A one-trick pony, but it's a damn good trick.
Gameplay: The most important aspect of any game. Though the combat is very repetative and the environments are very linear, this game still delivers. The player can pull off combo attacks very fluidly, and when you chain together a big one is very satisfying seeing the carnage you just unleashed. 9/10. Not perfect but very nice.
Graphics: The graphics are nothing to raise hell about, but they're very nice. Especially the scenery. The backgrounds in this game are just jaw-dropping. At one point in the game, you can actually see an entire war being waged in the distance. Arrows flying, soldiers running around, fires burning. Quite an impressive sight. There is some topless nudity and a ton of violence and gore, but that is what makes this game unique. 9/10. I'm giving this a higher score simply because of the the scenery. It's absolutely stunning.
Sound: The sound is very well done. The voice-acting isn't hokey like a lot of games of this genre. The slams, thuds, footsteps, and cries of your enemies are all very realistic and immerse you into the game. 8/10 Nothing outstanding, but well done.
Controls: The controls are tight but can get a little getting used to, especially when trying to get some of the longer combo attacks to work. Though some can be a pain to pull off, it isn't anything that takes away from the game. This game is very easy to pick up and get right to the slaughter. Tilt: Quite a rounded out game. It offers everything a platformer should offer. It plays a lot tighter than Devil May Cry, but doesn't have such a steep difficulty, though you can crank up to the difficulty to that of nearly-impossible. This is a game that shouldn't be missed by any PS2 owner. 8/10.