On one hand I miss shenmue 1 and 2 virtual fighter combat with the deep extensions within moves, counters, throws, and more. But on the other, after playing around with the combat a lot, I've been enjoying the combat a lot the more I practice at the Martial hall and certain areas in the story. There are a lot of moves that work well together in one combo string that makes it fun to find and piece together. I wish block and dodge were more reliable and imo they should have got rid of the meter and instead have it like sekiro where tapping block when they hit would block, would make the fights more engaging but they do their part still for the most so its no big deal. I just beat all the Duan in Niaowu martial hall on the hardest difficulty without taking damage. Been practicing the dodge a lot on the gold dragon and imo he is one of the best opponents to practice with because he hits fast and breaks through a full block with most attacks which makes block only useful once before having to refill. Dodge practice works great against him too to get used to dodging accurately and timing.
all 10 opponents hardest difficulty no damage
some bonus combos I filmed:
5 hit combo
6 hit combo