The basics are:
- attack in 3 directions (left/right/top)
- block in 3 directions (left/right/top)
- attack with light or heavy swings in those 3 directions
- dodge in 3 directions (back/left/right)
- break guard and attack/break guard and push in one of 3 directions
- parry and interrupt guard breaks
Then every class has many combos. One of my favorite, playing as a Orochi, is to dash back when I see the enemy swing his sword, and then attack forward just as his swing missed me, and then dodge to his side. Which puts me in a good position to move into another chain. Very cool and satisfying.
What makes is all great, is how it all comes together. And when you pull off some of the hardest combos you just feel like a badass.
Here's a good sample of a pretty good Orochi player. Very cool stuff. And very entertaining to watch, especially if you played the game, and know what to look for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xNtPp9Lmj8