This game exceeded all expectations!
1) The graphics and sound rock.
2) Very cool story line.
3) The fighting is awesome. It is not too hard but hard enough. Even the end bosses - they are somewhat hard but impossible to beat. I have to give the game credit for that. I can't stand games that are moderately hard through the levels of play and then the end boss is nearly impossible to beat (i.e. Heavenly Sword). Also, there are several style in your fighting that you can do which allows one to mix things up a bit when they fight - not leaving them to kill enemies the same way through the entire game. The weapons that are used are really cool too.
4) Opposed to what GameSpot said as a negative - about the mini puzzles you have to solve in the game - I would have to say while I dislike lots of puzzles in games, these are not too hard which allows the player to move along quickly to some more fighting action.
5) Overall, I just think this game rocks. Games are made to be a means of entertainment for us and this one has certainly done the job for me.