The only things that get more difficult from one mode to another are the fights... Sometimes more enemys, usually they are just stronger than in the easier modes. Try going back and playing in normal mode again but instead of sticking to combos you grow accustom to try makeing up new ones. Once you have you blades powered up the entire way there are an infinite number of combos that you can perform. Although you will still start out with the unpowered blades at the begining you will know your weapons better and thus you will beable to perform stronger and longer attack combos. Try practiceing in the "Challenges of the Gods" too, if you have unlocked them. I learned alot of new combos by improvising inorder to beat the challenges. Good luck, I hope this helps alittle.