My kids really liked it (not sure if you'll see that as plus or negative, though!).

I thought the design and art direction looked fantastic but haven't played myself (lost in COD4 online and, rather oddly, Snakeball!).

I'd try the demo - my kids thought it played just like a pokemon game in that you had to pick right creature to fight and win others.

In my opinion, it is the PS3 Game of the Year.

But I suggest you try the demo, many people do not care for it.

 kinda, but not as hot as Nariko =)

 yeah, they're both still there. I didn't know which one to get, or if they were different at all, so I just downloaded both.

 my bad, sorry if I seemed a little harsh

I'd read reviews after playing the demo.  The demo doesn't show how repetitive the game is.  Every level has the exact same progression where you choose what kills the first guys, then what kills the middle guy to kill the big guy to kill the boss, and it takes awhile to aquire the abilities.  The spawns are always the same in a level, too.

 There are also very few cutscenes, although the ones in there were good.  I dunno, maybe if I'd finished the game the story would have been worth it, but it got old quickly because the combat wasn't fun enough to get to the next story segment.

I really like it! Try the demo and see if you do!