Manual with Karol

[Jor-Mun-Gandr]

I have Karol in the party for his buffs. He spends all of that time running around so on my third time with the game I plan to become adept on manual. The bastard sword seems to take longer to swing and the timing seems to be hold down the (ordinary) attack button until it connects. I have gotten slightly better at it but getting 'up + attack' with Bastard Sword seems impossible on manual.

I want to learn more of the mechanics this time instead of just getting the achievements/trophies. Any insights? Karol does more damage when I control him.

[maestoso]

What's your question? Are you asking about how to get better with Karol on manual mode?

[Jor-Mun-Gandr]

Actually, I was asking how other players work with Karol. Here is why. How someone plays Karol is fact. How someone advises someone else to play Karol is opinion.