Although I've never played the prequels - this was certainly the best hack and slash experience in a long time!
I had unfortunately never got the chance to experience the prequels - but in all honesty I didn't need to! The art design and visuals are totally inspiring - and as a 3D artist myself, this definitely gave me some motivation to step up my game with my own ideas!
Pretty much every enemy you come across can be dismembered in all sorts of fun ways! Button bashing animation sequences on harder enemies are nothing immensely satisfying when you see the results of your carnage.
Boss fights are incredible! Original! and intense! I must admit I've never torn the fingernail off a giant before and laughed my ass off like a lunatic!
There are also puzzles to solve which add a nice break in between the madness and give the game a nice pace.
The only thing that lets the game down is the frustrating flying/falling sequences - and I absolutely hated them! With a severe lack of depth perception and being expected to fit through gaps the size of swiss cheese holes - these moments won't go away missed!
Also there are a few times when button presses seem unresponsive - and when faced with situations where you have to clamber onto a flying demon to cross a gap, I was left wishing for a simple Prince of Persia ledge jump (but of course where would the fun in that be!)
Apart from a few frustrations - this game is a must try!