I keep melee weapons for companions and shotguns I just breakdown upon sightI am not a big fan of melee but god damn, who in their right mind would design a shotgun of this sort. Not only is the shotgun spread stupid, the damage the shotguns do is laughable to say the least.
Once you reach Monarch and have levelled up a bit the game and combat really opens up. This is the first good sized planet. As you level up and find newer weapons esp with science damage effects, the gunplay feels much better. In particular, Bolter Pistol 2.0 with Plasma damage and Hunting Rifle are very satisfying.
Really wish the Companion Abilities were instantly executed. Every time you use an ability its a cut scene.