I think a better way to describe the combat is "disconnected". My hits have no physics to them and attacks happen after the aoe circles disappear so you can actually stand in the attack animation as long as you were out of the aoe before it disappeared. Other than that, the combat is decently fast and with certain buffs and certain classes you will be pressing buttons all the time. DRK, NIN, MCH, BRD and AST come to mind.