What all the hating is about.

At first, I thought that due to popular consensus, a somewhat toned down critique of lacking gameplay and story was acceptable. I thought, it's a mediocre game, pretty, but lacking.

Now that I've actually played it though. I just don't see where the hate is justified. The story is really good. The atmosphere is amazing. The acting is so incredibly high quality. There isn't a moment in this game where I think it's even a bit 'over the top', and for a serious game with no jokes that's really hard to do.

The gunplay is pretty standard and the variation in weapons is nice. My personal favorite is the small machine pistol with the crazy recoil. I love just running up and blasting a line up their torso and ending with a headshot. I'm currently 6 hours in, and I feel like due to the pacing, it'll probably be 3-4 more. So, I'm not understanding the problem with length either. I feel like people take opening chests and pulling a rope as "non-gameplay", but I'm not sure who is validating the criteria of what gameplay consists.

The levels are really well thought out as well. It's obvious that there is a lot of work put into the game. Areas that don't lead anywhere are fully designed.

I'm really not sure what everyone was expecting? Sony's Gears of War?

I'm glad I own it. It's really a spectacle. Literally cannot understand all the hate.

You forgot the biggest plus this game has: Galahad's moustache.

the game is great, enjoyed it from start to finish!

left me wanting more :)

THe moustache, the beautifully designed uniforms, the marquis speaking perfect french, the commander's beard, the rebel girl's outfit, the detail on the guns. They put so much time into every little detail of this game. Every wall is fully detailed with bricks that actually stick out. ANd the borders? I literally have not even noticed it the entire game.

Post again after you've finished. Pacing is one of the game's biggest problems.

6 hours in and you haven't plat'd it yet? you are the 1%...

I just finished the part where we open some boxes (written to avoid spoiler)

Based on acting and story, I feel like it's beginning the ascent to the crescendo. The sneak mission in chapter 10 or 11 is the pause before the crescendo generally found in movies close to the climax, and then the denouement afterwards. So I'm thinking 3 hours maybe less maybe more.

you still have lots of playtime left! The game was never short to begin with. It depends on how you play it

I haven't played it, so I can't speak on it too much.  I have watched it, and I think that the biggest thorn in many people's side is the pacing.  It hurts the story and game itself.  But this is an area where your mileage may vary.   While better pacing is always good, people have different tollerance levels for pacing. 

However, as for the story itslef which I have seen all of...I think it's too plot centered.  Now you can have a plot centered story, but theme and characters shouldn't become anemic.  And that's the issue:  the characters have plenty of personality but they never develop really and sometimes act so foolishly that it borders on out of character behavior, and the two that do develop the most are not even the main character.  Thematically there's really hardly anything here, the story never goes very deep.  And when the plot ends with obvious sequel hooks, eh.  It's ok.  The atmosphere and setting are quite good and the dialogue is well written and the acting is spot on.  So it's not all bad, it's just kinda meh.  But again, this is all detailed critique, whether you will enjoy it is down to your tastes. 

And again, critique goes beyond just "is this enjoyable."  That's really not helpful critique.  Critique has a double audience, in this instance: consumers and creators.  And I can say first hand that getting the feedback line of "that was nice" is infurriatingly unhelpful; criticism is the only way you can improve. 

how long did it take you to finish it ? i'm curious :)