Ys Oath in Felghana trouble...

[Prime Mover]

So, my girlfriend and I bought Ys: Oath in Felghana for our trip. And we're getting destroyed by the bosses left and right, to the extent that I don't know whether we're playing it right. I've been playing RPGs and aRPGs for over 10 years, and I've NEVER encountered boss battles as difficult as this. First the boss in the mines, then the dragon/snake boss in the fire caves, and now the giant bird/dragon boss at the end of the fire caves. Each one took me 10+ tries set on the lowest difficulty setting. When I read FAQs, it doesn't talk about the bosses being this difficult, and the dungeons are pretty easy for the most part, so I'm wondering if I'm missing something. I haven't been able to get back to the town for 2 1/2 dungeons, so I haven't been able to upgrade my equipment either. What are some suggestions: rediculous grinding, changing battle tactics (to what?), or are there some hidden items. At this rate, I don't think I'm going to be able to continue playing.

The only boss that's been, what I would call "managable" was the battle with Chester at the end of the Ruins. It took me 3 tries, but I did beat him on the normal setting.

[Aeolus]

A lot of times the difference one level can make could change a boss fight from an exercise of anal rapeage to manageable.

Beyond that, treat them like Megaman bosses. Go in a few times just to find out what to watch for and when to choose to go on the offensive or defensive. Remember you don't have any healing items, the number of mistakes you can make per boss fight is limited.

[Annubis]

This is why I can't replay Ys game. I'm so glad when I finally defeat a boss, I never want to see it again...  ever.

[TurnBasedDude]

It's a bit of a copout, but grinding is the way to go in this case. While skill and strategy do play a major role, gear and levels make a huge difference too, even by just one. The especially remains true in the 1st two games.

[Gen Eric Gui]

Remember to abuse your EX mode attack thing too.  That made the difference for me in nearly every boss fight, as it lets you go on the offensive without much risk, and will also heal you if you get a double EX.

But what Aeolus said is the most important, I think.  The biggest thing in the boss fights are knowing the enemies' patterns and being able to respond.  Like, the firebird boss you are currently stuck on telegraphs what attack he's going to do like CRAZY, and all of his attacks are easily dodgeable if you're in the right position.  Don't treat the fights like battles of attrition, each battle should be a strictly hit-and-run affair, like the battle with Chester was.