Wow, this game is fucking awesome. Wayyyy better than I had expected. Yes, it's true, the mechanics are fairly simple and the game is very streamlined yet the experience is much greater than the sum of its parts.
It's the kind of action/adventure that I really enjoy. We all know it's a mix of platforming, fighting, and puzzle solving but it's the way these are integrated that make it special. Take one of the first major areas. It's a huge, open area with collapsed highways and buildings all around. There are also mines everywhere (which you can clearly see). The objective is to reach the other end. You spend a good 15-20 minutes in this massive space and pulling everything together until both of you reach the other side. It's very satisfying and very reminiscent of stuff like ICO (they even duplicate the whole "Yorda gate" thing here). So you're platforming, you're helping Trip get around, you're fighting mechs, avoiding mines, sneaking past enemies, etc etc. I dunno, it's just fun and exciting.
I was more excited for Castlevania, but this is actually much more enjoyable thus far. Can't recommend it enough.
Side note: there is nothing Heavenly Sword in this game. It doesn't feel anything like it and I'm enjoying it infinitely more than that game.
Shot from my iPhone...