Ahhh, Ashley - lol
Of course, I've played that game and finished it a few weeks ago. I liked the game and my blade was really of high calibur class.
I use the training dummy to build my weapon's attributes from time to time. I even got a sword that's way over the limit - average stats of attribute - 96 for Creature Types, 99 For Elementals. Once you get 100 in both opposing elements, they stop decreasing, which is a nice share of course, for me that is. I just love Papillion Reel, and other cool moves done by Ashley. It's a nice game, and I still liked beating the Crimson Soldiers for the heck of it.
A classic - but enjoyable, nonetheless. You have to have a very high attriubute in your element, if you want to win the game with ease. And never lose your stamina - they'll do more damage against you that way than they ever will if you aren't too careful, of couse.