Tip for anyone having issues with the combat: get the two-handed cudgel and upgrade the stun on it. Then spend lots of points on bite (damage, drain, regen) and endurance. You become extremely powerful.

@notkcots: that chapter 2 tomfoolery with your options really irked my RPG "this is going to be my good guy run" sensibilities, when I chose the option a lot of people did and subsequently felt like I was sideswiped by the conclusion. But in retrospect, I do think that there is a neat amount of info in the game warning you against the choice that seems good that turns bad. Still, Dontnod seems to be almost too all in on the "your choices matter" stuff, and the moments come and go quickly and with less player choice than I would like. For example, the situation regarding the end of chapter 2: there is a distinct point after you make the bad choice where it becomes obvious that you done fucked up. The game even has a moment when Jonathan seems to realize it too. This feels like a frustrating tease without it opening up other options. Instead it's just a cutscene that drives the point home that you don't fucked up.

Anyway, all that said, while I wouldn't say I'm particularly enjoying the game, I am having a good experience with it, if that makes sense. World and characters and concept are all really neat, I just can't stand the combat, especially going through without killing innocent people.

@doctordonkey: this is spot on advice. It doesn't make the combat any more fun really, but it does make it less of a chore.

I bought this before E3 and just started playing it today. The combat seems similar to Remember Me in that it's kinda floaty, kinda ethereal. Not terrible, not great, I'd say from the opening hours it's serviceable and a decent backbone to the more appealing aspects of the game.