The Legend of Tianding

Just so you know, hardcore is not a mode unlocked after completing the game in one of the two difficulties. It's just the most difficult between the two.

I completed the game in what I thought was normal dreading another run even more difficult, but there isn't. So yeah, it's hard but it's just a matter of being patient, learning patterns and NEVER going for more than 3-4 hits at a time. 5 if you finish with a shadow horizontal move ( or + )that moves you behind the back of the boss. NEVER.

Also, there is literally no reason for you not to go for all the exploring achievements as soon as you unlock a new area. You reached the boss and the achievement for fully exploring didn't pop? Go back to the starting Chō and replay the level.
You will earn money, that you will give to beggar, that will give you small buffs that will add up to an actual difference during the fight.
Of course, never forget to pickpocket (using ) each enemy 1 times at least, as it will give you more money and possible buffs for the weapon they were equipped with.

Regarding this, quick tip for the ones that struggles with quick reflexes close to the boss during face to face fights: ALWAYS put effort in pickpocketing all the range weapon (stones, molotov, grenades and rocket launchers) to gain the relative talisman and buffs. All the bosses will have at least 1 or 2 moments where you will be able to pickpocket them. If you have the range weapon talisman, instead of gaining their weapon you will steal whatever weapon in the talisman equipped.

This will allow you cheap damage that will save you at least 2-3 close up damage steps. Even more if you already have the shadow clone ( just before being hit) and you wait for your clone to be at your side.

In the last boss, with rocket launcher and 20% buff, you will go to 1/2 his life to a quarter of his life in few seconds while he is still recovering from you avoiding is full screen slash if you land all 4 rockets plus shadow copies.

Finally, again regarding the final boss, remember that you have the gliding technique to avoid hitting the ground while fire or ice modifiers are applied. I totally forgot (as it is just introduced in the last dungeon) and I probably waste 20 to 30 tries for nothing.

Good luck. I really enjoyed this game.