In the arena stages all kinds of evil demons, spirits, and Ninjas will attack you, and only your skills will save you. The game will start off easy and then ramp up quickly challenging you to use all of Kenjiro's techniques. Button mashing won't save you here.
The runner stages has you running through a stage similar to the arenas taking you to the next area. You will be bombarded by various creatures and must slice, jump, and dodge your way to the end of the stage.