lot of the criticisms of ELEX from the media (and unfortunately some Codexers) don't make any sense to me. For instance, while its combat is not that great, saying that it's broken or crappy is wrong
Huehuehue
Stamina doesn't reward a mix of offense and defense, becuase by avoiding enemy attack you just limit your further offense and give them additional opportunity to attack and potentialy drain your combo meter
Single attack don't do anything you absolutely have to combo which completely destroys melee against crowds. The issue of fighting against groups is also escalated by the problem above.
Enemies can randomly pierce your block even if you have the best armor and high parry rating.
Enemies can randomly stop getting staggered after you hit them and smack you in the face.
Enemies can hit you with no stamina.
Stamina is a retarded concept which can be observed by fighting and animals. Beasts are more fierce because they can't be "shut down".
Knockdown is almost useless because enemies can still attack with no stamina and are stagger immune when getting up and they get up fast. Of course for the player knockdown in 90% cases is lethal.
Certain attack cannot be blocked at all for no reason like ratptor's double slash. Although troll attacks you can block just fine.
Enemies cannot be hit in melee if they are slightly below you of course they can hit you just fine. Can't remember if it applies to the position where they are standing above you.
Monsters spitting attack is retarded, the AOE and tracking is too good. Also because of some weird positioning they can spit at you even if you are close and hit you while you are getting up. Again see issue with player getting knocked down.
Balance of melee vs ranged/magic is completely retarded. Compared to ranged melee dude is basicaly a gimp. At least you get enough points to level both.
Heavy attack is almost useless just as shield's special. Jetpack attack is underwhelming.
I probably missed something but it's an impressive list already. Elex combat is bad bad bad. Gothic completely shits all over it.