@tidus_ff: The main issue with the English voice recordings is that the actors record their scripts separately from each other. As opposed to Japanese VA's who are (usually) all in the same booth and play off of each other, giving a more natural feel to their interactions.
I too feel that the English VA is jarring, due to the fact that you stated. It also sounds as though they've been overly processed(?) through some sound equalizer, manipulating the natural bass/treble that voices have.
@ticklemepink: I was terrible at Dark Souls, but found Nioh to be easier (and more rewarding), but not so easy that it's a cake walk. One difference that felt a lot more lenient than in Dark Souls was the healing item Elixir. You start off with 3/3 Elixirs and can increase your maximum amount with certain items (so far, just like Dark Souls), but unlike Dark Souls, you can find Elixir drops from enemies, and you're not limited to your carry amount.
For example, you have 3/3 Elixirs, and an enemy drops one, you now have 4/3 or even 10/3. So depending on how well you can avoid getting hit, you can have a decent amount of healing items for when you need it. This might make it a bit too easy for some, as it can be exploited for boss fights. Going back to a lower area and stocking up on 15 Elixirs and then heading to a boss encounter..
Not the best representation of Nioh gameplay, if I can be so forward. In Dark Souls fashion, you need to wait for an opportunity to strike, and then only strike once or twice before falling back to defense and recovering Ki (and your bearings.) Most boss fights are a test of attrition. You attack when you can, even if it's just one hit, then dodge to a safer distance and wait for your next opportunity. Until you know the boss' queues and arsenal of abilities, then you can choose to be more aggressive.
Ki (stamina) can also be regenerated by a timed R1 (?) press after an attack or combo. If you time it correctly, you'll receive a greater portion of Ki than a mistimed press. A perfectly timed press removes corrupted areas (which tend to power up Yokai and weaken William), and if I'm not mistaken can grant a variety of buffs depending on unlocked skills.
Your stance also plays a large role (bottom right of the screen).
Middle Stance is the best for when you're studying enemy attacks, as blocking uses little stamina compared to the other two stances - and Ki recovers while guarding (albeit slowly).
Lower Stance is for when you're up against enemies you're familiar with. You know their queues for their attacks well enough, that you can dodge around them to get behind their guard. Dodging in Lower Stance costs minimal stamina and is faster than the other two stances.
High Stance, I find, is for when you absolutely know you have a risk free attacking opportunity. High Stance grants a large attack boost, but dodging/blocking costs a lot of stamina, and you're typically left vulnerable after using an attacking combo.
linthes999's comments