An amazing game. More from Double Helix, please.
The combat is better than any of the other games, it's nice playing a character that is actually able to defend themselves, and actually enhances the gameplay. You have an array of projectile and melee weapons at your disposal, and you can actually use them. Alex Shepherd is capable of deadly combos, and of dodging and counterattacking following incoming enemy attacks.
The story is sufficiently twisted too, both mentally and plotwise, with a couple of twists that are very similar to being gut-kicked by a shire horse. The wonderful story, coupled with the engaging, new combat, are the main two things that kept me going through this game, but then there's Akira Yamaoka's music.
The soundtrack is possible the best to date. It is enormously spoiler heavy though, so if you haven't played the game yet I strongly suggest that you don't listen to it - especially Theme Of Alex. Every vocal track on the soundtrack is wonderful, and the purely instrumental tracks stick well with what you would expect from Akira - dirty, bass driven ambiance that is capable of unnerving even the most hardened gamer. The Scarlet boss fight stood out particularly for me.
I absolutely loved this game, it knocks the socks off of the terrible fourth installment, and is well up there in the echelons of the first three games. If you haven't yet then do check it out. You've got your orders, soldier. ;)
Well done Double Helix, what a fantastic job you've done with this game.