Under-rated for sure
There are over 15 different troop type variations and all have other troops that own them every single time. So, you have to have a tactical mindset. I don't care how good you are... if you face the wrong troop type it's almost instant death.
archers own cavalry for instance... IF you get your shots off. Lancers get owned by the quicker rapier troops or assassins etc... It has a lot more to it then the other Dynasty Warrior type games. You have upgradable attacks and different troop types to unlock.
I seriously, doubt any of the review sites played the game more than a few hours, much less all the way through. I',m well over 50 hours into the game and still not done. For some new things to happen battles and time has to pass.