Yeah, I don't get why people say combat is dumbed down - it isn't. You just got as much options, plus it's more fun now.
I'm not saying it's Bio's best fantasy work, but at least I see attempts to make it more interesting than Origins. Origins was just so generic, while Kirkwall gives me a bit of an eastern flair. At least I see some potential in the franchise now, if Bio can carry this further they might as well reach the BG splendor again.