so, how long does it last?

I 2nd the cutscenese question. overly long or no biggie? Were they longer in total than the actual gameplay?

Yup, me too. I completed it yesterday. I'm half way through my second play through (zero kills this time, and zero continues, and zero items used, that sort of thing).

It is epic. It does rock. It is the best game I've played for bloody ages. I love it, dodgy dialogue and all.

My first play through was 23 hours. My second looks like it will be a little longer, as I'm being far, far more careful this time. Apparently you can do it in just under 5 hours (you need to to get the best emblem); I find that pretty hard to believe with the way I play.

;)

And, no, the cutscenes weren't too long (for me, at least). 

i'm sure it will be one of the better games this generation

What do you say? I never troll

 Hmmmm..... I guess it depends on how you play. It feels like the cutscenes have been getting a little longer as I've been getting farther into the game (which I like because of the MAJOR twists in the story where I'm at), but not without the gameplay between the cutscenes being intense and action packed. 

This isn't trying to flame or anything, but:

Is the game still monochrome? The look of nearly all of the screenshots from earlier on that I've seen really bugs me. Most sites don't seem to have them updated though.

No, it's not monochrome by any stretch of the imagination. Yes, it does use light filters extensivey -- kinda like a Ridley Scott movie -- but the colour still shines through.

That said, it is no Uncharted; but, that's a good thing, and fitting for the game.

thats fast