The person that gave this game a 6.5 should be shot. This is an excellent game...
1. The graphics are a bit dodgy. There is no AA support (Unreal engine) and even though this game sports some very pretty textures, they are often offset by downright ugly textures right next to them...
2. The gameplay is very straight forward and not innovative in any way shape or form. It's a very generic shooter game. This may or may not be a negative point depending on the player. The cover and vault system is flawless though and can make the action very fluent.
These two issues are not really issues though. This game's story will suck you in (if you only give it a chance) and you will not think about graphics or AA anymore. There's been some great story-driven games already and this game is right up there with em. This is also about the only game I've played where I felt like I'd been to hell and back once I got to the end. The story is gritty and at points gruesome. You will be making decisions you will regret later.
The gamespot employee that reviewed this game failed miserably at his task. My guess is he noticed the 'flaws' I pointed out and mistakenly judged the game to be another bargain bin budget shooter. He failed to spot what makes this game something you will keep playing... I can't blame him as it seems a lot of other gamers also judged this game too quickly...
In short; this game deserves your attention. The voice acting is well done. The storyline sucks you in. The action is fluent. Kudos to 2K for this game, shame it will go on to be underappreciated...