I have played my fair share of action games, including TN's other titles like Nioh, Wo Long and Ronin, though I haven't played any of Platinum Games, and I think I don't understand the combat. Not saying the game is bad, just saying I don't understand it. I am currently being filtered by Chapter 3's Kitsune Courtesan and I think I need some help.

I'm so used to other action games where I can get a few hit in, run out and position myself outside of the boss attack then run back in for a few hits after the bosses finish their turn. Or in the case of parryslops like Wo Long and Ronin, the enemy attacls (at least the early bosses) have clear tell and rhythm that I can get their patterns down after 3 or 4 tries, but NG4's combat rhythm feels a lot more unorganized so hit&run or parryslop Simon says strategies don't work for me. Master Ninjas, please teach me your way.