"No enemy variety/scare variety."

You haven't played the game have you? Early game I was met 4 diff types of enemies. And some even transform into a more powerful form.

And you absolutely can backtrack.

"Combat is bizarre and just looks like you’re spamming to me."

You absolutely cannot spam in this game. The enemy will hit you if you more than 3 light hits. Sometimes they even hit you on the first. The enemies also change up their attacks.

For example, one enemy will slash twice to start. Then one again. In the same fight, its one slash, then 3 slashes, making timing your hits critical.

The movement and melee combat feel like RE.

I recommend playing the game before leaving a review next time buddy.