Yeah, some games like this are more about the mood, the settings and the exploration, even if it and empty alley or some random convenience store than the actual gameplay.
Combat is certanly not its strongest point, I wouldn't call it repetitive, I found it fun at best and serviceable at worst. The best part of the game for me was traversing Tokyo by night, the powers your character has make it very enjoyable and the landscape is beautifully crafted. Also there are a lot of Japan urban legends and folklore mixed in there too. I'd say it's a solid 20 hours experience. But it you are in it mostly for the combat I wouldn't recommend it to you.
Oh this sounds lovely.
I'm not in it for the combat at all, I was afraid I'd have to suffer through it, but if it isn't too bad, no problems for me. Thanks!