It's somewhat "simplified" from KCD1. But in essence, it's the same thing.
Here's the thing: For one, the system and controls (I recommend watching a video). Plus, KCD1 had maybe a handful of (main) quests where combat was mandatory. Else you're going out trinking with a priest, learn to read (!), infiltrate a monastery, that kinda stuff. Plus, as a stat based RPG, combat got progressively easier the more you trained / gained in stats -- and gained good equipment! You could totally increase stats with training with your first "tutor" already, which is why the experienced skip training pretty much altogether. In other words, it's a mix of your own skill and your gear, stats, RPG-style. And combat is, comparably, rare. I mean, your average RPG is filled to the brim with combat and rarely is that optional (nor do you really have the option to just run away if all goes "wrong").
Can't say too much in that regard about part II yet, even though I'm already plenty hours in. But excuse me, I'M having so much fun just exploring or listening to all the NPC banter. Last night a group of Cumans came to drink in Troskowitz tavern, and the locals REALLY don't like foreigners. It all ended a bit tasty -- and with me just taking the chance to follow those Cumans to their camp and check that out -- a long walk with torches through the forest at midnight. But I'll say this: You start out as pretty weak (again), are strapped for cash and ressources. Whenever I encounter a pack of wolves in the forest (or just hear them howling), I tend to run. In particular as I intend to turn my Henry into a diplomatic type with speech and sneaky skills anyway (you can sneak up on enemies and choke/murder them again). Also, weaponsn-wise, I'm skilling on ranged weapons so I can take out enemies from afar (when possible).
Really curious how that plays out. Was thinking about a brutish alcoholic first (you get buffs from drinking, but eventually may need your fix...), Henry's seen a lot of **** by now he may want to forget about , but that's for another run. 😄 edit: And it played out pretty nicely just this play session: Snuck up to a camp of bandits at midnight and choked them one by one (the first of them in his sleep, which alerted some other guys... just managed to escape and returned. By the morning hours, the camp was "mine" without engaging in direct combat once. There's a chest I don't have the lockpick prowess yet to open though. DANG.