I was going to say that combat for sure is a lot more about dodge. I'm like
spronk
and was button mashing in the beginning and realized I needed to start dodging a lot more. Once I started dodging a lot more, I started doing the dodge + launch off a wall attack, and it started taking out guys faster. I also, by adding way more dodging, started sliding under the dudes, which allowed me to hit them in the back. Hence killing dudes a LOT faster.
I mention this, just to kinda show how it's a progression of fighting skill. There is for sure a learning curve, and I still die quite a bit. I'm 19% through the game it says, and can't wait to get further and master more moves.
Also, I settled in to take the "ohhh shiny!" approach to playing. In general, I'll move towards the next yellow quest on the map, but along the way I get distracted TONS! haha. Ohhhh a crime, go do that, ohh landmark, go take a picture, etc. This kinda gives it a great mix of side quests, and other things to do.