1. WTF? (and also, how in the name of zeus's ass is "says castlevania on the box" a pro in any sort of legitimate editorial?
2. you CANNOT button mash in this game, period, particularly on hard. dodging and blocking are essential.
3. I wouldnt exactly call the story "basic." There are quite a few surprises along the way, also Gabriel's probably one of the more interesting castlevania protagonists, but if you think about that for a second, it really doesnt mean all that much.
4. the levels are pretty linear but then, the game is aping God of War's general structure, which is linear. It sounds like the reviewer is unhappy that it's not metroidvania, which given his enthusiasm after seeing castlevania on the box (that's PRO!), might just be the case.