The difficulty spikes are much different in this game than in the last. I suppose it does have something to do with the more open nature. In a way that's cool, but it can be a bit of a drag when you're cruising along and suddenly every foe around you makes you feel weak.
Having said that, I did have an easier time of hanging sepulchers when I took the side route instead of the main one. It was a little easier to pick off lone skeletons once I made it past the first big group.
Don't forget to look at your weapons too, and make sure you're dealing the right type of damage for enemies in that area.
