I finally got around to playing this. I give it an A+. It is a very immersive world, and borrows elements from many of my favorite sandbox games. I played this with my trusty old wired 360 controller.
I also do not understand complaints about the combat being too easy. What game have you played, where if you have unlocked a fair percent of the moves, you still got your ass handed to you? I cannot think of one. Outside of some wonky boss battle like the end of Conan. If you want to beat a bunch of goons without taking damage, you have to be deliberate, and not button mash. Later in the game you may need to roll frequently as well. And using the gut shot is straight up gansta; love it. The belly to back suplex is the perfect move for exemplifying murderous rage as well. Do not buy the moves or increase the life bar, and see how that works out for you.
This is a good pick for a Halloween night gaming session too. The dark underground sections, the shaky flashlight, the eerie screams, and the dudes popping out of the sand, are pretty creepy.
There are a few things mechanics wise, I found a bit irritating, but nothing too bad. I do not like having to stand in the exact spot on pry bar crates or always having to hold A to open everything. And, unless I am doing something wrong, losing control of the car's steering every time you aim.
I still have not seen the movie yet, but this has pushed me to watch it this weekend.