. Wait for the chance to counter and you should be ok. The combat is similar to the Batman games but more realistic. Once you have a hang of it you will do just fine.

[Natty Boh man]

I'm already starting to get the hang of it. Patience seems to be key so far. Before, when surrounded I guess I would panic a bit and try to take some of them out quickly without waiting for the red glow indicating that I needed to counter. Now it seems like even if I'm surrounded, it's ok to just wait for the glow and counter attack with a follow up kick or two when he's on the ground.

[Kauldwin]

Also, take some time to explore HK and find the health shrines. It really does make a big difference when you have your health leveled up. If you're still having trouble, make sure to stop and get food & drink whenever you see it available to keep those bars full.

[Cyanide Icon]

As an added note, watch out for the grapple enemies. I'd get too comfortable spamming the counter button only for a different button prompt to appear once they grabbed me leading to some heavy health loss. They can't block so I find it best to spam them with regular/combo attacks first while keeping an eye out for someone else to flash red

[sleepyshrimp]

Counters r a really good way to win alot of fights except for grapple enemies... just use regular attacks on grapplers tho, i tend to try to take them out of the fight as soon as possible...

[randstrauss]

Don't get surrounded. Would you allow someone to get your back in a real fight? Keep circling and backing around. Keep your enemies in front of you. Also, be attentive to the flash of an attack. Even if you're in the middle of a combo, the game will halt it and allow you to counter if you hit the button at the right time.

[Roughmeister]

I find that just working on reaction times to hit every counter is the key. With the smaller guys you don't need to counter, you can interrupt... Also, grapples and combos are good, especially the ones that stun.