Eh, I think it's quite a stretch to say that the most replayed game in video game history didn't have compelling combat. I mean really
Check out the beamdog forums -- people are playing the game right now. Today. At this moment. The story hasn't changed but people can't get enough of it.
ToEE was turn based and not at all unbearable. In fact the combat was better than any D&D game to date. (too bad they forgot to include a story)
Oh and we need six people. Period. But that's another thread.