@l_p - I don't like the control system of RPG's either to be honest but this one seems more 'loose' than most, you can move freely in battle to flank enemies and pull off cool attacks or just stand there and hack them to pieces and the pause is handy to issue orders/change tactics of your team. Maybe you could check out a youtube clip or two showing the combat?
@LDL - Lol nope don't even know who she is unfortunately