Probably after you get wrecked and finally unlock the combat trainer. Bernard if memory serves? It is cutscene/cinematic heavy, I suppose. Fun game if you can get into it.
In terms of controls.... They're really not cumbersome. At first glance they would appear clunky. After playing with them a bit you get used to it. And by then they stop feeling clunky and more... strategic. In fact, if anything KCD models the combat of the time a lot better. None of this wildly swinging swords and dancing around as you'd see in most movies. It's more methodical and... messy. Getting opponents off balance, parries/blocks, well timed combos, clinches, clinches into getting opponents off balance then executing a well timed combo....
I will say if you play similar type games as a button spammer, blindly pressing buttons instead of thinking about what you're doing, KCD combat won't go well.
Perhaps I might give it a try.