Earlier quoted context omitted.
When you select what action you want to do, the combat is paused and the game displays a menu. Executing the action, dodging and parrying, and shooting ranged weapons all happen in real time. It works really well in practice, combining both strategic and twitch gameplay.
Sounds a bit like Legend of Dragoon. I should play that game again some time, leaving it unfinished is a shame.
Oh wow thanks for the trip down memory lane. I guess some of the QTE elements do remind me of that and FF VIII limit breaks