RPG Maker is still a better engine to have than Renpy if you are making a RPG, which MGQ is. About the combat, the images were taken from the Visual Novel, so I couldn't go to a side view combat, it would look strange since everyone is looking at the screen, and RPG Maker is to make JRPGs, and combat on those even today is menu based, if you can't stand this type, you should stay away from JRPGs. Judge the game just by that is to be shortsighted. I even tried to make the combat more interesting by including elemental attack items. You may beat this part only by fighting, but when you arrive in Alma Elma, you will notice that the combat is hard if you don't explore those weakness. An unless you are willing to grind (which most people aren't) these items will be limited which will force you to use strategy and look for clues. So, no, this is not your average combat, just keep attacking and using heal when life is low won't save you on this game.