I think he just remembered the horrible combat from first Dreamfall. Actually, if RTG managed to make it better I wouldn't mind to kick some Mr.London's goons' asses with Zoe (do you remember that she had 'black belt' in previous game?). However, what I reallly would like to see - some 'programming' puzzles at Pandemonium and to shut Dream Engine.
Oh I remember the shitty combat mechanics in DFC. Good god, do I remember. They've been the butt of a lot of jokes, which was part of why I wasn't sure if it was a joke.
I guess I just didn't follow the conclusion. DFC was pitched as not having combat. There wasn't any combat in the Books as originally released. I get that tweaks to gameplay and the introduction of a publisher into the mix is scary, but the introduction of combat at this stage just...doesn't seem like something to be super concerned about, even given all of that. Especially not when indie (or indie-esque) games that rely on things like C&C or exploration mechanics as primary gameplay are in vogue right now. I mean. I could be wrong and I'll be pissed if I am, but... it just seems so unlikely. I have a long list of things I'd be concerned about before that one.