I can't understand why most of the people don't like the Combat System.....
The good things about combat are ; Weapons have actual physics in game's world. When you hit a rock or tree, weapon doesn't cuts it through as if nothing is there. It hits and kicks back. It's same in duels. When two swords collide, they stop. As if real! That's a wonderful feature for a RPG game. You really feel as if you are fighting. And our character breaths deeply and fast when fighting, this also gives a great atmosphere while fighting.
There are lots of combos and they open up as you increas your skill. And these combos are hard to do. Not just pressing some buttons on the keyboard. You need to do it at the right moment. For example, if you press right click while someone attacks you, you will interfere his blow.
That is to say, reviews are not fair about the combat system. Don't listen to them or you will miss this great fun ;)