The game is clearly not for everyone. However, whoever rated this game for the GameSpot site is/was clearly delusional + I would not be surprised that the writer didn't finish half the game.
The game is unusual mix of survival, role-playing game set in open world filled with action. As with all Sony exclusive titles they really went with something different and the game is polished in a way that you can see it's a triple A title where lot of care (and money) went into. I hear there were some issues before but nowadays game rums smoothly.
Protagonist is also a very unusual choice. Former war veteran, then biker, and finally apocalypse survivalist - he is clearly suffering from emotional woes - among then grieving from the loss of his wife and most likely post-war PTSD. Voice actor really had a tough job here and he did decent job. His voice acting is probably the least favoring of mine in the game, where everyone else is just stellar. Sound and music are also excellent.
The amount of content in the game is amazing and if you look to finish the entire game it will take you north of 50 hours for sure. Especially since this is one of those games where you might think you are closing in on the endgame and then you get introduced to entirely new set of characters, plot lines and areas.
Graphic is as good they can be on now-"old generation" console with main characters being rendered by real-life models. Environments are diverse as they can be but keep in mind this is post-apocalypse setting there there is no cheer in the world but brown, grey and dark reign supreme.
I briefly comment on gameplay being unusual mix. Game features survival as one of the core mechanics. I'm usually not at all interested in such games but this game does it so cleverly and engaging that it didn't bother me at all. It's also one of those games where you will actually use gadgets that are at your disposal. You pretty much have to in some situations especially when playing on higher difficulties. Hordes can be especially fun and challenging to encounter. You definitely want to play then respect at first as they can easily wreck you. But once you level up properly you can definitely take them on. Here we come to another aspect of the game - skill three and leveling up. On surface a most if not all of the skills does not seem like too powerful additions however cumulatively they can transform you in unstoppable freaker killing machine. I think they were done really well and they all offer incremental and interesting upgrades to your character. Lastly, action, driving and combat are all fluid and entertaining. Something that can be expected from Sony exclusives.
I would honestly rate this game 8.5, but I'm bumping it to 9 since Gamespot reviewer was clearly drunk when rating this game. :) Game deserves more love then that.