I think the combat really really works. It's so in tune, and action packed. However on paper...it sounds terrible. Before playing the game, the fact of auto attack sounded like sacrillige to me, but it works and it dosen't really feel like it takes away the strategy from you since you're constantly switching paradigms. But when you don't need to switch in an easy fight...just mashing A/X is fine because you just want the battle over, when you're grinding and such.

I think it works really well, but maybe not for people new to the series.

Also, welcome to the forum!