Uhh im not sure why you think the combat system is so bad... There are positional attacks. You can get out of the way of many of the cone special attacks.

Another thing is you can use is travel powers while in combat. It takes more of your energy but can be used to great effect to get away from the enemy.

The auto attack only does a pitiful 5 damage or so. Everyone has one and it is used to build up energy only.

You can also knock people around. Throw lamp posts at people. Hmm I wonder if you played this game at all