I had the same issue with the repeated, singular button mashing. Worse yet was the circle button, which was an instant-kill for nearly every baddie. There was never a reason to hit the square key, because "O" just got the job done more quickly.

And god damn if I 'ain't tired of enemies thwacking me when turning cranks - why is this the only time I ever take damage? Otherwise they just stand in a corner waiting for me to grab 'em. Snooze.