+ Great storytelling we all expect from ND.

+ Some of the best acting I've ever seen in a game.

+ Environments are bigger than Uncharted's (3-4x the size, multiple paths in many areas), exploration is encouraged (for loot mainly, though you may find a key that'll be used for a safe somewhere around the map for example).

+ You can stealthily take out enemies or go all guns, but you'll be punished for the latter (low ammo). Sometimes you can just sneak by. "Choice-based" combat is the term I've heard used for it, and is fitting. Stealth works better than in Uncharted, and you don't get multiple hordes of enemies like you sometimes do in Uncharted.

+ Survival/rpg elements like looting and crafting are well done and paired well with the bigger environments, but - aren't so in-depth.

+ Little notes and leaflets and stuff you may find really adds to the story, the personal anecdotes that collectively help tell you wtf happened are my favourites. 

+ Clickers are terrifying, not just because they're scary monsters, but because they whimper and cry when they don't see you which creeps me the fuck out, as does the clicking when they do see you... literally fuck that noise.

+ Enemies are smart. They'll flank you, they know when you're using guns or not and act accordingly, that kind of stuff. Maybe not as smart as initially thought, but still better than most games. 

+ Obviously, visuals are amazing. Somewhere inbetween Uncharted 2 and 3 so not the PS3's best, but I'm guessing that's due to the bigger and more complex environments. So a step down from UC3, but still a + because it's well justified and still looks damn good, best art direction ever for a post-apoc except for maybe enslaved.

+ Sound design is excellent. All sounds you emit vary very accurately depending on surface and sorroundings. The way bullets whiz, the sound of a dude being strangeled, the bashing of skulls etc. all make combat that much more intense. VA ofcourse is god-tier. Music is generally ambient, and it really adds to an already rich atmosphere. 

- Movement feels a little ice-skatey if you know what I mean.

- AI companions not as smart. They'll help you out a little by fighting if you get overrun or telling you where guys are, but they get in you way (albeit very occasionally) and the fact that enemies don't see them can break the immersion. I know this was done on purpose, but I wish they found a better solution. 

- Some aspects of the story are kind of cliched (protecting the cure).

- Relates to above: The opening sequence was well done, but felt a little derivative. I wasn't blown away and it certainly wasn't one of the best opening sequences ever like people are saying.

So basically, the game is fucking GOOD, and I can't wait to play the rest over today and this weekend. What did you all think? (plox no unmarked spoilers)

The visuals get the job done and I agree with the OP. It's much more open than the Unchrated games, so it the fact that it still clears most of them is, yes, something worth praising Naughty Dog for.

As for Hitman (PC), yeah, there are plenty of games on that device that look better, so that's pointless to mention.

OT: Anyway, the mechanics are some of the best I've experienced. Also, the A.I. is sharp and Ellie is quite comedic! Fabulous, fabulous title after 6 hrs in.

The key is a lot of patience at first, eventually you'll know the mechanics and the AI inside out and if you went back to these you could do them in 1 try easily, like any game I guess. Best way to get rid of them is wait until a few are close together, then chuck a brick/bottle to get them to run to it, then chuck a molotov. When you get a nail bomb that'll play the role of the brick/bottle as well. And don't forget you can run and hide if the clickers see you! It doesn't always work, but you won't lose progress or waste ammo if it does. By now you've probably figured all this out anyway.

13 hours in: I just saved Ellie from the fireflies. So many feels to feel.