>Being an RPG doesn't nullify this criticism if combat is a primary game mechanic.
It does, because a common running theme in RPGs is that you get stronger as the game progresses, and in Cyberpunk, by the middle of the game every character build (melee, stealth, guns) easily dismantles enemies. It is only early-game where the enemies seem difficult because your character hasn't had their skill-trees built up yet.
I didn't say I found the combat to be difficult; I said it wasn't very good. I understand how RPG progression works, and my criticism was about the mechanics of the combat (stealth, gunplay, hacking, etc).
The simplistic AI behavior makes stealth unengaging, the hacking feels really disappointing (why don't cameras or turrets get harder to hack?), the cover system is worse than Mass Effect, and gunplay is middling at best—better than Fallout: NV, but worse than Fallout 4 or Destiny.
Notice how I only compared it with other action/shooter RPGs? Clearly RPG progression isn't my issue with it.
Yeah, I've found the combat really lackluster in the beginning, but after developing my handgun + blades build, getting the mantis blades and double jump implants, it got really really fun. I think the game doesn't do a good job explaining its combat mechanics fully, especially the hacking.
It does, because a common running theme in RPGs is that you get stronger as the game progresses, and in Cyberpunk, by the middle of the game every character build (melee, stealth, guns) easily dismantles enemies. It is only early-game where the enemies seem difficult because your character hasn't had their skill-trees built up yet.