Stealth Deathblow

You can perform "Stealth Deathblows" on opponents unaware of your presence.

The "Plunging Deathblow" is one of these, performed when leaping at an unaware enemy from high ground.

Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu are elaborate, higher-cost combat techniques that are available in exchange for Spirit Emblems after performing a Backstab Deathblow. These tend to be powerful initiation tools, for example one allows you turn your enemy's spraying blood into a smokescreen.

Prosthetic Tools

While on your mission you will find Shinobi Tools, which can be given to the Sculptor to fit them to your Shinobi Prosthetic. A variety of Prosthetic Tools can be found in the world, and each has situations that make them very useful. For example, the Loaded Axe allows you to break enemy shields. Using Prosthetic Tools costs Spirit Emblems.

You can equip up to three Prosthetic Tools within the Equipment Menu.

Combat Arts

Combat Arts are greater attack moves your Shinobi can use to augment his combos. Combat Arts must be equipped in order to use them, and some will cost Spirit Emblems with each use. Combat Arts include powerful, acrobatic sword attacks and swift, relentless sword attacks.

Perilous Attacks

Some enemies use unguardable "Perilous Attacks", signified with a danger symbol.

When these occur, watch carefully and look to perform a specific response.

As thrust lands: Deflect

Before sweep lands: Jump

For grabs, Jump or Sprint out of their range or Step Dodge