One thing to note, is you don’t have to feel compelled to master every combat mechanic the game throws at you (which is a lot), you can just pick your favorites. A “fox with one trick vs a thousand” and all that.
I for example basically ignore the shield for the vast majority of the game, only doing some very basic usage for some bosses, but perfect counters could very well be your favorite thing.
I for example basically ignore the shield for the vast majority of the game, only doing some very basic usage for some bosses, but perfect counters could very well be your favorite thing.