The most fun I've ever had while failing...miserably.
I'm not going into the story of Dante's Inferno, as too much of it is spoiler, but needless to say it expands greatly on the original poem. The world is incredibly detailed and gruesomely created, as fitting considering your journey takes place in Hell. While this makes the game frighteningly beautiful, the world itself is created to guide you through the circles of Hell. As such, it's extremely linear. Each playthrough will be about the same with the exception of a side path or two that will lead to an object (soul fountain, relics, etc). I don't personally mind this, but some do. You'll not find the free-roaming bliss of games like Prototype here, but considering the heavy platform-style gaming, it doesn't make sense for there to be random places to explore. The hellish scene is chock full of platforms standing on their last legs, and chasms of fire and screaming souls.
The gameplay itself is where Dante's Inferno shines. Yes, we have played many a game where combos and impressive aerials are all part of the package, but does it ever really get old? The added RPG element is especially alluring; there are two trees (Holy/Cross and Unholy/Scythe) which you may develop as you see fit. Holy is generally a ranged tree, including abilities to keep enemies at bay or pull them in only to blast them into the air. The Unholy tree is the direct opposite, very melee-heavy with spells to enhance your ability to juggle opponents with your scythe, or force them into a corner then grind them to a pulp with your tornado of purple sex (seriously, it's purple sex. You'll understand when you play).
Speaking of which, there is a heavy adult atmosphere in the game. Even as one who is familiar with the original poem and had thus expected some sexual content, I was surprised. Bared breasts and even genitalia (female and male...one male in particular...). This is not done merely for shock purpose - though it is indeed shocking - but goes with the actual story. One would expect the realm of Lust to be filled with demons and sex, wouldn't it? One would expect the king of Hell to have little worry for modesty, wouldn't they? The adult theme is necessary to the game and storyline, and while we have come to expect 'ken dolls' from games attempting to appease parents, it's unrealistic. I for one loved all the blatant sexual overtones, because if any game deserved it, it is Dante's Inferno. Don't expect to get turned on by what you're seeing, either; sex yes, sexy no. These are demons, and they turn men's fantasies into nightmares. To give you an example, perky breasts just aren't that sexy when the nipples are spewing undead babies with scythes for hands. Yep, it happens.
Back to the gameplay, expect to face a major challenge. Hordes of demons will attack you at once, often while something else is happening that you cannot fight, but rather must dodge. Your reflexes and timing will be challenged, especially since many enemies are best defeated when utilizing counter-attacks. Timing is also a huge part in the platform-aspect of the game. You will die, and you will die a lot. I have died so much that the game has literally given me a courtesy HP refill and curtly reminded me that there were lower difficulties. Mind you, I'm not that great at these games (and yet I still had fun!) but even veteran platformers will find a challenge in their first playthrough.
On that note, and to wrap this up, despite the game being very linear there is much replayability to be had. After beating the game on ANY difficulty, you gain access to both Hell difficulty and Redemption mode, which allows you to port over your previous Dante. That means you'll start the game with all your abilities, souls, relics, etc., giving you the opportunity to max out your character as well as pick up anything you missed along the way. There are also expansions incoming that will give you access to a new character (St. Lucia) and entirely new content, including multiplayer, all coming some time in March.
If I had anything to complain about, it's that the game is fairly short. Once you've played through the game, the second playthrough and any after will likely take a portion of the time. You'll know what spawns where, what platforms will fall out from under you, how to beat the bosses, etc. Without attempting to get everything on the first playthrough even, the game is pretty short. You're lead from one area to the next, and everything is so face-paced. It's only a matter of time before you face of against Lucifer, and while there is the replayability aspect, the game left me wanting much, much more that I hadn't already done. Hopefully the future DLC will take care of that.