I'm debating whether or not to purchase the game; I'm not really one of those old-school/hardcore comp RPG types. However, I do have a question. During melee combat, do you actually see the sword, axe, or whatever hit the enemy, or does the enemy just wince or something? How are the visuals during combat in general? Thanks.

The answer is the latter. Just the enemy reacting to your blows. You do see arrows fly.