It's pretty much a start-over for the series, much like Sands of Time was. If you don't remember, the combat in Sands of Time sucked. Basically, vaulting over the enemy and attacking would work in 99% of all cases, and it didn't help that it was probably the most damaging move of all.
All they did this time was put less enemies and take out the Sands of Time, since it's not part of the new trilogy. Instead, you now have Elika to save your ass.
Just watch how the next game will be more combat oriented, and without Elika being able to save you in battle.
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