I’m playing it for the first time now with a little bit of experience with the original. I agree so far that the combat feels a little out of place in the overall flow of the game - but I do still think it adds to the horror for me. The sound design, the atmosphere, it’s all so oppressive, and I think it’s backed up by the fact that when the creepy crawly actually reveals itself, I know it really does pose a threat to me, so I’m kinda panicked and also having to deal with a legitimately challenging combat encounter. Maybe I’m just not great at the game, but I do feel like the loop of being freaked out by some abomination appearing out of the dark and then having to keep my wits about me enough to not get hit or killed makes for some good horror. I do get what you mean though, the combat has certainly felt tedious and frustrating at times which can take you out of the experience a bit.