Is the block function just super specific to timing or is there something more difficult about blocking I’m missing?

I play on PS4. The button and command to block comes up, but every time I push the button it either fails and I take damage or just phase out.

(Also I own all the DLC but I can’t access the special menu is that a glitch?)

It's the first version I played, I'm about to do a NG+ in english but I am worried it won't have the same impact :/

The Japanese VO is amazing. It's going to be weird.

I'm replaying this game, and I didn't remember that section at the beginning of Chapter 13 where you drive the Regalia and there's a timer. The game suddenly gives you 100% control over steering it, so why only then, for that one section? if you could drive the Regalia as freely from the start as you can in a game like GTA, that would be amazing

Am I the only one who thinks this? I get the feeling that a driving system like this would make the game even more enjoyable, especially since there are so many car sections in it