^What he said.
What I'll add is that every weapon has two general moves and also its own style. You can also two hand, which changes your combat style dramatically. There are also two ways to counter enemies; riposte and backstab. There's also jump attacks. You need to learn how to perform these, believe me. And it's always better to play the game more defensively at first.
I actually think this game (and Demon Souls) has some of the best, faultless controls I've ever experienced in a game. Every button action is deliberate and dependable so long as you are comfortable with how the scheme works. Screw ups in combat, as I see it, come down to panic and general user error. You have the same moves and the ability to perform them from the first moment you get to control your guy to the very last fight in the game.
Brizz, you also have to factor Equip Load into the equation as well. Everything you take onto your guy/gal adds weight and comes with certain penalties. You might move slower, have your ability to re-dodge lowered, or in worse ways basic moves will eat more from your stamina bar.