This is not hard at all. I can't pin-point any "trouble spots" off the top of my head, but very hard mode really doesn't have any hair pulling moments. Just a few tips:
- The only real weapon you're going to need is the rifle. Whether it's the "classic" or "scoped," it's by far the most useful and usually results in one hit kills, two hits tops. If you cannot get the rifle, the quickshooter(s) works very effectively.
- Enemies aren't that much more of a threat if you remember to keep distance. The only real exception are enemies with shotguns, as the spread has a surprising range, and can kill you in one hit if you aren't careful.
- I NEVER used dynamite.
- As the other solution mentioned, start from Chapter 1 instead of New Game, to avoid the gatling gun section. In addition, when you actually get to this part (Beginning of chapter XIV) DO NOT use the gatling gun. It's pretty much suicide.
- When you use the bow, remember that the arrow does drop over distance, so aim above the head accordingly. Yeah, and ALWAYS make headshots.
- For the duels, I would always reach the RS down as fast as possible. The crosshair will fling about, but it's not that hard to control. Alternately, you can try to dodge all the enemies shots (6) and shoot them when they reload, but this is challenging. Made worse by the fact that getting shot in a duel is a one hit death.
(Thankfully, the game checkpoints before each duel)
- For the melee fights (I think there were only 3 of them in total), don't worry about combos, and just keep backing up and punching the enemy in the face. There's no block button, so just keep backing up and wailing on his face a few times, and repeat.
- The only real trouble spot was the end of chapter XIII, in the room with the gold. If you have a rifle, this'll be easy. After the brief cutscene, back up to where you came from and pick off the enemies throwing the dynamite. Then move up and shoot the enemies on the left hand side.
Once you defeat them, you'll fight a boss, who's not tough in theory, but he's got supercharged revolvers. Head to the small alcove in the right hand side of the room and pick him off with the rifle. Once you knock him down to about 25% health, the chapter ends.
- Another trouble part was chapter IV, where you have to sneak past a shitton of guards camped out. There are far to many of them to fight, and you're about as durable as a wet piece of paper. Past the two guards on the upper hill (kill them), drop down and head ALL the way around to the left, staying in the bushes in case lightning strikes and reveals your location. When you get to the guards who are talking about taking a piss, look for a tent you can crawl through. From there, crawl through another tent and you should pop out near a horse. Slap the horse on the ass (lol) to drive away the attention of the guards, and beeline it to an opening on the right. If they see you (and they saw me) just bolt. They won't catch up.