One button controls regular attacks, another controls your sword if you are using magic. Use the R1 button at the same time, and you automatically attack the closest enemy. The R1 button also controls sidestepping, so you can attack and evade enemies easily. That's not to say there's no challenge. Bosses put up a good fight if you don't keep out of their way, and swarms of lesser demons can make your life miserable, no matter how easy they are to deal with individually.
Graphics get an A-plus.
Warlords is a beautiful game in every way, from the almost-alive people and creatures to the lovingly detailed backgrounds. This is one of Capcom's biggest and most expensive projects, and it shows in every frame. Control gets a B-plus, downgraded only because you need a delicate touch to get Samanosuke to go exactly where you want all the time. It is a minor annoyance. Sound also is a B-plus.