- no active blocking

That is a + IMNSHO.
I assume they mean there is no key or combo to block/parry an attack if you time the key press to the opponent's movements.

- close combat hard to avoid
Why would you want to avoid it? evil


Perhaps a difficulty setting could be added in a patch, or included before the English version is released. If not, I guess it is easy enough to pick a handicap to make the game more challenging...