Game deserves a 10 - No if, ands, or buts
As a gamer I love going into games like this - I don't have to worry about scores or anything like that and I can judge it for myself. My buddy was the only reason I scooped it up - told me I should play it.
I've always loved games with a great storyline and man this game could've been a movie. It got to the point where I was actually annoyed with the gameplay sometimes and just wanted to beat the level so fast just to see how the story would play out - and that's not taking anything away from the gameplay.
Story revolves around the relationship between Joel and Ellie, basically the sharpest contrast there can be between any two characters in a game. But within the first hour I was hooked - the game is so deep drawing parallels every where you look. The story isn't so far out there where it is ridiculous either - it's all believable. Action is intense and the close calls make the characters bond even stronger. There were tons of moments where I was chomping at the bit with nerve - this game's level of tension at some points is second to none.
Gameplay is super solid and smooth blending with the story absolutely perfectly. There's really not much difference as far as you can tell graphically and the gameplay builds the story as you go. Weaponry and action is 1st class as well - you could play this game without a thick story and use the engine and all that for a 3rd person shooter and it would still be super enjoyable.
On the negative... the only thing I could think of would be the audio pickup glitches with the zombies when the characters were talking... But I don't even care about that.
Little things like the score were huge too - this game's soundtrack is literally THE BEST I've ever heard in a video game. It evokes so much emotion in you it's unbelievable.
Don't worry about Gamespot's - Too bad they're trying to redefine their standards of ranking with this game - This game is 10. Go buy it now. I can honestly say I've never had this much of a emotional connection to a video game, It's #1 in my book since I've started gaming back when I was young. Trust me, play this game - live knowing you have experienced a great creation - you won't regret it.