The sword fighting becomes way easier once you unlock some skills through training. The first time I played I didn't know about the training and it took me way longer than it should have to figure it out. Maybe you already know about that, but just in case you missed that like I did at first, thought I'd mention it.
I haven't played in a good while, but just sneaking through the forests poaching deer (to cook because the second it's cooked it's not suspicious at all that I have 500 pounds of meat for sale) is one of the more satisfying hunting in games experience I've had.
(Edit: it's $3 on PSN right now. I have it on steam but I can't resist rebuying to have on both at that price.)