So far, this sums up my experience with the new combat system.
-More stat based than skill based
-No way other than armor to block damage
-Restorations heal almost no openings
-Using restorations cause you to get more injured due to you having to be right in front of the enemy when using them.
-Only spam one attack (or attacks of the same color)
I'm playing on a pretty new character that has all leather armor, 17 UA and 13 AGI. After playing around with ants for a day, I doubt there is a way to actually fight and keep over half my health. If there IS a way, someone please tell me.