If you think it's hard first time through, you should experience New Game +. When you are close to the end of a section and then a high level black phantom invades it can seriously test your nerves.

To all those in Euroland interested in this game. It 'aint ever being released here as far as I can see. To get a Euro release the game has to be translated into multiple languages which I can't see the developers doing. But I recommend you buy an import of this game right now, it really is that great. My copy of MW2 gathers dust at the moment.

do not turn off the online - online will help you sooo many times and as long as you are low (under Slvl 20) the chance of you being invaded is very very slim, so you actually only have advantages from playing online as "newb"

Eh, you can take on the red knight pretty easily at level 25.

The easiest class I found is the temple knight. They have heal from the start. I 2 handed right away since 1 hand with the starting weapon is real slow. Also 2h does a lot more damage. Just got to be more careful on the defense (AKA just keep your distance and counter [usually] immediatly afterwards)

by the sounds of things this is obviously not ure type of game.

I hear temple night and royal are pretty easy and noob friendly but I really don't think it matter. Just go with what ever has the weapon you would like to try out first. I went with Theif and I got a Dagger, Shield and Shortbow with some arrows.

Now I'm still using a bow and shield but with a long sword. Also know a few spells. 

Well, if you are a knight you should have decent armor. The problem is that with heavy armor you recover stamina very slowly, so you can't stand constant attacks without been staggered, wich sucks. Besides you move slowly and probably can't roll quickly.

You should try a couple of things. First, use a spear (short or winged) or a rapier weapon. With these weapons you don't expose yourself (you don't lower the shield to attack), so it's better than a sword or other weapons if you can't evade the attacks. Second, experiment with light armor, it is much more confortable for moving fast, and you recover stamina very quickly, wich allows for sustained blocks and attacks.

Learn to time your attacks after the enemy's attacks. Against human enemies (soldiers), you should do your attack almost exactly when its attack makes contact with your shield, this way they won't block, never. Test this with blue knights. Once you learn to stop and counter attacks from knights and skeletons, you will be fine in general for the rest of the game.

But then you get killed from someone behind because your stupid teamates just left him there...which makes it frustruating...

Go royal if you want an easy time. Soul arrow is the cheapest spell ever. You can kill the first 3 bosses in about a minute.

Well it's hard at first. I started as a mage/magic user. Died on the tutorial. I remember died a lot against flamelurker too, also maneater, but other than that it's pretty easy. It's addicting! Now I'm SL93 on NG+