This Game is not bad at all.
As for the cheap deaths,well there is a few times it will happen but I actually found myself dieing more cheap deaths in other Sonic games than this one. As for the rest of the game, even though it's not the best game ever its still pretty fun.
The level designs are pretty good and being able to choose either dark, hero or neutral adds a bit of depth and replay, which also means there is a alot of different endings cause there are so many different paths you can make in the story mode, plus thier is unlockables too, like special guns.
One thing I really liked was that Shadow can drive some vehicles. Also some say that Shadow's control is too loose, but I found him to move a just fine and never had any problems controling him.
Also its not the most difficult game either,thats not to say that its too easy, cause there are some hard parts, but you won't get so mad that you'll want to break your controller.
Really if anything,the only thing I can say is really wrong with the game is its storyline, which is a bit silly and unbelievable, you just can't take it seriously, but other than that its a pretty well rounded game.
Even though almost every major reviewer has bashed it, its not as bad as they say.
If your looking for the next big Sonic game you won't find it with Shadow, but if you want a fun simple Sonic -Type game to fill the time Shadow won't disappoint you. If your still unsure cause of all the negitive reviews at least rent it.