If you like the anime, rent it, if you don't, rent it anyway, it's worth a try.
That said, it isn't really anything more, gameplay wise, than your standard Dynasty Warriors-type hack 'n' slash, just a bunch more entertaining.
The dialougue is about as well done as the anime itself, which is a good thing, and the soundtrack is the same, wich is a better thing. If you're into hip-hop at all, you'll get a kick out the soundtrack, as it mixes the Japanese style music from the era that it takes place with somewhat modern hip-hop, and is done excellently. The graphics are somewhat stylish, but mainly due to the animation. That in mind, they aren't what you'd expect from anything Namco, but considering Bandai had a hand in it, they're passable. Not to say that Bandai generally has bad graphics in their games, just that they aren't up to par with other games like Devil May Cry or God of War.
The gameplay is, as said above, general hack 'n' slash, but with enough of a twist to keep you comming back much more often than you'd normally with a game like Dynasty Warriors. In fact, the music is mainly what the fighting revolves around. Record stores are what you use to buy, what else, records. After purchasing records, you choose from 2 different tracks, those tracks determine what moves/combos you can use throughout the game when you fight, using only two attack buttons, untill you change one or both tracks after buying more records. It's an interesting twist which should definetly be used in sequals. The fact that only two attack buttons are used make it really easy to pull off some of the most outrageous moves, and actually ties in with the soundtrack. There is one more button you use, much much much like in Devil May Cry 3, where if you use in conjunction with the two attack buttons you pull off special moves otherwise not available, which adds to the replay value immensely. It isn't as deep as DMC3, but it still is very entertaining, and, as said above, keeps you comming back more and is extremely clever. I'd even go as far as saying that if a sequel of the game was made, and more people gave it a try, then Namco/Bandai would be well on their way to being awarded with a revolutionary gameplay mechanic. Major props are given. As for the story, you play as either Mugen or Jin, two of the three main characters of the show, and a third unlockable character, each having almost a completely different experience, which gives the replay value even more of a lift.
The story line is really great. Once again going back to this statement: If you've seen the show, then.....! So now. If you 've seen the show, then you'll appreciate how much like it the story is, and, as said above, the voice acting is just as well done as in the anime, and fans will get major appreciation out of it.
This game will please fans of the anime, but probably won't get that many people thinking they should give it a view. This game, however, is cunningly done, and is worth trying out. A little more work on the graphics (especially the stages) and the gameplay in some areas, a tougher difficulty, more moves, less repetative enemies, and the same great tie-in to the show's story, and you have yourself a sequal to this game well worth buying.