I have noticed one thing after starting over: You need one good sword, one good axe, and your bow. Power them up, use them often against those weak against them, and you'll be fine.
Great, addictive game. My only gripe is that you keep going all the way back to the beginning. I think there should be a savepoint every time you get to a stage.
It's a fun game where you can unlock special skills, moves, and blood lust stuff. My only gripe is that it gets repetitive, and it's your typical button masher.