Got round to finishing it and its a great game which has many faults and strengths. While most have discussed here and people seem to be in either they love or hate camps, id say there is actually a middle ground, one that sets you up for a killer sequel too.
The combat is great, simple and rhythmic, but at the same time, the encounters themselves could be a lot better. Firstly, the game never really guides you to get into the flow of it all, for example the Arch is a great weapon but if you dont know its weakness against the Gale youll be very frustrated. In fact even if you did, it doesnt teach you how to balance purifying you current weapon, stealing another and having to weigh out which you want to have after the fight as well stringing together attacks to stay on a roll. Whats worse is the camera though, on the generic enemies, there's very little feedback on just how much damage you've done, but at the same time, the camera is panned out too far and with no control so that at times, youll combos will be interrupted and youll receive damage without much warning. Its worse because there is a prominent evade system here, and even a deflect and guard deflect system that you could put to much better use if you could get a better view of the action.
Lastly the linearity, again not a huge problem, but the tone is set from very early in the game after an opening that seems to suggest there is some freedom. For majority of the game, you are just running along a path to the next floating disc to the fight the next set of enemies, again not a problem once you are full swing with the game, but that itself takes a while since it does little to ease you into the combat. Fortunately, once you get a grip of everything and your expectations are at ease, the game picks up again (after the motorcycle part) and the boss fights from there on, have just the right amount of challenge and cinematic flair to keep you going. Fortunately, all this is a killer reason to revisit the game, the story reveals a bit more depth (we were all a little confused in the early stages) and the combat really gets a chance to shine (especially with the HUD option). Its also great that it has a Japanese voice-over option (though the English script and VA are great).
What could've really helped beat the repetition is an upgrade system since the game reveals all its cards to early, an upgrade system would have helped to keep you interested beyond the artstyle and story. Lastly, it made me realise just how good Enslaved is as that game does everything this tries but better (except music and art since its subjective), i really don't understand GAF's hate for that game but the pacing, combat and story are absolutely on point (love the ending too!)
Fake Edit: Please reply, since i want to know how others feel about my comments. =)
